V-Flyer

Having transferred by the airtrain from terminal 5, I arrived at the Virgin Atlantic check in area in Terminal 4 at 1545 for my 1930 flight to LHR.

No queue and I was processed quickly, UC tags applied to my bags and I was on way to the Clubhouse. Before getting settled I went for a shower (thanks Dragonlady for confirming the Clubhouse at JFK had showers) to freshen up and then managed to grab a seat by the window where a late lunch (very late) was duly ordered. I was hungry, so a Clubhouse burger followed by the Butterscotch pudding and cheese plate was enjoyed. I was served by the lovely Nikki (permission sought and granted) who kept me topped up with champers!!

The Clubhouse was busy but a lot of passengers seemed to waiting for a TAM flight to Brazil. Boarding was announced at 1830 where were advised to leave straight away as long queue's were forming at security. This was not true really, but perhaps they need to speed people along just in case!!

I was through security by 1840 and seated in 15K by 1845, so quite quick. I was not welcomed by name (seems to be just how it is these days!) but the cabin crew quickly sprung into action. I knew from expertflyer a light load was expected, but 16 passengers in UC was our total - meaning the second cabin downstairs was empty and most of upstairs.

Champagne arrived quickly, followed by sleep suits, menu's, amenity pack and a bottle of water. We seemed to have been boarded really early as by 1930 we were still waiting but an explanation was offered that the captain was unhappy with the figures but it would be sorted shorlty and we would be on our way.

Whilst we waited no top-ups (sorry I know I am greedy) but food orders were taken to save time after take-off. Also as it was Good Friday, mini creme eggs were handed out (though I am told from a reliable source that Gold little rabbits from a certain swiss chocolate company should have been provided but either were not loaded at LHR or something else!!)

Push back at 1943 and after a long taxi (I know its JFK and it always happens) we took off at 2017. A flight time of 6hrs5mins was promised with 264 passengers on board with 16 crew and 3 flight deck crew aboard Tinkerbelle.

No special welcome back as an Au (that does not happen to me ever!) but tables laid quickly. I have not noticed this before but the in flight entertainment was not switched on for 30mins after departure and an explanation was this is the case on all US departing flights - I have not noticed it before but must be the case?

I enjoyed the Steak and Mushroom pie with mash potatoes and green beans and tomatoes. A small jug of gravy was also provided. A salad and bread competed the tray set up as i had chosen the Hot Supper tray. A gin and tonic had been ordered on the ground for after take off and when it arrived, I could sniff something was not right - a quick visit to the bar and a question or two to the FSM established it was PE stock as the outbound flight appears to have been full of gin drinkers as all the Bombay had gone and nothing is restocked in New York. The bar looked rather sad as the port ran out pretty quickly too along with a few other things!!

The FSM (Emma - permission sought and granted) was hard working throughout, making up beds and keeping the drinks flowing. The CSS was also very visble and the whole team worked well together. Ok, we were a small load with 5 cabin crew looking after us so the service was attentive and friendly at all times - a great crew.

The entertainment was a bit slow when it got going but it worked and that was good.

After a few drinks and a little sleep (the cabin was hot) breakfast was served - a bacon sandwich with HP sauce, juice, water, and coffee perked me up no end.

The fruit salad with yogurt served in a UC wine glass was good too.

No hot towels which seemed kind of odd either after take off or before breakfast but maybe they had not been loaded too!!

After a loop or two, touched down at LHR at 0732 and was on the gate at 0740. Immigration was terrible, but after IRIS had failed me (again) I headed over to the fastrack channel and though no voucher in hand - was let through which saved me aroud an hour of waiting!!

Bags were been delivered at I reached the baggage reclaim area and I was in the revivals lounge having a shower by 0815. All good.

Another great flight with Virgin, I have said before but when it works it does really work and I have no doubt this is down to the FSM who did lead by example and the team provided a great service - thank you and well done.

HF

Eh oh, cherry tomatoes in gravy, how did you rate it ?

Slinky, it must be said I thought of you when it arrived!!

Though I guess having the gravy in a small jug does allow you a choice if to mix the tomatoes with the gravy!!

If truth be told, it doesn't work IMHO and I think some the crew might agree with us!!

HF

A gin and tonic had been ordered on the ground for after take off and when it arrived, I could sniff something was not right - a quick visit to the bar and a question or two to the FSM established it was PE stock as the outbound flight appears to have been full of gin drinkers as all the Bombay had gone

honey lamb wrote:

Poor HL, this is the sort of thing that gives her heeby jeeby's, mind you, the odd cherry tomato in gravy is likely to do the same for me.

slinky09 wrote:

honey lamb wrote:

Poor HL, this is the sort of thing that gives her heeby jeeby's, mind you, the odd cherry tomato in gravy is likely to do the same for me.

Somehow HL not having a GnT garners more sympathy than your cherry tomato and gravy issues !

Thanks for the TR, glads to hear of a good flight! As you say, a good strong FSM keeps a good team and leads to the best experience!

tontybear wrote:Somehow HL not having a GnT garners more sympathy than your cherry tomato and gravy issues !

Give it time, give it time ...

There's no requirement for the IFE not to be switched on until 30 mins after t/off so not sure what that was all about?

Thanks Virginboy, I am not sure what it was about really and I was sure it had not happened before, so thanks for clearing that up.

Jon

At least the gravy was separate this time - is that an outbreak of common sense?

HF - glad the flight went well for you, there certainly seems a few more positive TRs coming through these days...

I've always wondered about those hot towels - I trust they are sterilised and re-used?

Think the little gravy jugs look cute too so it all add's to the experience!!

I agree we are seeing some good TRs coming through, long may it continue.....

HF

Thank you for the great TR.