V-Flyer

So, after a fantastic week in Vancouver (highly recommended, I would definitely suggest a visit), it was back to YVR on the Skytrain for the return flight. My other half was flying back on the earlier BA flight so once they'd checked in and gone through security, I wandered back to the check in area and was pleasantly surprised to find check in/ bag drop open already. Wandering to the PE queue, the member of ground staff who was close to the desk quickly rushed back to assist me. As a general comment, it really seemed that the ground staff were hot on customer service, particularly given that this is a new route. There were plenty of staff around to assist passengers, which was good.

Quickly through security, I wandered around for a bit (YVR airport is a beautiful airport, much more passenger friendly and a pleasant environment than any other airport that I've been to, with waterfalls and vegetation). African Queen was already in (not V:Port but then I wasn't too worried as I intended to sleep for much of the journey back).

The boarding process was a bit chaotic to be fair. We were quite late boarding - although announcements were given with sincere apologies - excellent customer service. They forgot to include PE within the priority boarding announcement - I thought there would be a separate announcement after UC boarded but this was not to be. They then called for everyone else to board - admittedly this may have been as they were running late but they did have plenty of ground staff around. A manager was hovering and I spoke to her about why PE hadn't been called to board. She was lovely - she said that it had been called but I definitely didn't hear it. Nevertheless, she was extremely helpful and personally scanned by boarding card and took me through - telling me about the new route and how it was going. She really was fantastic and a real credit to the company.

So after boarding, it was time for pre flight drinks (yum!). The captain apologised for the slight delay - apparently due to a problem with the external route planning system in the UK (which I understand delayed a lot of flights on Saturday) but we were not delayed significantly and swiftly made our way to take off with a predicted flight time of just over 8.5 hours - clearly the winds were favourable! Surprisingly, I didn't have anyone sat next to me on the return flight so it was space all round!

Once in the air and despite a little turbulence to start with, hot towels were passed round, followed very quickly by the meal service. The food was a little disappointing it has to be said. A slightly lame salad with croutons which seemed to be stale, chewy bread. The main was ok- chicken in gravy with red potatoes and veg and dessert was an odd apple crumble - which was essentially apple cake with a slightly sugary coating. Not like the school dinner apple crumble with custard! Cheese and biscuits were a welcome addition, as was the wine. Yum.

Whilst a number of the crew members seemed very smiley and friendly, there were a couple which seemed to not want to be there and were slightly snooty - more becoming of BA than VS! For example, instead of asking for the blinds to be put down, she just waved her hand in a general downwards direction, which was a little unfriendly.

Post dinner hot chocolate, with a dash of baileys which was kindly added at my request to help me sleep was swiftly delivered, followed by another baileys when they came round with the drinks. This definitely did help me sleep! The lights were quickly dimmed thereafter. After finishing watching a film and reading the paper, it was time for sleep - and never have I slept so well on a plane! About 4 hours later, I awoke with about 2 hours until landing.

The crew were good by allowing people as much time as possible to sleep, with the lights coming on and breakfast being served about an hour before landing - just as we were coming into British airspace. The English breakfast was pretty standard, although welcome after a few hours asleep.

After a while held in stack around LHR, we came in over the city, doing a turn around Greenwich and coming in down the river, with some amazing views of the city. Quickly onwards to the gate, I then made my way to passport control - and I walked straight to a desk without a queue which was excellent and very surprising! The bags were off shortly thereafter and it was about 20/25 minutes between touch down and getting onto a tube, which was very impressive.

All in all, a good flight, although there was some room for improvement. Here's to my next flight with VS!!

Thanks for a useful TR

Obviously the new Ground Crew are going out of their way to make the route successful - long may that continue

Another for the VS meal offering, VS need to try harder if you ask me

buns

Thanks for a great return TR! I have to ask though, was there a particular reason for travelling seperately? I know your other half works for BA but would you still not have just booked on the same flight?

Thanks very much

I know your other half works for BA but would you still not have just booked on the same flight?

I think that's stubbornness on both of our parts!! You should hear some of the discussions we have about the relevant merits of VS versus BA! I'm a huge VS fan and they are rather fond of BA (and the cheap staff rates!). Plus we live in different places in London so no need to go home together. We both end up content with our flights that way.

Great TR which highlighted some opportunities for improvement Sounds like the whole experience was decent enough for you to look forward to travelling VS again
Looking forward to booking this route for July next year..hoping for some reward seats