This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
After a smooth drive to the Orlando airport I checked in at the PE desk and was greeted by a very friendly member of staff, who tried to sell me an upgrade even though I was already in PE and there is no UC on this flight. So with my sequence one boarding pass in hand I stayed with my seat 24A, that I had chosen when I got my amazing deal to upgrade to PE ($199.20 for the round trip upgrade!).
After checking in I had a quick bite with my mom, niece and nephew who had driven me over and after convincing my niece that no she could not come with me this time I went to security. Thanks to a kind TSA worker who let several of us jump into the wheelchair lane I breezed through security and was very quickly on the train and over to airside. A stop at duty free and then on to Gate 81 where Mademoiselle Rouge was waiting for me.
The Crew boarded at 5.15 and were all in a festive mood with Santa hats, Christmas stockings, and reindeer antlers on their headbands. They all seemed in a jolly mood for this pre Christmas Eve flight.
Boarding was scheduled to begin at 5:15 but many announcements were made that it would be starting at 5:30 instead. Right at 5:30 they called for the PE cabin to board and I was soon in my seat, and a very comfortable seat it was too! Waiting on the seat was a blanket and pillow. As the cabin was completely full it took a little while for everyone to get seated but eventually Orange Juice or Sparkling Wine was brought round the cabin (no refills though it was a full flight after all!).
Right on schedule at 6:10 we were pulling back, the safety video was played and then quick as can be we were in the air leaving Florida behind for the promise of an English Christmas.
Shortly after take off the FSM made announcements introducing the crew and drinks were served, a lovely G and T with Bombay Sapphire for me please! Amenity kits, headphones and menus were handed out by the CSS (who was wearing some very festive striped Christmas tights!) followed by the first drink service. Followed by hot towels. After towels and drinks the dinner service began, as I was in row 24 they were out of the beef by the time they got to my row
but did offer the Economy beef if I would like. I choose the Chicken Kebabs on the recommendations of the Crew and it was lovely, spicy but a good choice. The woman in the seat next to me got the pasta, which looked lovely as well. While enjoying my dinner I explored the new Entertainment system and was very impressed by the choices, there was definitely something for everyone. I settled into my movie, and another G and T (wine was offered but the G and T won out). A dessert of panna cotta with amaretto crumble was a delightful finish to the meal.
The crew was around with tea and coffee ( no hot chocolate as promised). And after dinner brandy or Baileys was offered to finish off along with my Tilamook Cheddar and crackers. A few winks of sleep later and some more time with the entertainment system the crew was around throughout the night with water and juice. And like a flash the flight was almost over and breakfast was being served. A full English with fruit offered as well, tea or coffee and plenty of refills and I was ready to land.
After a smooth landing at Manchester it was time to say goodbye to Mademoiselle Rouge and start my Christmas festivities in England!
