So after 2 weeks of lazing by the pool and playing on the beach it was time to pack up and head back to the UK. A quick note on Tobago, it is a very quiet Island with not a lot to do, and virtually no shopping to be be had,( so don't go Sarah or Birkin)[:p].
The weather was also rather mixed with more cloudy days than sunny, as those watching the cricket will know, but it was a nice break from work none the less. Would I go back...No
VS Hols operate the check-in and chill out service on most of these islands so at noon the van with the crew arrived. The rep had noted we were flying UC and did make sure we were first to check in and kept the check in agents on the ball, so very good service indeed.
So with just a holdall left containing the change of clothes for the flight it was time to have a few last rum punches and catch the last rays of Caribbean sunshine.
A nice cool taxi collected us at 4.40pm ( the other guests travelled by mini bus).Seemingly part of the UC service
Now the airport is only 15 mins away and our flight departure was at 7.35pm so we be hanging about for 2.5hrs and believe me there is nothing to do at the airport as it is just a large shed so for anyone going in the future and you have already pre-checked in at the hotel, go later by your own taxi.
There is no business lounge or anything there for UC pax and the Duty free is shocking (note to boss to investigate)
Our flight had landed at 2pm in the afternoon and then left for Grenada to collect new pax and a new crew, and landed again at 6.30pm.
Priority boarding was in place and did work efficiently. Our return a/c was to be Barbarella so back to a LGW config a/c.
Once on board the cabin was quiet and already was half full with PAX from Grenada. Cabin crew greeted the new pax and offered the champers or OJ. They also offered sleep suits which we quickly changed in to much to the surprise of some of our fellow companions judging by their puzzled looks.(we did use the toilets to do this of course)
Departure was bang on time and the flight time would be approx 8hrs something. Prior to departure we asked if they could start preparing Daniels meal so that he could be fed as soon as the seat belt sign was off, and this is exactly what happened[y] The meal was meat balls and spaghetti which was infinitely better that the E meal he had from LGW. With Daniel now fed and watered he was bedded down and settled in to his sleep with no medi sed required[}:)][;)].
This meant mum and dad could relax and have a few drinks. Super Nova worked perfectly.
The meal order was taken which was Roasted Veg soup or Duck Terryiaki salad, Main course was a choice of Braised steak, caramelised molasses chicken or veg Thai curry. Desserts were the usual cheese and biccies or ice cream.
I opted for the soup and the chicken as Mrs F had the duck and chicken. We both agreed that this was by far the best meal that VS had served up to us. The duck was sumptuous and exceptionally tasty and the chicken was moist and succulent with a beautiful tangy sweet sauce. I wanted more[^]. The soup was also piping hot and hearty.
Some cheese and biccies with a couple of glasses of Chilean wine and I was one happy chappy. I refused the port opting for a malt instead to send me off to sleep.
For the first time as well the cabin temperature was just perfect, a little cool,just the way I prefer to help me sleep.
I had pre ordered breakie as well so I was set for a good 4 hr sleep.
I was awoken by little D climbing over the suite and landing on my head so a polite good morning to him was muttered[:w]
By this time the crew were up and around preparing breakie some 2 hrs out of LGW. The cabin was stirring as everyone wiped the sleep from their eyes.
I changed back in to civvies and brushed the knashers with the brush and toothpate provided. I forgot to mention that the snooze pack was on the seat pre boarding and a selection of other items including polos were available from baskets on the bar. VS pen anyone[:w]
Breakfast was served and I must admit I was a bit disappointed with the bacon roll which was more a salami offering than rashers, but hey ho! Good back bacon must be scarce in Grenada[:)]
The approch in to LGW took us south of the IOW which the FO mentioned was a bit unusual but did give great views of the island's white cliffs. Not much later it was finals into LGW and a very nice touch down.
Once parked up UC was let off first and as we had stored Daniels stroller in the hold( on the way out they let us keep it in the UC cupboard) we had been told it would be at the a/c entrance for collection, but we new that this never happens and just headed for immigration. We were given on board the fasttrack voucher but we never needed it as the non EU queue was very quiet where as the UK/EU queue was stacked back.
After about a 2 minute wait in the baggage hall our UC tagged luggage was one of the first off and we collected the buggy from the outsized belt so in and out very quickly. We decided not to use the US arrivals as we just wanted home.
The parking express bus was waiting downstairs and a quick 5 minute journey had us back to the car.
Overall an excellent flight, fantastic food, efficient and friendly crew, and even good luggage service from LGW.
Now when is our trip to LAS[;)]
Iain
Great TR, Iain. [y]
Jekyll and Hyde Virgin Atlantic strike again. [;)]
Glad to hear your return trip was a LOT better than the outbound.
Nick
Jekyll and Hyde Virgin Atlantic strike again. [;)]
Glad to hear your return trip was a LOT better than the outbound.
Nick
Glad to hear the return was much better for you all Iain [:)]
I've always wanted to go to Tobago after I found out that some episodes of David Attenborough's 'Trial's of Life' were filmed there. Fingers crossed that VS will make arrangements for a shared lounge, otherwise i have no hope of getting LRoM there [:p]
Thanks,
Sarah
I've always wanted to go to Tobago after I found out that some episodes of David Attenborough's 'Trial's of Life' were filmed there. Fingers crossed that VS will make arrangements for a shared lounge, otherwise i have no hope of getting LRoM there [:p]
Thanks,
Sarah
Trials of life was indeed filmed there and if Rainforests and waterfalls are your thing then they are indeed very beautiful and interesting. I am more of a rum punch and Roti man myself[:D]
There are no lounges of any sort at TAB so they would need to build one first before they could share. In fact a decent departure lounge would be a start[:)]
Iain
There are no lounges of any sort at TAB so they would need to build one first before they could share. In fact a decent departure lounge would be a start[:)]
Iain
Originally posted by iforres1
The approch in to LGW took us south of the IOW which the FO mentioned was a bit unusual but did give great views of the island's white cliffs.
They've just done a remodelling of the airspace in the Channel between Southampton and the French Coast (known as the 'Hurn sector'), which has included some changes to the arrival routings.
This is probably the reason for the different routing, around the bottom of the Isle of Wight.
Virgin's odd sense of karma strikes again, in terms of flight quality, it seems...
Mike
Iain
Thanks for an excellently detailed TR[y][y]
I am so glad that your return journey was not marred and that UC lived up to the VS marketing machine[;)]
I will let Mrs Buns know that if she is after shopping then try elsewhere[:w]
Regards to all the family and good luck with 'having a word with the boss'
Buns
Thanks for an excellently detailed TR[y][y]
I am so glad that your return journey was not marred and that UC lived up to the VS marketing machine[;)]
I will let Mrs Buns know that if she is after shopping then try elsewhere[:w]
Regards to all the family and good luck with 'having a word with the boss'
Buns
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