V-Flyer

This was a trip of firsts. First time on a G, first time on Little Red, first time in the LHR clubhouse and
first time outbound in Upper Class (all others have been homebound)
Check in for LR at Man. was fine and the Escape Lounge in Terminal 3 is a complete contrast to the dark dingy one in Terminal 2. Aircraft was Queen of the Cobbles & flight was pretty well full and loading took until departure time so we eventually took off 30 mins late (less time in clubhouse). Flight was fine
Our onward flight was VS7 to LAX and the aircraft was a LHR 747 G-VBIG. Tinker Belle
We had secured seats 18A & 19A which we have always had on the Gatwick 747's and there was no boarding delay as they were using 2 airbridges. Upper was almost full with only a couple of empty seats which I am sure the bean counters will be pleased with especially as the LR flight was similar.
Service on board was excellent and the FSM came around the cabin, spoke to everybody, calling them all by name. She had obviously checked her lists and mentioned to my wife and I that she saw we were regular Virgin travellers (silver this year) which was a nice experience
Pushback was on time and queueing for take off was about 20 mins.
Menus were passed out for the meal and this was the usual Pea & Mint soup, tomato mozzarella salad or crayfish avocado & tomato tian. Then fillet of beef, chicken katsu, grilled tiger prawn salad or spinach & ricotta ravioli. I enjoyed the salad & beef.

Strangely my wife wanted the ravioli but this had all gone and even the crew were surprised as that is unusual, so she had the beef as well. The meals were fine & we followed up with a lemon tart & ice cream ( 2 scoops for me as the OH doesnt like it) followed by the cheese board coffee & 12 yr old malt
for her instead of ice cream. She thought a good exchange. I passed on the port as we were picking up a car on arrival.

The only problem was that the skymap stopped working part way over and couldn't be restarted so we were unable to see our route which I like to do. Stangely the stats sections were working fine
Afternoon tea or the Mad Hatter's teaparty as it is called was served before landing and again was fine although the chicken sandwiches were ham and the cream cheese ones cheddar

We landed 15 mins early but then had to wait that long for a stand. This meant that whilst we landed just ahead of an Air NZ 777 we ended up after them on a stand and behind them at Immigration. However it still only took about 15 mins so that was fine. We then waited about 20 mins for luggage as, whilst Upper & PE bags came off, ours was after Economy so I asume all transfer baggage is in a separate container
unloaded last
Overall this was a good flight and the crew were excellent and really friendly.
Went off to Alamo for car & having taken Vflyer advice and registered on line it was straight to garage and out to hotel at airport. .
Off tomorrow for San Diego & then travelling around for 6 weeks so return report will be for the future.

Sorry but tried to include photos of meals and views but hotel computer doesn't want to play ball

Thanks for TR David, sounds like a good flight experience which is good to see. Hope you have a good trip and look forward to your return TR.

How did you find the LHR clubhouse, the flagship as it were?

Hi Bretty
Thanks for the comments. We found the LHR clubhouse wonderful and were sorry we didn't get to spend more time there. A complete contrast to the Delta lounge at MCO whichwe have used a few times. It was more like the ANZ lounge at LAX which we used last time we were in California.
On the subject of lounges does anybody know which lounge we will be using at LAX when we return on VS8 at the beginning of October. ? We also have a long layover at LHR before the LR flight to Man. I know we will be in aTerminal 2 but is there any news yet on the lounges there for LR passengers

Thanks in advance.

VS8 passengers normally use the NZ Koru lounge at LAX, though VS have said they'll be opening their own Clubhouse at some point (presumably in the same space, once NZ have vacated T2).

At LHR you can use Revivals in T3 until it closes at 1.30, then in T2 you'll be able to use the Aer Lingus lounge.

Thank you for the TR. Congrats on all the firsts !

Look forward to some photos if you manage to add them.

Great TR David, thanks. I too like the Skymap, sad aren't we. Loved the comment that your OH found a 12 year old malt a good exchange for ice cream. Enjoy your six weeks, sounds wonderful.

Thanks for the TR


oldboy

Thanks a lot David ! Nice one ! I will share at least one of your first (first G) on our trip to LAX in January next year.
Can't wait I have to say !

Sounds like you had a great start to your trip. 6 weeks! Very envious....

Thanks for the TR, a really good read.

Did you notice that champagne coupe glasses have now been replaced with a champagne flute. I believe it happened a couple of weeks ago but I noticed on my flight last week to MCO and my return this week from EWR

Jon

horburyflyer wrote:Thanks for the TR, a really good read.

Did you notice that champagne coupe glasses have now been replaced with a champagne flute. I believe it happened a couple of weeks ago but I noticed on my flight last week to MCO and my return this week from EWR

I mentioned this in my recent TRs to / from UVF - coupe on the way out, flute on the way back....

pjh wrote:

horburyflyer wrote:Thanks for the TR, a really good read.

Did you notice that champagne coupe glasses have now been replaced with a champagne flute. I believe it happened a couple of weeks ago but I noticed on my flight last week to MCO and my return this week from EWR

I mentioned this in my recent TRs to / from UVF - coupe on the way out, flute on the way back....

horburyflyer wrote:

pjh wrote:

horburyflyer wrote:Thanks for the TR, a really good read.

Did you notice that champagne coupe glasses have now been replaced with a champagne flute. I believe it happened a couple of weeks ago but I noticed on my flight last week to MCO and my return this week from EWR

I mentioned this in my recent TRs to / from UVF - coupe on the way out, flute on the way back....

Thanks for the TR btw.

Why the sad face Darren? Flutes hold the bubbles way better than those awful coupes.