V-Flyer

Return flight from New York after a few days in Manhattan.
OLCI completed the night before the flight and as with the outward flight, the Boeing 747 had changed to an Airbus A340 and our seats 32 H/K had changed to 20 F/G. As most of the flight would be spent asleep it was not too much to worry about. Took the New York Airport Service from Grand Central to JFK, which was a proper coach. Took the 1600 bus which took about 70 minutes to reach JFK due to the very heavy traffic. On arrival headed to Check in to collect Boarding passes and drop luggage. No queue at PE desk, friendly and helpful and as with the outward flight, told that due to the swap of aircraft that all seats in PE were taken – so no chance of a window seat. We were advised of boarding time of 1840, so time for a bit of duty shopping and a few drinks. At 1820 decided to head to Security and the Gate. On arrival at the Security it was total chaos, with loads of people and only two lines open. Eventually they opened up two more lines but it was 1850 by the time we got through. Headed to the Gate and boarding had already started. Did not take very long before we were on board. Not long after taking our seats, the glass of bubbles was offered and accepted. Captain announced a very short flight time of just over 6 hours. Started to leave the Gate at 1923, just as this started, Captain announced that it was not good news from Air Traffic Control; our take of slot was delayed and due to the fact that another aircraft wanting our Gate we would have to go to a remote stand and wait for our slot. We started to taxi very slowly around the airport, Captain announced that due to bad weather, and many internal flights were being delayed causing all the congestion. About 45 mins after having left the Gate, Captain announced we would not be going to remote stand but take off shortly. We took off at 2019.
Once the fasten seatbelt signs were turned off the meal service started, no drinks service as it was a night flight. Meal was a green salad with mozzarella, choice of beef stroganoff, stir fried chicken with chilli or a vegetable dish with cheese & biscuits and cheesecake pudding. Served with some very good Australian wine. After we had finished the food there was a choice of tea or coffee, followed by a choice of Baileys or Brandy. The lights were turned down and I was able to grab some much needed sleep. Breakfast was a pleasant surprise – a proper hot “English breakfast” with Sausage, bacon, egg, tomato, mushroom and potato. A great improvement on previous flights where the breakfast has been nothing special. Breakfast served with tea or coffee and a choice of fruit.
Landed on northern runway at 0724, arrived at Gate at 0729.
In summary, PE continues to be a good service at a reasonable price; great cabin crew are the key here and VS is lucky to have good cabin crew.
Now got over 100,000 miles so hopefully the next trip will be a “reward flight“ at the front of the plane!

Thanks for the TR, I always love hearing a short flight time home!

Thanks for a great TR.

Jon

Great Trip reports glad you had such a good experience on both sectors