V-Flyer

Well after weeks of planning, my week long trip to the Gulf coast was here. Only a few hiccups along the way such as Virgin changing my flights without good reason and then changed them back for me, leaving me to think was it a sign....

But having had to work to the wire on the Thursday evening this was a trip I needed to be organised for, so packing all done a few days in advance. I was up with the lark and on my way to Manchester from lovely sunny Horbury just after 6am. The journey was painless, well my brother was doing the driving. A quick drop off and I was walking up to the check in desks at Terminal 2 at 0715.

I was not greeted, just looked at and when I confirmed I was travelling PE the security guy sort of perked up and guided me to an empty desk. the check in agents (swissport in a Virgin uniform) was just ok, no bells and whistles and I had to remind her I needed a lounge invite - she provided it confirming I was the only AU on the flight so not sure why she overlooked the invite!

Through fasttrack and no problems at all, very straightforward. A little duty free shopping and stopping to look for a book it was then time to head to the Escape lounge. I was greeted warmly and escorted to the dedicated "business section" - that is section to the right of reception and across the hall. I think the other section is for people paying for lounge access but could be wrong? As it was breakfast, the usual - hot drinks, juices, bakery basket and so on - a bite to eat and time for a quick hello on v-flyer was completed. I was told boarding would begin at 0945 which seemed early and it was, it didn't actually begin until 1020.

I went down to Gate 212 and priority boarding was in place, I was in my seat quickly after turning left and was greeted warmly (though not by name) - PE was full but the cabin crew member serving my side came along and introduced herself (a nice touch) and offered juice, bucks fizz or sparkling wine. A bottle of water and an amenity kit were in the seat pocket with a blanket and pillow on the seat.

The flight was solid, 310 passengers so boarding did take a little while though a second sparkling wine was offered and accepted. Push back was at 1101 with a slow taxi to runway 23R for a take-off at 1125 behind a Lufthansa A320, Bmi ER145 and a couple of Onur Air A321s

The captain had welcomed us with lots of information about the flight and confirmed a flight time of 8hrs48mins on Mademoiselle Rouge.

First impressions of the cabin were positive, the seat was comfortable and as someone who has travelled on the A346s from LHR the cabin didn't feel cramped to me though agree it's not the bubble.

Once airborne the FSM introduced herself (she was acting up from CSS) and confirmed a dedicated CSS for PE and one for Economy.

Hot towels soon followed and then the first drinks run, a large gin and tonic arrived and a little bag of pretzels. At 1225 with the in flight entertainment up and running (which is fab) lunch was served. I enjoyed the pasta salad, Roasted chicken breast, passion fruit mousse and cheese and biscuits. The drinks trolley came through with the food so wine and water offered and a second bottle of wine offered a little later too - served nicely cool

The FSM was very visible throughout the flight in PE helping with meals and drinks.

JAM is fantastic, a great touchscreen and some great choices a real step up from v-port so very welcome indeed and it never failed once!!

Some people around me had been provided with 747 headphones rather than A330 but these were quickly exchanged. Regular juice/water runs throughout.

The front washroom in use throughout the flight and the one at the rear of PE also highlighted as exclusive PE use - both had cowshed products in them, a nice touch.

A very southerly route did mean ocean all the way until we flew across Bermuda. As always, ice-cream was served too(earl grey clotted cream!) which was rather tasty.

About an hour from Orlando a tuna sandwich with a cookie was served with two rounds of tea/coffee - the FSM stopped by and asked if I would like another cookie, I said yes and she returned a short while later with a little bag with a few cookies inside. I didn't get a special welcome for been the only AU onboard but I do believe that was her way of letting me know that she knew I was onboard.

Arrived into Orlando at 1505 in pouring rain. A goodbye at the door from the FSM asking when I would be returning and I was off to begin my Florida break.

In summary - a great flight, uneventful and a friendly crew. The A330 is super IMHO and though its not the bubble I found the seat comfortable and the service quite personalised - JAM is fantastic.

Jon

Great TR, sounds like the minor 333 issues have been resolved!! Glad the toilet situation was sorted.

Good positive TR once you got past the check-in. Good also to know from a regular LHR flier that the PE cabin on the A333 is the same ... guess for those used to 747s it's just to different?

Thanks for the grea TR, cookies for being the only AU on board, yum!

horburyflyer wrote:The front washroom in use throughout the flight and the one at the rear of PE also highlighted as exclusive PE use - both had cowshed products in them, a nice touch.

Jon

Thanks for the great TR, Jon. I agree, the new IFE knocks V-port into a cocked hat. Sounds like the rumblings about washrooms (staffers reading v-flyer? ) have been taken to heart. Shame about the rain on landing - bet it soon disappeared though.

Indeed, the rain soon passed and then not a single drop all week until back at Orlando yesterday for my flight home which caused chaos - TR following shortly.

I think the washroom situation is hopefully resolved as it wasn't an issue last night either....

Thanks for the TR Jon. JAM sounds good by all reports. It would be nice to see it rolled our over the whole fleet. I guess that will take some time ..... and money

Thanks for a positive 330 report. I was getting a little worried that all that investment in new a/c was just a waste.

cheers
Iain

Certainly not a waste Iain - really enjoyed the experience.

Thanks for the TR

Shame that a really positive experience was marred (with potential long term implications) by the indifference of the Ground Staff I fully appreciate that the function is contracted out to Swissport, but it is those first moments that are so crucial in getting the passenger in the right frame of mind and securing that repeat business.

Good that the on board service confirmed your continuing loyalty with VS

buns

I did think that Servisair had won the contract to provide ground handling to VA at Manchester....but no sign of that yet.

Thank you for the great TR.

Thanks for the positive 330 report. I guess I will have to take the plunge !