V-Flyer

So it was time once again to board a Little Red flight. I don't post a TR each time I fly which is a return sector each week, but thought this flight deserved a TR as it stood for a number of reasons.

Arrived at the check in zone in T3 at 1700 and was greeted warmly, processed quickly and was on my way to the lounge super fast. The Manchester based Servisair team who look after the Little red flights are fantastic and truly nice people

Security through the fastlane for once was pretty fast - I usually end up behind a large family with little ones who take their time....thankfully the airport is reviewing its fast-track options and improvements are promised.....

Welcomed warmly up in the escape lounge which I really like but it has been the same sandwiches for months now....the soup though was warming and tonight was broccoli and cheese. A couple of soft drinks were enjoyed too as it was a school night...

Wandered down to Gate 18 and boarding commenced at 1835. Priority boarding in operation and a friendly welcome at the door before making my way down to my "usual" seat 19F.

I do know the crew well on these flights so was welcomed back by name and offered a pre-take off drink which I declined but thanked the crew member for offering. We were welcomed onboard the "twilight puddle jumper" down to Heathrow and doors were closed at 1850 with 61 on board.

Take off was behind the Swiss flight to Zurich and we were on our way. The crew were jolly and fun all the way down to Heathrow and an all male cabin crew team, which is a first for me on Little red. They were truly entertaining, hence the score above with jokes over the PA and a friendly chat with everyone on board.

Drinks (doubles) were offered and accepted with a full gin supply tonight, crisps and cookies offered too. I was provided with a little "take-away pack" too which was a lovely gesture and well received.....

A couple of laps in the hold and we were landing into Heathrow at 1950 with a welcome of "welcome to the home of big red".....with a little wait for the EDI flight to move out of the way before we could get to the gate we were leaving the aircraft at just after 8pm.

A friendly cheerio and I was on my way to the hotel for two nights in the big smoke.

Another fantastic Little red flight with a superb crew.

Jon

Cheers for the TR Jon, haven't flown nearly as many LR flights as yourself, but echoing your observations the crew are very engaging and friendly which def gives them a leg up on BA in my view - however will it be the case if the flights start to fill up and they have less time for banter and conversations with the pax

horburyflyer wrote:Welcomed warmly up in the escape lounge which I really like but it has been the same sandwiches for months now....

Wow, I must have missed the months old mouldy sandwiches last week

Might have a LR flight in a couple of weeks so will keep an eye on 19F for a rowdy v-flyer addressing the crew as one would an old friend

Good to hear you're still loving LR Jon.

I'm in the LHR Servisair lounge right now as it happens awaiting VS3043 to MAN.

This was the first time (out of 6 or 7) that the check-in staff at T1 have given me my fast track and lounge pass without prompting, so thumbs up for that.

Did a MAN run last weekend as well, and on the return leg was welcomed back to the Escape lounge like an old friend (only my 3rd time in it!) and I also got "extra rations" from the senior crew member who remembered me - thumbs up again! Shame the load was so light - only 42 (102 on the outbound).

I agree the MAN Servisair and Escape lounge teams are great and a credit to VS. If only they were always so good at LHR. Bring on the move to T2 .....

Overall though, niggles aside, LR is maturing nicely and is finding its feet.

gumshoe wrote:Good to hear you're still loving LR Jon.

I'm in the LHR Servisair lounge right now as it happens awaiting VS3043 to MAN.

This was the first time (out of 6 or 7) that the check-in staff at T1 have given me my fast track and lounge pass without prompting, so thumbs up for that.

Did a MAN run last weekend as well, and on the return leg was welcomed back to the Escape lounge like an old friend (only my 3rd time in it!) and I also got "extra rations" from the senior crew member who remembered me - thumbs up again! Shame the load was so light - only 42 (102 on the outbound).

I agree the MAN Servisair and Escape lounge teams are great and a credit to VS. If only they were always so good at LHR. Bring on the move to T2 .....

Overall though, niggles aside, LR is maturing nicely and is finding its feet.

Have a great flight northwards.....a really good summary of LR, thanks. We had 83 on the earlier VS3047 and the crew were fab and chatty. I will say I have also seen a difference in the LHR ground team too, had a great chat a check in today with the swissport representative and I really think they are trying....popped into the servisair lounge myself at lunchtime and had a quick drink.....thankfully it was quiet but me too, can't wait for T2 to open and for VS to confirm which lounge they will use.......

Jon

joeyc wrote:Cheers for the TR Jon, haven't flown nearly as many LR flights as yourself, but echoing your observations the crew are very engaging and friendly which def gives them a leg up on BA in my view - however will it be the case if the flights start to fill up and they have less time for banter and conversations with the pax

horburyflyer wrote:Welcomed warmly up in the escape lounge which I really like but it has been the same sandwiches for months now....

Wow, I must have missed the months old mouldy sandwiches last week

Might have a LR flight in a couple of weeks so will keep an eye on 19F for a rowdy v-flyer addressing the crew as one would an old friend

Joey........!!!!!!! just be nice to have a change from tuna, cheese, egg and ham.....At least the soup option changes daily and the brownies and flapjacks are divine....

horburyflyer wrote: We were welcomed onboard the "twilight puddle jumper" down to Heathrow and doors were closed at 1850 with 61 on board.

Jon

Not to be picky, but how could it be a puddle jumper from MAN to LHR? I fly puddle jumpers from Cork but what puddles does your flight fly over?

honey lamb wrote:

horburyflyer wrote: We were welcomed onboard the "twilight puddle jumper" down to Heathrow and doors were closed at 1850 with 61 on board.

Jon

Not to be picky, but how could it be a puddle jumper from MAN to LHR? I fly puddle jumpers from Cork but what puddles does your flight fly over?

Dearest HL, I'd not looked at it that deeply to be honest but of course you are right but it was a comment which made most of the aircraft chuckle...