V-Flyer

This was my first flight on the VS009 and arrived at LHR with around 3hrs to go until the 1715 departure with two colleagues (a work trip to Albany meant we were all travelling together).

I used the traditional check in desk, was greeted warmly and was asked if I knew how to get to the Clubhouse - think I was in the Clubhouse in around 15mins from checking in - their was actually a small queue into the Clubhouse but that was quickly dealt with, though the lounge was very busy once inside.

We managed the final table in the Bistro and it was good to see the new Autumn Clubhouse menu - only introduced a week before. I had the coq au vin which was delicious, followed by the apple and blackberry crumble with clotted cream and a tub of baileys ice-cream - the waitress managed to twist my arm. My colleagues enjoyed the Clubhouse burger (thumbs up from both of them) - a couple of drinks later, a little reading and a litle surfing - it was time to board at 1610.

Priority boarding was in operation and was seated quickly in 6K - jacket taken, glass of champagne offered and a warm welcome from the cabin crew - no names used at all on the flight.

Upper Class was full, boarding took sometime and a second glass of champagne was offered and accepted. We finally pushed off the gate at 1716 and were airborne at 1747.

A flight time of 7hrs 43mins was announced and hot towels were offered as soon as the seat belt signs were switched off. Drink orders were taken and a gin and tonic (very strong) arrived quickly along with some crisps - dinner orders were then taken - so it was 1hr30mins before the tables were laid for dinner - though a second gin and tonic was offered and accepted to help pass the time.

The FSM was not visible in Upper Class at all - he did walk through a couple of times but did not speak to anyone. Dinner of Cream of Cauliflower soup with vegetable crisps was delicious followed by beef wellington which was just ok.

The Upper Class Supervisor served the bread and wine and made two sweeps throughout the cabin - she did lack warmth though and smiling didn't seem to be her thing!

Cheese and a glass of port finished the meal - the cabin crew member looking after my section offered more cheese or even a dessert but I declined, as I was full to bursting at this point.

The onboard bar was busy for most of the flight, though everyone was asked a couple of times to return to their seats as the bumps got stronger and longer.

About 1hr30mins from JFK - afternoon tea was served, this seemed kind of strange as it was now midnight in the UK but three peerfectly acceptable sandwiches were provided, followed by a warm scone with clotted cream and jam - the cake stand (as promised by the menu) never appeared but the cupcakes did on the saucer with the cup of tea.

Refills were offered and the cabin was secured for landing. We touched down at 2027 and arrived at the gate at 2048.

A good flight - most of the crew were friendly and attentive but I found the UC supervisor rather distant and did not see anything of the FSM so perhaps a leadership issue affected some aspects of the service. I was through Immigration and customs within 20minutes - priority luggage collection worked like a dream.

Sounds a good flight.

Another mysterious FSM, sometimes I think they don't really exist and prerecord their announcements, I wish VS would train them into believing that part of their job is passenger interaction!

I agree about the meal options ... on East Coast flights the lighter snacks aren't offered, I wish they were because as you say, eating English tea at a local time in the UK of midnight is odd for the digestion ...

Thanks for the TR- good flight by the sounds of things, although there is no excuse for a no show from the cake stand!

Thanks for the report, horburyflyer. Shame about the attitude of the FSM and cabin supervisor!

Note to self: check spelling before posting

Thanks Treelo, did a read through three times would you believe it! but thanks for pointing out....

Thank you for the great TR.