This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
that said, the best laid plans etc. were cast aside as a combination of last minute chores at home and the M25 conspired to delay arrival by half an hour[:(!] To add to the 'misery' the lifts were not fully functioning resulting in a dash across the arrivals terminal before finally reaching the VS Check In area.
Check in was a breeze and the Check In Maitre'D ensured that an interloper was quickly put in her place before we called forward. The Check In Agent was very friendly, remarking 'My you are early for the Boston flight!'[:I][:I] before Boarding passes were issued and we were on our way to the Clubhouse via the private channel[y] As Nick has already posted, the shoe carnival has now been removed so we arrived at the Clubhouse in under 10 minutes from arriving in the Check in Hall.
No sooner had we met up with Mr & Mrs Nick, then we were asked by one of the servers what we would like[y][y] As has been previously written, portions are now smaller, but given we knew we would be taking lunch later, this was not an issue. An obligatory glass of champagne was forced upon us and we all celebrated the forthcoming weekend. Service remained excellent throughout and I have to admit that I did indulge a little with a couple of Vespers - which by the way were far better than I have been provided with elsewhere.
After we had all been pampered (the men opting for haircuts and the ladies going to the Cowshed) we made our way to the Brasserie for lunch. For the first time ever, I sat at a booth and as Nick has again already informed the wonderful world of V-Flyers, a new anniversary menu was on offer. Mrs Buns opted for the Steak & Guinness Pie and I the Burger[y][y] I have to own up and say i could have downed three servings of 'Eaton Mess' (as it came in a cocktail glass) but was summoned to the Concierge.
Shock upon shock, Mrs Buns and I had been op-upped[oo][oo] To my recollection, this is only the second time in the last ten years we have had the pleasure. However, gallant as I am, I quickly decided that Mrs Buns and Mrs Nick would make best use of the facilities so we swapped seats just before boarding.
Call for Boarding was slightly delayed and eventually (after stocking up on some boiled sweets - for ears popping you understand) we all made our way to Gate 19. By the time we arrived, the tail enders of pre boarding had just finished so we breezed on board and I took 20C in place of Mrs Nick. I have to say this was a result as i did not realise that Row 19 does not offer a window.
First time for me in the new PE seats and I have to say, top marks for comfort and leg room.[y][y]
I found the crew personable and efficient, and notwithstanding we pushed back a little late, service was quickly put into action. More than content with the food, but declined the wine accompaniment and the crew were happy to provide a top up of my pre-dinner scotch[y][y]
After lunch, Mrs Buns arrived for me and Mr Nick to make a short visit to the UC Bar and we all a quick chat - in marked contrast to the B2B Party bus[:w][:w] I might add - before returning to the PE Cabin. I then grazed the IFE, but nothing really took my fancy so I resorted to my I Pod[:D].
All too quickly the aircraft was made ready for landing and we arrived to a rain soaked Logan airport - Nick was quite disappointed as the normal approach over Boston was not used and whether this was a result of an incident earlier in the day when there was a near-miss between an aircraft and a road vehicle one can only speculate[:?]
We were soon off the aircraft and into an empty Immigration Hall and no sooner had we been processed than we arrived at the Carousel to collect our bags and then on to a waiting limo that I had organised as a treat for Mr & Mrs Nick
All in all, the entire experience was 'Just Right' and I am now looking forward to my next flight with VS
buns
