V-Flyer

Before I start this TR, I would just like to touch upon a few things about our stay in Dubai.

Mrs buns and I were very fortunate to meet up with two V Flyer couples who are living and working in Dubai. Not only was the hospitality afforded to us something that will stay with us for a long time, but the fascinating insight into life in Dubai was something that a guide book could never capture.

We have made the promise that our next visit will not be 6 years in the coming and I am sure a few other V Flyers would love to join in a little excursion

Secondly, our last night in Dubai was spent at the new Table 9 Restaurant now being run by Darren Velvick (formerly at the Connaught) and it was a privilege to be one of the first to try out a new place and have a splendid chat with the chef

Anyway, back to the TR.

An early morning call at the Hotel, (laced with a little argy bargy with Mrs buns who wanted desperately wanted to pack the towelling animals housekeeping made for us) ensured that we were at a deserted airport before 7:20. Check in was equally empty and we were seen immediately in a professional and courteous way, issued boarding cards and directions of the Lounge.

It is a considerable trek to the Lounge and as others have experienced that security check along the way as well as Immigration was, well say we say, serviceable

Before going in to the Lounge, we stopped off in Duty Free and mrs b picked up two litre bottles of Tanquarry gin (so we know who was going to have my allowance ). The Lounge provides a facility to sit and take some refreshment but it is in effect just a cordon off area of the main terminal and certainly nothing to write home about.

Before the flight was called, we made our way to the Gate, and waited for it to open. Here there is yet another check of your bags before you sit down to await boarding.

Priority boarding was in effect and two jet ways used with clear signage for Upper (through L1).

Welcomed aboard by name and directed to our seats. Upon arrival we were greeted by the Cabin Crew member who introduced himself and announced he would be looking after us during our flight.

Now for those of you who read my outbound TR, you will recall that we were both impressed with the crew member looking after us. I have to say this fellow was truly exceptional. He had the knack of reading our minds throughout the flight and his years of experience in the industry showed in looking after people throughout (I might add that we were not the centre of attention and his service was the same to all the passengers he was responsible for). It goes without saying that we were both addressed by name throughout and a missive has gone to Crawley Towers.

Our acceptance of the champagne was accompanied by a little chat about the inappropriate glasses for the limited space available in these dream suites Refills were offered but declined.

Once in the air, our crew member was there asking what our drink orders were and made sure that I was not left wanting for a Gentlemen Jack for a single moment throughout the flight

The meal:

Starters
Potato and leek soup
Crab and tomato tian

Mains
Grilled fillet of beef
Chicken Makhanwala
Mushroom pansotti pasta

Desserts
Carrot and almond cake
Blueberry layer cake


I had the soup (a little thin for my liking) and mrs b the crab, both opting for the fillet. We were both impressed by the tenderness of the beef - so hence the top marks.

Having encountered the driving standards of Dubai (which is akin to being in the Monte Carlo Grand Prix) is will not come as a surprise that I watched both "Rush" and the F1 Documentary As I mentioned before, the CC looked after us along the way, so there was no need to visit the Bar - albeit that one couple were there for the entire flight, having meals snacks and drinks throughout. The use of noise cancelling headphones ensured that I was obvious to their conversations. They were joined by others but there is a sort of bench rest adjoining the PE Galley.

High Tea was served and was the usual fare - but as there is no possibility of using a trolley, the individual service did mean that it was started nearly two hours away from Heathrow.

All too quickly, the flight came to an end and we touched down in Heathrow just a few minutes late. Half hour later we were in an empty Immigration Hall and therefore used the machines, thereafter making our way to the baggage hall were the bags were just coming out.

Our Tristar Driver was waiting for us and a pleasant journey back home to an incredibly wet Surrey Home.

If I could guarantee our Cabin Crew member on every future VS Flight, then I would never want to travel with any other carrier

Thanks for reading

buns

We came back from Dubai at the beginning of January and we must have had the same crew excellent both ways!

We came back from Dubai at the beginning of January and we must have had the same crew excellent both ways!

Buns, again thank you for the TR. Excellent as always.

As I know from my recent experience the quality of the crew determines everything, whatever the airline, a good one covers up lots, a bad one has just the opposite impact.

Glad you had two great flights buns and you too markyp!

A very entertaining TR - good to hear you both had such a lovely time in Dubai with great flights. I love it when Virgin get it right

Always great to hear about superb service, another fantastic TR. thanks for sharing.

I just love it when VS are on top of their game

Jon

Thanks for the TRs Buns -- sounds like a pair of very good flights (nice to hear). What did you think of the hotel?

at240 wrote:Thanks for the TRs Buns -- sounds like a pair of very good flights (nice to hear). What did you think of the hotel?

Many thanks

Our stay the Hilton Dubai Creek was in fact our third - albeit that it was 6 years ago that we last stayed.

Postive points are that it is only 15 minutes from the Airport, overlooks the Creek and you can walk to the Souks.

The negatives are that it is a long way from the beaches (there is a free daily bus service to the Hilton Jumeraih Beach) and all the places that have grown up in recent years. It is really a business hotel in the old town and if you are thinking about it, consider booking an Executive Room as this gives access to the Executive Lounge and will save you heap of dosh

buns

Hi Buns

Great TR from you, as always.

I've stayed at the Hilton Dubai Creek & had an executive room with fab views & Executive Lounge access. They do a brill selection for breakfast.

I flew VS UC last June into DXB which was a good experience but stayed at the Grosvenor House Hotel.

TTFN

R-P

Thanks for the TR
Couldn't agree more, when VS crew are in the right mood it's great and fun too
I enjoy going to the galley during the quiet part of the flight and chatting away while having a drink.
After our recent excellent trips I also sent a message of thanks to Crawley towers

Hi buns

Thanks for the report. Having never flown UC before I'm trying to find as much info as I can for our upcoming flight to DXB on 25th March.
Can I ask what seats you had on the flight?

I've currently allocated us 1A & 2A but am thinking about moving to 8A & 9A as I understand there is a little more room in these.
Is noise from the bar likely to be a problem in these seats?

In your opinion which would be the best choice?

Thanks for your help

Róisín

726Rosie wrote:Hi buns

Thanks for the report. Having never flown UC before I'm trying to find as much info as I can for our upcoming flight to DXB on 25th March.
Can I ask what seats you had on the flight?

I've currently allocated us 1A & 2A but am thinking about moving to 8A & 9A as I understand there is a little more room in these.
Is noise from the bar likely to be a problem in these seats?

In your opinion which would be the best choice?

Thanks for your help

Róisín

Indeed we were 8A & 9A (and were lucky to get these on our return too).

They are my preference due to the fact they are not directly overlooked by passengers opposite and, as you have already pointed out, they are slightly bigger.

Downsides are that they are right next to the bar (which on our outbound was very quiet) and exit from the plane is from L1.

Have a fabulous journey, and if you can do as we did, get to the Clubhouse early as late afternoon it is very quiet and you will get those treatments without a problem

buns

Thanks buns.

We're due at LHR at 3.15pm as we're flying Little Red down from MAN so we'll have the whole afternoon in the clubhouse

Flight status is currently showing 9 available in UC so hoping the bar may not be too busy.

Thanks again

Róisín