V-Flyer

Our long awaited trip to Florida was upon us and started off with Twilight check-in which was empty and we were  seen straight away. Check in lady was friendly and efficient and we were on our way in 5 minutes.

We stayed at the Hilton which I thought was a good price at £249 for family room and 16 days valet parking.  Up early as it was my daughters birthday and a slow leisurely start to the day. The valet parking people were kind enough to keep my car at the terminal overnight so I could put my daughters birthday presents in the car instead of taking them on holiday.

Twilight check in was a god send along with staying over the night before. I found the Hilton rooms adequate but they didn't set the world on fire. The Hilton was very handy for the valet parking and access to the terminal so all things considered it was a good move staying there.

Straight to security after checking out the Hilton and through the premium security area which was empty and fast, we we were through in less than 5 minutes.

Call for boarding came at 09:55, we waited it out until 10:20 before going to the boarding gate which wasn't busy as boarding had already  commenced. Obligatory plane photo taken and we sat it out again until we needed to get on board. Travelling with 3 kids and sitting on a plane is a pain so minimal sitting down/boredom time is for the best.

No real welcome on board  just told to turn left, first impressions were good for the PE section on the Madmoiselle rouge and luckily a bit of space was left for our hand luggage.

Take off 10 mins late due to some passengers being stuck in a lift.

Usual hot towels, drinks and pretzels given out and the IFE was started after 45 minutes. The inflight entertainment was really good and the kids found it really easy to use which helped keep them entertained on the 9 hour flight.

Lunch was the usual chicken, beef or pasta, I had the chicken which was ok. My children's meals weren't loaded, although booked with virgin. The FSM apologised and took my details to ensure we receive them on the return leg.

My mother had decided to order my daughter some presents and cupcakes as a surprise for her birthday which were delivered by 4 members of the cabin crew and the captain ( I couldn't believe that either) who all rather gracefully burst into a rendition of happy birthday. I told my mother that there was no way on gods green earth they would sing happy birthday but I was happily proved wrong.

Lots of drink runs and the crew couldn't do enough for you.

A smooth descent into a sunny and dry Orlando and we warned by the captain that a BA plane was just in front of us so we should hot foot it to immigration. The FSM addressed me by name when leaving the plane and wished me a pleasant holiday.

Immigration took circa 30 minutes but it could have been worse.

Another excellent flight with Virgin.

Thanks for the enlightening TR

I do have to agree that Gatwick has transformed the security process beyond recognition with the new Premium Lanes being swift and spacious.

Top Marks for VS for going the extra mile for your daughter's birthday

buns

Aw glad you had such a good trip and the crew went the extra mile with your daughter

Great stuff from the CC Pretty ace that the pilot found time to come out as well! Thanks for posting

Petmadness wrote:Great stuff from the CC Pretty ace that the pilot found time to come out as well! Thanks for posting

Another vote for that view!

Edited to add: It occurs to me that we now have the Crooning Captain to add to the Poetic Pilot.

pjh wrote:

Petmadness wrote:Great stuff from the CC Pretty ace that the pilot found time to come out as well! Thanks for posting

Another vote for that view!

Me too! Heck, I would have been well chuffed!