VS029 LGW-BGI 22 NOV 09 (Premium Economy)

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

Hauled out of the queue to go through the UC check-in (flashy cases) but otherwise routine. Don't care for the centre seats in PE - cluster of 4 - might as well be in economy. Had been wait-listed to upgrade so beggars can't be choosers. That said little interaction with couple the other side and meal service was good. Drinks not exactly flowing down the aisle. Waded through 3 good films on v-port system.

First flight in a while and first on the LHR configs - very smart with leather seats etc. Is it me or are they a bit hard? The goody bag isn't exactly inspiring - nearly everyone left theirs behind. I'd rather have the plastic drawstring bag in the back which is handy for beach items or whatever than what looks like a cheap spec-case.

Considering the Premium price and APD, it's a shame Virgin don't throw in anything at LGW - last time we got free Fastrack passes and access to the old UC lounge on a VH package. Would free V-room passes break the bank at these seat prices? (we'd still not go - no free booze and very kid-laden we hear.) We booked the No 1 Lounge and had breakfast and booze included in the deal - plus free wifi. Handy as they tell you when to go to the stand at the last minute like the UC lounge do: now the satellite is easily walkable it isn't a bad deal at all.

Luggage retrieval at BGI was quick - I'd get a taxi next time rather than wait for VH to get their act together for about an hour - when only 2/3 miles from the airport. We're off again to BGI next month - may have boobed going on a Friday as it looks to be LGW config - pray the IFE is working.

yep would agree the seats are harder than LGW/MAN A/C, but a much nicer overall offering...
"flashy cases" ??

Thanks for the TR - it does seem the "goody bag" improves the further down the plane you go!

Thank you for the TR.

*flashy cases* - matched gold metal zero haliburton jobs picked up working in DXB years ago. Well over a grand each in the UK. Check-in staff notice these things!