V-Flyer

Just a quick trip report. I apologise first for any mistakes as I'm writing this on my phone during the flight.

Arrived at Manchester Airport T2 Long Stay Car Park just after 10.30am. Prepaid my parking online but at the car park barrier, the machine didn't recognised my credit card for entry . So I have to sort it out on my return to the UK. The car park shuttle bus arrived quickly and less than 5mins arrived into T2.

Walked into the terminal and went upstairs to the check-in area and was fairly empty and walked straight up to PE check-in/bag drop . Already done OLCI and managed SEQ 3 & 4. Boarding passes issued and seats 76A & C in the bubble.

Took the escalator up to security and I'm sure the security area is much more technologically advanced than LHR. I guess I set the metal detector off and automatically got diverted to this machine which I presume could be one of those that take naked pictures of you. I have to stand in front of this machine with my hands up to my temple and that was it. Before leaving security I have to take my shoes off. I like this whole automated system .

Did a little duty free shopping and headed to the Escape Lounge. I have pre-booked the lounge and arrived into the lounge after 11.30am. The lounge is small and compact, only about 40 seats. Drinks inc alcohol, croissants, sandwiches, nuts, crisps were available. Spent an hour in there but generally would probably prefer to spend the time in the departure lounge instead.

Headed to gate 206 at around 12.30pm and G-VROS was waiting. Boarding not quite ready just yet and I can see VS was dishing out upgrades to a few people. At around 12.45pm boarding started with priority boarding.

Went upstairs to a very spacious bubble, can't believe how much space and wide the aisle is. Plenty of legroom but found the seat width a bit tight and actually prefer the width of economy . A welcome onboard drink was quickly offered. PE amenity kit, blanket, pillow, menu and bottled water were all set up on the seat. Push back was on time and took off at 2pm exactly. The flight is pretty full with only 1 empty seat in the bubble and downstairs is probably 85-90% full.

Drinks service was provided before lunch was served. On the menu for main course are chicken breast in herb butter, beef chilli or mushroom pasta ravioli. The meal was definitely presented much better than economy. After dinner liquor was served.

Got the Nova system with 11 movie channels and 6 Virgin channels plus audio. Really missing AVOD on V:Port. The system worked well on me. Only had 1 channel out of action for the whole plane.

Haagen Dazs chocolate or Livingston's vanilla caramel ice cream was served about half way through the flight .

Approximately 1.5hrs before landing light snacks were served. These included egg and cress sandwich or tuna sandwich both accompanied by a currant and chocolate cookie. A tray of fruit also appeared above the stairs.

No drinks run during the flight apart from meal times. Water and juice is available just above stairs.

Landed into MCO from the south at 5.15pm so arrived early. Pulled up at the gate with G-VAST to the left and G-VSXY to the right. Downstairs Upper Class and Premium Economy disembarked first before upstairs PE. Empty immigration hall and only 5 mins. Can see the queue building up behind me. Had to wait for baggage which took another 15mins. Hopped on to the train and arrievd into the main building. Picked up the hire car and away I went by 6.15pm.

All in all a very good flight. Think once I have sat upstairs I don't want to sit downstairs again .

Great TR, thanks for posting so swiftly following your flight.

Sounds like a really good experience, well done on the low SEQ numbers too!

Have a great time in Orlando!

Thanks for the TR have to agree with the bubble.Enjoy your break in Orlando

Thanks for the TR - yes, the VS planes that fly out of Gatwick and Manchester are long overdue for an overhaul, but the PE Cabin in the bubble does take a lot of beating. Let us hope that PE remains up there

Enjoy Florida

buns

buns wrote: but the PE Cabin in the bubble does take a lot of beating. Let us hope that PE remains up there

Enjoy Florida

buns

Great TR, thanks sky.

Have to agree with you and buns about PE in the bubble. Let's hope it does stay here after the refit - we're on VS73 on 8 May - fingers crossed.

Thanks for the Trip Report - that will be me in a few weeks, including the Escape Lounge which I really like. It's good that you disembarked before the scrum of economy as it makes all the difference in the car-hire as well as immigration. Enjoy your trip!!

Katie

Brill TR, thank you very much, always like to read everyone elses experiences.

Agree about the lovely bubble, if I can't be in Upper Class, then I have to be PE in the bubble , can't stand Economy any more.

Have a fabulous time out there, just come back from Florida and find myself feeling Oh Soooooo jealous.

thelaceys

Plenty of legroom but found the seat width a bit tight and actually prefer the width of economy


So which does actually have more width between the armrests PE or Economy

Great TR. Your right, if it can't be Upper, the upstairs in Premium is next best.

Enjoy sunny Florida, its a great evening at the moment

David

Thanks for doing such a good trip report. We are travelling on Sept 23rd in PE on the same route as yourself. Enjoy your trip!!

Thanks all. It was a lovely day today spent my time in SeaWorld.

graham49 wrote:So which does actually have more width between the armrests PE or Economy

It's more to do with the fixed armrests on the PE seats which the physical space is fixed. Where as the majority of the economy seats have movable armrests and there are more physical space under the armrests making it feel wider.

Brilliant TR thanks, we were at Manchester watching your take off from the viewing area, lovely to see the bird in flight! Have a brill time - stay safe.

Thank you for the great TR.

Thanks for an enjoyable TR. I hope someone is reading all our comments about the bubble and how much better it is for PE. How great to have an empty immigration hall.
Enjoy your stay.

graham49 wrote:Plenty of legroom but found the seat width a bit tight and actually prefer the width of economy

Good trip report and must agree with your comment about the seat width.I do find economy seating better than in the bubble. Am hoping the cost of an upgrade to UC might be available at a reasonable price when we join you in a few weeks time
Have a great time.

Great report. Will do upper one day when new refit has been done. Manchester moves much quicker in security now i think. Love 747 bubble, but 333 premium is soooooooo nice with jam. Enoy our hols.