This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
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So, another trip to Orlando was decided on, mainly this time to visit again with Luke's sister and family, who we first went with 3 years. Once again, it was decided (not by me I must add) that we would fly out in Y on the 747 afternoon flight
, but thankfully we would all be flying back in PE on the new A330. Luke's sister booked MPM fares, which gave them a really good saving but we stuck with full revenue fares.All was going well in our build up, seats reserved on row 32, excitement building until a week before when one of the family had a long term illness flair up. It looked at one point like some of the party would have to fly out a few days later (thankfully being on MPM this would have only meant a £50 change fee, a great benefit of the MPM fares), but thankfully just 2 days before it was decided we would all go together. During the decision period I spoke to special assistance who were really helpful and helped give us peace of mind the flight could be dealt with.
***Geek alert, geek alert***
OLCI check in done at exactly T-24, and SEQ1 was obtained
, but our seats had been moved towards the back of the a/c. It seemed to be because of our special assistance request, even though the SA agent agreed that our pre-chosen seats would work best for us overall. It wasn't a huge problem, we were all still together, even though we were on 2 bookings and we were all going on the same flight.On the day of the flight, due to our later flight, we got up at a reasonable time, headed across the M62 without any delay and arrived at MAN T2 about 10:30. We had booked the VIP meet and great parking at MAN, which was excellent. You go to the VIP drop off area which is a 1 minute walk from the terminal and do the same on the return. This means no waiting around for the valet to arrive to meet you/return your car.
We met up with Luke's sister and family and headed over to check in. As both Luke and I are Au, we headed to the UC check in, but they hadn't updated the boards from the mornings flight and only had PE or Y options. No matter, we joined rather a long PE line, and waited and waited and waited some more, we could see the agent having to keep popping off to other desks, which at the time was quite frustrating. Eventually it was our turn and we soon understood his constant popping off was due to him trying his hardest to help people out, which included us.
I mentioned about our seats being moved, my conversation with SA, and he said he would see what he could do. Straight away he said Luke and I had been op-up'd to PE
, and he then proceeded to try and swap the rest of the party to better seats. After about 20mins of various option, we eventually were given 3 extra leg room seats free of charge and 2 bulk head seats in the small Y cabin at the front of the a/c. He really was so helpful and accommodating for us, so yes it was frustrating waiting, but everyone has their own needs and it was really refreshing to have someone try to help rather than just say no because it's easier for them.Because of our long check in experience we boarded about an hour after clearing security, which was empty as ever at MAN. We were in the last group to board and had decided that the SA pax in our group would sit in PE with me to help make their journey as comfortable as possible. I informed the gate agent (same guy as check in) and the crew on the boarding doors, and it was no issue at all.
We were in 78H/K in the bubble, and drinks offered and accepted as soon as we got up there. We left about 20mins late, but were still due 30mins ahead of schedule and were taking a direct route, flying down to Wales and then straight across the Atlantic. As soon as the seat belts signs were off, I spoke to the CC and explained the SA and asked if a specific meal choice could be saved as only one option from the menu could be eaten. They were really understanding and helpful and served us both first
The meal was just okay, mid-flight ice cream as good as ever, and afternoon tea pretty rubbish, with the sandwich looking like Vanessa Feltz had been sat on it for a good few hours before they were served.The rest of the flight was pretty uneventful, I read, slept, watch things on my iPad. We didn't use the IFE apart from the Sky Map, so can't comment specifically on that but know from the FSM announcements and family reports, there was a few issues and a reboot was needed but didn't solve them all. Talking about the FSM, he was one of the comedy ones, with some terrible jokes being made during all his annoucements (yoga led by crew in their underwear, his tight trousers for the night, the 'old bag' sat next to him etc etc) .
We started our decent on schedule, but then started circling for quite a while. Eventually the flight deck told us a thunder storm had just been passing through, and so we finally landed about 10mins later than the original schedule. During the taxi to the stand we were told, and I could see, the second LGW Virgin and a Lufthansa 747 behind us so to make as quick an exit as possible.
Without going in to detail we had need for some help from the CC once we were on stand for the SA pax, and they were again really superb. This meant we were slightly delayed leaving the a/c, but a very quick walk/jog, soon had us caught up with the rest of our party who had been let off first and we joined the still small immigration queue. Processed without to much of a wait and all our bags were off very quickly. As we left the hall you could see the queue was now VERY long, three 747's all landing within 10mins was going to cause long delays.
Straight on to the monorail and out to the car hire garage and the Dollar Express window. Dealt with straight away and no issues even though we booked through USRentacar. A new Town and Country mini-van with only 800miles was brought out to us, it had all the gadgets including reversing cameras and electrical everything. In just under 90mins from landing we were arriving at our villa
So, all in all a really good Virgin experience. There was nothing amazing about the flight, the bubble is still a great place to fly in, but the staff really made the difference. Everyone we dealt with was really helpful and professional and that made what could have been a potentially tricky flight, so much more bearable.
That is all for now (I will try and do a return, only because it was on the A330).
Thanks for reading.
Neil
