This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
So having taken care of the last minute bits and bobs it was time to head down to Heathrow completed through East Coast First Class and the Heathrow Express (and a taxi in between!) The journey from Leeds to London Kings Cross did take 30mins longer than it should have done, due to an incident on the line and the weather was horrendous - so the very fact my train left at all was a blessing.
Anyway, in First class down to London served with sandwiches and a jam/cream scone (the afternon tea menu was in operation) and a couple of gin and tonics and I was really ready for my trip. The crew on the train were friendly and ensured I stayed topped up with water and hot drinks too.
Across town to Paddington was uneventful as was the 15min dash to Heathrow - the warm glow of the Virgin check in area greeted me in no-time. I was met with a cheerful smile and lots of friendly banter - asked about upgrading to UC and was told it would be £1100 for the outbound - so stuck with PE. I was sent on my way with a smile and "enjoy your flight" and I was in the lift using the private security channel without any fuss. I did stop by to look at duty free and pick up with currency but was in the Clubhouse not long at all after checking in - a superb experience.
The welcome back to the Clubhouse was as friendly as it always is and I made myself comfortable for a bite to eat and a couple of drinks. Not forgetting before I got settled to book my hair-cut.
A couple of staff who I have seen before stopped by for a chat and a "welcome back" and a lovely early dinner with some bubbles was enjoyed, followed by some more. It was then time for my haircut followed by the power shower and then feeling all refreshed, it was time for a couple more drinks.
It was far too soon to think about boarding and heading to the gate - but left the Clubhouse on the first boarding call at 2030 and headed down to the gate. On reaching the gate, boarding was already underway and priority boarding worked a treat. Now this particular night, the flight was been operated by G-VFAR (Diana) so this meant an A340-300.
Having been greeted warmly (but not by name) I soon found my seat. Now the seat I was in would not have been my choice but booking late the options were very limited and even though I had asked about row 18 - I was told it had been pre-assigned and it had with two families with babies - so thankfully I was further back.
Now I know we have had the debate about the PE seats here before - but the PE seats on the A343s always seem narrower and the legroom tighter in the middle sections - not sure if it is just me but certainly not like that on the A346s and the new A333s. Anyway, taking my seat I was quickly offered "champagne, OJ or water" - I replied sparkling wine please which drew a broad smile from the CC member......
The flight was solid throughout so it did take a while to get everyone settled. Newspapers were offered and refills too which is always welcome. A bottle of water was already in the seat pocket.
Now the weather was horrendous this night so it came as no suprise when the Captain in his welcome message stated we would suffer a ground delay of about 45mins - groans could be heard throughout the aircraft. We did push off the gate at 2145 and were airborne at 2225 after a longish taxi and waiting in line - so 1hr15mins late. A flight time of 6hrs10mins was promised.
The FSM did her traditional after take-off welcome on the ground and confirmed the crew. She confirmed 254 passengers and 13 crew and apologised that this "aircraft does not normally go to Dubai so please look at the USA listings for the movies which would be shown" - now that meant Odyssey on this type of aircraft and it was poor to say the least...
Once in the air - hot towels were offered, followed by amenity kits. menus and headphones. A combined drinks/meal was offered and by now it was past 2300 so I was passed food but did pick myself through the Mediterranean couscous and the Chicken and Mushroom Fricassee. The highlight it has to be said was the Chocolate caramel mousse and the cheese and biscuits - washed down with a chilled mini bottle of white wine and two rounds of hot chocolate. The CC member serving my side of the cabin was friendly, smiling and quite chatty - she always happily went and got drinks for people who didn't want beer or wine.
I must say having been on the A343s in the past - the crew seem to struggle with the service as all the meals and stock for PE is clearly loaded at the back - so everything has to be brought up to the UC galley from the back and then served - this does delay things somewhat and once again, really noticed the mini UC cabin before PE really does get a lot of traffic and on this flight that cabin is the "snooze zone" - how anyone gets any rest with all that going on is beyond me
The other draw back is the washrooms for PE are behind thre cabin in economy but on this flight we were encouraged to use the UC washrooms ahead
Things were complicated too when the CC member serving the other side of PE lost grip of a carton of orange juice which went everywhere including three passengers who were in the way - he was so apologetic and brought out glasses of champagne to those affected (in UC glasses) and the FSM also came to talk to the people affected - these things do happen but this delayed things even further for that side of the cabin.
Anyway it was now 0030 and it really was time for lights out but not until duty free had been offered.
Lighs finally out at 0045 and with regular water and OJ through the night not at all bothering with the entertainment -it was soon 0345 when it was lights on again and hot towels were offered. Breakfast soon followed which consisted of a full English or Scrambled Egg with Potatoes and Tomato - tea/coffee and juice were offered followed by two rounds of tea/coffee.
Strapped in and secured for landing where we touched down at 0445 (0845 Dubai) - 45mins late.
Not a bad flight, ok the seat I didnt really get along with (love the PE seats normally so I have put that down simply to the A343) and not having the seat of my choice - the crew were friendly and smiling and though didn't see much of the FSM she did welcome everyone onboard and was at the door when everyone left too. The entertainment was poor, the screen was so grainy and thankfully the flight was only 6hrs - the aircraft had been to LAX the day before and I can't imagine anything worse than 11hrs with entertainment at that level.
However, the crew make up for these isolated shortcomings. It was then into the warm Dubai sunshine for a couple of very busy days.....
Jon
Last edited by horburyflyer on 17 Dec 2011, 19:20, edited 1 time in total.
