V-Flyer

After a good two hour journey from Yorkshire to Kings Cross with East Coast where a nice hot breakfast was enjoyed served by a friendly crew - I was across London and arriving into Heathrow without any fuss going up the escalator to be met by the warm glow of the Virgin check in area.

I was greeted as I came through the automatic doors and escorted to the UC check in desk. The check in agent was ok, not the sparkle that I have experienced on recent flights but she did wish me a good flight and I was in the lift pretty quickly. I then joined the queue (yes, queue) for the private security channel and it did take me around 15mins to be processed. I was through into duty free for a quick look around, picked up some dollars and then was walking up the stairs to the Clubhouse...I was welcomed back and encouraged to make myself comfortable and enjoy....the CH was really quiet and the lunch service was just coming to life so booked a haircut for a couple of hrs later and then went to enjoy some lunch - chicken katsu and the roast chicken were both delicious. A grey goose promotion was running where I enjoyed a couple of refreshing cocktails with lunch, the grey goose loft doesn't open until 4pm so this was pre-mixed stuff but still pretty good. I finished with cheese and then went across for my haircut - a new stylist chatted as she cut and talked about the new spa and salon coming to JFK....just time afterwards for a redhead and some interesting tasting popcorn which the CH server was keen for me to try as it was new!!

I departed the CH on the first call after yet another successful visit - great attentive service, good food and drink and for me, the CH glow just doesn't fade

Departing from gate 16 only meant a 10min walk from the CH and no queue at the gate, so simply walked straight on through door B and into UC through L1. The CSS was at the door (though was not welcomed by name ) and I was soon making myself at home in 10A.

It took a few mins for the rest of the crew to swing into action but not long afterwards a tray of champagne, OJ and water was alongside me in 10A and a chilled glass of fizz was enjoyed.

The FSM was a CSS acting up with senior crew member acting up as CSS - though announcements from both were rather shaky everything else was fine.

With everyone settled and a total number on board confirmed at 165 with 15 crew did mean that even though UC and PE were very busy Y was not....

Push back happened at 1554 and then we were pulled forward to allow an arriving Virgin from Shanghai onto the next stand. A rather quick taxi and were were abirborne at 1611 with a flight time of 7hrs39mins promised.

Just a point here, no personal welcome from the crew member looking after my section which has never happened before to me but he was really friendly and attentive so maybe just an isolated blip

Seat belts were soon off and hot towels offered - v-port came to life and worked perfectly throughout. Drink orders were taken and a rather large G&T came along not long after with a choice of crisps or olives- refills and more crisps or olives were offered before dinner orders were taken.

At just before 1800 tables for dinner were laid and wine and water offered along with bread - I enjoyed the spicy soup with the warm bread and my glass was never empty as wine, water and bread were offered throughout the entire meal.

Having enjoyed the beef on my last few flights, I went for the Thai red curry which was delicious with just the right amount of heat. I finished off with the warm sticky toffee pudding, very nice indeed.

Cheese was offered but I declined though did accept a coffee which came with some lovely chocolates. I then settled down to watch a couple of films - the Tower Heist and 30minutes or less - both rather good in their own way. The crew were always in the cabin offering drinks and checking everyone was ok. I must have dozzed off as I woke to the tea-time selection been offered - so had the sandwiches and the scone which were not dry and went down with a couple of cups of hot tea.

Little plates of mini cakes were then brought around but I declined and settled down to some music before the seat belt signs came on and the cabin was organised for landing.

Hot towels to freshen up were offered before touch-down though no lovehearts

Touching down at 1855 local after a little holding we were on stand pretty quickly and into a very busy immigration hall. It took about 20mins to be processed which was not bad really considering how busy it could have been.

Another great experience with a good crew and a reliable service. Keep it coming please....

Thanks for the TR

With everyone settled and a total number on board confirmed at 165 with 15 crew did mean that even though UC and PE were very busy Y was not....

This does seem to be coming more commonplace these days - fat chance of getting soem good sale bargains then

Your final remark sums it up perfectly - all VS needs to do is be consistent

buns

Good to hear that you had another good flight and were well looked after, for the most part. Virgin has been taking good care of you! One of these days I'm going to get to try out that LHR Clubhouse!

Thank you for the great TR.

Sounds like you had an excellent round trip....