V-Flyer

Aircraft = Emmeline Heaney (Thanks to a previous posting by HoneyLamb who informed me of this!)

I achieved SEQ 12 though not bothered. I might have got an earlier number if I had had my passport handy for APIS.

My seat (10A) was as per my initial 'request' when I booked the ticket 2 1/2 weeks before. There were only a few other seats I could have moved to at OLCI but I was happy with my original choice.

I arrived at JFK just before 21:00 after an hours drive from my hotel next to the WTC. Well done to the driver for finding the hotel as it's in the middle of a black hole access wise. Though it did help that Carmel Limo had it listed in their database.

I was met at check-in area by a very nice non-dragon who asked which class I was flying in and pointed me in the UC direction even though I had no evidence I was flying UC - I only had my passport not being able to find the e-ticket print out). She wished me a pleasant flight.

I had to wait a few minutes as both desks were occupied. The assistant at 'my' desk called me over at which point a woman loudly accused me of cutting in. I pointed out there were two queues - one per desk. she chuntered on so I let her push in front of me but not without my commenting 'don't get snippy with me dear' but which of course was lost on her.

Mind the check in agent she had seemed to be a bit of a grump so I think she got what she deserved!

Anyway the assistant at what was now 'my' desk was lovely - she was very friendly and welcoming and asked if I had enjoyed my stay in NYC etc as she checked my details and printed out the BP etc and wrote the invitation to the CH. She pointed me in the direction of the CH with a 'goodbye and have a great flight'

I made my way to the CH where was I welcomed back but that was quickly turned into an apology when I said it my first time plus 'well we hope you will be back soon'! I obviously look like one of their regulars!

I found a place to sit in the fairly empty CH (benefit of being on the last flight out and the previous departure having gone) and a server soon approached with a menu so I ordered the CH Burger and a champers.

The champers was soon brought and as I was getting my laptop out she told me the new password - much easier than the one listed in the menu.

I had no problems with speed as I was only on here, face book, and checking emails.

The CH Burger was very nice (though I only ate the meat and cheese!). The rosemary fries were delicious - I should have asked for seconds!



I went for a wander to duty free (not where the staff said it was (i.e. under neath the CH) as it was closed for refurbishment but I found the other one next to the security check point. Not much on offer though or in the other shops though so I returned to the welcoming arms of the CH.

I ordered some cheese (no blue as per my request) plus a Cosmo.



I thought this was appropriate plus I needed a drink to accompany the cheese!



I noticed a few things about the CH

- the staff were excellent - friendly and attentive but not over poweringly so

- all those flat wooden surfaces and who dusted them?

- it was not as noisy as others have mentioned but that could have been due to the late hour. (The flight was at 23.15 rather than 22.15 due to the UK clock change)

- there was water/drinks in the fridges but as this was pre-security not possible to take any on board.

I went to board on first call but security was not good. I was in the priority lane for passport check but was held up because two sets of (non VS) flight crew had chosen that moment to go through as well. The passport checking guy was a surly so and so.

The TSA agents were ok with one repeatedly shouting instructions so everyone was clear about belts / shoes etc but of course there are always some who think those rules apply to everyone but themselves.

That ordeal over it was a long walk to the gate. I went straight through the priority boarding lane only to be held up on the jet way, firstly by someone trying to help themselves to a bag of DF (not sure how they hoped to get away with that!) and then by the queue at the door.

No personal welcome on board but directed to my seat. Grabbed the space in the overhead (which is tbh why I went on first call) and was approached by CC to welcome me on board and to ask if I wanted a drink.

I changed into my 'heart pants' which were again admired. The CC handing out the ninja suits offered me one, saw my hearts then said 'oh your already sorted!'

As I was changing a certain bear decided to enjoy MY pre departure drink and a look at the menu.



Dinner and post take off drink orders were also taken.

Knowing the horror stories of JFK taxi-ing it was was a relief that it was only about 20 mins from leaving the gate to take-off and we were promised a 6 hour flight time.

My pre ordered GnT made an appearance almost as soon as we reached altitude and initially service seemed to be concentrated on those having the quick supper options so I enjoyed my GnT and The Simpsons before my meal arrived.

The suite was clean so the hot towel was not used to wipe it down. In fact Emmeline looked very clean and fresh.

I had the short rib. was fine if a little tough.



I thought this was a baked potato but it turned out to be a bread roll! Note sure the wooden tray adds anything to the service and in fact just took up room!


Service at all times was with a smile and sense of fun (despite the late hour) and all the CC worked together. There was a member of CC (I assume on staff travel) two seats down from me and whilst the CC stopped to say hello etc it was not to the detriment of other pax.

For dessert I had the cheese and some port. After a second port and a coffee I turned the bed over and settled down to watch a film which I soon fell asleep too.

I slept for 3 hours which was unusual for me on a flight and woke just before the 45 mins to landing announcement so that meant time to get changed and to grab a coffee and a banana.

I think we approached LHR from the west as I don't remember flying over central London. Landing was smooth followed by a fairly long taxi to T3.

It was a long walk to immigration but it got the legs moving. The arrivals hall has changed since the last time I was at T3 (two years ago) with the UK/EU lines closer to the entry. I used the new e-gates and was through very quickly.

By the time I got through that and a diversion to wash my hands and then collect a luggage trolley the baggage was making its way through. I think mine must have been in the 2nd bin behind the crew bags and a goodly number of other cases before there was a short gap then another set appeared.

I did not use revivals.

Overall an excellent flight. A great CC and the FSM was visible too which is a good thing.

Tonty

Thanks for an excellent TR, enhanced by the snaps

I do think your on board companions were taking a chance in guzzling down your champs Not only the possibility of incurring your wrath, but also coming to the notice of the CC who could have off loaded them through being unfit to fly

I still think the JFK Clubhouse location does not do VS any favours, but it is good to learn that something has been done about the wifi. I am sure the Cosmo was up to Mrs B's standards

Thanks once again

buns

Fantastic TR Tonty, very pleased to hear of a good experience.

The pictures are great and really add to the TR.

I like the new wooden plate for the "jacket potato" lol.

Thank you for the great TR and pics TB.

Thanks TB - sounds like a really good flight.

I totally understand how one can confuse a jacket potatoe and a bread roll!!! - easily done!

And, a 20 minute taxi time - what a result.

Thanks for the TR Tonty, the pics always add that bit extra.

I can almost see a caption from Beary saying: "Wot! Just one glass of champers for two of us - you must be joking!"

I've never thought that the pretzel roll resembled a baked potato until seeing your photo!

Tinkerbelle wrote:I've never thought that the pretzel roll resembled a baked potato until seeing your photo!

It still doesn't to me. Tonty just had more to drink than is being admitted to I think

Epic TR