V-Flyer

Let me start off by apologising for the incredible tardiness of my trip reports. I honestly thought I’d written them up when I got back. To be honest, I was wondering why I’d had no replies!

This is my first ever trip report so bear with me.

So where to start… the trip was mainly to visit my brother in San Diego but I’d also been wanting to go Comic Con for years so I figured I could combine the visit, throw in a couple of days in Hollywood and I couldn’t wait to get going.

Before this flight the last time I’d been on a plane was for a holiday in Turkey as a kid so I really had no idea what to expect. One thing I remember from those flights (on good old Monarch) was that my knees were resting against the seat in front so using that as a (reasonable, I think) excuse I decided to book myself in PE there and back.

I was a little concerned about the online check-in because I was out and about the day before my flight but using the VS app on my phone was a doddle and I got SEQ 8 which from what I’ve read around the forum I think is quite reasonable. I was even able to choose a different seat using the app, I originally requested 22C I think but I saw that 37C was available so I snagged it.

Check-in at Heathrow was smooth and efficient, I was ready and waiting more or less as it opened so I was first over to the PE desk and the lady on the other side was friendly. I was quite nervous about going through security but my fears were unfounded and the whole process was very quick.

Now I’d heard the terminals at Heathrow described as shopping centres with a few aeroplanes parked outside but I didn’t realise that the description was entirely accurate, Terminal 3 is insane! Being incredibly lucky though the awesome Ben was flying out the same morning and he invited me into the clubhouse. Wow! That place is amazing. Ben gave me a tour around the various areas and I can see why people rave about the place. So thanks a million Ben, I think I’d have gone a bit crazy out in the terminal.

A couple of lovely vodkas later my flight was called and since I didn’t know the process at all I decided to get going promptly. The queue for the gate was a little chaotic but after a short while a security man walked along the line asking for any UC and PE passengers then he escorted a small group of us to a different and thankfully much shorter line. I managed to spy ‘Mustang Sally’ on the plane walking past the windows.
I was very happy with my seat at the back on the 744, I prefer not having anyone sat behind me. Had a nice glass of orange juice shortly after I sat down then the announcement came that there would be a slight delay, it turned out to only be half an hour so it wasn’t too bad.

As for the flight itself it was very good, V-Port, though a little slow, kept me entertained and the food was good, despite some things running out before they reached us at the back, besides there were various things brought round throughout the flight so I certainly didn’t go hungry.

Part way though the flight one of the crew came over and asked if I was a V-Flyer member it was nice to have a quick chat with him and he even brought over some treats from UC. I don’t think I’m meant to name names on here so he shall remain anonymous! Just before landing a basket of Love Hearts was brought round which was a really nice touch.

Getting through customs at LAX took about an hour which I don’t think was too bad and my case was waiting neatly placed along next to the conveyor belt by the time I got through.
I think I’ve rambled on long enough for this post so I’ll save some details about the holiday until my return report though I will say that I spent my first night at the Sheraton Gateway near the airport and I was very impressed, I’d highly recommend it.

Hey great first tr! Glad you had a food flight. Look forward to the return leg:)

Congrats on your First TR

Don't worry about being Tardy, there are a few esteemed regulars, who never get round to it

Glad you were able to experience one of the benefits of V-Flyer through the ever so kind Ben

buns

Thanks for the TR.

How did the CC know you were a v-flyer?

I'm guessing that he's a member on here too and he'd seen my itinerary

James! wrote: guessing that he's a member on here too and he'd seen my itinerary

Big Brother is watching.

A great TR The first one is always the hardest to write...so I can see why it took so long

Sounds like a decent experience all round and the recognition of V-Flyer status is epic

I forgot to mention that Ben had left my name with the Clubhouse gatekeeper but when I arrived the lady couldn't find it so she just scribbled 'guest' on my boarding pass and waved me through... makes me wonder how easy it would be to blag my way in in future. Not that I would ever do that sort of thing.

buns wrote:Congrats on your First TR

Don't worry about being Tardy, there are a few esteemed regulars, who never get round to it

Glad you were able to experience one of the benefits of V-Flyer through the ever so kind Ben

buns

Yes, buns, there are a few, aren't there? Some V-Fers who go to NYC and MCO for quick trips with their wives

Great to read of your experience.

honey lamb wrote:

buns wrote:Congrats on your First TR

Don't worry about being Tardy, there are a few esteemed regulars, who never get round to it

Glad you were able to experience one of the benefits of V-Flyer through the ever so kind Ben

buns

Yes, buns, there are a few, aren't there? Some V-Fers who go to NYC and MCO for quick trips with their wives

Now now HL

HL

I was of course referring to some members who live up on the North East Coast

As for me, well I sometimes think my TRs get a little boring with undertaking the same route so often, hence I tend to comment only when there are factors that are worth sharing with others

I promise to do better in the future

buns

buns wrote:HL

I was of course referring to some members who live up on the North East Coast

buns

I wasn't!

Great TR and glad you had such a good flight.