This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
I approached the PE desks and ahead of me two passengers were debating if to upgrade to PE for an extra £250 - this lasted a few mins until I spotted a free desk over at UC and made my way across - no-one visible to direct me but not a major issue.
Approaching the desk I was not greeted with a smile or for that matter, a single word. I handed over my eticket and passport and I was checked in without a word been said - my case was not priority tagged but it was too late before I spotted it but this went down as the most unfriendly check in I have ever had and I have had a few! - I went on my way into the terminal.
Stopping by a couple of shops and to pick up some US dollars, it was time for a drink and a bite to eat, before too long I made my way down to the gate at 345pm as boarding had commenced, I was overtaken by a certain Mr Brand who was travelling on another Virgin flight and was clearly late!
Arriving at the gate it was straight onto the aircraft, I welcomed warmly at the door and actually shown to my seat (a first for PE) before sitting down I was offered a glass of sparkling wine, closely followed by another as the boarding process continued.
At 440pm we pushed back and a very light load of 104 passengers was confirmed. PE was only half full and UC was the same. The cabin crew looking after PE (Kirsty and James - permission sought and granted) were very attentive. Once in the air at 505pm a flight time of 7hrs33mins was promised and hot towels were offered, closely followed by bottles of water and the PE amenity kit.
We headed north towards Liverpool and drinks were served - a large gin and tonic with lime (taken from UC) was provided with two little bags of pretzels. A second drink was offered and accepted before dinner was served at 615pm.
At this point I was in full swing watching "The Kings Speech" which though I have seen before was very good once again. Dinner consisted of a smoked salmon salad with a fresh lemon wedge, a choice of Salmon Fish cake, Beef Hotpot or Vegetable curry -I went for the beef hotpot which was tasty and filling.
The meal was rounded of with a white chocolate and raspberry mousse type dessert, very creamy indeed - cheese and biscuits and a couple of warm bread rolls completed things nicely. Wine was offered on two occasions with still and sparkling water also provided.
The traditional baileys or brandy ensured a nice end to the meal.
The rest of the flight was uneventful- ice-cream and fruit were offered mid-way along with regular juice and water runs by Kirsty and James who were attentive, helpful and friendly throughout the flight. At 1hr15mins from New York, a small tray with a coronation chicken sandwich, soft cookie and a choice of tea/coffee was provided. A drink from the bar was also offered.
The FSM was not really visible in the PE cabin though I could see she was very busy in UC.
On arrival at New York a short taxi had us leaving Madam Butterfly at 839pm.
A good flight with a great crew.
