Oh and by the way, yes not only did my cousin visit Kennedy Space Centre but he was able to witness not one , but two launches from the comfort of our hotel in Orlando. As an avid amateur photographer, he had brought his camera and portable Hubble Telescope (i.e. big lens) with him so has the evidential proof for posterity.
Anyways, back to the TR
Although we had made extensive use of a hire car whilst in Orlando, (a new Hyundai Pallisade) due to some mobility issues for my relatives, I decided to go to my usual routine of using Mears to collect us from our Hotel. The car duly arrived at the appointed time and despite our increased baggage haul we were safely deposited Kerb Side at the Airport some 25 minutes later. Indeed, so quick was the transfer we arrived in advance of check in opening at 2:30!
Once open, the Check In Agents worked hard to clear the queue efficiently. Our Check In Agent virtually fell over herself to be helpful. She noticed Mrs Bun’s Known Traveller Number was not included on our Booking and confirmed as Gold Card holders travelling un UC we could indeed each take a guest into the Delta Sky Room.
Through TSA (quickly of us of course) we re-grouped and made our way to the lounge where the relatives were admitted once we showed our FC Numbers. A pleasant couple of hours was spent in there amid the peace and tranquillity and new seating (with plenty of outlets!) before the VS Ground Crew Member arrived to escort us to the Gate.
As we arrived at Gate 83, boarding had already commenced and Mrs Buns and I were quickly through the facial recognition and aboard the aircraft. Shortly after arriving at our seats and whilst settling in the fizzy stuff was handed out and shortly afterwards, the FSM introduced herself to Mrs B and myself and one other Gold passenger as far as we could say. During our interaction, I mentioned the family members sitting in PE and she told us that after take off she would arrange for them to have a glass of champagne – a nice touch (I would add that subsequently we found out they were addressed by name throughout the flight!!).
Boarding completed fairly quickly for a full aircraft and after a relatively short taxi we were airborne. Service got underway swiftly and drinks orders taken and delivered very efficiently. From the outset, it was clear this was a well organised Crew and I have to say the finest we have ever encountered on a return flight from Orlando – something I have already imparted to Crawley and I will cover their response later.
For meals, we both opted for the ham starter and very nice too. Mrs Buns had pre ordered the bacon wrapped chicken and I the fish. Both were adequate but nowhere need the quality and amount of the food served in the past. Service throughout was exceptional and after the meal service, the FSM kindly allowed the relatives to come up to the bar to have the obligatory photo taken.
I did have a long chat with the FSM who clearly has Virgin Atlantic running through her like a stick of rock. She and her family have been with VS since the outset and despite all the changes she remains totally committed – something that obviously rubbed off on the exceptional crew.
One thing aspect of the UC seating on the A330-300 Mrs B and I prefer is the ability to sleep in the recline mode rather than flat bed mode. This amazed the FSM and I donated my duvet to her for a worthy crew member.
After a couple hours of good sleep awoke to a busy cabin and soon after was offered my pre ordered breakfast of pancakes. A meagre portion but did the trick as we were fully intending to make use of Revivals, Mrs B went for her usual bacon roll as her interim fayre. Upon landing, the FSM implored UC passengers to use Revivals, although we did not notice anyone else from our flight when we were there.
Landed slightly ahead of schedule and the aircraft was allocated the Gate furthest away (Gate 40) so a VERY long trek to the extremely busy Immigration Hall. Thereafter we waited nearly an hour for our bags.
Initially the chap from Cobalt was adamant all bins from the aircraft had been delivered but upon seeing the large number of people still waiting made further enquiries to establish the Priority Bin had not.
Fortunately, I had deliberately booked a car to take us hoe much later to afford time in Revivals.
All in all a truly exceptional flight home – made all the more special by a superb FSM and Crew (one of whom was on our outbound flight) Needless to say, my feedback to Crawley elicited a further boiler plate response – so I feel a personal visit to there doorstep will be necessary.
Thank for reading
Buns
