V-Flyer

After a chilled relaxing week it was all too soon to think about leaving the gulf coast for home. After another delicious breakfast at Kopper Kitchen in St Petersburg, a quick walk along the beach at Treasure Island it was time to head across to Orlando.

Leaving the Gulf area at around 1pm left plenty of time for my flight at 7pm. A drive across I-4 in and out of showers was pretty uneventful and an arrival at Orlando airport around 315pm left me time to play with.

Up the very long escalator (floridaflygirl take note! ) and I was soon at the check in area which was petty busy but with 4 VA flights not much of a surprise. I was directed to the next available desk and having checked in online and secured SEQ 15 I really just needed to drop off my bag. The check in agent was friendly and helpful, UC tagged my bag and providing a lounge invite - she wished me a great flight and I was on my way.

A quick stop by Chik fil-a and I was suitably filled though why they don't offer the chicken strips and the heavenly milkshakes at the airport outlet I just don't understand

I joined the security line at about 420pm and this was long, it took over 20mins to get through - seemed worst than normal and a bit disorganised.

As I was through and about the board the shuttle the heavens opened with a huge bang of thunder which set up three hours of heavy rain and a thunderstorm that simply would not move from above the airport (more on that shortly) but I headed up to the Delta sky lounge which was busy, I managed to grab the only spare seat I think. It quickly was establshed that a ground delay was in place and the ramps were closed, meaning aircraft were now starting to queue up around the airport on the taxiways. This continued for sometime.

After two generous gin and tonic's with the good old T stuff and by now it was 6pm, I checked in at the lounge desk who confirmed a 2-hour delay on the ground but that flights were boarding as normal and hoping for the best!!

I made my way down to gate 83 where a small queue was forming, boarding commenced at 620pm so all looking good - how wrong!

I was greeted at the door after priority boarding in operation and turned left. I was seated quickly and made myself comfortable - a round of sparkling wine, juice or water was offered and amenity kits offered along with bottles of water.

At 7pm the captain announced that we would be delayed due to the weather which was actually starting to improve at this time. He stated we needed an extra 10tonnes of fuel and because of the thunderstorm, all ground oeprations had been suspended but were now back up and running.

Newspapers were handed out as were menu's for the flight.

At 725pm after having had the pre-flight glasses collected without the offer of a top-up the captain was back with us confirming that it should only be another 10mins and we will be on our way - at 8pm we started to push back into a busy apron - the VS28 just beating us to be the first one out.

A total of 269 passengers were confirmed and PE was about half-full on Beauty Queen.

A flight time of 7hrs43mins was promised with a few lumps and bumps after take-off. After a slow taxi, we did take off at 823pm - 1hr23mins late but understandable with the weather.

Once airborne it was bumpy for the first 30mins. The FSM (another CSS acting up) welcomed everyone and introduced the crew including a dedicated CSS for PE and economy.

The acting FSM seemed to lack confidence as she stumbled with the announcements throughout and though was visible in PE she was quiet and didn't really inspire.

A drinks run was offered and a generous gin and tonic was enjoyed with a little bag of pretzels. Dinner of salad (two tomatoes and three small leaves with a mini grilled chunk of courgette) was enjoyed, followed by Lamb curry which was tasty and a lovely peach crumble type thing. Cheese and biscuits and two small bottles of wine were enjoyed, thought the wine was a tad warm . The crew member serving my side was smiling throughout.

Tea/coffee and the usual baileys and brandy run were offered - then it was lights out. I settled in with the excellent JAM which is very impressive and again no technical issues which is so refreshing

The front washroom was in use throughout and had cowshed products in it, a lovely touch.

Regular juice/water runs through the night until 1hrs15mins from Manchester where a full english breakfast was offered or a mushroom and cheese omelette, this came with juice and a couple of tea/coffee runs and an item from the fruit basket.

The seat-belts only came on once during the flight and after a uneventful arrival into Manchester at 0901 on runway23R we had a short wait for our stand, whilst the Singapore Boeing 773 moved out of the way for us so we could get onto Gate 206.

We just had time for one more unprofessional annoucement from the acting FSM who wanted to laugh all the way through it....

It was raining and a busy journey back on the M62 across to Horbury had me coming through the door at around 1115am unpacking and thinking about my next trip.......

In summary, another great experience on the A333 - JAM is great, the crew were friendly (except the FSM who was rather uninspiring)and would not hesitate from booking the A333 again.

Thanks for reading.

Jon

mmmmm chick-fil-a.....mmmm

LOL sorry back to the TR...

Thanks for another great TR Jon, glad you eventually got away after the slight delays.

Not too impressed with the acting up CSS Supervisor, fingers crossed someone will provide her with feedback!

i have to confess to havin had chick fil a on tuesday and wednesday and thursday !!

Thanks for posting that return TR so quickly

I have done that journey along I4 so many times now that I really ought to know where the alternatives should be in the event of it getting really snarled up

Mrs Buns and I continue to opt for McCoy's in the hotel prior to taking the shuttle as it does give that air of serenity in an otherwise frenetic airport

What I would like to learn from you is what the seating was like on the return flight when the propensity is for folks to go into ultra recline from the moment the plane takes off until it lands back in he UK??

Thanks once again

buns

Hi Buns - to be honest it wasn't much of a problem. The lady in front did recline but after the meal and I reclined too, so it worked well.

McCoys is a good hang-out too to escape the madness that is MCO - now how do I go about setting up a chik fil-a franchise in the UK!

Luke/flabound

Chik-fil-a sauce and honey roasted BBQ sauce - hmmmmmmm

Oh, the peach milkshakes are back for the summer too......

Thanks for the TR - looking forward to my A330 flight next year.

That is a really long escalator (will send you the pics I promise!). Sounds like another good flight, so glad they took good care of you!

Can't wait to hear about your next trip!

Julie x

Thank you for the great return TR.

Thanks for the TR. I am considering the A330. Wish they'd make up their minds about the front washrooms !

horburyflyer wrote:
Up the very long escalator (floridaflygirl take note! ) and I was soon at the check in area which was petty busy but with 4 VA flights not much of a surprise.

I know the escalator you are referring to!