V-Flyer

After 2 excellent weeks at the Turtle Beach Resort (OK couple of days of rain thanks to Tropical Storm Issac ) it was time to use Virgins Check In Chill Out system. We turned up at the appointed time to be told we have no record of you

Having then shown them our E-Ticket, a quick call gave us our seats but no boarding passes. These would have to be picked up at the airport. Waved goodbye to the cases then spent the rest of the day around the resort.

At the designated time we turned up for the pick up to the airport. 45 mins later it turned up (Wife by now convinced that we were never going to get on the flight after earlier problem).

Arrived at the airport & then faced having to find someone at the Virgin desk who could issue the becessary passes. Judging from the queue at check in this wasn't going to be easy but then found a helpful member of staff who pointed us to a side desk

Once through security (smallest trays to put things in I have ever seen) it was then time to stock up at Duty Free. My other half said she wasn't bothered so took advantage to buy 2 lts of Mount Gay (the BEST) and get a small bottle free

We got a few more presents then onto the gate where Tubular Belle awaited. Damn no refurb but at least we got V Port

All boarded on time, busy again in all levels & captain confirms a flight timer of 7 & half hours. We must have got one hell of a tail wind

Settled in to watch a couple of movies (Battleship & Mission Impossible). Dinner was served which in my case was salard starter, Beef with Horseradish Sauce, Herb potatoes & Beans & Apple Crumble. Not bad at all.

At this point I had only had one drink & was looking for more but the crew seemed set on turning the lights off & disappearing

In fact I only saw them twice during the night, once to serve water (was given a funny look when asked for another beer) & once for the duty free trolley which came through when most of the plane was asleep (I can't sleep on a plane)

Woken a couple of hours before landing for breakfast. Now I have to point out here that my idea of breakfast is a couple of strong coffees & toast. To be presented with a cardboard box with melon, Blueberry Muffin and Blueberry Yoghurt was a shock. I couldn't help notice that not many people ate it. Blueberry is not exactly a common flavour

Landed at Gatwick at 5:30am & straight into a footrace for immigration & customs. As we had a very tried 8 year old we didn't go to quick but still amaged to get through it all within the hour. Quick transfer to the car then 3.5hrs to get home. Not bad with a breakfast stop.

All in all not to shabby but Virgin need to look at the menus once the refurbs are complete.

I was on Tubular Belle on Tuesday 21/08/12. We were served the same meals but I didn't settle in very well to the aircraft because we had a lot of servere turbulence along the way and we flew through Hurricane Isaac!! (When it was a storm)

Thanks for the TR

Reports from the Economy Cabin are always welcome as we all should never forget that how most of us started flying

Hopefully the Turtle Beach was as good as we were there a few years back, although the Chill Check In and collection would have had Mrs Buns and I mega worried, so glad that you eventually got to the airport

I agree that a simple breakfast would be ideal for all cabins - a little difficult of course to satisfy every taste, but simple would be the way to go

Thanks once again

buns