V-Flyer

Aircraft was G-VWOW

So after my West coast US trip, it was time to head home. For my final night, I'd booked another airport hotel at SFO (Holiday Inn Express North), other than this hotel been directly under the flight path out of SFO so lots of aircraft noise during the day and evening, this was a much much better hotel compared to the Crowne Plaza I'd stayed in for my first night after arriving at SFO. The rooms are nicely furbished and nice and spacious (I'd booked a King Executive). Being a Holiday Inn Express, breakfast was included in the rate. There is also a McD's next door or an IHOP across the road as well. All the airport hotels at SFO offer a free shuttle bus from/to all the terminals which run every 30mins or so. Being Priority Club Gold I was also offered a complimentary late check-out of 14:00. Also being a Priority Club card holder meant the WiFi/internet access was also complimentary.

I'd checked in online the evening before (only managed SEQ 15 ), already selected the same seat as the outbound (16K - my favourite seat on the LHR 744's in J). I made use of the late check-out and left the hotel around 13:50 and the shuttle bus was due at 14:05. Each shuttle bus serves 2 or 3 of the airport hotels so the trip takes around 25mins to/from SFO.

VS check-in at SFO opens around 15:50 so whilst waiting I grabbed a bite to eat. Once check-in was open, I asked to have my bag checked all the way to MAN, which was done for me (the flights where on separate PNR's) although it seemed to take a lot of faffing about and hitting lots of keys on the agents keyboard to do this!!

Headed up to the SFO Clubhouse and I was warmly welcomed. They did seem to be having issues with the music though as Christmas songs where playing as I arrived

Watched the incoming VS19 land. Service in the Clubhouse was good the whole time I was there. The food was nice and tasty. I'd decided to eat my main meal in there other than on-board.

I left the Clubhouse before the flight was called as I just needed to do some last minute shopping. The priority line was nice and quick and efficient. SFO does seem to have got it right for security.

Did my last-minute shopping and made my way to gate 11. Just as I seat down, the agent called the flight. Priority boarding was in use with 2 jetways. I was warmly welcomed on board and directly to my seat. Pre-departure drinks where soon offered and I was again welcomed by the crew. Sleep suits where offered. I declined as I prefer to change into my own shorts/t-shirt for sleeping in. The crew where taking the time to show other pax how everything worked on the seat which is always good to see. IMHO that's one thing that sets VS apart from the likes of BA. I've never had anything like that on BA when I've flown in their premium cabins.

It didn't take long for everyone to board. There was something like 340 pax on this evenings flight. J was full. I never explored any other cabins other than visiting the upper deck the odd time to use the washroom.

The doors where closed and we pushed back a few minutes early. Not much of a queue to get to the runway. If you are sat on the K side of the aircraft, you get some great views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate bridge as you depart.

Once airborne, the in-flight service was soon started with drinks orders taken and dinner menus / breakfast cards handed out.

Glad I'd eaten in the Clubhouse as I again didn't like the look of the menu (I'll post the details later). I did just have the salmon starter which was OK and finished off with a mug of hot chocolate.

I changed into my sleep wear and converted my seat into the bed. The sleep side of the seat does seem much more comfortable now the seats have the newer covers. No idea when these where swapped as It's been a while since I flew in J on a 744 on a night flight? I still think the duvet is too thick though as it gets far too warm for sleeping under. I managed to sleep very well for a good few hours (no idea how long) but I was woken up by the crew preparing the cabin for breakfast.

After changing back into my normal wear, freshening up and converting my bed back to the seat, my breakfast was soon served. Bacon butty and some pastries which where delicious. Quick tip - if the 2 x J washrooms on the main deck are in use, try the J one on the upper deck. Also nice to stretch your legs at the same time going up there.

After breakfast I had a very quick stop at the bar to grab some fruit. The bar was;t really used much at all during the flight.

We where soon approaching LHR so the cabin was secured for landing. No stacking being the afternoon. First time I've done the SFO flight on this schedule.

2 jetways again in use at LHR. Even though my bags where checked though to MAN, I wanted to go landslide for a nicotine fix. I was first off the flight. The automatic gates at immigration where all in use with no queues. First time I've used these having just got a new passport a few months ago. My previous passport was not a biometric one. The gates are very easy to use. Easier and quicker than the now non-existent IRIS gates actually.

Straight down and out though the green channel within 10 minutes of getting off the flight

All in all another great VS flight . I was addressed my name on several occasions and all the crew working in J where spot on

Currently sat in T1 waiting for my VLR flight to MAN.

Thanks for posting. I do love reading other TR's.

I find the (night) flight back too warm and tend to sleep on top of the duvet rather than under. It does pad the bed out somewhat.

Christmas tunes in the CH, hilarious! Hope you've told Santa what you want this year.

James

Thanks for the detailed TR

Glad to learn that the SFO Clubhouse still is the one to go for and that the crew looked after you on your return.

Look forward to learning what the menu was

Have a good flight up to MAN

buns

Thanks for the TR
The SFO CH is great, think I will miss it when flying with BA later in the year, the F lounge doesn't look great (service good apparently though!) and no pre-flight dining!

On BA, the first time I flew First, they took the time to demonstrate the seat functions, and since then, they ask if i need anything explaining. It's all on this iPads if you have flown in that cabin before or not (if you are part of the BAEC!)

Thanks for the detailed TR. Hope you have a good onward journey to man.

Another thank you for an informative report.
I agree with you regarding the duvet and I also decline a sleep suit. Even the large ones seem to have shrunk over the years, so I wear a loose T shirt.

Superb TR as always James, thanks for posting It's great to hear so many positive reports from the UC cabin...have VS finally got their consistency sorted?? Next stop would be sorting out the VS IT Team

Great TR James, SFO is always a great route, there and back.
Iain