This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
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A reasonably quiet journey from the Borders down the M6 was interrupted by having to dodge wheels, driveshafts and bits of body work in the fast lane after coming across an accident nobody seemed hurt but the first of the emergency services arrived just as I was clearing the debris[:0]. That and some horrendous road works added another hour on to the journey to the Hilton at Manchester Airport, which was rewarded with an upgrade to a deluxe room and a basket full of Hilton points courtesy of Amex, Virgin and double dipping.[y]
Check-in was pretty quiet and straight up to the desk with lounge invitation in hand and onwards through the new security channel to airside. The Escape Lounge was very full and had a few loud kids but did the job of providing a few coffees and a little quiet compared to the rest of the airport.
It was soon time to board (on time) and yes it was the dreaded remote stand. Now this seems to cause problems for many, and I can see if you have reduced motability, its quite a hike up the stairs, but I think its kinda nice walking up to the plane and being able to really take in the huge size of these things. The last time we boarded like this was in Barbados, just slightly warmer than Manchester.[:)]
The plane was chocka absolutely chocka and seemed full to bursting (was allowed to prebook 12K which I thought was always held back[?]) but we took off on time after all the busses had bussed the excited kids and grumpy parents all the way from the terminal.
The menu has been spoken about at length and was actually pretty tasty, so much so that I didnt have any dessert. The champagne flowed reasonably well, although from 12K it looked like there was only 2 bottles, so its a good job there was really only me really drinking it.[:I]
The girls were pretty good as well, although no introduction from the FSM or indeed any extras from the basket, but they never let your glass run dry. Watched the new Indiana Jones film and then Kung Foo Panda which along with a small snooze took us to afternoon tea which again was OK, although some of the sandwiches were starting to go a little hard, The cake was very nice though.
We were off very quick and through immigration etc too quickly for dollar to have the car ready. (was given a very nice 'welcome to the United States of America' on arrival, no silly questions about last visit or purpose of trip and a little leaflet on ESTA [y]- don't know if they knew I had pre-registered)
All in all, another good flight from VA, but nothing to make it a truly great flight, maybe thats just because now you are looking for something outstanding to make it a really great flight.[:?]
Oh and one for the statisticians in our group out there after an on time take off, an early landing. Not bad for an MCO flight. [;)]
David
