V-Flyer

This was always going to be a special flight, after some seven years of trying we had finally obtained our visa and were emigrating to Florida. The previous week had been pretty horrendous, clearing out our home etc coupled with Mrs FB going down with gastro enteritis!! We were awake from 3am with her having the jitters about flying whilst still being ill. Anyway off we set just as the snow started.

Having checked in on-line on Monday –and obtaining Seq 2 and 3 , felt I was robbed of no 1 by madam having additional bags to be paid for– we arrived at an empty LGW and went straight to the PE desk. A VERY pleasant VS employee checked us in speedily and with lots of smiles and ‘oh living in Florida lucky you’s’. She also totally ignored that 5 of the 6 bags were all 4 to 5 kgs over weight (never knew kitchen sinks were so heavy) and my hand luggage would have been checked most times. She started the trip just right and earns 5 stars.

As we only had an hour and a half before scheduled departure we just wandered straight to the gate (31) which again was empty. Then sat and sat and sat as 11.15 came and went before boarding was announced and a scrum ensued

How people can hear ‘boarding those needing special assistance ‘as ‘yes able bodied single persons can now block the entrance’ is beyond me, do they honestly think the plane will go without them?

Anyway, we were soon boarded, and despite the best efforts of the girl at the door to send me downstairs and to the left to 81 I eventually persuaded her 80 was upstairs and we were ensconced with glass no 1 of bubbly. This was swiftly followed by no 2 and it became apparent that our two CC G & C (no permission for names) were going to take care of us very well. The guy in the seat in front was obviously also CC and it transpired was G’s best friend who was tagging along for a couple of days in Disney.

We eventually took off in a snow storm approx 1.15 late after an announcement from the Captain that flight time would be 8.08. Once up the first drinks run was underway and a good rapport struck with C that wine was needed in copious amounts. She took this on board extremely well filling me up on the way forward and again on the way back !

After about an hour the food started and to our surprise we were served first. G confessed this was a trial to see if it worked quicker and meant we got our first choices Mrs FB the pasta and beef for me. Another red wine was supplied and the food was surprisingly good. C had done the front section and being on top of her game supplied another wine on her return to the galley. This was rapidly becoming a good flight. Food was then washed down with a Baileys (well actually 2)

Settled down to watch a couple of films – Salt with Angelina Jolie (any film with her has to be worth watching) then a comedy with Will Farrell. At least two soft drinks runs were followed by ice cream and then the cabin lights were dimmed.

During the flight OJ and water were left out with fruit as usual but a new twist there were also cokes, sprites etc left available. Quite handy and saved disturbing the CC.

As we approached MCO had a chat with the guy sat in 79 who did confess to being UC CC. nice guy who had nothing but good words for VS. we did wind up his mate G by saying the service had been appalling as there had only been 4 drinks runs, but she took it in good heart (telling him to p**s off with a smile).

The approach into MCO was highlighted by a huge drop as we came through the clouds, which evoked a few ‘whoas’ and we finally touched down just before 4.

First class and the front section of EC were allowed off before we were and we were greeted by a fairly busy immigration hall. Eventually made the desk expecting a thorough grilling as this was our first entry on the visa. Instead had a nice chat and the officer was only concerned if we were ready for the heat, hurricanes and bugs!!

The whole process took about 10 minutes by which time our 6 bags had arrived and we used the forwarding belts. 20 minutes later we were at the hertz desk and into a Yukon, which is only slightly smaller than a jumbo, and off to our hotel.

This is where things then went slightly boobs up. Waking up the next morning expecting to hear when our dog Marley would arrive (he was booked in on 27 on Weds) only to find out the snow had arrived with a vengeance and his flight had been cancelled. We decided to head down to our house (about 2 and a half drive) where we could dump the bag and be in communication with the UK to see what was happening. Good move.

Eventually due to LGW being closed Thurs as well, Marls was transferred to LHR and set off for MIA. As did we. A 3 1/2 hour trip across Alligator Alley is little fun , and even less when you know you are going to turn round and do it all again.

We eventually found the cargo office and had a 45 minute wait for 005 to land. We decided to shoot off for a MacDonald’s and on arriving back found a crate with a very tired and sad looking boy. He was also quite dehydrated and to our annoyance was just left sitting there while we waited for his paperwork…and waited…and waited. After nearly an hour it finally arrived and I then had to go to customs to get his papers stamped (another shower of ****) before we finally managed to de-crate him.

After another 3+ hour 190 mile journey he finally met his new home just after midnight last night and has just enjoyed his first walk in the sunshine!!

Have to say during the whole process VS and the agent handling his travel were brilliant – just let down badly by their cargo handlers in MIA.

Anyways its 70 odd degrees and the sun is shining so alls well that ends well

Great TR of a special trip. All the best as you start your new life in Florida, well worth the 7 year wait I am sure!

A few of us her have been following your saga of finally getting your visas and taking the bold step to move out Florida. So I am happy to learn that this very important flight went according to plan (well almost ) and that the dreaded snow did not impede your journey.

This made this TR all the more enthralling and can I thank you for sharing with us all here Yes, the desire of folks at the Gate will never change, but the service you received from the CC evokes all the good trips Mrs Buns and I have had - I hope my future trips to MCO are just as good.

May I wish you good fortune in the Good Old US of A

Thanks once again

buns

thanks Buns.while Marleys tribulations were a drawback i have to say this was a good trip for us. the CC were excellent and i hope G's trial of starting at seat 80 and working up continues as it meant we got our first choice, which has always been the one negative of sitting at the back of the bubble. if only for v-port sigh.......

Thanks for the TR and welcome to SWFL!
Pity you have arrived just as we are having a cool spell but hopefully it'll be back up to the high 70's/low 80's by next weekend. Enjoy!

thanks Bill, actually the (cooler) weather has been a blessing to Marleys acclimating, we have loved it as its been 40 degrees wamer than the uk when we left.

the natives as always are treating it like the end of the world, saw a guy wearing wooly hat, puffa jacket , jeans and it was a good 65 !!! i sauntered past him in shorts and t shirt :-)

I'll look out for a crazy guy in shorts & T with a Marley on Dog Beach!

haha Lovers key is about an hour south of us. we have Boca Grande beach which is dog friendly and 10 minutes away . lovers key is beautiful, we stayed near there back in 2004 when we got married on Ft Myers Beach

Thank you for the TR and I hope you enjoy your new life in Florida.