VS056 IAD-LHR 22 May 08 (PE)

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

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Just a quick report on the return leg of a business trip to DC. Arrived at Dulles in plenty of time for the scheduled departure of 23:10. No luck in requesting an upgrade and was advised boarding wouldnt commence until 23:45 which would make us a hour late taking off. Spent way over an hour in the security queue and this was at half seven in the evening.

Once we had crossed underneath the runway and up the other side it was time for a bite to eat. We were lucky, as everything seems to close down there at 9. Midnight came and nothing, then 5 minutes later we were advised that we couldnt board the a/c since there was no lighting in the jetty that leads to plane. Finally we boarded at 00:45. When all settled, captain apologised for the late departure and explained that the late arrival of the plane was due to a plane going tech at Heathrow and had to wait for the Delhi flight to arrive when they did a quick turn around for it to head out to DC. Lined up on the runway at 01:10, 2 hours late.

PE was about two-thirds full but what was interesting was that of the seven seats in row 18 only 2 of them were occupied (A & K), which is annoying because at check-in I had asked for availability in 18 and advised they was none.

Once the seat belts light went off the CC were very efficient in getting the meals out. Didnt bother with an initial drinks service they just came with the food. This did seem rushed as the brand/baileys was brought round before I had finished the chicken main course. Within hour and half of seat belts lights going off they had turned the cabin lights off for the night.

In the morning I was awoken with the sound of the breakfast trolley coming down the isle. The first thing I remember seeing was a member of the CC preparing a bacon bap in the galley area, so when asked what I would like I said orange juice, coffee and a bacon bap to which the reply was biscuit or cake, I declined just didnt fancy either for breakfast. Not impressed at all, you would have thought something more appropriate for the time of day.

In the morning I was awoken with the sound of the breakfast trolley coming down the isle. The first thing I remember seeing was a member of the CC preparing a bacon bap in the galley area, so when asked what I would like I said orange juice, coffee and a bacon bap to which the reply was biscuit or cake, I declined just didn't fancy either for breakfast. Not impressed at all, you would have thought something more appropriate for the time of day.

The breakfast in PE is even more of a let down than diner. A Muffin or breakfast bar are not very appealing when you've been trying to sleep and failing.

[HighFlyer]

I replied to GeeJay's trip report yesterday about the breakfast onboard in PE. Its a real poor offering, and I cant believe that the wrapped biscuits and cakes are cheaper than offering croissants or other breakfast item - unless the branded goods are on a promo at VS which may explain why they are offered over traditional breakfast items. The bacon bap would have been for UC, though i do wonder if it would be more cost effective to offer a limited number of items in W such as a bacon roll or a croissant, given they are purchased for UC.

I just feel its a real failing to have improved PE to the extent of having proper crockery and cutlery - then serving tea and coffee in paper cups with sugary cookies on the second service, especially at 6am when many passengers want to head into the office afterwards.

Thanks,
Sarah

Originally posted by gnjb
PE was about two-thirds full but what was interesting was that of the seven seats in row 18 only 2 of them were occupied (A & K), which is annoying because at check-in I had asked for availability in 18 and advised they was none.

In the morning I was awoken with the sound of the breakfast trolley coming down the isle. The first thing I remember seeing was a member of the CC preparing a bacon bap in the galley area, so when asked what I would like I said orange juice, coffee and a bacon bap to which the reply was biscuit or cake, I declined just didn't fancy either for breakfast. Not impressed at all, you would have thought something more appropriate for the time of day.

You highlight two things that really pee me off about flying PE - so often on check in you ask for the front row to be told it is full, then it's empty, or someone from Y is brought up ... then the breakfast ... oh my isn't it rubbish ... I can buy a Z ticket in UC for £2,200 and sometimes a W ticket in PE for £1,900 - you'd think that more than a crap cup of coffee and a plastic wrapped cake would be offered in PE. HIghFlyer is totally right - VS lurker please note!

Otherwise, I should think you were well tired after the delays and sounds like the CC did their best to get the service done and allow rest?

Originally posted by slinky09
HIghFlyer is totally right

Duh. Her Grace is always right.

Now to the matter of brekkie - how could they get this wrong? It's a simple meal and the Brits have it down to a science: eggs, streaky bacon, potatoes of some sort, or stick the bloody thing in a bun and call it a breakfast bap.

For any British airline not to have brekkie sorted is a joke.

GJ

Not sure how much it would cost but why couldn't something like the hot panini BA manage to dish out be loaded?

Originally posted by HighFlyer
The bacon bap would have been for UC, though i do wonder if it would be more cost effective to offer a limited number of items in W such as a bacon roll or a croissant, given they are purchased for UC.

The fact that croissants are already loaded for UC is a good point, why not just load some more? Croissants can't be *that* expensive, right?

You could even offer a little fresh fruit or yogurt as an alternative.

But you already know that I am a critic of the 'sit and sip' (that's the cutesy name that VS give this) excuse for a 2nd service.

I agree with your theory that the packaged, branded items might have some sort of kick-back for VS - coming either free or dirt-cheap, in return for the promotional aspect of being served on the plane. Of course, that could backfire itself if people either stop taking the pre-packaged offerings, or the lameness of the offered items actually reflects badly on the brand.

