VS076 MCO-MAN 26 NOV 11 (Premium Economy)
Posted: 03 Dec 2011, 16:31This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
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The night before my flight home arrived I got organised and tried to check in online only to be told the system was down and would reopen again at 0530 on 1st March 2011!!!
So checked in the morning of my flight and secured seq 39 - at least better than my outbound flight
So off to MCO from the Gulf coast leaving around 130pm - at least it was dry and traffic was not too bad. Arrived at MCO just after 3pm and with being AU went and checked in at the UC desk area across from the main VS check in area - I was welcomed warmly and addressed by name and processed quickly. I tried to change from seat 21D which I had been in since I booked but was not too keen on being the middle section - so asked about any spare seats in the two's and was told all were full and then asked about row 18 and again was told that was allocated - the flight was actually oversold so I stuck with what I had. I was provided with a lounge pass for the Delta lounge and was on my way - the old silver UC tags still in use at MCO!!
Through security quickly and was in the Delta lounge by 345pm. The flight was not due to board until 5pm and I had been told already it was from gate 94 a new gate for VS (they were trying out it I was told!) - one of the old Air Tran gates who have moved across to the Southwest airside terminal.
A couple of G&Ts were enjoyed - I like the Delta lounge it does have a served bar but they are generous and its large enough to cope and to also tuck yourself into a corner when you are trying not to be recognised
The lounge also had cheese, biscuits, some salad items and sweet treats which included this particular day bags of popcorn - a couple ended up in my bag!!
I made my way down at 515pm as no boarding call had been made. Boarding had not commenced at all and didn't do so until 530pm, the crew were late arriving by all accounts. When boarding did commence it was PE and AU card holders - I was wished a great flight and was in the airbridge where we all waited for 10mins as the crew were not fully ready - we got moving and I was greeted warmly (ok have to accept will never be welcomed by name again at the door!) as this didn't happen.
Now my reservations about the A333 middle seats quickly went as having travelled in various seats in the two's on the A333s I actually found the legroom and width more than in the two's - so was comfortable quickly. Though PE was full I never once touched arms with my neighbour
Newspapers were offered and a glass of sparkling wine was offered too - it really isn't champagne so why say it is....
It took a while for everyone to get settled -missed the locker above my head as the middle seats don't have them but no major isuses, found a slot or two for my bags across the aisle and all was good.
The seat and the area around me was clean with the PE blanket and pillow on the seat and a bottle of water in the seat pocket.
Push back at 1814 a few mins late and no welcome from the captain - we were on our way on Beauty Queen.. A total of 319 passengers and 13 crew were confirmed, a flight time of 7hrs 46mins was advised by the FSM.
Airborne at 1830 and the FSM welcomed everyone on board - this was a busy flight but with 5 CC in PE I just knew this was going to be a good flight. Hot towels were quickly provided but no menu's (not loaded at MAN due to a printing issue so we were told) and then amenity kits were provided, I really like the PE kit.
Drinks were offered and Bombay sapphire put in an appearance along with some other UC stock (the CSS explained it was a trial to upgrade the PE experience) not sure if it is or not but the glasses were well filled with gin, ice and lime and everything was looking good - drinks were served with a little bag of pretzels. It must also be said that I was addressed by name throughout but the crew member recognised me and had clearly checked the pasenger list - but a lovely touch and I told her so.
The drinks service provided by the CSS one side (my side) and the FSM the other - the FSM was visible in PE all flight long. Refills were provided to those that asked and then dinner was provided.
Dinner was enjoyed - chick pea salad which was nice, warm bread and I had the chicken curry filled pockets which came with rice and vegetables - very tasty though kebabs were expected from the menu Tinks had posted. The CSS did explain it was a slightly changed menu from last week whe she had been on the route, so maybe feedback on the kebabs has forced a change??
I was offered wine with my meal and this was well cooled and I think it is betetr served in these little bottles - the CSS placed another one on dry-ice for me for later too - she even offered a refill of my G&T - very good service indeed. The water glass was filled and refilled too.
Dsssert of panna cotta trifle with amaretto crumb was sweet and satisfying. The cheese and biscuits were enjoyed with hot chocolate which was offered twice along with tea/coffee.
Main meal service out of the way and it was lights out and everyone settled down. Throughout the flight, every 30mins or so the crew were in the cabin with water and juice. Now I have spoken highly in my previous TRs about JAM as the IFE offering on the A333s - I cannot speak highly enough about it, over 50 movies to choose from, fully on-demand and a massive step up from V-port - never failed once and the selection of programmes and music is tremendous - the best.
The washrooms were all in use (including those at the front) and all had cowshed products in them -a nice touch. The crew did communciate a couple of times through JAM (on-screen messages) to close window shades and to use the real washrooms during the main meal service - which is innovative in iself.
At 0545 the mood lighting was switched on and hot towels offered. Then breakfast began with juice, tea/coffee and either a full English or Cheese Omelette - I had the Full English which was tasty. The meal rounded off with a peice of fruit from the basket - regular refuills of tea/coffee too.
As were touching down at 0715 the cabin was secured by 0650 and the crew advised to take their seats - the captain never spoke to us until we were on the ground and then probably because he really needed to!!
A very windy approach to runway 23R had the wings flapping about outside had me convinced we would be doing a go-around but we made it with the hardest landing I have ever had and as we came to an halt on the runway - the captain was on apologising for the "hard landing" but said the wind on the approach had been far stronger than expected...
Taxied in and the FSM could not complete her landing message due to laughing, not sure what all that was about but the CSS finished off the message
Pulled up at Gate 202 - PE were allowed priority and off through the UK border without any fuss. Bags through quickly and that must be a first for MAN....
I was in the arrivals hall at 0733 having arrived at the gate at 0718...a record.
A great end to a great trip - super attentive crew and once again reaffirmed my loyalty to VS and that they do have a good solid PE product - when they get it right, they really get it right...well done. A thank you email has been sent to compliment the crew.
A super job by the FSM,CSS and CC - a VS success story 