#746408 by buns
22 May 2010, 20:11
Following an unforgettable visit to Las Vegas in the company of some pretty intrepid V-Flyers, it was time to say goodbye and commence our trek back to blighty.

Not being of the overly progressive technological persuasion, Mrs Buns and I arrived at McCarran Airport without the benefit of online check in, but nevertheless eager to confirm that we were still on the flight that would take us back to San Francisco to catch our flight back home that very evening. Despite the Airport being its usual hive of activity, Check In was deserted and we walked straight up to the Desk and were warmly greeted by the Agent who accurately surmised that we would be on the San Francisco flight.

As I hauled each of our cases onto the baggage weighting platform, I was ever-so grateful we were travelling in First. The Agent clearly noticed me struggling to lift the bags up and cheerfully remarked "we accept up to 70 lbs" :| . Now don't ask me what had occurred in Vegas, but somehow our cases had acquired some additional weight even though this had definitely not been one of the usual buns household US shopping expeditions :w

Armed with Boarding Passes (amazingly recorded as Seq. 29 & 30) we made our way through the priority security channel into the relatively serene environment of airside. Using the free WiFi, we both caught up with Facebook before having a quiet sit down at the Gate area for the next hour. Of course the lure of one last go on the Slots could not be ignored whilst we waited ):

The incoming plane arrived at Midday and disgorged its eager passengers from New York. I nearly had the chance of acquiring that rare beast known as an I Pad as one of the passengers had left theirs behind on the plane :0 but it was retrieved and the guy was just chatting to his chums paying no attention to the announcements for him until he realised and tried to go back on board v(

As promised, Boarding commenced at 12:40 and we the first to board - now I know we were in First, but I have been on plenty of US flights where the overhead lockers at the front are quickly filled by those sitting at the back. Warmly welcomed on board, we both quickly deduced that this was going to be a totally different experience to that the gallant V-flyers had encountered on our way to Las Vegas.

The Flight attendant at the front of the aircraft was engaging, dare I say entertaining, without any loss of professionalism. It was clearly evident that the entire crew (who had been together for the past four days) had a passion for their work and a commitment towards the Virgin Brand. As the pre flight drinks were offer around the cabin the Attendant remarked to a fellow First Class passenger "This is a non working flight - if that is work on your lap, it will have to be removed :D :D " To me that it what the best of flying with Virgin is all about.

Push back was before time and we joined what seemed like the entire Southwest Airline fleet awaiting our turn to take off. For those who have not travelled on VX before, the flight safety demo is just an extension of the "fun" witnessed moments before. Once airborne a prompt and attentive service commenced - now I am not saying this was Mrs Buns' doing, but the First Class cabin did run out of Gin :w :w

For an hour and twenty minute flight, I would not be expecting full blown lunch or dinner, but I was disappointed that all that was offered were packets of crisps, nuts or biscuits. I suppose this is the age old argument - "We did try offering other products but these were declined by previous passengers ...... "

All too quickly the flight was over and as we left the aircraft (why is it that the Americans can get the airbridge up to the aircraft a darned sight quicker :? ) I reflected on whether VX was for me.

I still cannot work out whether VX is a true low cost carrier or is competing against the established US carriers. Provided the price is right, I would travel on VX again.

buns
#746413 by honey lamb
22 May 2010, 21:10
Thanks, buns, for your trip report. It reminded me very much of my VX flights two years ago and my comment at the time I commented that it had the funkiness of VS's earlier days, much of which sadly has gone.

VX Have a great team as I found out last year when I met them in SFO
#746414 by tontybear
22 May 2010, 21:19
So how much Gin can Mrs B drink in an hour?
#746422 by honey lamb
23 May 2010, 01:11
buns wrote:
tontybear wrote:So how much Gin can Mrs B drink in an hour?


Not as much as Pete :w :w :w

But not as much as me ):
#746428 by Guest
23 May 2010, 11:46
honey lamb wrote:
buns wrote:
tontybear wrote:So how much Gin can Mrs B drink in an hour?


Not as much as Pete :w :w :w

But not as much as me ):



and I am NOT going to say anything at this point :| :|

Good TR Buns. I have yet to fly with VX but this TR has certainly whetted my appetite to do so (in First naturally y) )
#746523 by tontybear
24 May 2010, 20:23
Only v-flyers could make drinking Gin a competitive event !
#746524 by buns
24 May 2010, 20:38
tontybear wrote:Only v-flyers could make drinking Gin a competitive event !


I'll suggest to Pete that it forms part of next year's V-Flyer Awards then ): :w ):

buns
#746525 by Jacki
24 May 2010, 20:43
Thanks for the TR - it sounds like you had a great flight, but you are right about the food, on Bangkok Airways even the shortest island hop offers beautifully cut sandwiches and pastries, so it can be done.
#746531 by DragonLady
24 May 2010, 21:58
Thanks for the report buns.
We did this route with VX in First a couple of years ago. We were given a snack box containing some olives a feta cheese and sundried tomato salad and a mousse type pudding (all very nice too)washed down by lots of gin (amazing how much you can actually quaff on such a short flight...).
VX are a great company and like others have said reminiscent of VS in the early days.
DL
#746542 by Nessy
25 May 2010, 04:40
Thanks for an excellent TR buns :) .

DragonLady wrote:Thanks for the report buns.
We did this route with VX in First a couple of years ago. We were given a snack box containing some olives a feta cheese and sundried tomato salad and a mousse type pudding (all very nice too)washed down by lots of gin (amazing how much you can actually quaff on such a short flight...).
VX are a great company and like others have said reminiscent of VS in the early days.
DL



I think it's quite disgusting how much G&T I was made to imbibe on that VX flight, the CC kept forcing it on me, as I'm sure you will remember :P :P :D :D


Would fly VX again anyday........

;)
Virgin Atlantic

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