V-Flyer

I took my 17 yo son for his yearly trip to Orlando to visit the parks (I don't know what I'll do when he decides he is too old for this - who can i take then?) last week. As a treat I booked UC LHR to MIA on points and booked the return from Newark to LHR paid economy. In the run up to the trip I was a bit anxious about downgrading, based on the recent posts here - I checked the seats nearly every day. When Online check-in opened I tried to check in - and got the message that they could not check me in and that I should check-in at the airport. Panic... A call to reservations suggested that online checkin was down - or that a security check was involved(!). Thankfully 2 hours later it turned out to be an IT problem.
We checked in about 8:00 for the Midday flight. I hadn't told my son we were travelling UC and this came as a great surprise. I managed breakfast, a pre-flight hair trim (which I needed!) and a Mojito. My son really enjoyed the experience (as did his dad although not my 1st time).
We tried to board at the 1st call - this was a mistake as the Priority line was nearly as bad as the economy one - made worse by several important people who tried to go to the head of the priorty line because they had "Upper Class" tickets

On board the flight I have to admit that Cosmic Girls suites were looking very tired. Although clean, the outside fabric was very stained and the vents behind the suites were very corroded. Everything was great until my Gluten Free meal didn't arrive (no I'm not the Op who was nearly poisioned by and eclair..). As with seat checking I had repeadedly checked my meal preference - but something had gone awry. However the crew were excellent and provided a plate with some ham, leaves, cheese and fruit. After the flight I checked the online meal request for the return - it had vanished. I re-requested my GF meal - several days later it had vanished again. Luckily I re-requested it again the day before my economy return and I got that one.

Back to the flight. The rest of the flight was grand - apart from one thing. After 3 hours I decided a wee G&T would be nice. I went to the bar an there was no-one manning it - it hadn't even been set up. I waited for about 10 minutes (mostly out of curiosity) for some crew but no-one appeared. I eventually went back to my seat and used the call bell. I got my drink and an explanation that the bar wasn't set up in case there was turbulance??? I rather suspect a reduced crew level might have been the issue, but surely the bar is supposed to be an UC selling point, especially on a day flight?

All in all a good experience - the kid was so chuffed just to sit in his big seat with his noise reducing headphones.

Have to start saving again...

P.S we waited 1.5 hours to get through immigration at MIA and we were about 3rd in the VS passenger queue

Great TR, glad to hear UC was a nice surprise for your son.

A shame about the bar, I've not heard of that reason before and during turbulance in the past i've never experienced it not set up.

MIA immigration strikes again!

That is poor for the cc not to set up the bar and particularly poor form of the so called fsm who didn't make sure of its preparation!

On a different note I would love to suprise someone with uc, except my wife of course who still doesn't realise there are cabins behind uc that are not suites.

Great tr

Alex

Alex V wrote:On a different note I would love to suprise someone with uc, except my wife of course who still doesn't realise there are cabins behind uc that are not suites.

LOL time to book a couple of tickets on the A333!

On our last 2 UC flights to MIA the bar was not set up or manned. In fact it had racks of glasses on the bar that didn't leave any room.

Glad you and your son enjoyed the rest of the flight.

Odd that VS often seem to use the bar for food preparation / not have it set up, whereas other airlines are starting to introduce bars / lounge areas. Maybe VS is trying to be a "trend setter" by removing / shutting its bar

Thank you for the TR.