This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Anyway, we travelled down on the Friday and have family who live 25 minutes from LGW, so stayed with them on the night and travelled to the airport on the morning. I wanted to get to the airport early, as even though we have checked in on-line and bagged 'good seats', I wanted to ensure our requests were upheld and at the very least, have a choice of other good seats should we have been moved.
On approach on the mass check in area, I took a glance over to the PE and Upper check in and promised myself next time I would be over there! Asked if we had checked in, which we had, then walked straight over to a check-in agent, no queue at all. Our seats had been changed, but only because we were on a config 2 747 and having quickly checked V-flyer, worked out we were still in the little economy cabin of 4 rows, turning LEFT as you get on to the aircraft. When travelling economy, I like to either get seats in this cabin, or the two at the back. With immigration though, the advantage of being off the plane quickly was the deciding factor.
The check-in agent couldn't confirm exactly where we were though and gave an air of 'can't be bothered.' I asked exactly where we were and she claimed to not know, she doesn't have a seat map and couldn't tell me. When only 3 configs fly from LGW, is it too much to ask these agents to know a little more??? As just mentioned, a quick check on V-flyer did the job.
Through security in less than 3 minutes, very slick and the staff were actually personable and friendly. It was very quiet though, but impressed with the new security area.
We always head to the Caviar House when in the airport, its normally quiet, does good scrambled egg and smoked salmon and serves a very good selection of wines and champagne. It had just turned 8.30, but a glass of Sancerre was soon in hand and the food on the way. All good and we relax in there. Its the start of the holiday and you don't feel like you are in an airport, so off to a very good start.
About 45 minutes before take-off, we strolled to WH Smiths, picked up some reading material and took the walk down to the gate, where Ladybird was waiting for us. Check in area was quiet and we were one of the last to board.
Our cabin was quiet, plenty of space. I had my eye on the front row of seats, 21 ABC and noticed another couple eyeing them up also, so when the FSM walked through, I asked if we could move there and she said no problem.
Can't remember the number of passengers, but it certainly wasn't full. Bit of a wait to take off, we were then airborne, flying up over Scotland, south of Iceland, over Greenland and down into Canada.
In the back of my mind, I knew the new 'refreshed' food offering in economy wouldn't be up to much/much different and I am sad to say, I was right. You are presented with a menu, nice touch, but the quality of the food has not improved in my view. You have the starter and main course (sorry, I can't remember what I had), then that is cleared away and you are presented with the dessert, a GU pot, which was good.
I have to say, I thought the frequency of drinks was very poor. We were offered a drink before the meal, the 'welcome cocktail' wasn't offered though, it was just a choice from the bar. We had tea and coffee with the dessert, one water and OJ round and then tea and coffee with the afternoon tea and that was your lot. If you wanted anymore, you had to go to the galley to ask. Which I did on a number of occasions!!! That in 10 hours is not good enough in my view.
They did their usual trick of running out of most alcoholic drinks, which seems to be a common theme on this route. I heard they are unable to stock up on the way back, so have to hold a certain amount back. Not sure how true this is. CC did their usual trick of not being exactly welcoming when asking for another drink, but that doesn't really bother me.
After lunch, I watched a film, the inbetweeners, which was average, but funny in parts, had the afternoon tea (well, tried it and did not finish) and tried without success to sleep. Read for a couple of hours, then the CC were preparing the cabin for final approach. The flight itself was very smooth indeed, hardly any turbulence, which was good.
Seemed to be at the gate very quickly and off just after the PE passengers upstairs. Through immigration within 30 minutes and collected our cases and it was off to the strip for 5 nights of enjoyment.
To sum up, the economy offering hasn't improved at all, I would say, it has declined in quality. You really do see the good and bad regarding the cabin crew. Sometimes they can't do enough, other times, you seem to be a burden to them. The offering of drinks was very poor, but then I was pleased with the FSM allowing us to move, as on the way back, a couple with two children weren't able to, but more about that in my return report. Minimum of PE from now on though I am afraid - finances permitting!!
