VS602 JNB-LHR 6 Jul 08 (Econ)

This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin

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Ok, so after the outbound trip the aiport at JNB was approached with caution...hopefully no delay...we arrived in plenty of time - probably about an hour before checkin opened up. After a beer or two land side (tip - don't arrive here too early...there's literally nothing to do!!) we queued at the check in desk. The check in area is far too small at JNB but I think they are expanding the airport in time for the football world cup. Second in line for UC and processed very quickly. Small queue for security but a long one for passports - again not enough people on duty for the number of flights leaving.

We were airside by 18:30 so just over 2 hours before departure and after a small amount of duty free shopping we headed upstairs to the CH. It's obviously a lot smaller than LHR's but its not a shared lounge which is always a bonus! As you enter the CH there's a distinct African theme blended with the Virgin 'funk' - a nice touch. There's a selection of sofas, comfy chairs with tables and mp3 players, tables for dining, a bar and upstairs there a small area for internet usage. The kitchen is also open plan.

We opted for a couple of comfy chairs by the windows overlooking a departure gate, thinking how glad we were to be in the sanctuary of the CH rather than chaos below for the poor souls waiting for a fairly full SAA 346.

Anyway, no sooner had we sat down we were offered the menu and a drink. We both opted for an Amarula based drink which was pretty strong! We'd been to 'The home of the chicken pie' on the way down from Gaborone so we weren't that hungry but we both went for the prawns from the lite-bites selection - yummy when washed down with a large merlot! After a merlot re-fill we opted to share a plate of cheese and biscuits followed by some water. After a bit of a read it was time to say farewell to the CH and head down to the gate...

...which was a bit of a trek! On arrival boarding was well underway and priority boarding was in operation and working. We know it would be a full flight from the Y queue to board so no such luck in speading out the plane we tought. Anyway, down the airbridge and Tubular Belle was waiting for us (same plane as the way out). Boarded and sat back watching the flight become nearly full.

Once the doors were closed the cc came round spraying something - presumably for bugs or the like! The cc were mostly male this time. Captain came on the PA and gave us some flight details. Pushed back and take off on time. I don't know why but I always get excited when they dim the cabin lights for a night time departure [:I]

The flight itslef was fairly uneventful. Amenity kits (nice PE ones [:D]) and rubbish headphones handed out. Drinks service soon after take off and then dinner was served - I chose the chicked curry (served in a china bowl) which was really tasty. Cabin was soon bedded down for the night and the cc must have came round 4/5 times with juice and water. Chose to watch Juno and 21 on V:Port and listened to some music. Also tried to catch some sleep but, as ever, this proved impossible!

Breakfast served a couple of hours before landing - some tasteless omlette (hence food rated only 'good'). Went to the loo to freshen up just before the seatbelt sign came on then watched our decent. No idea where we came in over as it was raining! Captain came on the PA and stated we would circle for 30 mins (which we did) as LHR was busy (oh great). Landing was smooth. Through immigration in a breeze and made it to baggage quickly - and there they were coming round! Quickly to the business parking bus (glancing back at T3 departures wiching we were in there again!) - all in all 30 mins from plane to car. A record at any airport!

Overall, another great flight from a world class airline and world class cabin crew. Well done Virgin. CPT next year but in the meantime my next flight is with Ryanair [:?][:?][:?]

Sounds like a great flight. Thanks for the TR [:D]

Thanks for the TR - it is nice to read a report from 'the back of the plane'.

Great report would love to fly to JBG
I know what you mean about sleeping its virtually impossible, i do have one thing to ask as i dont understand, and thats why do you get omlette for breakfast in economy when in PE i have had a muffin (yes a muffin) several times, so do you always get something cooked in Y.

Kind regards

Alex

Re the comment on cooked breakfasts in Y - I believe you don't get them on leisure routes nor east coast USA routes as they are not overly long flights but JNB is 11.5 hours but I may be wrong!!

Yeah ok[:D] i kinda see that thought, still wouldnt say no to more than a muffin.

Another great TR and a good flight in Y and a quick exit [y]

DMB

Yes, the spray they walk up and down the aisles with is an insecticide. It is there to ensure you don't unwittingly export some nasty little thing to Europe. After all, it's Africa! (just kidding, honest). You will find that AF do the same on both their flights in and out of the US and Africa.

Cooked breakfast is definitely available on VS602 in PE - We got an omelette, but those who were late sleepers didn't, probably something to do with the tight time between breakfast and descent.

S.

Originally posted by VAFFPAX
Yes, the spray they walk up and down the aisles with is an insecticide. It is there to ensure you don't unwittingly export some nasty little thing to Europe. After all, it's Africa! (just kidding, honest). You will find that AF do the same on both their flights in and out of the US and Africa.

It's also done on all the Caribbean routes.

Paul