VS007 LHR-LAX 2 SEP 12 (Economy)
Posted: 05 Sep 2012, 15:33This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
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I dutifully completed online check-in at T-Minus 24, however I only managed to bag SEQ 4, despite having completed check-in by 11.31 - Someone was extremely quick off the mark!
As I was travelling to LHR from Coventry I set my alarm for 2AM as I like to have plenty of time to get ready. In any case, I had two bottles of Red Bull to see me through the journey.
At about 7AM I arrived at an almost empty T3 and dropped off my bag with a polite but dis-interested chap and, after making a brief stop at TravelEx to pick up my dollars, I headed through security, and through to the No. 1 Lounge. This was my first time in this lounge, and although it's nowhere near as luxurious as the VS Clubhouse, is perfectly reasonable for the price paid, and would take it over the main T3 Departure Lounge any day.
At 10.15 I checked the boards and made my way to Gate 20, where Tubular Belle was waiting for me, which was a relief as for the last 5 years, I've been stalked by Tinker Bell. By the time I got to the gate the flight was already boarding, so I made my way straight onto the aircraft and got settled in my seat, 61C.
After a brief introduction from the flight deck, push-back was on time, and we were soon in the air, although as we took off the passenger next to me was saying a prayer, which was un-nerving
This was my first flight with VS since the new economy service, and I was interested to compare to previous experiences, however I was a little disappointed. Positives, first of all, I did like the main meal being served straight away, and the dessert being served seperately, however there was no drinks service at all until after the meal, by which time I was parched.
The welcome cocktail was nice, however I got a disapproving look from the crew serving when she asked if I wanted it with alcohol, and I responded a little enthusiastically!
In all fairness, I was going on holiday and was the only alcoholic drink I had on the flight 
V-Port behaved itself almost perfectly throughout the flight, I heard a passenger a few rows away ask to have theirs reset but apart from that no problems. I watched American Pie the Reunion, and Project X, saving 21 Jump Street and Man On A Ledge for my return flight.
Although there were 3 drinks runs throughout the flight, I found this to be too few, so will be stocking up on water for my return. The finger sandwiches and cupcake were delicious, big thumbs up from me for those
We approached L.A from the north, and got great views of the Hollywood sign and Downtown before swinging round 180degrees to line up for landing. Landing was on 24R, as usual, and was so soft I didn't know we'd landed until the thrust reversers came on - Well done Cap'n!!
As we taxied to the gate a couple of passengers got up, earning themselves a reprimand from the crew, and then again when the engines were switched off, but we still had to be towed onto the stand, although the flight deck didn't announce this beforehand as they usually do.
Sadly I saw the Air France A380 at the gate ahead of us, so I knew getting through immigration would take ages, and indeed it was - We were sent to a holding area until the main immigration queues cleared enough, so from getting off the plane to clearing customs took over 90 minutes.
It was a busy flight, with 361 passengers. Overall, the cabin crew were OK, nothing special, but no complaints, apart from the scolding I got over the welcome drink, and despite having a great time in LA, I'm looking forward to my return trip.
