This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Inevitably the drive was painless, a nice shiny Merc, an entertaining driver and great conversation of cars and iPhones. Took just 90minutes to deposit me at T3.
Quick check-in at the PE desks thanks to VS Ag. I had booked the extra legroom seats for an extra £30, good enough value that my company didn't argue. As those seats can't be selected online I was grateful they were able to move me from the window to my preferred centre aisle seat. I find that one less claustrophobic and more likely to have an empty seat alongside.
They also confirmed my clubhouse invite (Flying Co rocks!) but a polite inquiry to the guardian dragon confirmed that it didn't get me through the private security channel. Fortunately the regular lines were quiet, with scarcely a delay anyway. Skipped the duty free, and headed for the heavenly staircase to the discreetly signed 'Lounge H'.
After a quick boarding card check I was through and in to the lounge, much missed since my last visit a year ago. Following standard v-flyer protocol I went straight to the cowshed desk to inquire about a haircut. So efficient were they that I had to ask for time to drop my coat at the cloakroom before the scissors started cutting. One trim and wash later and I looked rather more stately for my meetings, helped by the grey starting to show through.
That left me with 3hours to kill (easy!) and dinner to find. The bistro was quiet so I ordered the Clubhouse Burger and a Ginger Top cocktail. The burger was outstanding, with a lovely crunch from the onion strings and a bit of bite from some chilli relish.
After a Pepsi to neutralise the alcohol a little, I moved up to the Grey Goose loft. Having last entered the clubhouse just before it was installed I was pleased to have e chance to experience it. The couple at the bar were enjoying their drinks, and I put myself at the mercy of the bartender. The result was something with grey goose, bourbon and more. Probably the first drink I've had that was assembled with such care, and so many pipettes and other apparatus. Very nice.
After some fresh air up in the garden it was time for another nibble (I really really wanted to dine in the clubhouse, rather than in economy!).
Settling in with a view of the airport I ordered the Katsu Chicken and a Goose & Berries cocktail. The chicken dish was amazing. Lovely crispy chicken in a tasty mild curry sauce. The staff were very quick to offer seconds as they also liked the dish, but with the kitchen a bit back logged due to a technical snafu I thought I'd give others the chance and passed.
Clubhouse pics: https://plus.google.com/photos/111785442710828744898/albums/5708362990651840321
Made it to the gate to join the tail end of the economy queue on the airbridge, so the call in the lounge was perfectly timed. Pushback was delayed by technical and catering issues. We were also delayed mid taxi by a missing passenger (never learnt if he actually was onboard) and switching runways. Takeoff was an hour late which we didn't make back in flight.
Once in the air the flight was pretty normal, if long. Passengers were well behaved, including the family (with young child) next to me. I was very glad I'd paid for the extra legroom, even if those around me had not.
As my first experience of the new economy service, I'll offer my take on it:
Menu (and other printed material): nice, modern
Welcome cocktail: fail, was offered but they had forgotten to mix a batch before bringing the trolleys out and found no cranberry had been loaded.
Main meal: Chicken stirfry with rice, hot and tasty but almost vegetarian.
Dessert: liked the larger Gu pots
Hot drinks: great to have hot chocolate and the new paper cups are much stronger and better insulated
New plastic cutlery: weird shapes but fun and functional
Trolleys: liked the draped red sheets down the sides
Icecream: missed it if it came round
Breakfast: good muffin, oaty yoghurt and juice. Skipped the dubious hot options.
Immigration was easy thanks to having access t the e-Channel gates, so I made it to the baggage claim ahead of most Upper Class passengers. Sadly priority baggage was working perfectly, and I had a long wait.
So for a flight where I'd deliberately decided to save my miles for future upgrades I think I had made the most of what Virgin could offer me in economy. The Clubhouse was as fabulous as ever, I just wish they'd buy faster planes.
How did that happen?
