V-Flyer

Well we took our much anticipated flight on the A330. There haven't been too many reviews yet and I did promise to do one when I got back so here we go!

We had checked in online on the Friday and made our way to the Airport from our Hotel in plenty time for the start of check-in. Check- in was stuck out in the newer section on the far right of the terminal which I thought was only used for charter flights. It was a bit of a zoo and we weren't sent to the correct line to begin with I don't think. We wanted bag drop, which had the longest queue in the building and I wasn't for waiting so jumped into the premium economy empty lane and dropped our stuff off toot sweet! Painless!

We took ourself off to the servisair lounge that we'd organised through RBS and after some nibbles and a couple drinks it was just about time to go to the gate. The gate was another zoo! I don't know what it is about transatlantic flights at Glasgow airport, but there is never anywhere to get a seat at the gate! We were a gate down and barely got our bums situated but they were calling for PE. That I have to say was very nice! We were on and seated and drink in hand in minutes!

The PE cabin wasn't full on this flight, maybe 2/3rds. We were in the third row back seats 20 H and K on the right of the cabin. Everything was clean and tidy in the cabin and the crew were attentive. We had access to the toilet in the front of the aircraft! The seat itself wasn't overly spacious, of this I was quite surprised. My husband and I are both short, 5ft and 5ft 6 and we didn't think the leg room was particularly generous. I had chosen the window seat but found that the seat belt was too short to fit comfortably! I'm on the chunky side! I have my own extension thing but it wasn't fitting in the seatbelt! Very odd. I swapped for the aisle seat and didn't need the extension at all! Most peculiar! I found the table situation quite ridiculous! I literally had to push by belly in and up and wedge the table down in position! Not attractive I can tell you, nor was it very comfie!!! My husband didn't have much room either and he's a skinny malinky! The table itself is a bit narrow and the hinge in the middle makes it feel a little unstable.

The chair and the foot rest set up were very comfie! I was actually able to manage to fit the headphones in without feeling like I was stabbing my leg. Beyond that I didn't investigate much about the chair. It was mighty firm, but I assume, come time with repeated passenger use that will come right like an old sofa! I loved the foot rest and the different positions I could sit! I think that was my favorite part of the whole flight!

We both loved the entertainment set up, but have seen equally as good in a continental economy flight! I watched a few movies and played a few games and declare the entertainment system as it should be!

The food... oh lawks... the food! It was bloody dire! I don't care for fish. So who was the genius that put fish in the starter and the main? I had the beef hotpot and it just wasn't for me. The Potatoes were about right, but the meat was akin to dog meat. I didn't eat the dessert, but enjoyed the cheese and crackers. The service was absoloutly fine in general. I wouldn't say it was over and above just as I expected. The crew kept us plied with fluids and were always available to us if we needed them. We were served Ice Cream and if I remember a sandwich later in the flight. I just asked my husband what sandwich we had on the flight out and he said he can't remember a sandwich! I think that about sums up the quality of the sandwich! In generally I would rate the food as poor!

The entertainment was switched off a good hour before landing! Not even a map to stare at. Whats with that? We were both peeved as we were within 10 minutes of finishing the film Inception. Anyone that has watched that film would agree the last few minutes are kind of crucial! Frustrating having to wait 2 weeks to finish the film!

We arrived ahead of time and were allowed off the aircraft before the main cabin. That I will admit again was a nice feeling! Good old Orlando immigration though took us an hour and 5 minutes to get through and our luggage was circling the airport 3 deep on the belt by the time we were done! We were out of the airport and in our car 15 minutes later - thank you Avis preffered!!

So that was our experience of the new aircraft, outbound!

Good to get a trip report from GLA and on the A330 too. A double bonus! We're beginning to get a view of what the A330 has to offer so every TR is appreciated. My thanks.

The entertainment was switched off a good hour before landing! Not even a map to stare at. Whats with that?

CAA regulations

We've flown every carrier transatlantic and thats the first time we've not at least had the map to stare at!

Thanks for the TR, an hour before landing is a little early, it was about 40 mins before on my flight to EWR last week.

Feebarn wrote:We've flown every carrier transatlantic and thats the first time we've not at least had the map to stare at!

American carriers are not bound by CAA regulations

Thanks for the TR

Good TR.

I'm taking a punt here, but are you from north of the border?

stevebrass wrote:Good TR.

I'm taking a punt here, but are you from north of the border?

I am indeed!

Accent? what accent!?!