V-Flyer

After 10 days at the house in Barbados and way too much to eat, lots of rum and sitting in the sun....it was sadly time to think about returning back to Yorkshire

After a fantastic time in Barbados and some great food once again at Scarlet at Paynes Bay and Zaccios in Holetown and our new find - Mullins Restaurant we checked in online the evening before and secured seq 132 upwards.....

After saying our goodbyes we made the trip to the airport leaving the west coast just after 1500 in blazing sunshine. We were welcomed to the check in area and introduced to our check in agent- she was lovely, taking time to check everything was in order. A delay of 15mins was confirmed as the aircraft was late coming in from St Lucia.

Security was a breeze and I was buying some more rum in duty free rather too quickly.....

Up to the lounge which is the shared one at BGI - not a patch on a Clubhouse but it was air-conditioned to an extent and cold drinks and some sandwiches were enjoyed to see the BA 777 sit on the tarmac for 30mins after pushing back and people kicking the tyres

A further delay was announced at 1730 with a promise that a further announcement would be made in 35mins. That announcement never came but "Jersey Girl" finally turned up at 1757 and boarding commenced more or less straight away.

Priority boarding in operation and wished a good flight before the famous walk across the tarmac and up the stairs. The final blast of warm air as we were welcomed at the door and rather than handing over my boarding stub - handed the crew member a business card from "Scarlets" picked up the night before - she smiled and commented it looked rather nice before I found the boarding stub she needed before I could get on the aircraft...

Turned left at L1 and to my seat - champagne, sleep suits and newspapers were all offered and a refill of champagne was offered and accepted. The CSS came along and shook everyone's hand and handed across the menu, she also introduced the other crew member who would be working in UC.

The flight out had been fantastic so this flight was always going to have to be "up there" to meet expectations. The CC were functional (my new word) - they were friendly and helpful, attentive when needed but nothing really securing the "wow" factor. Things got off to such a positive start with the personal introductions, use of names but even though no AU recognition which has happened on my last few flights I was hopeful of a good flight.

As we settled it was a relief for the cabin doors to be finally closed as the air-con and the warm air were having one hell of a fight which prevented you from seeing the other side of the cabin

Push back was at 1838 with a flight time of 7hrs35mins promised and with 403 passengers on board with 17 crew, a rather busy flight.

The traditonal hot towels were offered after take-off closely followed by drink orders taken by the FSM who lacked any kind of enthusiam, she was functional but nothing more.

Drinks arrived with olives - when I asked if anything else was available as I cannot stand olives some pretzels were found and provided which was good. My drink glass was taken away without the offer of a refill and then 30mins after take-off the tables were laid for dinner.

I had the Yellow split pea soup with croutons, and the Jerk Chicken which to be honest was all rather bland. Wine and water were refilled and a further warm bread round was completed - the FSM was visible in UC throughout the flight which was good to see (just wish she had a little more about her)

Dessert of Cheesecake with Pineapple salsa was good - probably the highlight of the meal for me with my sweet tooth but others in my family found it solid and not very good.

The cheese trolley came through and I was presented with a pre-plated selection of cheese with the trolleyalongside me, that just didn't make any sense - I am sure just a time saving tactic but why have the trolley if you were going to bring it out with plates already filled...just seemed odd.

The whole dinner service was completed by 2015 and I know sleep is important on these overnight flights but it all seemed rather rushed. Though a perk, I did ask if I could take the new salt and pepper shaker and was told yes...so that is now sitting comfortably at home... I was still chatting with my Brother and Sister in-law when all the lights were turned out and I had to go and ask for another round of drinks

Made my bed up and can confirm that a new mattress topper is now on-board is much softer and thicker than the one it replaces - the pillows are also new so good to see and I think it did make a difference as I slept on/off for around two hours.

At 0500 the aircraft started shaking as we went through a rough patch of turbulence which also ensured the crew were told to take their seats. This continued on and off for the next two hours. Breakfast was served at 0600 and consisted of bagels with cream cheese, bacon rolls, cereals, fruit and juices.

The bacon rolls were hard and that sort of topped off the food on this flight, bland and not very exciting and I am not sure if it was because it was loaded in St Lucia or how it was prepared - but it seemed to lack care and attention. I have filed a report with Crawley towers as some drinks were not available as they had been "exhausted on the way out"

The seat worked well and was the highlight on the flight. The IFE is getting replaced as we know and that cannot come soon enough in my view. Though Nova worked well, the choice was limited and poor....well thankfully JAM is coming

Cabin secure and hot towels and lovehearts were offered and we touched down at 0720 arriving on stand at 0729 to be met by a large amount of Police, not sure what was happening but priority disembarkation worked well. Luggage picked up and quick journey to Victoria but then problems on the line northbound delayed us by 30mins....but home and dreaming of Barbados

In summary, yes we got from A to B safely - the seat was great as always and just what was needed on a overnight flight but the crew though off to a good start lacked a little "wow" but I am convinced that that down to the FSM who didn't inspire.

Jon

Thanks for another great trip report, you've been lucky lately with some good flights and crews but this one seemed to miss the mark. Hope your memories of the sunshine in Barbados and Scarlet (yum!)hold you through to the next holiday!
Julie

Thank you for the brace of excellent TRs

Your experience has clearly pointed to what Crawley Towers needs to address; consistency (not as if V-Flyer has never mentioned this )

The outbound crew is just the sort of experience I thoroughly enjoy and why I keep on going back to VS. Similarly, the edge can be quickly knocked off when you get a trip like your return

Must try that Business Card trick

buns

buns wrote:Your experience has clearly pointed to what Crawley Towers needs to address; consistency (not as if V-Flyer has never mentioned this )

buns

I also do not understand why VS don't take the opportunity of reading this fine forum !

Anyway Jon, a fine return TR - a shame about the service/food not being as per outbound - it is wonderful when you have an ultimate CC lead by a dynamic FSM, the only problem is when others to meet the same grade.
Thanks for posting