V-Flyer

2 * Adult, 1 * Baby of 8 months
After 11 nights in LV and a great holiday the return journey came around too quickly!

Checked in straight after checkout at hotel so arrived at airport around 12.15pm. Only people in the Upper queue though a long queue already at Economy. Check in little disorganised as check in staff arrived and set up at different times. Upper Class/Premium staff not amongst the first to arrive so we checked in eventually at Economy which was fine, but we were left waiting for a while in the Upper queue whilst they started checking in Economy passengers.

After security went straight to the Club lounge. On this day there was 2 Virgin flights and also BA flights, so we were fortunate to arrive early and grab seats. Later the lounge became absolutely full with people standing around the sides.
This lounge would not appear to be big enough for the growth in international flights here which is surprising considering this terminal not open long. Had soup and nice sandwich.

Went to boarding gate and overheard a muffled message about a technical fault which will cause a delay, at which point other people then returned to the Club lounge. However we stayed and soon boarding commenced. Good ground staff spotting us with the baby buggy and helping us. Gave us the option of picking up the buggy at the gate at Gatwick or at the baggage belt. We chose the baggage belt option to avoid handing around.

Upon boarding the plane crew appeared somewhat disinterested and not very welcoming. On the return journey had the bulk head seats closer to the front. Flight was full, around 455 passengers, but boarding fairly smooth. Our baby seemed to be the only one on the plane.

Compared to the excellent crew on the way out, this crew were not at all baby friendly and we had to specifically ask for baby seat belt and chase several times for bassinet to be set up. No welcome, or any friendliness for the baby. Seemed to be a pain when we asked for hot water to sterilize baby bottle.

Took off slightly late but the quick flight time meant we were able to make up most of this on the journey.

Baby proved a handful on this return journey. Was crying at take off despite our attempts to pacify which may have proven a nuisance to fellow passengers. She was frustrated at being held by us and wanted to be free. Luckily the passengers in the two seats next to us were very friendly and understanding of the baby which was great to distract here. Thru the flight, whilst the baby was quiet she just would not go to sleep which then kept us up holding her, and also walking her around the cabin.

Food was not great, useful beef stew. Crew were under par. Not just with the baby but also disappeared for great parts of the flight and not forthcoming with the water/juice thru the night. Perhaps they were tired after their 4 night stay in Vegas

Arrived back, and quick exit through the airport. Baby seemed to make up her sleep that night, sleeping from 6.30pm to early afternoon the following day.

A tricky flight with the baby not helped by the crew, but the crew on the way out more than made up for it.

I'm a bit confused, were you upper or economy? Or using the upper check in due to status?

I've done long haul 6 times in 2 years with my wee one, must say Virgin staff have normally been good. Had to ask on one flight for the infant belt but no problem with cows milk for the bottle (never asked them to sterelise before hows that done?)

I've found the unused crew galley and also the dimmed lights of the premium cabins excellent places to walk about with a baby.

Sounds like the crew were partying a little too hard, shame.

Fuzzy - we were in Economy but are both AU card holders.

Virgin AU Flyer wrote:Fuzzy - we were in Economy but are both AU card holders.

Sorry just saw your outbound TR and it answered all my questions!

Shame you didn't feel the crew were up to normal standards. They make such a difference to a flight and can make or break it.

It always amazes me when the Business check in fails to open before economy. Iberia consistently do ths at Alicante leaving status and in the case of long haul passengers who have spent several thousand pounds on tickets standing watching those who have paid a lot less.

Ah cabin crew makes such a difference to our flight experience! Shame they were below par after the excellent service on your outbound.