V-Flyer

Well it's my first attempt at a trip report, so here goes.

Arrived at a foggy Manchester just before 8am and parked at T2 long stay, quick and simple and at the terminal within 10 mins. Checked in on-line the day before (seq 1 & 2), so only had to drop the bags. We were greeted politely, and directed straight to bag drop, and called immediately to the desk. Hand luggage was tagged and I asked about moving further forward in the cabin, since the seat map was unavailable on-line, but was told that since the loads were very light, the seating had been arranged to balance the aircraft for take-off/landing. We were also told that we'd be allowed to move around once up in the air.

Went straight up to security which again was quiet, so only took 5 mins to get through, no body scanners operating that I could see. Then off downstairs to grab a bite to eat before heading to gate 202 just after 9.15am for boarding. Walked straight up to the initial check area and boarding cards were checked again, the sat down for no more than 10 mins before pre boarding/Upper/PE/Gold passengers were called, followed a few minutes later by the rest of us. To say the loads were light was an understatement, I'm pretty sure they said 136 people on board, although the announcements were pretty muffled. So we took our seats on Pretty Woman and the entire front section of Economy was empty apart from the exit row at the front. Pushed back on time and headed straight out to the runway for a rolling take off, up through the fog and into the sunshine. Once up and the seat belt signs were off, a few people decided to move, including the family in front of us, so we decided to stay put, knowing that I wasn't going to get my knees crushed.

Lunch was then served, options were Roast Chicken, Cumberland Pie or Vegetable Chilli, of which we chose the chicken, which was quite nice and had plenty of seasoning. Prawn salad to start, followed by the chocolate raspberry GU pudding. Ice creams were handed out later in the flight and afternoon tea was either Coronation Chicken or Cheese & Pickle sandwiches with a chocolate & raisin cookie.

The cabin crew were very pleasant and extremely cheery throughout the flight, they were also very attentive for those passengers needing additional assistance.

Half way across the Atlantic, the First Officer informed us that we were formation flying with another aircraft with 1000ft separation, unfortunately I didn't get a picture this time. Most of the flight was smooth, although it was a little bumpy just off the coast of Newfoundland and as we flew over Georgia, the First Officer popped up to tell us that we were flying into a 30 knot cross wind, and effectively flying sideways.

As we approached Orlando, the crew advised all the passengers who moved earlier to return to their original seats, which was done without any one complaining, and the crew then checked the cabin while handing out small packets on Love Hearts to the passengers. A quick descent into Orlando and we were on the ground about 10 mins early. Priority disembarking was effectively carried out and we were off after that, arriving in the new single visitors immigration queue with about 20 people in front of us. Bags were off quickly and we took them on the sky train ourselves as we only had one suitcase each, and were through the terminal in 30 mins. Parental pick-up was waiting, so off we headed for 10 days relaxation/shopping and wildlife watching.

Yay a MAN Y TR

Nice one - thank you for that. Glad it went well for you.

Thanks for the TR Nice to see a positive Y report and shows they can do it right, lets hope it continues.

Neil

Thanks for the TR, good one and a good flight too!

wow that is a light load! Sounds like a good flight! Interesting to hear about the formation flying!

Hope you have a great trip!

Thanks for the TR - seems like you had a good flight. Good to hear your experience of Y was good (with that light a load it should have been!)

Enjoy your time in the Sunshine State - thankfully it looks like it has warmed up a bit since I was there just over a week ago.

Flying sideways Not something I'd like to hear!

Friends have told me most of the loads are light at the moment. It's the same pattern every year I've known it, November and January are usually quiet.

Thanks everyone - it was certainly the quietest flight I've been on in a long time, but it is very much the off season right now. The weather has been warmer the last couple of days, especially once the sun burns off the early morning cloud. Thunderstorms forecast later with possible tornadoes, so could be a fun evening!