VS010 JFK-LHR 27 MAY 13 (Premium Economy)

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

Return flight from a short trip to NYC in PE after using the AMEX upgrade vouchers. Very pleasantly surprised by the changes at T4 JFK. The whole set up is far more airy. I did wonder where the PE check-in was though as the signs weren't visible from the direction of the AirTrain. These desks are at the entrance end of the row, perpendicular to the rest of the desks. You shouldn't have any issue if you arrive by car or CDC.

The check-in agent was rather distracted when checking me in as she had to take a phone call (I think she was the supervisor). She did eventually apologise and luckily there was a colleague nearby who could point me in the right direction.

The new security area felt light and the process efficient. It was very quiet at 1945 so it may be different earlier in the day. It has a feel similar to that of T5 at LHR - and with the grumpy staff still! Airside is now much bigger as the concourses are no longer separate. New shops are opening and it is all change for the better

The flight itself was pretty uneventful. The flight left on time, the food was good (Beef Provencale) and the service efficient. The PE cabin was full and the crew very attentive without being too intrusive.

I mentioned in my previous TR that I found the legroom slightly less on the A333 than the A343 in PE. This will only bother you if you are over 6'. It is only a couple of inches difference caused by a solid black divider under the seat in front on the A333. This divider was on all the centre seats and certainly didn't appear to be a conventional IFE box.

I had just developed a head cold making the descent an uncomfortable prospect. The crew were happy to provide me with a napkin soaked in a little of Olbas Oil (which they carry on most flights btw) and this helped no end. The guy next to me was suffering too so it soon got passed around! Another example of great service from the crew

Arrival was swift (though I was bemused by the pilot's surprise at a ten minute delay into LHR at 1000?!) The immigration hall was quiet and my bag one of the first off.

Overall another very good Virgin flight and I'm greatly looking forward to the next one.

Thanks for the TR. That Olbas really is a lifesaver.