V-Flyer

So here's my trip report for my flight to JFK on 18th April 2015. Whilst being my 7th trip to NYC, this was to be the first solo trip, so I was both excited and apprehensive at the same time. When flying to NYC I usually take the VS45, but due to a bit of dithering back in Nov when I booked, I missed sale prices on the 45 so decided to take the VS9.

Living in Guernsey, makes going away that little bit harder as we have to get to the UK first. I always fly over the day before and stay overnight, to ensure that I'm in the UK. I had booked a stay at my usual haunt, being the Hilton Heathrow T4.

As I was going to be on the VS9, I knew I didn't have to worry about online check in whilst traveling and could wait until I was safely checked in the hotel before doing this, so I just enjoyed the trip up from Gatwick to Heathrow and I was walking into Hilton at around 2pm. Check in was smooth and quick and I was on my way to my room.

Now I'd mentioned to the Hotel when booking that it was my birthday and the hotel had kindly left some sweet treats in my room, which was a lovely touch.

So having dumped my bag off I headed down to the bar for a drink whilst I waiting for online check in to open. Just approaching 4pm and I thought I'd log in and get ready to check in. There was clearly a problem with the VS app as it just wasn't working, I tried a number of times, but nope it clearly wasn't playing ball, so I gave up. I went to the executive lounge and used the PC in there which worked totally fine and before long I was checked in with SEQ 8. I downloaded the mobile boarding pass to my phone and I was all set for tomorrows flight. All that remained now was to chill out and relax for the rest of the day / evening.

Day of the flight.

Now as the flight wasn't until 16:05pm, I knew that I didn't need to be up at too early, though, that didn't stop being being awake way far earlier than I really needed to be. Anyways, I checked out the hotel at about 12pm and made my way across to T3 and the check in area. I already had my mobile boarding pass but swung by the check in desk and picked up a paper one ( just in case), and I do kinda like the whole check in process.

I was asked if I new my way to the private security channel and said that indeed I did, I was wished a good flight and I was soon in the lift up to security. Security was really quiet with only two people in front of me, who were totally disorganised and not ready for security, so I was directed to move in front of them and proceed through. I was quickly through with only a minor delay which was caused due to security thinking that my E-Cig cartomisers were golf tees, which had caused a bit of a “what's that” conversation between two of the officers.

I was into the departure lounge and having popped to boots to grab a few essentials, I was soon being welcomed back to the clubhouse. I made my way inside and having checked my case into concierge I made my way towards the bar and found a seat behind the bar area. No sooner had I sat down, I was approached for drinks and food. I decided just to have a drink for the time being and so requested a Red Head to start with. I had a wonder round the clubhouse and it was relatively empty which was good as I headed over to the Spa and booked in for a back massage at 2:15. Heading back to my seat I was asked if I wanted anything to eat and made a selection from the Tapas menu of the deep fried brie along with a side order of fries. I also asked for some champagne to wash it all down with.

Just before 2:15pm I headed over to the Spa and was a little confused when I was directed towards the hairdressers, the lady who had booked me in came over and said, you did book in for a haircut didn't you, to which I replied no a massages, she apologised and said they could fit me in for a massage about 3pm, but I said that was a little too close to boarding for me, she said I'd have plenty of time before boarding, but I didn't want to be rushed, so she said she'd see what she could do, anyways, about 5 mins later I was heading in for my massage. The massage was good and just what I needed. I was advised to drink plenty of water to which I replied, erm I'm flying Upper, water isn't really going to be featuring in my refreshment list!.

Once back from the massage, I managed another glass of champagne before it was time to head down to the gate, can't remember which one it was, but it was a bit of a walk. Priority boarding was in force and I was soon being greeted at the door of Tinkerbelle , welcomed onboard and directed to turn left towards my seat which was 16K. Amenity Kit was on the foot stall and no sooner had I stowed my luggage and sat down I was offered champagne, which was gratefully received.

We were advised that today's flight would take 6 hours and 32 mins and that there were 125 passengers and 16 crew on board, so a very light load today. There was also to be a slight delay in departure due to ATC restricting southerly departures. We pushed back at 16:15pm and the crew had to carry out a manual safety demonstration as the video one wasn't working. We were advised at 16:30 that there would be a further delay to take off due to a runway inspection, we were finally airborne at 16:46pm so just over 40 mins late in leaving, but with the short flight time this wasn't to be an issue.

Once the crew had been released they sprung into action, menus were handed out and drink orders were being taken. Champagne was ordered and delivered along with some crisps.

The menu on today's flight was:

Starters

Pea and Mint Soup
Warm Chicken Satay
Buffalo Mozzarella and Roma Tomato

Mains

Lemon and Thyme Chicken
Seafood Linguine
Keralan Curry (veggie )
Chilled Thai Beef Salad

Desserts

Warm Brioche and butter pudding
Chocolate Torte

Meal orders were taken at 17:25pm and I chose the Buffalo Mozzarella and Roma Tomato, Keralan Curry and the Warm Brioche and butter pudding.

The food was very nice, though I am not convinced that curry is a good meal option on a flight, it was a little bit too spicy for me, but not a bad meal to be fair.

A few passengers bedded down after dinner and I decided to take a walk down the back, the flight was indeed very empty and I spent a little time chatting to the cabin crew in economy before being sent back up front so the crew could have their break. I headed for the bar where I ended up spending the majority of the remainder of the flight chatting to the crew and also fellow passengers. I love being able to do this as it's a great way to interact with people.

I have to say that the crew were excellent on this flight, very attentive and visible throughout the flight and nothing was too much trouble.

Before long we were starting are decent into JFK and were soon on stand and getting ready to disembark and head to immigration. The new automated gates at immigration are a real positive as I was through immigration in around 10 mins and soon heading to the Airtrain to connect to E subway train and head to the hotel.

Overall, this was an excellent flight which I throughly enjoyed with a great crew and great service. A clear example of excellent service and of why I chose to fly Virgin.

Glad to read that your much anticipated trip got off to a fine start.

I think a decently done spiced dish is a good in flight meal option, when taste buds seem otherwise to be a bit jaded.

Hope you had a great time in NYC and look forward to tales of that and your return flight...

Great TR, thanks

Glad it was a good flight, and lots of champagne featured!

Lovely TR and nice to read a really positive one, as I seem to have read quite a few recently where the experience wasn't the best.

Thanks for the TR. Hope you had a great time in the Big Apple.

Good to hear all went well , hope you enjoyed your time in NYC
Thanks for posting

Many thanks for the TR, a very enjoyable read.

oldboy