This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Having got up at the crack of dawn it was soon apparent that it was a little chilly and you could have knocked me down with feather duster when the trusty Honda temperature gauge indicated an outside temperature of -8 degress celcius.
Having checked in online on friday morning to secure seat 80K on the upper deck (which in my humble opinion is the only place to be on the LGW fleet). Failed to print the boarding pass at home so I popped to the PE check in to drop off my bag and obtain my boarding pass. check in took 5 mins with only one person in front of me. On a long shot I asked if the exit seat 75K was free and to my eternal surprise it was so I quickly changed seats and set off with a spring in my step.
To point out the check in agent was extremely friendly, chatty and had a nice big smile, which to me is invaluable [y].
Off to security, where I noticced on the boarding card a 'fast track' sticker although as per the norm fast track was closed so it was off to the usual security line which in fairness only took 5 minutes from entry to exit.
Based on previous Gatwick experiences I decided to book the servisair lounge, which obviously is miles apart/behind the Virgin clubhouse offering but was good enough for me to get away from the madding crowds, although to be honest, it was quieter at gatwick than previous journeys and I am sure this is a sign of the 'credit crunch' times. The servisair lounge was clean, quiet, well stocked with drinks, snacks, newspapers and a good view of the runway for those runway enthusiasts.
Off to gate 19 where additional security checks were being carried out. After a short wait priority boarding was in operation in the usual format and when on board the usual sparkling wine, bucks fizz and orange juice was offered. The crew were visible and helpful throughtout the lead up to take off.
Due to the inclement weather we were delayed by 1 hour and 45 minutes with a new take off time of 12.30 due to ATC restrictions because of the fog/reduced visibility.
Once airborne we were given our menus. Just as the drinks round was commencing the crew were ordered to take their seats due to heavy turbulence which lasted for twenty minutes, and I would say that the seat belt sign was on for at least a third of the flight due to moderate - heavy turbulence.
The cabin crew were friendly and courteous throughout and I have to say the majority of the upper deck passengers were demanding with continous drinks orders but nothing was too much trouble. After 6 hours the bar was closed 'to save some for the return leg', this issue is well documented on V-Flyer but is it that hard to stock more alcohol, vegas is a booze hungry route and I am sure some of this is to stop any over zealous passengers but this should be on a case by case basis. I was chatting to the steward about this issue and she asked me if I wanted another alcoholic drink, not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth I duly requested a Vodka & Lemonade which was delivered in an SAS style operation in order to not rouse the suspicions of my fellow passengers. This was much appreciated and I think she knew that I hadnt been taking the mickey with the alcohol.
Meals were nicely spread out with dinner being the usual chicken, beef or pasta option. I opted for the chicken which to be honest wont win the chef any michellin stars but it was edible. Further into the flight a wrap (chicken or spinach) was offered and an hour before landing a roll and yoghurt/fruit bar was given out.
Throughout the flight the stewards brought out water/apple/orange juice.
The 2 cabin crew were excellent and contributed to setting the PE product aside from economy with the level of service.
IFE was odyssey which worked well, due to the way Odysey operates I didnt really watch a film in full just flicked through the offerings which were relatively upto date.
One thing that I havent seen for a long time was a member of the flight deck hanging around the upper deck talking to some of the passengers, which is nice for the passengers and went on for some time.
On landing there was the usual scrum of the people at the front of the upper deck fighting past the people at the back to get off first, I can never understand people who start getting up when the seat belt signs were still on and losing all their manners. Everyone has had a long flight and wants to get to their destination but come on. I felt the stewards could have policed this better but as they say 'you can lead a horse to water'
The only bit to let the trip down was waiting 45 minutes for the PE bags to come off AFTER THE ECONOMY BAGS, I was plane to baggage belt in 10 minutes and then waited 45 for my bags to get off the plane [V].
I am now residing in my 28th floor hotel room at the Bellagio enjoying some high calorie food and beer. Return trip report to follow when time permits.
Regards
Missy-Tank
