V-Flyer

I'd booked my usual New Year jaunt via Virgin Holidays back in Janurary. Originally I'd booked to go toCuba, but after speaking to various people and the more I thought about it, I changed my mind and managed to change my booking to Washington instead. I'm sure Cuba is nice but I've never been a huge fan of the Caribbean after having a bad experience in BGI many years ago.

As the VS21 departs at 11:30 from LHR, I did my usual fly down from MAN the day before and overnight in a LHR hotel. The BA flight was the usual, although, we did have quite a heavy landing. The captain did apologise and said that wasn't one of his best landings!

My LHR hotel of choice is now the LHR Sofitel linked to T5. I was welcomed back by the check-in staff and was given a room upgrade at the same time The Sofitel is a short walk from T5 arrivals and unlike the T4 Hilton, you don't have to walk down a cold draughty tunnel to get to it

The following morning, my alarm woke me at 6am, after a quick shower and a brew I left the hotel and made my way to T3 via the free HEX transfer from T5 to the central station area where it's then only a short walk up to T3 departures.

By this time is was about 7am and VS check-in was not busy. Headed to Upper Class check-in where I was warmly welcomed and my 19K PE seat was changed to row 18 (bulk head row) without any fuss.

Made my way up to the CH and I was again warmly welcomed. I headed straight to the Spa reception to book a much needed hair cut which was booked for me for 08:30.

Breakfast was next on the agenda which was very nice. The WiFi in the CH is no longer operated by T-Mobile and it was a little better than previously but as the CH filled up, the WiFi bandwidth got smaller as I could hear several pax moaning about it.

Service was good the whole time i was in the CH even during busy periods. Having checked V-Flyer, I was pleased to see that G-VSUN was operating todays service to IAD so V:Port

The VS21 was called at 10:30 so I gathered my belongings and slowly made my way down to the gate. I'd timed it just right as by the time I reached the gate only a few pax where left still boarding. 2 jet bridges where also in operation

I was welcomed on board by name and I was soon settling into my seat. Premium was less than half full with only 2 other bulk head seats occupied. No-one sat next to me either which is always a bonus meaning I could spread out even more.

Pre-departure drinks where soon offered and before long the doors where closed and we where ready to push back on-time. A few minutes later we where airborne and on our way to Washington. Todays flight to IAD would be 8 hrs 40 mins. The FSM did their usual announcements which also included mentioning an aerobics session to be held in the rear galley by the Economy/Premium Economy CSS. I presume he was joking about this, although I never actually checked!!!

Drinks where offered along with menus. I'm not sure if this is a new part of the Premium Economy meal service, but dinner orders where then taken personally by the crew (very much like they do in Upper) before the meal itself was dished out. Every pax was greeted by name as well whilst the crew took the meal orders. This is a great addition to the Premium service if it is new

The choices where the usual chicken, beef or pasta. I opted for the beef which was very nice actually. The main meal tray was handed out in the usual way then the hot dish was delivered by hand.

During the flight I watched a couple of TV programs/films. Duty free was offered later on in the flight by the CSS. Whilst taking my order I had a nice chat with him about things to do and see in Washington. Not sure if this was because he knew I was AU or not. Either way, the CSS and the other senior crew member working in Premium were faultless the entire flight. Nothing was ever too much double for any of the crew during today's flight

About 90 minutes before landing, the afternoon tea service was offered which a sandwich with a scone and jam/clotted cream with tea or coffee.

Several drinks rounds where offered during the flight along with the fruit bowl service. I had a quick wander down the back and economy looked pretty full. Not sure about Upper but that didn't look full. I think there where something like 191 pax on todays flight.

Before long the crew where securing the cabin for our approach into IAD. We touched down at 15:20 local time and I was glad to see this time immigration lines where moving much quicker. I was through in about 30 minutes. Much better than the 2.5hrs it took last time i arrived at IAD last year!!

Bags where already coming off and before long I was outside the terminal booking my Washington Flyer ticket.

All in all another fantastic VS flight I've done 8 VS flights this year and all 8 have been faultless (6 in J and 2 in W).

Sounds like a great flight! Interesting to read about the meal service. Hope this is the new PE service.

Great TR James, sounds like a very good flight, and VS's best asset, the crew, performing faultlessly .

Excellent TR. Sounds ideal - CH, PE + space, excellent service and V-Port....

Good to read such a positive TR - I'm a fan of the Sofitel too

at240 wrote:Sounds like a great flight! Interesting to read about the meal service. Hope this is the new PE service.

There is no new PE service. I can only assume the service was done like this due to the cabin only being half full.

Fantastic TR James, many thanks for posting.

Have a great time in Washington.

Cal

If you fancy a nice hotel bar, Off The Record, at the Hay Adams just behind the White House does some lovely cocktails.

Thanks Locutus, staying at the W so not very far from there.

No worries. It has free wifi too. I can't remember the name of the bar maid, but she made some great drinks for me. I always like to go off menu and see what the bar staff can come up with.

Did you have to use one of the mobile lounges to get to the immegration terminal or have they gone now?

So what did you do in DC?

tontybear wrote:So what did you do in DC?

Jayz, tonty! The lad has only been there for less than 24 hours! Give him a chance!

James, a lovely trip report as always. When they get it right there's no-one to beat VS

tontybear wrote:Did you have to use one of the mobile lounges to get to the immegration terminal or have they gone now?

Not long ago, the lounges were still in use on arrival but on departure you can walk through the tunnel or take the train.

Yep, those mobile lounges are still in use for arrivals. The trick to them is get in them as soon as you can, hold your ground and plant yourself as close as possible to the entrance/exit door.

As Tinkerbelle mentioned, you no longer use them for departures and I always get lost when taking the train when departing IAD!!!! I never end up coming up into the right part of the departure lounge.

This is my third (or maybe forth trip to Washington). So far, I've just done the free tour of the US Capital Building (which I pre-booked online, although you can also just walk up). It's well worth a visit and it's free

James

Thank you for your usual high standard of TR - packed with detail

Hope you have a fantastic time in Washington and Happy New Year

buns

James, many thanks for the TR, good to hear about the great service and the (off-piste) meal service.
Getting 18A/C is a result, and one I always ask for, but never get. It looks like the answer is:
a) get to check in 4.5 hours early and
b) select a half empty flight
Easier said than done

Enjoy you time in Washington

Thanks for your trip report. Hoping to upgrade to PE on the same flight on 4 Jan. Look forward to it. I notice VS is using an A340-300 on the route, ("Rainbow Lady"), which now has V-Port in all cabins. Hopefully, I will get the same plane.

mitchja wrote:
This is my third (or maybe forth trip to Washington). So far, I've just done the free tour of the US Capital Building (which I pre-booked online, although you can also just walk up). It's well worth a visit and it's free

When I went to DC and did the tour I got the ticket from a tent in in grounds.

I'll have to go back and have a look at the $1bn visitor centre now its open

I agree an interesting tour

Thank you for the great TR.