This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Headed out from East London on the District / Picadilly lines, leaving plenty of time to get there before our treatments booked at 11. Typical tubes were delayed as someone had pulled the emergency switch on the tube in front. Arrived to an empty check-in area, and hoped that it would be a quick process. Unfortunately there was someone with the same name as me travelling in economy, so I almost got checked in as them instead!! Seemed to take a very long time to get everything sorted and boarding passes issued. No bulkhead seats as it was a full PE cabin unfortunately. Were asked about ESTA, but were told that we still had to do the green visa waiver form at this time. Security was very quick, as always!
Lounge was quiet - got in just at 11, so perfect timing for my facial. Time to relax and unwind and be pampered. Once feeling more relaxed, it was a suitable time for a bloody mary to start of the trip properly. Nipped out for a bit of shopping, and then back for lunch. Seated to an empty restaurant.....and then sat there as the staff were at either end having a good old chat with each other!!! Eventually managed to catch someones eye, so that we could get our orders taken. Had a selection from the deli to start and then the chicken curry (very good!).
Flight called, and headed off hoping that it would be mostly boarded when we got there. Boarding pass through the machine....double beep and refused, swipped again and still not accepted....an upgrade maybe?? Partner's also refused.....anticipation increasing....but unfortunately just something with our boarding cards as there was no upgrade forthcoming....shame!!
One empty seat in PE when we got on. Quickly offered sparkling wine (sold to us as champagne). Settled back for an on time departure. Drinks round after take-off fairly quickly - lovely gin and slim line tonic and pretzels. Lunch options were:
Starter
Red pesto pasta salad with seasonal leaves
Mains
Chicken breast with mustard sauce, mashed potato, broccoli and carrots
Beef and veggie stew, braised cabbage and herb dumpling
Gnocchi in spinach, tomato and herb sauce
Dessert
Gu chocolate and bannoffee dessert
The starter was a lot better than previous offerings and the beef stew wasn't too bad either. Gu dessert....nothing to say there but lovely!!
Entertainment was hit and miss and had problems during the flight, including needing to do a complete reboot of the whole plane which was very annoying.
Crew on this flight were lovely and friendly and the FSM was seen around and about. One thing that always slightly surprises me is that in all the intro speeches is that VS never seem to welcome back their flying club members. Whenever I fly any other airline, they make a point of welcoming executive club or star alliance members on the flight....wonder if this is a conscious decision by VS?
Arrived to an empty immigration hall and handed over passport and completed cards. Apparently the green cards will have to be completed along side the ESTA until at least March (although they think it is likely to be much longer). Bags off very quickly and then off to the airtrain and the E subway into Manhattan for only $7!
