V-Flyer

After a fantastic seven night cruise we decided rather than fly from Miami back to Heathrow and then transfer, we would drive to Orlando (as we had several hours to spare) and then take the later direct flight home.

I had originally booked economy seats as we flew out in Upper. However we managed to get an upgrade to PE for £189 which I was prepared to pay for the 'extras'. The check in agents were friendly and took time with my friend as he was having trouble with his card, he had forgotten to tell his credit card company that he was going to America!

I found the security and transfer to the gate at Orlando to be slightly strange. A woman was moaning her way through security so everybody could hear; there's always one! We boarded the transit to the gate area, bought some duty free and then sat near to gate 83 and watched the other Virgin flights depart for Glasgow, Gatwick and the earlier Manchester flight. The BA flight to Gatwick had been delayed for several hours.

Boarding was easy, on the second call after UC and gold members. It was my surprise that we were upstairs, I had always wanted to go upstairs, it somehow wasn't how I imagined. I also forgot that it would be the old fit, however I managed quite a good sleep during the flight.

Glass of sparkling wine came round, then safety demo and cabin checks. It was at this point that I realised the nice gentleman next to me stunk of BO, I was trying hard to breathe through my mouth only to avoid the smell whilst deciding how I could make a move to another seat!

Being sat in 79 HK and 80H we were the last to be served and therefore it was limited to chicken in a sweet chilli sauce with rice or gnocchi with a cream sauce. I opted for the chicken however the combination of caesar salad, then the chinese chicken followed by what was supposed to be a chocolate mousse, and then cheese was just disgusting. It was like a trip around the culinary world! I have never had a meal like it, the first time I have felt sick on a flight. I think there was a beef option that I was hoping to go for but it proved to popular.

Unsurprisingly my IFE was not working properly, yet again. I never seem to be in luck. On the last three consecutive flights, my IFE has never worked. However this gave me an opportunity to move to another seat. The old loop system kept cracking up, so I resorted to watching something on the iPad before faling asleep. Does anyone else experience problems with the IFE.

I woke about 2 hours before landing, with breakfast being served about 30 minutes later. Full english breakfast and a coffee was good, I would say it was the best meal on the flight, which I dont know whether it should be?!

Landing was incredibly smooth and taxing took about 10 minutes. Fourth off the plane and straight through border control. They had roped all the lanes up ready for the queues coming from behind and therefore we had to walk for ages around all the barriers, which provided a good stretch for the legs. By the time we had made it through the bags were coming through onto the belt and then onto the car park. It was the shortest time I have ever spent at border control in the UK.

Last but not least, the crew were fantastic, as I have always experienced. When my dad didn't like the meal options left, the attendant happily went a got him a fruit plate from UC which was kind of her.

Overall an OK flight, but the food needs sorting. I suppose now I have flown UC on my previous flight it will be hard to compare! Now I have to decide where to go next; Barbados or Hong Kong?

Thanks for the TR £189 seems a decent price for the upgrade in space and comfort - was the economy cabin full?

WRT the food - it is hit and miss at the moment but my last couple in Y have been good - the previous to/from HKG were very suspect

Thank you for the TR.

Thanks for the TR - food apart an enjoyable flight it seems.