This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Arrived at the airport early, straight to the PE check in. Overall, the check in area was quiet, but there was a large queue for PE, so was called over to the Upper Class desk. Bags dropped and dealt with by a very friendly agent, who was efficient and talkative. Advised we had fast track security access and off we went.
Security was very quiet, my wife had her bag checked and was a little disappointed that they didn't even ask if it was ok to go into her bag, they just started rummaging through, much to her annoyance! The guy didn't even speak as he was doing it, just carried on. No biggie and when he realised we didn't have anything we shouldn't, we were through, all in all, in about 3 minutes.
Looking forward to our usual champagne and smoked salmon breakfast in the Prunier House bar, but when we got through, it was no longer.. As part of the refurb of the terminal, much of the shops and restaurants were closed, giving the terminal a very tight and busy feel. We decided we would try a lounge, so went up to the Virgin Holidays and they wouldn't let us in, as reserved for Virgin Holiday bookings only (They have absolutely nothing to do with Virgin Atlantic you know...)
In all fairness, it looked full of kids, so wasn't overly bothered. Thought we would try the Number one lounge, which was £25 per person and as we had about 2 hours before our flight, thought it was worth it. I know a lot of you on here use the clubhouse and its probably nothing compared to this, but it was ok in here. Clean, half decent food, Belvedere Vodka, Bombay Gin, table service and great views of the runway. Not too bad at all, but imagine the Clubhouse to be far better.
After 3/4 drinks and a bacon sandwich, followed by some of the lunch buffet, it was time to head to the gate, where English Rose was waiting for us. Bit of a queue to get on the plane, welcomed at the door and directed upstairs. As i've mentioned, we like this area and quickly settled into our seat for a glass of sparkling wine.
The very talkative pilot talked us through the route on detail like never before, he must have spent a good 5 minutes explaining the route, what we would fly over and I thought this was great. We were then advised of a delay, as two of the toilets had to be replaced, which would take about 45 minutes. No problem really, I thought I would head up the back and get another drink and relax. It was cool on there and we had plenty of space. No problem, until the Pilot invited every child on the plane to come into the cockpit and take a look!! I couldn't believe my ears, as literally within 30 seconds, there was a huge queue, which stretched back throughout the whole of the PE cabin and must have carried on through downstairs....
Nice touch for the kids I suppose, but didn't appreciate the crowd I had to get through to get my second drink! Toliets fixed and even after 45 minutes, there ware children still queueing...I have to say though, the Pilot kept us informed when he said he would about the problem and couldn't fault that.
445 passengers on board and a flight time of 8 hours 15 minutes. Served a drink, had a G&T, requested one more and no problem.
In my view, this is where Virgin still let themselves down and that is the food. One, lack of choice and secondly, the poor quality. When they reached us (in row 77), they only had one option, no vegetarian, no beef, just the chicken, which I have to say, was awful. The member of crew advised us it was lovely and the mustard mash was the best she had tasted. I am sorry, it was dreadful. Far too much mustard, very heavy and the chicken was rubbery and tasteless. Not good and not impressed only having one option, something which has happened before and doesn't seem to improve. The rest of the flight went by, had a few more drinks and helped ourselves to the regularly replenised soft drinks at the back of the cabin. I asked the member of crew if they still came around and offered the baileys and brandy, as it had been a good hour after the main course had been cleared away. She had forgot and rushed off to get it done, bringing me a huge baileys! I don't normally drink baileys or brandy, but somehow, having it bought around makes me want one! She seemed embarrassed she forgot to do it and made light of it, no problem.
Offered a cheese and onion sandwich, which I declined and just had a coffee. I have to say, the crew were good throughout the whole flight and I was impressed. Smooth landing into Orlando and off the plane quickly and into immigration, which even though we were the first off, weren't too far behind the Lufthansa 747, so it took a good hour to get through. Bags off as we got through and into the car hire facility to pick up our car.
Overall thoughts, a very good flight, crew good, seat good, didn't use the entertainment, but know what that is all about from previous flights. Food continues to disappoint though.
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