VS016 MCO-LGW 31 OCT 12 (Premium Economy)

[buns]

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

Well a little tardy for posting this so late but my excuse is that it has been a little busy with work since I got back (why do we go on holiday, only to find 3 weeks worth of work when we get back ).

Anyway, the prologue; when I booked the trip, it was not possible to pre-book the seats for the return, but this did not surprise me as Expert Flyer was showing a full PE Cabin - without sight of the VH allocation of course. Therefore there was a little trepidation but I thought a "Seasoned Traveller - like me" could use skills as offered by V-Flyer to give me the edge. So there I was, in the middle of a Restaurant at just after 7:30 the night before, checking in on line. Not the most socially acceptable things to be doing in company, but needs must. The wheels of the I Phone whirled slowly, but eventually came back with 75 A & C the system did ask if I wanted to change, but Mrs Buns would have bit my hand off if I had given up those exit row seats!!

For those who are interested in such matters, we got SEQ 18 & 19 but to be honest, an exit row on a full flight was worth its weight in Gold. In the comfort of knowing we were happily allocated, I returned to enjoy an excellent meal at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

The following morning, Mrs Buns and I made our way to a somewhat deserted Downtown Disney and was quickly checked in and being Au, this was at no charge. We kept back one bag for the rest of the day and returned to the Hotel to enjoy an hour or so in the sunshine, before deciding it was time to do some last minute shopping at the Florida Mall before making our way to the Airport. As we got to the Florida Mall the air felt quite sticky and you could feel that a storm was brewing, so after some last minute purchases (which did not include the New I Pad ) we drove to the Airport and I dropped off Mrs Buns to check In the final bag whilst i drove to the Sixt Car Rental Location off site. A little amazement when i turned up with no bags, but quickly dealt with and on my way back and I would say that it took not much longer than than peak return time on site if you are with the Car Rental choice of VH.

Quickly through the TSA Check and met up with Mrs Buns outside the Outback Steakhouse. Now for those of you who may have read my previous Trip Reports from MCO, you will know I was a great fan of McCoys in the main Airport Terminal. now don't get me wrong, McCoys is well worth going to if you want peace and quiet, but Mrs Buns and I have found that the Outback has much more attentive service and, moreover, very large Draft Beers The Outback has an excellent view over the Aircraft Apron and we vividly witnessed the violent thunderstorm that had been brewing.

After our final US Burger, we made our way to an exceedingly crowded Delta Crown Room, (and it was obvious that flights had been diverted, delayed etc etc) and found a coupe,of seats with an adjacent power point and settled down for a couple of hours of Facebook, V-Flyer and other pleasures now freely available with an I pad. Some good measures of Tanquerray and Tonic for mrs Buns and JD and Diet Coke for me did help pass the time too.

I had been keeping an eye on the other VS departures and the time that they were being called, so both Mrs Buns and I were ready as soon as the announcement for VS16 was made in the Delta Crown Room we were at Gate 85 as soon as you could say V Flyer It transpired that the Gate Team had not commenced boarding, but acknowledged our Au Status and we were in fact the first on board Jersey Girl

Now there is method in my madness, some might argue that getting on the aircraft first is a mere waste of time, but knowing the storage space around 75 A & C is limited, i was happy to get settled first rather than be stressed out having to find overhead locker space - as those who boarded last had to face.

The chatty chirpy crew (and indeed we recognised both from previous flights) and we had the sparky juice, which was not all bad and I blagged a copy of the Daily Mail to read (why is it that VS no longer offer the Times ) and yes, the upper PE deck was completely full, so we were both grateful that we had the exit row seats


Then there was an announcement from the FSM asking me, and certain other passengers, to make themselves known to the Cabin Crew - Was this an Upgrade I wondered, no, just finding out where the pre-ordered Duty Free needed to go Of course, everyone looked at me so I only hope they thought I was someone special. That was my only interaction with the FSM and to be honest, this was yet another example of just going through the motions

Push back on time and up into the air fairly quickly, and the meal and drink service were combined so by the time the crew got to us, they had run out of the beef so Mrs Buns had nothing whilst I took the Veggie option (which was not too bad). Obvious that no recognition of Au Status in even trying to find an alternative for Mrs B As a consequence, we did get two drinks though.

I managed to watch the Johnny English film, which was one of those that I was glad I had not paid to watch at the Cinema, but was pleasant enough and will enthral young boys, just like the original did. Afterwards managed to get a good couple of hours kip before the smell of breakfast awoke me. Whilst good to have a cooked breakfast, the presentation under the cellophane did leave a little to be desired as did the taste.

Was impressed that the cabin was not closed down 90 minutes before landing and an arrival into a very cold Gatwick, with the inherent wait for an air bridge to Gate 13 - WHY????? - if the US folks can get an air bridge attached in minutes why can't Gatwick and Heathrow?

