V-Flyer

I usually start there Trip Reports by saying things along the lines of "eagerly anticipated etc... etc". However on this occasion, this was all arranged at the last minute and I have to say that Mrs Buns and I could not have asked for more.

To cut a long story short, the week before, Mrs Buns and I decided it would be a good idea to be on hand for her parents when they travelled to Florida (using the dark side I may add ) and so a quick call to Flying Club elicited two M Fares, upgraded with miles to PE During the week I continued to check Upper availability to Upper, but to no avail.

It was a sunny Bank Holiday Monday morning when the Tristar Car arrived promptly to take us to Gatwick - although a short journey, Tristar offer a good rate in comparison to the local kamikaze cab firms, so it makes sense to use a reliable company.

We were at Gatwick just after 8am and quickly seen at check in. I had been monitoring Expertflyer and know there was still availability in Upper, so Mrs Buns asked about upgrades and we were directed to the ticket desk at the far end of the Virgin Check In area. After a few tense moments, RESULT Two upgrades to Upper in exchange for further miles and £100 per person

Armed with our replacement Boarding Cards we virtually skipped up the escalator to security and were through in no time. One bit confused me as the former upper level walkway to get quick access to the Clubhouse is now closed and is now directly behind the place where you regain your decency by putting back on belts, shoes etc.

A very warm welcome awaited us at the Clubhouse as the staff there (who we have now known for over ten years) were expecting us - I have to explain that we have an unusual surname and had flagged up as we are Golds, so hence why they knew. I have read on another thread about the closure of the original Clubhouse next year and I for one will miss the place after so many happy times there - the staff will remain the same of course, but the familiarity with the surroundings has been an added bonus over the years.

As is our usual routine, we first sat in the Brasserie to have our breakfast, before moving on to a quiet area at the back. The Clubhouse was not as full as i have seen it and getting a treatment slot was not a problem. Our celeb count was maintained as there was a football player and his family also in there (Mrs Buns did the spotting as I know nothing about the game ). Suffice to say, along with everyone else in the Clubhouse that morning, we wanted for nothing and as I mentioned earlier, we have known some of the staff there for a considerable time after meeting them at a Virgin Heroes Award back in 2005. If Virgin still had this, they would all remain Heroes in our eyes - as I put in the comments book "Nobody does it better".

All too soon it seemed, the call for our flight made us bade farewell and we made our way to Gate 21 to join Ladybird.

Welcomed on board and directed to our seats - this time we had no reason to criticise as this was a last minute miles upgrade. I have previously commented on the Garden stuff served (I know it is Gardet, it but seems a more appropriate term) and at least they continue to serve Lanson in the Clubhouse. I am not sure if there has been a change in the service protocols on board, but no acknowledgement by the FSM.

This however, was not a problem, as once airborne, the CSS made sure that both Mrs Buns and i were well looked after and throughout the flight, the rapport was such that we left the flight feeling that this was perhaps one of the best.

I will not detail the food on offer, as Kraken has already described it and in fact was the same as on our flight to Las Vegas in March.

Perhaps it is a sign of the times, but these days, I now listen to my I Pod for music and only watch one film on the journey. I go back to the days when entertainment when crossing the Atlantic consisted on everyone watching the same screen at the front of the cabin and music looped through plastic ear tubes.

Anyway, the flight went smoothly enough and our slight delay in leaving Gatwick ensured we arrived in Orlando to see all the other VS aircraft parked up - including one LHR 747 - yet no queues at Immigration.

In fact, Mrs Buns and I were in our Airport Hotel within an hour of leaving the aircraft before making our way to the Gulf Coast to be with her parents the following day.

All in all, one of those flights where the VS Staff made it memorable for all the right reasons and this is why we still continue to fly with them.

Thanks for reading

buns

Thank you for an excellent (as usual) TR Buns, good to hear that you had a good flight. I was pleased to read that Lanson is still available in the CH, when I heard that the bubbly on board had changed to "Garden" I had assumed that the same would apply in the CH.

oldboy

Thank you Buns for a super TR and for getting me well and truly into the holiday spirit. I'm taking the VS15 on Saturday and looking forward to the CH - like you the team there all like friends and the welcome and service is superb from start to finish.

I sincerely hope we have a CC like you did too......please!!!!!

Thanks for sharing and can't wait to be on the beach on the Gulf coast after enjoying two days of Disney hospitality!!!

Jon

Thanks Jon

Especially for the endorsement of the Gatwick Clubhouse team - they have a knack of spotting those who are in there for a special treat and always make sure they are treated as well as any VIP who may be in there.

The weather when we were there these past two weeks has been unseasonably hot with humidity and the first Tropical Storm of the season - albeit that it hit the Carolinas as oppososed to Florida.

Hope the weather goes back to normal for you as between us we went through 25 litres of water whilst we were there

Have a wonderful time

buns

Thank you Mr Buns for yet another insight into why I love the Virgin brand so much. It's the charm and personality of their people that makes the customer experience.

Well done too on bagging those Gs at checkin.

Thanks for the TR, and encouraging to hear the experience was one of quality...

Hi Buns

Execllent TR from you, as always.

Result for the upgrades, well done. The motto is never give up!

R-P

buns wrote:Thanks Jon

Especially for the endorsement of the Gatwick Clubhouse team - they have a knack of spotting those who are in there for a special treat and always make sure they are treated as well as any VIP who may be in there.

The weather when we were there these past two weeks has been unseasonably hot with humidity and the first Tropical Storm of the season - albeit that it hit the Carolinas as oppososed to Florida.

Hope the weather goes back to normal for you as between us we went through 25 litres of water whilst we were there

Have a wonderful time

buns

Thanks buns - have been hearing about the unseasonal weather!!

Jon