V-Flyer

Having had a wonderful time in glorious weather we joined the other mass murderers of the Lovebugs on our drive to MCO. I have always seen the bits of tyres like dead snakes at the side of the road - but never before realised how lethal they could be. Having read Sunshine's TR about the exploding truck tyre I shall now be forever worried !
The airport was very busy but check in was quiet for UC and the security lines were reasonable. Two people in front were sent to the full body scan booth but I was relieved to be waved through.
On arriving at the Delta lounge I needed a cup of tea but the only teabags were for green tea and they had no others. Oh well, make do with a Baileys then ! I checked that our incoming flight was well to time and settled down for a read.
I was aware that it was raining heavily and saw only one flash of lightning so I was surprised to learn that the airport had suddenly been closed.
I checked on V-Flyer and learnt to my amazement that VS15 had been diverted to Miami.Contrary to announcements in the airport, this wonderful website was telling me that our new etd was now 9.30. I became the hub of information for other travellers as I was able to provide up to date timings. Strange - we were actually there at MCO but only knew what was going on because presumably someone far away was posting the info ! Finally the lounge announcements acknowledged our late departure and at 8.30 we made our way to the gate area.
Here all was chaos. V-Flyer told me I was due on Hot Lips - but she was at gate 81 saying Manchester. I walked along to gate 85 where passengers for VS16 were gathering - but there was no plane there. I put my faith in V-Flyer and went and sat at 81.A sudden rush of passengers charged to 81 as the last call for Manchester was announced only to be sent away by the ground staff. Total panic with people and screaming children milling about looking for their plane.
Eventually worried passengers realised that gate 81 saying Manchester was actually for LGW. The ground staff only laughed and said they couldn't change the lighted board info. We started to board at 9.30 with a record number of pushchairs suddenly coming forward.
Feeling quite shattered I sank into my seat, relished my welcome champagne, kicked off my shoes and thanked the gods I was in UC. Opening my eyes a bit later I saw that there were 7 children - including 2 babies around me. A worried looking flight attendant bent down to ask would I consider moving so a father could sit next to his son ? I really prefer sitting opposite my travelling companion, but how could I refuse - even though it meant I had to move closer to the toilets.
We actually took off at 11.05pm by which time I didn't fancy much to eat so I settled for the squash soup ( where has the delicious garlic bread gone ?) and the flan which was served promptly to me.I was ready to sleep.A kind stewardess immediately made up my bed.
Strange- I was worried about the children but in fact I could have happily murdered one of the adults who was intent on winning "Parent of the Year Award". He was determined to loudly explain EVERYTHING about the food, plane, flight and the secrets of the Universe. Kiddo looked like he wanted to be left in peace to enjoy the film !
I managed to doze on and off and gratefully enjoyed an early cup of coffee provided by an ever vigilant attendant. Later I forced myself to eat some cornflakes and we landed midday.
There were huge queues in immigration but an official was telling passengers from my flight to go to a special fast track lane which was wonderful and our cases were through very quickly.
Now, again, I thanked V-Flyer, as my very first posting here was asking about Virgin Limos. So, armed with all the knowledge, I confidently strode forth to the desk to find the most charming chauffeur awaiting us. How spoilt I felt ! So, after an exhausting and stressful time at MCO, we ended on a real high as our limo glided us smoothly home.
Thank you fellow V-Flyers !

Thanks for the Tr. I travel to MCO a few times a year and have found that the gate area is becoming more and more congested and that boarding is often chaotic. It used to be so efficient.
Great to know that your info from V-Flyer helped !
lilmo

I agree. Boarding is becoming a bit of a free for all. I thought when the new seats were fitted down the centre aisle it would help - but it hasn't !

Great to see a V flyer acting as the information service for other passengers!!! Good work!

Shame about the weather delays.

7 children and 2 babies in UC? aren't there 14 UC seats in total? I'd say you were very lucky!

Thanks for a great TR - glad the site managed to help and you had a good flight.

Thanks,
Neil

For the sake of accuracy, Luke085, I feel I must point out that the 7 children I mentioned included the two babies ! Still a lot - particularly as the majority were of school age !

Thanks for your TR.

cheers

alex

Grinning here that this site was so much more accurate than the on-airport info!!!!!!!!!!

Those lovebugs you mention though - they were swarming when we were there (about a month ago) and DON'T they just make a sticky mess of the windscreen and radiator grille! I've never before used those squeegee washer things so much at garages... but on the other hand, mr cat seemed to quite like seeing me stretched across the windscreen...

Love the idea V-Flyer info was more accurate than the airport! I agree that the parents of small children are often the problem!

Thanks for the TR.

I do find that the parents of children are sometimes more to worry about than the kids themselves...