VS015 LGW-MCO 6 Dec 09 (Econ)

This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin

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My first trip to Orlando came about not due to Disney but instead presenting a poster at a conference. As my flying habits are quite erratic and Im never too sure when Ill next be flying, I cashed in the required 40,000 miles. At the time of booking, I originally chose 31H, but when I checked in, I changed to 23G as I like being further forward in the cabin. The web check-in interface was fine and as I remember it, but I think I prefer the BA version as it just seems slightly more polished and less idiot-proof. However, I did get a phone call from VS on Thursday which I presume was about the flight, although I wasnt in a position to pick up.

The trip to Gatwick consisted of tube and rail which was slightly complicated by the weekend engineering works and a power failure closing Green Park station but arrived at Gatwick just before 10am. Was asked if I would like to upgrade for 219 (or maybe 290) but declined not entirely sure if you can upgrade a reward ticket with cash? I was carrying a poster tube with me and the check-in agent asked me if I wanted to put it in the hold to which I replied I didnt, but she seemed to think that I wouldnt be able to take it on with me was asked to see the staff manning the queue who confirmed it would be ok and the agent seemed happy enough she worked for Swissport and not Virgin although not sure if that made any difference.

Security was rather quiet as well and was through in well under 5 minutes had to take the laptop out of my rucksack but didnt have to take it out of its sleeve or take off my shoes. I cant remember if Ive ever flown from the South Terminal but it was very pleasant:



At about 11.50, I made my way to gate 17 where people seemed to be having their bags thoroughly searched at random, I decided not to make eye contact with the security staff and managed to escape to this view:



Boarding began just before 12.30 and it was announced that there were 290 passengers in total and that the flight time would be 9 hours 15 minutes with us taking a more northerly route than normal. Once airborne, the crew were very efficient handing out headsets, amenity kits, etc... Lunch came round around an hour and a half into the flight and consisted of pasta salad, chicken in mushroom sauce, beef or penne with a mini Gu pot:



I went for the chicken which wasnt dry at all although the sauce wasnt very mushroomy. Two rounds of tea/coffee and then a bit later on came water/juice x2 and ice cream. It was strange going back to Odyssey and non-AVOD and it wasnt a great experience. I got through Harry Potter and District 9 but there were numerous skips and interference in both the audio and video and was so bad on the comedy channel that it was unwatchable. Just a note there were plenty of off-duty crew on board in economy (I reckon maybe 6-8), but they were all perfect passengers and although the crew did stop and chat more often than not, it never seemed to interfere with normal duties.

About an hour and a half out, a choice of chicken coronation or cheese and pickle sandwich was offered along with a cookie nothing special and would have preferred something a bit more substantial. Things were tidied up pronto and we had a smooth descent into Orlando, touching down about 10 minutes late at 5.35pm. Was through immigration by 5.50pm but then had a 25 minute wait for my luggage before heading off to Mears and their hotel shuttle service.

All in all, a good flight with only really the IFE to moan about. Back in a week and then will be able to draw some comparisons with my recent BA trip to New York.

Jonathan

[buns]

Jonathan

Thanks for the TR[y]

We do not get that many Economy TRs these days, so it is good to read that, overall, the experience 'does what it says on the tin' so to speak.

I personally like having the photos as it adds to the ability to help share the experience

Glad to see the poster got through intact, good luck at the Conference

buns

Thank you for the TR. I've visited the conference centre in Orlando a few times and admit it is strange visiting the area for work and not Disney. Looking forward to your return TR and hearing how both flights compared with your experience on BA.

Thank for the TR. Good to hear a report from Economy.[y]

Thanks for the TR and pics. I hope you have a good trip and that the poster presentation goes well.[y]

Great TR and thanks for the photos, as jacki has said it is indeed strange being in orlando for the conference centre and not disney, its a collosal centre and one you wont make the mistake of twice and thats walking in from the wrong end of the centre.

cheers

alex

Thanks for the good luck messages. The conference isn't actually at the convention centre but at the Mariott World Resort. However, I did walk past the convention centre this morning and it is indeed massive.

Jonathan

I'm flying economy to Orlando is just over 4 weeks time on the earlier flight. Nice to see a change from most peoples' UC or occasionally PE reports and it seems far more postive than quite a few other things said about VA on some of the Disney related websites.
I'll try to put up a trip report with photos as well.