This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Journey started at Whitehaven railway station the day before we were due to fly. It’s a tossup as to whether we drive to MAN or take the train. We decided on the latter because of the overnight return. We boarded the chugger chugger which travels down the west coast of the Lake District, but seems to stop at intervals no greater than 50 yards. We were due to change at Lancaster and Preston, however, for reasons unknown we were turfed off at Barrow and were forced to lug the cases over to the next platform and wait for the Lancaster train.
More beautiful south Lakes scenery and a stop every 50 yards, eventually got us to Lancaster two and a half hours after we had set off. We now boarded a proper train, capable of going faster than the 30mph we had seemingly been restricted to. Evicted rogue passenger from reserved seat and settled in for the 18 minute ride to Preston. Uneventful, quiet ride to the big smoke of MAN and through the other side to the Airport. All this for the advance fare of £8 each!
Anorak that I am, already had Bewley’s phone number at the ready and courtesy bus landed just as we stepped outside. The efficiency stopped there – Bewley’s did not recognise our booking reference for some reason, however, it was resolved amicably and we were settled in our room.
Had taken the laptop away for the first time on holiday, and this was to prove invaluable. Initially I got it out and fired up to complete OLCI – sorted 76A&C in the bubble. All looking well, checked the news, checked MAN airport site – no problems at all. Got up next morning and lugged the cases down to reception to check out, at this point we checked the departures screen – two flights cancelled (Jersey and IOM). Alarm bell rang quietly.
At T2 we arrived with 3 and a half hours before the flight was due to go – nothing like being prepared. I’d checked the Manchester – Orlando schedule and was expecting VXLG Ruby Tuesday to be flying us out...About 30 pax were milling around the entrance to the check in desks, talking to ground crew. Didn’t look good. I turned to look at the electronic display above the desks, everything looked fine...until DELAYED 24 HOURS flashed up. Flaming ash cloud was back. Ground crew did their best in the circumstances, but it was obvious that it was a fluid situation and one they are still not particularly used to. Fearing the worst I asked if VXLG was staying overnight and was told that she had already been moved elsewhere.
An hour or so later, the VS staff had sorted a local hotel for the non local pax and we went outside to catch the coach, yes you guessed, back to Bewley’s. As we waited, I was pleased to say that I had been earlier mis informed and Ruby was sat waiting for us.
The only lining to the ash cloud came later that afternoon when I was able to watch the Twenty20 cricket final in the hotel bar. A great atmosphere ensued as many of my fellow passengers, with a few expert cricketers (all Bajan) amongst us watched and cheered as we dispatched the Aussies to defeat.
Evening meal and breakfast were provided by VS as part of the deal and I must say that VS were very good throughout this delay.
Checked OLCI - system thought that I was already half way over the Atlantic!
A restless night had me already awake at 05.50 when a text from SRB told us that we were to be on our way later that day. The 170 pax that were put up in Bewley’s started filtering over at about 9am (for a 14.25 flight). It seemed that if we were checked in then we could not be disappointed again.
Check in at the PE desk was fine, the UC check in occasionally allowing a PE customer over. The original OLCI was still valid though I did ask to move forward to 75 A&C for the extra leg room being a big lad. Duly granted, we then got through security and into the recently renovated T2.
Ruby was sat waiting at Gate 208 – couldn’t miss her, so I killed a bit of time spraying aftershave on every available bit of flesh (this annoys Mrs ReggieB so much its untrue).
Boarding was called for UC and PE and we duly battled our way through the Y pax. Pleased to say that priority boarding was being enforced by ground staff. In no time at all we were walking up the stairs and handing out travel luggage to the FA to be stored next to the galley. Settled into seat and cheap fizz arrived shortly after. Seemed to be a pleasant Cava. No top up.
One or two pax had problems with faulty seats, one particular female CC seemed au fait with the construction of old PE seats. They were stripped and rebuilt in seconds. Good effort!
Pushed back more or less on time, nothing was going to stop us now, and with 383 pax on board we were soon up in the air. Crew were very professional and courteous throughout the flight. It seems that VS crew may be a little top heavy as we had a lot of senior (4 FSM’s on board) cabin crew. This worked in our favour though, as the lead FSM ran a tight ship.
Food was enjoyable, USA menu that I expected, but with ‘Jamaican meatballs’ on the menu – tried this option and was very tasty. Mrs ReggieB ate all of hers for a change, the Gu chocolate desert a favourite for us both.
Drinks were not stingy, fruit bowl in the galley and the film selection was ok. Watched one film but soon tired of Odyssey and its postage stamp sized screen. Chose to tour the plane and caught up with some new buddies from the Cricket match the night before. Really impressed with the 747, this was my first time on one, and was surprised at how smooth and quiet the flight was. Upstairs in the bubble is also to be recommended, nice atmosphere up there.
Captain kept us well informed throughout the flight and we touched down onto Barbados soil just as the sun had set. Usual chaotic disembarking onto the tarmac, and the scrum into the arrivals / immigration hall. As we got through, the luggage was just starting to get moving on the carousel, miracle upon miracle – our 2 cases had been first off with the UC/PE luggage, and they were together! First through into arrivals and waiting taxi. We were soon up at the Royal Pavilion with welcome drink, getting checked in. Holiday begins!
