This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Upper class check-in a breeze, although they didn't seem to notice our request for bulkhead seats initially. Made it through fast track - slightly difficult as I had taken my expired Gold card and they apparently don't issue fast track stickers anymore at check-in. Small amount of shopping and safely tucked in the Clubhouse by 530pm. Light snack and cocktail before a shower to freshen up followed by the pre-flight facial.
They have recently updated their cocktail list, removing one opf my favourite - The Purple Velvet Martini - including the base ingredients so the bar staff can't still make it [V]. Therefore tried one of the new cocktails on the menu - can't remember the name, but it was AWFUL! [n] However I wasn't the first person to think this, and even the bar tender agreed that it sounded a lot better than it tastes. She therefore rapidly made a different one that was much nicer (including a taste before serving in case I didn't like this one) and then to our surprise she made one of her favourites from the new list (again the memory escapes me but it includes pomegrante juice and is very similar to a cosmo!) as one on the side for us. VERY good indeed!! [^] Bit more time relaxing, including a light dinner before being called to boarding. On a remote stand which meant a slightly late departure waiting for the stragglers.
Premium was pretty empty - only 14 of us in total. Really attentive cabin crew - better than on a lot of upper class flights in the past. Post-boarding sparkling wine (not champagne anymore) - but a couple of glasses were gratefully accepted. Took-off about 40 minutes late, but made that up in flight. Post-take off drink orders were taken before departure and served individually on a tray. The trolley didn't make it into the cabin all flight![8D] Similarly dinner orders taken (well you have to try the new menu, don't you[;)]) and served individually. Really made premium economy feel like a 'premium service'.
For those who are interested, as the DXB route differs from other routes, the menu in PE was:
Starter
Greek pasta salad with cucumber, tomato, black olives and feta cheese
Main course
Mediterranean chicken with orzo pasta, summer bean salad and marinara sauce
Lamb kofta with fried potatoes, green beans and tomato sauce
Marinated artichokes with Arabic bulgur wheat
Desert
Fru fruity lemon shots
Cheese and biscuits
The lamb was really good and was a large portion. Chicken also looked like a very full portion and apparently tasted very good.
Cabin crew were very helpful throughout the flight and provided an excellent service. Managed a couple of hours sleep and then woke up with about an hour to go before landing. Fruit bowl appeared a couple of times, along with soft drinks and the breakfast tray not long after I woke up. The obligatory remote stand in Dubai, but we were allowed off out the front door (1L) along with the Upper Class passengers. The main door was just opening as we were whisked off in the 'posh' transfer bus to the terminal.
All in all a very enjoyable time in the Clubhouse and wonderful experience of PE - true VIRGIN style![:D]