Mike

The thing we have to remember is that this IS a better product than economy. PE is not offered the same biscuits or muffins as Economy. PE get a much higher quality brand of food than the economy cabin. The fact that the service in general is just too little is the main point I believe. I am very proud of the premium economy product. I think it is miles ahead of other premium economy cabins (incuding BA's). For the same price as British Airways World Traveller Plus you get priority check in, priority boarding, upgraded meal, upgraded amenity kits, and dedicated bathrooms (mostly), and dedicated cabin crew. BA give none of that. Infact on most airlines you get the same meal as economy, just first choice of meal. I am not trying to get any backs up but it just seems like the more Virgin betters the product the more people want more from it. I understand it's human nature to want more but at the end of the day I think it's great value for money especially for a economy product.

I think the main point is that the 'starbucks' service is not very well recieved. l will bring it up to a service supervisor first chance I get.

[mcmbenjamin]

So what did you do in DC?

Originally posted by Galley Guy


The thing we have to remember is that this IS a better product than economy. PE is not offered the same biscuits or muffins as Economy. PE get a much higher quality brand of food than the economy cabin. The fact that the service in general is just too little is the main point I believe. I am very proud of the premium economy product. I think it is miles ahead of other premium economy cabins (incuding BA's). For the same price as British Airways World Traveller Plus you get priority check in, priority boarding, upgraded meal, upgraded amenity kits, and dedicated bathrooms (mostly), and dedicated cabin crew. BA give none of that. Infact on most airlines you get the same meal as economy, just first choice of meal. I am not trying to get any backs up but it just seems like the more Virgin betters the product the more people want more from it. I understand it's human nature to want more but at the end of the day I think it's great value for money especially for a economy product.

I think the main point is that the 'starbucks' service is not very well recieved. l will bring it up to a service supervisor first chance I get.

But no where near the standard of NZ. VS IMHO even with the new improvements does not offer the best PE in the skies.

On NZ they serve the same food as Business Premier receive.By all accounts NZ are doing much, much better than they believed they would with PE and it is down to the food being offered.

GRanted VS may not want to go down that route, but why can't they just offer a bacon role. Its not hard.

[Decker]

I'm intrigued by the idea of a bacon role I have to admit...

and tonight I'm going to be....

[honey lamb]

Perhaps it was

'last night I was Porky the Pig'

Originally posted by Decker
I'm intrigued by the idea of a bacon role I have to admit...

and tonight I'm going to be....

[:w] [:I] [:D]

I played the role of Belly in the West End...now I'm down to playing Streaky in Berkshire pantos...

GJ

'last night I was Porky the Pig'

Squeal Piggy Squeal

Originally posted by mcmbenjamin
So what did you do in DC?

mcmbenjamin, Sorry for the delay in replying, I've been away for 4 days relaxing in a Devon holiday cottage miles from anywhere and no internet access.

We were over in DC having a business meeting with some of those people who work in that 5-sides building you have.

Originally posted by gnjb
that 5-sides building you have.

'Ahhh,' said the lad from Hull, 'you mean the square one, then!' [:w]

Hope you enjoyed your trip to DC!

GJ

[Scrooge]

Originally posted by Galley Guy


The thing we have to remember is that this IS a better product than economy.

True..but not that big of a leap.

PE is not offered the same biscuits or muffins as Economy. PE get a much higher quality brand of food than the economy cabin. The fact that the service in general is just too little is the main point I believe.

Yes maybe...I seem to remember there being a big pile of bacon baps for the UC pax, many of which are never eaten, would it be that hard to have one for each PE pax ?

I am very proud of the premium economy product.

That is good, an employee should be proud of where they work

I think it is miles ahead of other premium economy cabins (incuding BA's).

Errrr No....not even close

For the same price as British Airways World Traveller Plus you get priority check in, priority boarding, upgraded meal, upgraded amenity kits, and dedicated bathrooms (mostly), and dedicated cabin crew. BA give none of that.

You may want to look at the check in lines...the food on VS has gone down hill, the Y pax are not stopped from using the 'dedicated' washroom...and the crew...mmmm not going to start that up again.

In fact on most airlines you get the same meal as economy, just first choice of meal. I am not trying to get any backs up but it just seems like the more Virgin betters the product the more people want more from it. I understand it's human nature to want more but at the end of the day I think it's great value for money especially for a economy product.

How many PE type products have you flown on ?

I think the main point is that the 'starbucks' service is not very well recieved. l will bring it up to a service supervisor first chance I get.

Just to set the record straight...I have NEVER once had an issue with the on board service on a VS flight...the food...different story.
I understand that VS is cutting back, as every airline is, but come on, if AA can mange to serve an omelet surely VS can load a few Bacon baps.

Originally posted by willd


But no where near the standard of NZ. VS IMHO even with the new improvements does not offer the best PE in the skies.

On NZ they serve the same food as Business Premier receive.By all accounts NZ are doing much, much better than they believed they would with PE and it is down to the food being offered.

GRanted VS may not want to go down that route, but why can't they just offer a bacon role. Its not hard.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have ourselves a winner.

My in-laws just flew down to NZ on..NZ...and they were amazed by the NZ PE product...last year they flew to China on UA international first. They preferred NZ by far.