This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Both UC and PE Lines were absolutely empty, save the people checking in ahead of us and once finished we were soon called forward to go through necessary procedures. Check in staff were friendly and efficient and there were no traits of what others have encountered in other US airports with surliness and the like. Whilst we were checking in, I did overhear someone nearby asking to be cost of an upgrade from Economy to PE and after being told $275, sought a $50 extra leg room seat.
Security was painless enough and a mere 5 minute diversion from our main objective of the afternoon - The Boston Clubhouse[:D][:D] As ever, Nottingham (or should it be Boston[}:)]) Nick was our guide to this subterranean gem located under the Gate.
Although small, the welcome we received ranks alongside the warmest I have encountered at Clubhouses in LGW and SFO (these IMHO are top notch). The Manager worked like a Trojan throughout our stay; making sure everyone in the Clubhouse had everything they needed and that supplies of drinks, food and papers remained stocked throughout. Just like a good FSM, this leading by example had a genuine impact on all the staff there who all similarly gave of their best[y][y]
Being Boston, I had to try out the Chowder and agree with Nick that it is jolly good. Nick was able to log in using the WiFi there and I did gain access on my I-Touch but it did want to re-log the password every time I went back, so gave up in the end. Once the flight was called, the Manager personally bade everyone farewell and have to say that in the se tough economic times, it is small things like that which retain custom[y]
A short elevator journey had us at the gate and boarding almost instantaneously[:0]
Settled into 21A & C on a very busy aircraft and given i would be driving at the other end, declined the 'Champagne' on offer. Mrs Buns (who some of you might recall had been lucky to get an Op-Up on the outbound journey[}:)]) was very impressed with the seat - this being the first time she had been in PE aboard a LHR configured aircraft. The Captain told us it would be a relatively short 5 hours 50 minutes which would more than make up for the delay on taking up; which was due to a medical emergency on the inbound flight.
Take off from a wet and windy Boston was soon replaced by cruising in the clear blue skies above and Mrs Buns and i settled back to make the most of the short flight. No pre-dinner drinks run, but then given the short time available and the need to get some rest, I am sure no-one bothered too much. Over dinner, I watch 'Airplane!' which i still find funny after all these years. For those who were not around in the early 80's, the irony is that some of the airport experiences was just as portrayed.
After dinner got some rest and woke about an hour and a half before arrival, meaning i could get to the washrooms before the rush. Picked up my Pre-Ordered Duty Free and had a cup of coffee and some fruit for breakfast.
The usual stack over London was encountered, but this did not prevent an early arrival and even having to wait for the Gate to be vacated by a preceding aircraft still had us on stand before scheduled arrival time.
The long trek through the never ending building site, known better as Terminal 3, brought us to an overflowing Immigration Hall, which quite frankly is a shameful welcome to the UK[:(!] Let us not forget that the huge fees / taxes we all pay are for the upkeep of the airport and yet we have a facility that leave visitors with the impression that we are a country just about to go into bankruptcy.
Unlike my previous visit the month before, by the time we reached the carousel, our bags were coming off and we quickly made our way through customs and onto Revivals for a quick breakfast stoke up before getting the courage to take on the M25[:D]
All in all, a more than pleasurable experience, no bases not covered and VS can be pleased that the encounter with the Boston Clubhouse Manager has certainly retained my custom [y][y]
buns
