VS076 MCO-MAN 23 Nov 07 (PE)

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

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After 2 glorious weeks in Orlando it was time to drive to MCO to catch VS76 back to Manchester. Couldn't help thinking as we cruised along on the way to the airport with the aircon on and an outside air temperature of 27 degrees C, that reality would soon be hitting home with a cold thump as the temp back in blighty was forecast to be 6 degress C upon our arrival[n]
Check-in was a breeze and even though the lady was unable to get us upstairs for the return journey she was otherwise very polite and helpful. Didn't bother with OLCI for the return flight as I didn't think much to it on the outbound flight. I wonder if the OLCI benefits VS financially at all 'cos they seem to encourage it, even to the point that I beleive they are offering air miles as an insentive.
Anyway, through security after a 20 min queue and onto the Outback steak bar for some light refreshment[}:)] Saw Jersey Girl on stand with a LGW 747 next to her. Boarded on time and this time the priority boarding worked a treat with clearly defined UC&PE prority boarding lanes, so well done[^]. I assume the UC passengers get some sort of prior boarding announcement when in their lounge because almost to the second they arrived at the gate, boarding was announced.
Once onboard, we took our seats in 82 D&E. Having done some investigative work on v-flyer prior to departure I suspected the PE seats downstairs weren't going to be up to much and so it proved. The way the cabin was separated was nice so that you had a sense you were in your own little environment, but for me, the seats were a big let down[n]. They felt narrower, less comfotable with less leg room and didn't appear to recline as far as the seats upstairs. So much so in fact, that for me I really don't know wether its worth the extra over economy. Upstairs, worth every penny, downstairs, maybe not.
Departure was on time (ish) and the driver informed us that due to a greater than expected tail wind of 100kts, we would arrive in Man ahead of schedule with a flight time of just over 7Hrs. As on the outbound flight, the Cabin Crew were fantastic and couldn't seem to do enough for you, so a big thankyou to all CC. IFE was Nova(again)[n]and I watched the film 'I now pronounce you Chuck and Larry' which I found hilarious[:o)] I do apologise if you were on the same flight as I caught myself laughing outloud on more than a couple occasions[:D]. Food was good and the red wine served with dinner was superb[}:)].
As with most overnight transatlantic flights, before too long the cabin lights were dimmed and most people grabbed the opporunity to get some rest. About an hour or so before touchdown, tea/coffee with a muffin was offered along with orange juice which was refreshing.The rest of the flight was uneventful with a nice, smooth touchdown about 25 mins ahead of schedule. A quick taxy to the gate and then disembarkation. Priority baggage worked well again and we were straight through customs and into our Taxi within minutes.

And so ended our holiday[:#] I really can't praise VS enough for the outstanding service. Already looking at going back to the US next may so no prizes for guessing who we will be flying with[8D]

NOC

Great [y] TR! [:p] Thanks for [:D] posting! [:X]

GJ [}:)]

Nice TR and glad that you had an enjoyable flight - often the TR can be a bit negative....and I include myself in those who seem to have problem flights!

Great response [:o)] thanks [}:)] for posting[}:)][}:)]

We're booked on A B747-400 from Orlando to Gatwick in the same seats (82D, 82E & 82F)and I'm really disappointed. I've tried changing but have been advised by Virgin that I have to wait until 24 hours prior to departure from Orlando (which is the affected flight) to see if I can swap seats to upstairs. Did you try this? Many thanks. Jan

Thanks for the TR

I always wondered what OLCI is actually saving VS, especially with the premium cabins where the queues are (generally) shorter anyway.
(Only benefit for pax I can see is confirm seat allocation.)

I wonder if the OLCI benefits VS financially at all 'cos they seem to encourage it, even to the point that I beleive they are offering air miles as an insentive.

Where have you seen this? Sounds interesting.

I wonder if the OLCI benefits VS financially at all 'cos they seem to encourage it, even to the point that I beleive they are offering air miles as an insentive.

Where have you seen this? Sounds interesting.

Think they were offering miles at the time of the original post - Dec 2007

David

I wonder if the OLCI benefits VS financially at all 'cos they seem to encourage it, even to the point that I beleive they are offering air miles as an insentive.

Where have you seen this? Sounds interesting.

Think they were offering miles at the time of the original post - Dec 2007

David

AHHHHHHH! I should learn to read properly!
thanks