V-Flyer

First of all, apologies for the delay – first the holiday, then getting back into the swing of things at home, has meant I have been slow putting pen to paper. Or more correctly fingers to keyboard.

This trip was one way as, after staying a couple of days in Barbados, we were joining MV Azura and cruising back to Southampton. Living in S.W. Wales, we had booked the Sofitel for the night before the flight – we’re too old now to make those overnight journeys. Yes they are quicker, but oh so tiring – we need our sleep at night these days! My husband, hereafter referred to as Dr T, had to work in the morning, so he took a train to the hospital, picked up the hire car on his way home and was back here by about 1.15. I checked-in on-line at exactly 10.30 but low and behold only managed SEQ17! We had a bite to eat then set off for LGW.

The journey took a lot longer than anticipated due to an accident – again – around J9 on the M4, so we had to detour somewhat, but we arrived at the Sofitel around 6.15. Dr T took the car back to Europcar while I nipped to M&S Simply Food for some vittles. Suitably fed and watered, we bedded down having set the alarm for 5.30am – well we wanted to spend some quality time in the Clubhouse!

As usual, I lay awake most of the night – why are these rooms so hot even when the A/C is set low? So I got up about 5am and finally managed to persuade Dr T to get out of bed at 5.20 by which time I was ready to go. We had 5 cases so had to take some of them down to the lobby, find a trolley, he nipped back up and got the last couple and we were on our way. We got to check-in and found one couple ahead of us. They were swiftly dealt with and so were we. The check-in agent was polite and friendly and we were soon making our way to Security which had a short queue, but moved pretty quickly, then on to the Clubhouse, after spending a little money on perfume in Duty Free.

We were greeted warmly and soon sat down and orders taken for breakfast – fruit and juice for me, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and coffee for him. While waiting for that to come, I made appointments for a manicure and a back massage – both of which were excellent. We had a couple of glasses of champagne and a Kir Royal – why is it that when we’re in the Clubhouse it feels obligatory to drink alcohol at any time, whereas at home I go weeks without any – then our flight was called. We walked the walk, the long walk, down to the gate where there was Priority Boarding set up and were on seconds later. We had wanted to be off pretty quickly, so I had chosen 18&19A. We were quickly offered champagne, which DR T accepted but I had a orange juice. We weren’t asked if we knew how the suites worked – though others were. Perhaps we looked as though we knew – which we did. My suite was all in working order, though there were the usual scuffs and quite a lot of crumbs in evidence. Our front cabin was full and the next one looked pretty full too – I didn’t venture into the other parts of the aircraft.

We pushed back at exactly 10.30 but stopped before turning, and waited, and waited. After 10-15 minutes the Captain announced that there was an electrical fault and we would be moving back onto the stand to work on it. The cabin crew came around taking orders for more drinks, the toilets were unlocked and there was a pleasant calm atmosphere around us. Eventually, we pushed back and with very little delay were lined up ready for take off and actually went at mid-day exactly.

Seat belt signs were off very quickly and CC took lunch orders and more drinks. Lunch seemed to take a while coming, but drinks were plentiful as were the nibbles – some sort of tortilla chips. For lunch I opted just for the watercress soup, which was very nice indeed, followed by the New York chocolate cheesecake, which I found a bit heavy. I then converted the seat and settled down to watch the King’s Speech – a great film, followed by Black Swan which I also enjoyed – though glad I wasn’t watching it with my mother or children!!!

I managed to doze for about half an hour then woke thirsty so went back to the bar and spent well over an hour chatting to one of the CC “C” and another passenger, a really interesting man. The FSM came by later, about to help set up the tea - she was very chatty and friendly, though I do hate being called “darling” however, she pitched in throughout and seemed to run a pretty tight ship. Soon the cabin was being secured for landing and suddenly we were there, at about 4.35 if my memory serves me well. As hoped, we were about 2nd off the aircraft, through immigration and in our cab to the Hilton, arriving by 5.15 ready for our holiday.

All in all, a very good experience from check-in, right through the flight.

Thanks for the TR.

gilly wrote:
As usual, I lay awake most of the night – why are these rooms so hot even when the A/C is set low?

I know what you mean especially at this hotel. When I stayed there, I had the A/C on the lowest setting and the room still felt like a sauna. And you can't open a window either!

Thank you for the excellent TR. Being from South East Wales we also find the journey to Gatwick a little tedious, although not as long as your journey. The hire car seems like a good idea we normally use meet and greet.

Great TR - Thanks for sharing.

I can echo both yours and Tinks comments regarding the room temperatures in hotels - always seems to be this way!

Glad the electrical fault was sorted quickly and you were away without a huge delay!

Hope the trip was great and the cruise home!

Luke

thanks for the TR 'darling' :-)

Thanks for the TR Gilly. Glad to hear you had a good flight.

My OH always prefers to get up at some ungodly hour rather than sleep in an airport hotel. Maybe its the heat (or the noise) that puts her off. [Actually she never sleeps well in beds other than our own].

I think "darling" is quite affectionate, whereas "mate" - which we sometimes get from the call centre - is much too chavvy. Perhaps it depends on whether it comes from a male or female crew member?

Cheers

Martin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXENJ0CTD1c

:-)

Interesting TR and glad you had a good flight. Darling would irritate me too.

Thank you for the great TR.