V-Flyer

We were lucky enough to get two G reward tickets for this trip and it was a great perk of flying Virgin Atlantic.

Check-in was smooth and quick, and in no time at all we were in the Clubhouse. For some reason the left luggage department was not manned today and we took the decision not to leave our handbaggage unattended in the area as I was not happy to do so although I am sure everything would have been alright.

We decided to have some breakfast before visiting Duty Free with the list of "needs" from the Avalon offspring. We had a very good breakfast - although the scrambled egg I asked for came up as fried but was quickly changed with an apologetic smile. When we left home I was not hungry, but once the food was in front of me, I decided I was starving and tucked in.

The Clubhouse was busy, but not overly so and the service was this time, very attentive. After fulfilling our instructions, we returned to the Clubhouse and quietly chilled until we were called to board.

It was not too long a walk to the gate but once we arrived it was like a cattle market. There was an Upper Class check in agent who seemed to be dealing with an issue and so the Upper Class - Priority Boarding line was lengthy. The other line for economy passengers was empty. Eventually Mr Avalon asked if there was any reason why we could not use the Economy line and we were told to wait for the Upper Class line!! He was astounded and quietly but firmly asked the economy check in gentleman to deal with us which he did. After that the remainding UC passenges, behind us followed suit, leaving the arguement still going on.

Once on board life just got better. Although not immediately greeted by name, it was not long before the CC introduced herself to us, asked for our names and said it was her intention to ensure that we had a wonderful flight and we did.

I changed out of my "day clothes" into my own flying clothes and settled into my suite with a welcome bucks fizz and a glass of pellegrino. We took off on time and were quickly offered drinks and snacks - a choice of crisps and something else I cant remember.

I was still full from breakfast but not so full and so when it was lunch time I had the soup - very good as usual and the appetiser which was a smoked fish platter. Mr A ate the soup, the Beef Wellington, followed by the cheese and announced that he had just had a very good meal - praise indeed.

We both watched different films and then settled down for a rest. I woke up first, I do not find it easy to sleep in the middle of the day and flicked through the TV and some magazines. The CC came and had a chat with me - she was sure that we had flown together before and although I was not sure at first, I think she was right - on a West Coast flight last year.

My favourite meal was then served - sandwiches! I dont really care where they are from or what is in them, within reason - I am a sucker for fresh sandwiches and really enjoyed my plate of ham salad sandwiches with a cup of tea.

Landing was smooth, Homeland Security was it usual manic self as it is every time at Miami - interestingly the line next to ours stated it was for US Citizens Only but the Officer was dealing with British Passport holders and frustratingly much quicker than the Officer dealing with our line. However, it has to be said from landing to leaving the airport was a little over an hour so no real complaints.

No secondary screening and our bags were waiting once we were through, the bags were not selected to be x rayed so it was not long before we were meeting our driver to take us across the Alley to Naples.

This was a very good flight, very good cabin crew and this is becomming more important in my opinion as the offering is eroded. When you have really good service and a friendly and helpful crew, the flight becomes outstanding even when it is actually just a straightforward flight. Our next longhaul is with British Airways into Tampa and it will be interesting to see how it goes. It could be a good decision or a monumental disaster. The former will have nothing to do with me and the latter will be entirely down to me! Fingers crossed.

Thanks for the TR

(Reminds me that i still have one to do )

As you say, it is the staff and crew that can make or break the experience and in your case, having such a good member of the Crew looking after you has made a memorable impression

I will look forward to what you have to say about BA to Tampa. In these financially pressing times and BA putting up keen prices, it might be a reasonable alternative

buns

A lovely report as always from you, avalon

Thank you for the great TR.

So pleased to hear you had a good flight (that reminds me as well i have two flights to write up too )
Exceptional crew do indeed make or break the flight, where did you stay in Naples its such a great place its so very relaxed and laid back.

cheers

alex