V-Flyer

Hello and welcome to what I believe is the first ABZ trip report on V- Flyer! I was en-route to flying the BA A380 to FRA but I have decided not to mention the enemy on here!

Virgin Atlantic Little Red - VS 3026
Aberdeen - London Heathrow
Airbus A320-214
EI-DEO
19/08/2013
06:35-07:45
Seat 3F --> 8F
Load - 35%

The 19th of August came round and at the ungodly hour of 04:45 I was stunned awake by 'Old Car Horn' blaring in my ears. I got up and had a shower and by 05:20 I was in the car heading out to ABZ. I arrived around 05:35 in plenty of time for the 06:35 departure. I had my little suitcase with me which I decided to hold check. Gave me a good excuse to collect my souvenir boarding pass from the desk.

ABZ security was as quick as ever and after the seemingly mandatory molestation for me I was at the Globe having some toast. Boarding was called around 06:15 and I made my way out onto the aircraft - I always enjoy walking across the tarmac when the weather's good.

There was already a grumpy businessman in 3D and he threw his newspaper down and grumbled under his breath when I told him he would have to shift to let me in. The flight filled up to my highest load count on LR so far - a massive 60 passengers and we pushed back 5 minutes early. By comparison the BA A321 boarding next to us looked to be extremely busy, very close to a 188 pax full load for them I would have said.
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Excellent flying conditions and a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet were announced. The crew began the breakfast service which I actually prefer to BA's offering probably because I like bland food. I did notice however they have changed from Ciabatta Bread to mini baguettes which has certainly made them a lot more tasty and I devoured the whole roll. I also took my now customary bottle of Irn Bru to wash it down.
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The flight progressed pretty slowly to be honest. I moved away from my pile of misery neighbour when I went to the toilet and sat down at 8F. Interestingly I found legroom to be quite a bit tighter at 8F than I did at 3F.
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Minimal holding and we were overflying London pretty soon and made a smooth touchdown on 27L.
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A fairly long taxi to T1 ensued and we finally pulled onto stand at around 08:00. I made my way to baggage reclaim (my own private baggage belt as it turned out).

Thanks for another good TR with pics , that seating sure does look a bit tight doesn't it !
Thanks
Blacky

Rows 1, 12 and 13 are your friends

I flew the ABZ route last month - used the Servisair lounge at ABZ which is a good deal more pleasant than the LHR one (and certainly nicer than the crowded departure lounge). No need for a lounge invite either IIRC, boarding pass and AU card will suffice.