V-Flyer

Another great VS flight

So off to NYC again - the trip started with a call a few days before to Premier to confirm CDC times to be safe after the last mix up! CDC showed up early and after a smooth run down the M11/M25, we were driving up the ramp. Greeted by a couple of pleasant gents armed with bag tags who were very polite, greeted by name, bags taken, boarding cards issued and in a whirlwind we were in the queue (yes, queue) for the private security channel. Given the volume of people in T3 main security, the 2 minute wait was fine.

Straight to the CH, which was busy, very busy, and we actually struggled to find a seat. However, we managed and champagne was ordered and massage booked in a jiffy. Some cold cuts eaten to tide over till lunch and more champagne were had, together with a trip to the roof garden. 11.30 arrived so lunch time was here. Went for the curry, which could have been spicier but other than that it was good, especially washed down with a Pinot Noir

Massage time came, by which time the lounge had emptied significantly. Lovely massage, one of the best I've had tbh The CH was as excellent as it always is, but there did seem to be fewer servers this time, which did have an impact on the level of service.

Anyway, the flight was called a bit late. On the second call we headed off to Gate 1 in the new area of T3 - this is much more spacious than the rest of the terminal. There was no priority lane set up so we decided to queue like true Brits...Boarding was in progress when we made it through the gate so little waiting around.

Aboard G-VWOW I was handed a champagne by a very pleasant FSM. This was a manual safety demo flight, which was a first on VS and I kind of missed the video!

This was a busy flight - we were advised of 15 crew and 339 passengers aboard. Push back was a few minutes late and as we had a few in front of us wheels up was at 2.25pm. The flight time was 7 hours 5 minutes, as advised by the female FO.

Once the crew were released a drinks run was offered with crisps only. In March the option of chorizo and olives was there but not now. I ordered the cod for dinner followed by the cheesecake, both of which were fine. During dinner I settled into the latest Fokkers film, which I had seen before, but find hilarious (and it has Jessica Alba in it )

The rest of the flight was uneventful, most of it spent at the bar chatting to other pax. I did partake in afternoon tea (at the bar) and also did a lap of a very busy PE and Y section - at which point I was very grateful to be in UC!!!

Several drinks later it was time to fill in the landing card (there is now no pen in the snooze pack ) and start the decent, no real holding and a smooth landing at JFK. I was fearing the worst for immigration but it was empty, having taken 2 hours to get through on the 45 in March.

Bags collected and CDC hailed and into a very hot and humid NYC!!

Thanks the TR, glad to hear of a good experience.

I wonder if VS are currently reviewing their safety videos? On my both recent flights a manual safety demonstration has been completed and noticed a few other TR mention the same!

Looks like you had a good flight

Luke085 wrote:Thanks the TR, glad to hear of a good experience.

I wonder if VS are currently reviewing their safety videos? On my both recent flights a manual safety demonstration has been completed and noticed a few other TR mention the same!

I think they have to do a certain number of real demos a year as part of crew training incase the IFE colapases completly. It might just seam as they are unusual that they get reported on when they happen so it seams that there are more than they really are.