This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
I arrived at 12:30pm to see a busy Economy line, I found the UC security line and was quickly screened, however, half way through some other UC passengers who had checked in came back and interrupted the security agent and started asking directions to somewhere else in the airport.
The other passengers and the agent then got into a discussion about exactly where they needed to be, so I did interrupt them, and suggest that the security agent finish dealing with me and then he could help them.[V]
I was first in the checkin queue, although the UC agent had just pulled over some Economy and was selling them an upgrade. There were many signs detailing Exit Row upgrades ($110) and you were asked to enquire about PE upgrades.
The agent checked me in quickly, and I switched from the Upper Deck to the bulkhead of the lower PE deck. She put the wrong luggage tag on, and quickly swapped it when I pointed it out.
Security screening was quick and after a short walk, Gate 2 was already full of Virgin passengers. I headed into the Lounge and found a seat. It was very quiet and I easily found a seat with a power socket to power the laptop, and the good news is that the WiFi at the airport is free.
The flight was called at 16:35, 30 mins after we should have pushed back, and I made my way through the throngs of people to the Priority Boarding, where I was told to wait as they were only boarding UC passengers. I did say that I thought I should be boarding with them, and was allowed through.
The PE cabin downstairs filled up quickly and mainly couples and adult families.
The pre-flight champagne was handed out, and the cabin crew attendant offered me a second much larger glass. [^]
We pushed back at 5pm, an hour late and had a fairly long wait until we actually got airborne.
The FSM was familiar, and I have been on a flight with her before, and she actually served the PE dinners on my side of the plane, and I did expect a welcome back, but it did n't happen.[:(]
The food was good, I chose the Beef and Guiness, which was very tasty.
The entertainment system worked well. I got a good 5 hours sleep and breakfast was served arounnd 9.30am.
With the fog at Gatwick, it was announced that it would be an automatic landing (very smooth too) and we were expected to hold for a while.
We touched down at 11:15 and had a short taxi to our stand next to English Rose. The configuration setup means that the PE and UC guests have to wait until the Economy section clears and merge with the PE guests from upstairs.
The immigration lines were OK, I only waited for 5 mins, and just as I got to the immigration officer I spotted the IRIS machine. The bags were assigned to belt 6, and started coming off 10 minutes later.
The first set of bags off were Economy, and it was a good 15 mins before the PE and UC bags were off.
Overall a good flight, not too bumpy. Where Virgin could do better is recognising their regular travellers, as pretty much every step their staff and representatives failed to spot Gold Card members.
I believe our conference is back in Vegas again next year, so I am sure I'll be able to report on my experiences again in 12 months.
Back to LHR next Monday [:D]
Mark