As it was Gate 13, it was only a short walk to Immigration and we opted for being processed by a human rather than the machine as it is quicker and remembered that once through Immigration, you turn left and up the escalators at that far end as it brings to out by the Carousel 6 which VS use.

Now we had sen the two bags checking in at Downtown Disney being tagged Upper, but it was obvious that they had not been loaded on the plane that way, so a little longer wait for the bags that usual before we got to our waiting Tristar Driver who wondered where we got to and a smooth drive home.

All in all, I would describe this as a functional journey, nothing special and nothing which VS used to be so good at. I suspect our last time in the Upper PE Cabin as we currently do not have anything else booked for MCO (but I do suspect we will have something bagged later today for somwhere else on the VS Network )

Thanks for reading

buns

[Nottingham Nick]

Very entertaining detailed report, as always, Buns.

My impression from reading was that VS certainly 'could do better', but they got you from A to B in a reasonably efficient way; so it could have been a lot worse.

Nick

Great tr! I feel your pain with the jet bridge delay. I think that the difference seems to be that in the uk the turnaround coordinator is down on the apron checking the chocks eyc are in place. They then come up the outside steps and move the jetty to the aircraft.
Overseas it seems that one person is putting the chicks in place then they give the all clear to someone else who is waiting up on the jet bridge who then moves it to the aircraft which is who it is always do much quicker overseas. I guess it's just different procedures as to who has authority to move the jet bridge but it does seem like it takes ages in the uk - very frustrating!

[buns]

Very entertaining detailed report, as always, Buns.

My impression from reading was that VS certainly 'could do better', but they got you from A to B in a reasonably efficient way; so it could have been a lot worse.

Nick

Thanks Nick

Got it in one

buns

Great TR, thanks buns.

Yet another epic TR, thanks Buns mrs P and I always frequent the Outback Steakhouse prior to boarding at MCO....it's the last minute cocktails for us

As for the flight - sounds average but major congrats for sniffling the exit row seats upstairs...even more kudos (whatever hat means)

[Neil]

Thanks for the TR Andy.

I am VERY impressed with you posting your TR for the flight you are going to take in six months,your ability to time travel just goes to prove you truly are many steps ahead of the rest of us mere mortals

[buns]

Thanks for the TR Andy.

I am VERY impressed with you posting your TR for the flight you are going to take in six months,your ability to time travel just goes to prove you truly are many steps ahead of the rest of us mere mortals

Oops

Just goes to show how I still struggle with technology - but I am sure folks will have seen my outbound on 21 March, so will have guessed this tok place on 31 March

buns

Always good to read your TR's Buns

I am looking forward to my MCO flight this week. It is my first on VS for quite a while and it will be interesting to see how it goes. I will try and be as thorough in my reporting

Sunshine

Thanks Buns - you did well to get those seats - as you'll see from my upcoming TRs, I was not so lucky!

The Outback is great, and seems to be rapidly becoming the V-Flyer hang-out of choice when returning from MCO, as you'll also see from my upcoming TRs!

"functional" is a perfect word, I feel all of my recent flights have been functional, with the exception of my Y outbound trip to BGI last Dec that was made by a particular member of CC and her personality/efforts.

I think I recall that storm, I was still in Orlando at the time, and it was spectacular (driving us out of the ppoo, as they closed it!)

Thanks for the detailed and informative TR.

I suspect the Daily Mail is probably supplied free to VS.

Paul

Thanks, buns, another great TR. Good snag getting 75 A-C at OLCI - would love the same when me and the present Mrs Treelo take the VS 73 to MCO in 3 weeks time!
Know what you mean about 'functional' flights - not the best advert for the VS product

Thank you for the TR.

Buns - as always a great TR and many thanks for sharing.

Jon

Thanks for the TR, hope you had a good time in Orlando.

I'n glad I wasn't the only pedantic one who noticed the wrong date...

Enjoyable TR, thanks.

I also had an Outback Steakhouse at MCO on Sunday, the cold beef wrap was most enjoyable and better than the sandwich thing I bought for my kids at the place next to the coffee shop. The packet of salt & vinegar crisps (chips) supplied were great!

Top quality TR Buns, just a shame there was no sparkle or even just a plain hello for the Au status. Good job Mrs B ate before the flight. Maybe it is just me but the catering must know what will be the favourite choice amongst PAX. I am sure there are several report thay must troll through to judge load requirements. Not good enough in my book.

See you soon hopefully

I blagged a copy of the Daily Mail to read (why is it that VS no longer offer the Times )

Funnily enough, I just got offered The Times on a VS flight back from SFO yesterday...first time though!