This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
I woffled on forever in my outbound TR so I'll try to be brief -honest!
We had a wonderful week with our friends in The Keys & enjoyed average temps of 82 degrees[:w]
For our return flight we did OLCI the night before using a friend's laptop. I was so so SO hoping that we would be able to move forward from our assigned seats of 43H & K. These were all I could secure when I booked MONTHS ago. However, no joy. I said a few choice words & that was that.
After a lurvely last lunch at Sundowners on bayside in Key Largo, we left The Keys in plenty of time in case of traffic delays but we sailed thru. There is a major road improvement scheme going on on US1 in The Keys which is helping to alieviate traffic congestion. However, this is ongoing so do be warned & leave extra time is my advice.
After retuning the car & catching the courtsey bus we went straight to bag-drop. No pax around for bag-drop although there were people waiting to do conventional check-in.
We asked the really pleasant chap assisting us with bag drop if we could move forward but, as with the outbound flight & as we suspected, it was a full flight.[n] We asked if we could have the exit row 31H & K. He said that we could but it would cost $75 each. Result!!![^][:D] I have such an aversion to sitting further back in econ due to my nervous state, (& lack of money for PE & UC as prices were high because of school hols & we were tied to dates due to our friend's birthday). I was sooooo relieved.[:D].
Some folks may object to paying more for exit row but I'm so nervous that I accept paying on a full flight without any quibble.
I could have kissed the check-in assistant but fortunately for him I resisted the urge & also spared 'love-him-as-I-do-but.....' any embarrassment.
The whole layout has changed (as with landing) since our last visit in March 2007. We went thru security (& I overheard 2 members of staff discussing whether tinned tuna was or wasn't allowed thru. I didn't hear the outcome -sorry), with a mimimum of delay & found 2 chairs overlooking where planes park & so lots to watch until darkness fell. As we were early for our flight I read my book, had a meander & people watched - always good entertainment.[:w] The whole departure lounge is much more spacious than when we last visited with a few outlets & some TV's strategically placed in the departure lounge.
We boarded the plane (couldn't see what she was called) at the end of the scrum because what's the point in fighting with the masses when our seats were at the front of econ? We settled ourselves & luxuriated in the masses of legroom & knowing no-one would put their seat back into our space (bliss)[y][:D].
We then watched the mass change around, with CCMs assistance, as several families that had been split within the first 3 rows re-seated themsleves within their family groups. It turned out that if every family sat togther then all the mis-match righted itself[|:)] We left late.
The safety video was shown & then a CCM came to ask us if we had read the safety card that was relevant to us as we were sitting in the exit row. We had, but we had not been asked this on the way out.
After take-off & as soon as the seat belt sign was turned off the crew begin to work. We thought that the crew worked tirelessly as it was a full flight. The CCM asigned to us was a sweetie, she came & gave us an extra glass of wine each which was appreciated.[y][:D]. Little touches such as this make all the difference.[:)]
I can't remember what I watched. I know that the meal was unappetising but that's not the crews fault. I dozed well, must have been the extra glass of wine[:)]
We landed early even though we had to circle. The captain came on the PA system & said that we were circling over Wisley Gardens - almost home for us!
We used the IRIS system & whipped thru to collect our bags but did have to wait a while. We rang Q-Park & only had to wait for 5 minutes before the courtesy bus arrived. Our car was parked at the exit for us so whoopee, home in no time. [:D]
Would we travel econ on this flight again? Yes, IF we could ensure that we had the same seats on a 340-600 config 1 plane even if we had to pay a bit extra.
Plus to have as pleasant a CCM working in our section made all the difference.
[|)][|)] I hope you are still awake at the end of this woffle - I really did try to be brief.
R-P
