VS071 GLA-MCO 5 JUN 11 (Economy)
Posted: 21 Jun 2011, 18:55This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
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I've been a long-time reader of this fantastic forum, and now a member! This forum has been a total godsend over the last few months. Anyway, this is my first T/R (hope it's not too boring
) so enjoy!My previous seat was 45K, however I was slightly apprehensive about this, with regards to the legroom (i'm 6ft5). As I work at GLA, I managed to get on to G-VSXY when it operated its maiden GLA-MCO flight at the beginning of May. I found 45K to be extremely tight - the seat itself was comfortable, but I couldn't move my legs, so not good for a 9 hour flight!
OLCI worked well, but there were no other available seats. So in the hope of securing an extra legroom seat, I arrived at GLA 3 hours before the departure time of 10:05. The check-in for VS at GLA is in Terminal 2 (or "T2" as it is referred to). Now, for anyone who has ever been unfortunate enough to use this "terminal" at GLA, will know that it is nothing more than a glorified portakabin. Fortunately, it was not too busy, and I was called over to the available PE desk. The check-in agent was extremely friendly, and she managed to move me to seat 55A - extra legroom. Result
Boarding commenced just before 09:30, and it was not long before I was in my seat. I don't know if the A330 EY seats are new, or if they are the same ones as on the 744/A340 fleet, but they are extremely comfortable - particularly the adjustable headrest and the amount of recline you get. Without a doubt, the extra legroom seats are well worth the £30.
Boarding did not take too long, and the FSM came on and informed us that all 262 pax were onboard and we were ready to depart. The captain then came on and informed us of a flight time of 8 hours 15 minutes - following the usual route: over the Atlantic towards Nova Scotia, making a left turn, down the Eastern seaboard and beginning descent at Cape Canaveral.
Flight pushed back at 10:05, and we were airborne at 10:08. Shortly after take-off, the cabin crew handed out the head-sets for the IFE. After reading reviews on the A330, I was eager to use JAM and see if it really was good as it is made out to be. I'm pleased to say that all the hype surrounding JAM is well justified - the system is excellent - so easy to use, and full of stuff to suit all tastes/ages. I would recommend it to those travelling with young children, as it will keep them occupied for the entire flight. However, JAM definitely spoilt me for the return leg - which was the Odyssey IFE! Anyway, more on that in my next report.
The drinks service soon followed, and this is where my only complaint of VS lies. As much as there is a wide selection of wine, beer and spirits, there is no cider!
Now if the likes of EZY, TCX, TOM etc stock cider, why the hell don't VS?!? 
So it was the white wine for me. After the drinks, the meal service followed in quick succession. The options were macaroni and cheese, or good old-fashioned bangers and mash. I opted for the bangers and mash which, I have to say, were absolutely delicious (and that's coming from someone who usually detests aircraft meals). It was washed down nicely with a bottle of white wine (a small bottle - honest
).JAM helped make the rest of the flight fly by (no pun intended), and about an hour before landing, we were served a snack - tuna mayonnaise or egg mayonnaise sandwich. I opted for neither as the thought of them made me feel quite sick, and didn't think it would have been very fair on the guy sitting beside me if I projectile vomited all over him
.We made landfall at Cape Canaveral a short while later, and began our descent bang on cue. I was quite surprised that there were no thunderstorms over the central Florida area as in previous years, when we had to navigate several mighty-looking storm clouds, and endure many a bumpy approach. But not this time, as this was the smoothest approach I have encountered.
Twenty minutes later we hit the deck at OIA (not literally of course, as that would've been quite painful) on the furthest away runway. This was my first time using MCO, as previous visits to Florida have been through SFB. I pointed out to the guy next to me, that we were about to cross a busy runway with other aircraft taxiing and taking off - only to realise that the poor guy was a nervous flier and just wanted off the plane as soon as. Oops.
Parked up at Gate 81, and then it was off to immigration - everyone's favourite part of travelling to the USA! Luckily VS71 landed a good couple of hours or so before the LGW/MAN heavies, so there wasn't a massive queue. Cleared immigration in 5 minutes, and our bags were already on the carousel - UK airports take note!!! Cases in hand, it was upstairs and on to the monorail (felt as though I arrived at MK a little earlier than planned). Roughly 20 minutes after landing, I was outside the terminal - not bad going me thinks!
To conclude my rambling before I (and whoever may be reading this) loses the will to live, this was my first trip with VS - you could say I lost my Virgin Virginity (sounds like a cracking name for the next 330!) - and it was completely flawless, hence the 5-star ratings. Crew were excellent, food was delicious, seat was superb, and the JAM was in a whole league of its own
Regards,
GlasgowBoy
