V-Flyer

Having enjoyed 6 days in the Florida sun (and rain) for Thanksgiving it was all too soon to think about my flight back to Manchester.

So left my base in St Petersburg and had a rainy journey across to Orlando. As I was being dropped off, it was a long trek from the car park to the check in area - down in a lift, through a walk tunnel and then the longest escalator I have been on and finally to the check in area.

The time was now 4pm for my 630pm flight - check in was crazy though I was called forward to the Premium Economy desk where I was asked "what flight are you on?" - She had the eticket in front of her and my passport - but I still helped her out myself! - After that, she warmed up and checked me in quickly and I was soon on my way.

I noticed I was Seq 416 which meant a full flight, though Honeylamb had told me that before the day.

Security was busy, though I had passed the 15min wait "from here" sign by some margin - I still had around a 25min wait to get through security but the staff were helpful and smiling - always a good thing.

Had a quick fly around the shops and then it was time to think about boarding at 520pm. The gate area was crowded with lots of kids (well this is Orlando I guess) and I did think to myself that a full flight is going to take sometime to board.

Boarding was delayed until 540pm (told the crew were not on board) and then boarding commenced with small children and special assistance - think about half the plane moved forward at this point and were then sent back to their seats. Priority boarding was in operation after that, not before a short suspension of boarding because of the large number of wheelchair passengers - but this was quickly organised and we were on our way once more.

Welcomed at the door with a smile.

My jacket was taken and a glass of champagne offered quickly. Newspapers and magazines were then handed out. The three cabin crew members looking after Upper Class were friendly and attentive throughout.

A couple who had been assigned 6A & 6k asked to be moved - they had apparently moved on the way out and thought it would be ok to do again - the full cabin just halted their plans for a few moments while two volunteers moved from the back of the cabin to the front. A second glass of champagne was offered and accepted before pushback.

With Upper Class now full - orders for dinner and breakfast were taken on the ground. The captain announced a flight time of 7hrs30mins with only a few "lumps and bumps" along the way - he even promised a "cool" arrival into Manchester with temperatures below freezing!

Push back was at 634pm with take off at 646pm. A total load of 450 passengers and 17 crew was confirmed aboard "Hot Lips"

Once in the air, the cabin crew came around with hot towels and drink orders were taken which were quickly prepared by the FSM who was noticeable by her absence after that. Refills of drinks were offered and gladly accepted. A choice of crisps or wasabi mix was offered too.

Entertainment was Nova, but the large screen and noise cancelling headsets do help - managed to watch "Grown Ups" which was quite funny.

Tables for dinner were laid at 745pm and I enjoyed a delicious potato soup, Short ribs of beef which were very tasty and rounded it off with cheese - coffee was served with chocolates and liqueurs were offered too. Throughout the meal, regular wine and water refills were provided.

With dinner out of the way, the cabin lights were dimmed and beds made up by the crew. I slept well for a couple of hours.

Breakfast was served around 545am - I enjoyed a bacon roll with HP sauce, coffee and juice - though the full English breakfast enjoyed by the guy across from me looked tasty.

The cabin crew were attentive throughout and provided a high standard of service.

With the cabin secure for landing, lovehearts were offered before touchdown. We landed on 05R at 0707 and taxied to the gate arriving at 0720- - the cool arrival by the captain came true as it was freezing with snow on the ground.

A snowy travel back to West Yorkshire where it had snowed overnight brought my latest trip to an end.

Well done, Virgin Atlantic - another great flight, when they get it right, they get it right.

Thanks - it's always reassuring to read a very positive TR and know that VS do still get it right most of the time.

horburyflyer

Thank you for a TR the re-ignites many memories for me and places me one step closer to my trip to St Petes next month

I am always anxious about getting to the airport on time and have learnt over time that check in is always frenetic with 3 - sometimes 4, 747s leaving in such a short space of time; so my congratulations to you for coming through relatively unscathed o none of the busiest flying days of the year in the US.

A couple who had been assigned 6A & 6k asked to be moved - they had apparently moved on the way out and thought it would be ok to do again

Bless!! Perhaps VS should no longer offer pre-assigned seating and just adopt the EasyJet approach

Thanks once again

buns

Thanks Buns, hope you have a great trip stateside next month. It is hard to believe that two days ago I was sat on Maderia Beach with Coffee and donuts with the sun shining and now in Yorkshire, its below freezing with snow all around!!

Make sure you check out Kopper Kitchen in St Pete, a great stop for breakfast and/or lunch.

And you are so right about check in, I had forgetten how crazy that area can be - thankfully only 2 747s on Friday night, so think I was lucky!!!

horburyflyer wrote: As I was being dropped off, it was a long trek from the car park to the check in area - down in a lift, through a walk tunnel and then the longest escalator I have been on and finally to the check in area.

I love that escalator and always have a chortle to myself when imaging some of the more "portly" of our american cousins trying to ascend it if it breaks down when they are on it

Sounds like another good flight - I must get on the case and get some booked for us.

David

Thanks for a great TR.

I agree about that escalator, it just seems to go on forever!

I've done twelve UC flights since April (two more to go) and not been offered Love Hearts once.

Should I be offended?!!

Thanks for the TR - sounds like it was a good flight & that MCO was fairly bearable. The VS ground staff in Orlando do a sterling job given that they almost always have full flights, with a much higher than normal number of special needs / disabled passengers.

7 weeks today and I'll be on that escalator!