This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
My original ticket for the VS003 had been a PE companion ticket, with MrGs being a fully flexible PE fare. When re-booking, the Premier team were unable to re-book me in PE but were able to do so in Economy. We just needed to get on that flight, so this wasn't an issue. We were informed that I would be bumped back up to PE if there was availability on the day.
Met MrG at T3 around 3.15pm. There was only one other pax at the UC check-in when we got there and there were two check-in agents behind the desk. The security chap asked us the usual questions and asked to see our onwards tickets to Bermuda. We explained to him that we hadn't received an e-ticket for me an he offered to get one printed out for us [?]He also told us that although there were 2 check-in agents, only one was checking in pax (the other was on the phone) Then it was our turn to proceed to check-in. We asked the lady behind the desk if it was possible that I could move to PE. She appeared a bit clueless and sent us to her colleague(man with phone)
In a short space of time, he had confirmed that I was on the flight, told us that there was plenty of availability in PE and put me back in. So, back to the original check-in agent who was leaving, to be replaced by a colleague. By now there was a queue forming at the UC check-in area. However, this agent was very thorough, we were given 18A and C, our cases tagged UC ad a fast track sticker provided[y]
The person at the fast track desk asked to see MrG's Au card and we made our way through. After negotiating security there were 2 long lines where passports were being checked. We were then sent for secondary shoe screening, which was all a bit chaotic. [:(!]I'm all for tight security but my shoes had only just be checked 10 minutes previously, did they not trust the first screening?
So, feeling slightly frazzled we headed for the CH. This was when our trip started to improve. It was around 4.15pm so just some time to sit down and have a bite to eat. The CH was fairly empty and there was a nice relaxed feel to the place . We plonked ourselves down in the restaurant and were immediately asked if we would like still or sparkling water, champagne, wine or cocktails. Basically for the next hour we were looked after very well by two lovely ladies. Sorry, I didn't get permission to use their names here, but PM me if you want to know. They were brilliant [^] The CH really has top staff these days.
I managed to scoff down some poached pear salad for starters, linguini with scottish salmon and saffron for main and a bake apple thing for dessert. The apple dessert wasn't really that great to be honest. I wish they'd still had the rice pudding.
We were called around 5.15pm and made our way to Gate 32. Priority boarding was in evidence and was working well, UC, PE AND AUs being called for at regular intervals [y] I didn't get the name of the aircraft we would be flying on this evening, sorry.
Once boarded and in our seats we were offered a pre-flight drink and then given our water bottles. We eventually departed around 7pm. The problem was due to a security issue with some cargo.
Soon after we were airborne, the CC came around with hot towells, that were very refreshing. Once V port got going we found out MrGs wasn't working, so we swapped seats. He had his pick really as there were only 15 pax in PE [:D] We were served with a pre dinner drink and offered a top up and also extra snacks. Soon after dinner was served. I opted for the Chicken Tikka Masala which came with a cous cous starter and a Gu pud. MrG had the sausage and Mash and we both had wine with our meals, again with refills offered. The NPE food presentation is very good, it seems to make the food taste better[;)] During the dinner service we had a chat with one of our dedicated cabin crew. This trip was a short one for her as she was back to work the next evening. This particular CC made a point of chatting to the rest of the pax in PE which I thought was a nice touch.
By now I was feeling a bit full, but managed a wee tot of Baileys and settled down to read my book. Ok, so maybe I wasn't that full, because a while later ice cream was being offered and I just couldn't refuse [:I] At some other stage the fruit bowl found its way to me and I thought I should at least have something healthy so I had an apple.
It was a very smooth flight with a flight time of 7 hours. We were offered a snack before landing with the usual tea and coffee. As I didn't have tea or coffee, the CC offered to get me another bottle of water. It was very much appreciated.
We were through immigration quickly and our luggage was out in around ten minutes. Not sure if it came out as priority though, not that it mattered as we weren't in a rush.
This was my second flight, experiencing the new PE service. Compared to the first one, 5 days previously, the VS25 flight was ten times better in every respect, particularly the crew. Having flown both flights so closely together, I could see the inconsistencies in the service. For example on the first flight no hot towells, no ice-cream, no fruit offered, but all of these to be had during my second flight.
Overall though I really do like the NPE product and it's definitely worth your cash, miles, companion tickets (when possible) to give it a try [^]
