This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Last day in NY - so took the luggage to the Amtrak luggage storage in Penn Station (easiest to access in that warren by entering from the surface 8th Ave/ 31st street entrance its immediately on your right behind you as you get to the first level down). With a NJT ticket they store bags for $5.50 - tho I had been told by others in the station that they "no longer store bags" - don't believe em! Only downside is they are very picky on weight limits - had to repack a 54lb bag down to 50 - and one case was so far over ended up buying another suitcase in the Penn Stn KMart. At least we wouldn't have discussions at check in about baggage weights!
Afternoon sightseeing complete picked up the bags at 6 to join the rush hour scrum for the train to EWR - tricky bit dragging two cases down a short non-functioning escalator - but got bags stowed and seats secured.
Air train at EWR altogether more civilised, and after a bit of hunting around found VS check-in. Short queue in PE - and after a few minutes one of the agents from Economy called us over to her desk - bags tagged and off they went - flight confirmed as very full as I did ask about getting a "two" further back - no dice. Security lines short, then it was on for a quick spot of duty free and a pint if Sam Adams before boarding.
UC/PE/AU boarded first, with a couple who tried it on sent back to join the rest. Lady Penelope looking fine inside - apart from the signage/storage buns you wouldn't know she was the oldest bird in the fleet. I had wondered about the location of 30H/K - but turned out well - minimal disturbance from the gallery, and it feels more private. I did notice quite a difference with the 747 vs the much more usual 346 however - quite a bit noisier and also a bit draughty. Welcome shampoo and refills duly served, then we were off for an ontime departure. Love the PE amenity packs - those little bags will prove popular with neces. Hot towels, menus and headphones swiftly followed, then straight to meal service - perfectly good smoked salmon starter, with choice of beef stew or stir fried chicken with rice plus a veggie option for main - all nicely served in china. Orville & Wilbur are alive and well and now appearing in PE! Tea/Coffee, followed by Brandy/Baileys completed the service. Not for the first time Virgin have consistently delivered in PE.
6hr flight neither use nor ornament - so I decided to watch a movie - tho my first choice -Bourne - unwatchable as it kept skipping - but enjoyed Batman. Doze for an hour before breakfast served - quite good "full English" - scrambled eggs, bacon & sausage - but bizarrely given knife & spoon but no fork to eat it with. Stacked for 20 minutes at Heathrow - but still landed 10 mins ahead of schedule. Bags arrived within 5 minutes of getting to belt.
Overall another excellent PE experience - only to read in the FT, that Delta might buy SQ's Virgin stake. One of my Queen Mary travelling companions, whose airline had been taken over by Delta had no kind words for them "it's the plantation mentality - we know best, don't you worry your silly little heads".
