VS3041 LHR-MAN 28 JUL 13 (Economy)

This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin

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Everyone will know I have taken a fair few LR flights since its launch, in fact I have just taken my 30th flight since 31 March 2013 jetting to and from Manchester with LR.

I am a huge fan and have got to know some of the crew well. However, this particular flight is worthy of a TR because not everything came together as it should.

I am pretty convinced it is an isolated blip as I have taken two flights with LR since this particular one and everything was back to how it should be....so I arrived into security in T1 having made my own way from revivals.

I did visit the servisair lounge only to collect a quick drink and check out flightradar24 and there I found out the flight was delayed by 20mins which I didn't believe as I could see the aircraft had not yet left Manchester and it was already 0820.

Anyway Tartan Lassie did leave Manchester but got caught up in the hold and finally landed around 0930 so leaving at 0950 was just not going to happen but no new information was forthcoming....

Anyway boarding commenced at 10am, no priority boarding in place but I was past caring and along with the other 72 passengers boarded. The greeting was not overly friendly which is unusual and I felt the delay was already taking its toll

Pushback was at 1015 so pretty quick to be fair and we were airborne at 1032.... No apology for the delay either which again is just unusual

A flight time of 35mins was promised and the service began but was painfully slow, I only managed to secure a drink as we commenced our decent and from 17,000ft the arrival would be not far away. The crew were rushed, seemed frustrated, some passengers were frustrated and the normal smiles and friendly service were just not on show.

I had decided that on leaving I would provide some feedback to the senior crew member but after touchdown at 1105 we were quickly on the gate but a situation arose where it as clear some passengers would not get their luggage and they were asked to remain seated to be provided with more information.

So I left, no goodbye from the crew which has never happened before and thankfully my bag was quickly off and I was on my way.

Blizzare sums up this flight for sure and thankfully seems to have been an isolated blip as I say.......

Jon

Sounds like a thoroughly disappointing experience and nowhere near up to the normal high standards you've come to expect from Little Red Jon.

Priority boarding does seem very hit and miss at LHR - I've only flown twice on LR from there and on neither occasion was it offered. On the return legs from MAN and ABZ, though, it was. I also found the check-in staff at MAN and ABZ friendlier than at LHR.

My view continues to be that LHR is letting Little Red down. The lounge is appalling, the ground staff don't have that sparkle they seem to have at T3 or at the LR outstations. If VS want to steal domestic business from BA they need to up their game at LHR.

Ahhh no Jon, sounds like bad news on this flight!! May very well convince me to hang off on LR a while longer

As you say, hopefully an isolated blip. Cheers for posting this up

Sounds like a thoroughly disappointing experience and nowhere near up to the normal high standards you've come to expect from Little Red Jon.

Priority boarding does seem very hit and miss at LHR - I've only flown twice on LR from there and on neither occasion was it offered. On the return legs from MAN and ABZ, though, it was. I also found the check-in staff at MAN and ABZ friendlier than at LHR.

My view continues to be that LHR is letting Little Red down. The lounge is appalling, the ground staff don't have that sparkle they seem to have at T3 or at the LR outstations. If VS want to steal domestic business from BA they need to up their game at LHR.

I also have that view, Swissport who look after VS in T1 are very hit and miss and the lounge does disappoint. I know loads are certainly picking up on the ABZ and MAN routes and EDI is storming and I am huge advocate, so I am sure this was a blip but time will tell!

I know loads are certainly picking up on the ABZ and MAN routes and EDI is storming

That's good to hear and probably shows why I struggled to get some of the cheapest fares lately.

Wonder what's next for LR

Thanks for all your TR's

David

[buns]

Jon

Thanks for the TR

Now having returned from EDI so having a mere two LR Sectors to my credit I can see where you are coming from that your journey was out of character.

From what i have seen, both on the ground and on board, the LR people are really working hard to attract repeat custom and (this is sometimes lacking in the international crews) making sure that loyalty to VS is recognised

buns