V-Flyer

Was using airmiles to get back to California, but couldn't get a direct flight, so thought I'd check out Chicago.

Stayed at the Arora the night before, which is a very reasonable hotel up on the Bath Rd, and got a taxi round to T3.

Easy check in, straight through security and straight up the spiral staircase. In fact I think I set a new personal record, from my taxi picking me up to being in the Clubhouse with a V Redhead, 12 mins.

Had the usual full English, some champers and a few pain chocolat, and all the staff were great. I hadn't been in the clubhouse for nearly a year having been travelling around the world, but most of the staff were the same, must say something about it being not just a great place to wait in, but to work in too.

Boarding was a doddle, with an excellent crew getting everyone settled and watered with a relaxed friendly vibe.

Took off on time with a hilarious running commentary from a 4 year old girl, who made far more noise than her 1 year old sister, who i feared was going to be a bawler, but didnt make a peep all flight.

Took a bit too long for drinks to appear on my side, a little frustrating to see the other aisles happily swigging champers but not a crew member in sight on my aisle. Probably a 15 minute wait.

The crew took the meal orders before take off (a first for me as they always do it after on the Ca routes) and dinner arrived in a smooth effortless fashion, and was actually very good, the best on Virgin Atlantic I'd had this year, still not as good as V Australia, and nowhere near Emirates First, but not bad.

went to the bar and there was an excellent group of 6 or 7 of us from all walks of life that spent a very jolly 4 hours getting to know each other

Went back to my seat for an hours kip before afternoon tea, which as always was a little stale, but again was provided with charm

landed a little early and was away into Chicago, I did find it funny that the first 7 people off the plane and through immigration were the same 7 at the bar, guess some people just live a little faster!

All in all a very pleasant flight with a great crew .

Great TR, thank you for taking the time to post.

12 minutes is fantastic from hotel to CH! Result!

Luke

Nice to see that some are finally considering ORD as a better layover than JFK, MCO, or EWR! Glad you enjoyed your time on a fantastic bird!

Thanks for the TR, there've been a few good ones to ORD this year, shame it is not an all year route for VS. Good to see a positive note on the food too, returning from JFK two weeks ago I had an excellent meal on the 46.

Now that VX flies into ORD, I'd consider it a great place to stop on a tour.

Thank you for the great TR.