VS015 LGW-MCO 20 APR 12 (Upper Class)

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

Roxy Popsy dropped me off at the airport at 10am South terminal is looking very good and I was soon in the Virgin area which was very quiet. For once a lovely lady checked me in and there were smiles all round. I used the new premium security channel for the first time and again it was quiet with friendly staff.

After a wonderful welcome back from the CH staff I went straight over to book a treatment but they were fully booked with a wait list

So i settled down for my breakfast.......you know a day is going to be interesting when you put a fork in a cherry tomato and it explodes over you ....luckily I had extra clothing available...

Had the obligatory shopping spree and then went back to the CH. I knew that another v flyer IanJCurry was in there somewhere so after a cocktail for dutch courage I decided that the group of men at the bar must be Ian and his golfing friends so I said hello I'm Sunshine and luckily I had guessed correctly. I found out that they were the reason I had not had a treatment as they had taken most of the appointments so I tried unsuccessfully to make them feel guilty

We were called quite late to leave the CH so boarding had all but finished when we arrived so strolled straight on to the plane. It was a light load of I think about 175 passengers. The downstairs PE was virtually empty. UC full though.

My seat in UC was very shabby and in a bad state of repair and the tv virtually unwatchable. So the upgrades are very much needed.

The FSM introduced herself and welcomed on board each passenger in UC she was delightful. Then had a glass of bubbles in those lovely new glasses and watched the safety briefing studiously. We took off on time and as we were ascending there was a loud violent bang and yellow light flashed down the cabin Very scary but Ian was on the other side and had seen that we had been hit by lightening which the captain eventually announced. I think that we all agreed it meant drinks all round and quickly please

Lunch was served quite quickly after take off and it was the first time I had experienced the new service. I must admit to liking the way the table was laid and meal served. I didn't fancy any of the main courses so had a sushi from the Graze menu instead which was perfect. I didn't have cheese but liked the way it was served on the trolley and I noticed it meant a lot more interaction between crew and passengers which can only be a good thing.

After the meal like true V Flyers meeting for the first time we made our way to the bar and spent a good deal of the flight there sadly for IanJCurry and myself we were driving from Orlando so it was a case of working our way through the soft drink selection rather than the alcohol selection which the rest of his party made up for They were great fun and made it a very enjoyable journey

There was some turbulence on the approach to MCO and the rain was lashing down but we landed ok and roughly on time.

Had agreed with Ian to a race to see who got their car first Avis v Alamo and turned the corner to see Passport Control jam packed with people We then spent 2 hours shuffling up and down cattle lines until reaching the front of the line. It was exhausting and I had a 2.5 hour drive still to do so V Flyer to the rescue the golfing lads took my bag held my place in line and let me go and sit down for a little while. Thank you so much

When I eventually arrived at the desk I had the border control guy from hell and he gave me such a grilling and completely stressed me out as I couldn't answer all the questions. The worst part was that he was leaning back in his chair and enjoying the power. I know I travel a lot to the states but I know the visa rules and I abide by them anyway it seems I am creating a pattern and am being watched according to this **** . I said tell me what have I done wrong and he said nothing and laughed Then stamped my passport and let me go. Welcome to America!!!! After a 9 hour flight and 2 hours waiting it did upset me as I was so tired.

Because of this delay and upset I never really had a proper chance to say a goodbye and thank you to my new friends

I am an Avis preferred member so my car was waiting with the keys and paperwork inside ready to depart on my long drive in the rain to Sarasota.

I will end this saga on a happier note as I would like to say a huge thank you to the wonderful FSM and the crew who were one of the best teams I have flown with. Special shout out to the FSM and the aspiring photographer CC and the newly wed CC thank you for making it such a great flight

Thanks for a fantastic TR Sunshine How very pleasant to have met up with a fellow V-Flyer in the CH even though your treatment was taken away from your fingertips

Flight sounded great (once again a quality FSM sets the tone), lightning strike very scary and as for the US immigration...haven't had a nasty one for a while but those types do love making us visitors sweat

Thanks again and enjoy Sarasota et al

[honey lamb]

Lovely TR. Pity the trip was spoilt by the despot in Immigration

you know a day is going to be interesting when you put a fork in a cherry tomato and it explodes over you

Ah yes, the revenge of the cherry tomatoes! At least they weren't in gravy

Thanks for the TR. Oh my gosh ... being struck by lightning ! Not a good start. And then long immigration queues and the immigration guy who I reckon usually waits for me !!!! And yet you have a positive outlook on it all. No wonder you are called Sunshine ! Enjoy your stay and hope the weather improves.
P.S It is exactly a year since we met in the CH

Hey Sunshine - thank you for a great TR. It sounds like a really fun flight with a great crew.

What a shame the shine was taken off (somewhat) by the immigration guy - appalling and totally unnecessary.

Hope the weather improves and you have a great time.

Jon

[buns]

Sunshine

Thanks for such an enjoyable TR

Nice to know that the Clubhouse staff are just as good as always Mrs Buns will no longer knock me for getting there early in preparation of our travels on the 15 after she learns of your inability to secure that treatment (shame on the golfers )

Even though you had a light load (and would expect most ex-GB flights being the same now) to have that 2hour wait in Immigration is no joke (made worse by the not-so-welcoming officer ). It is a repeat of what we endured and I have a feeling that the Immigration Service at Orlando Airport is in urgent need of recruitment

Thanks once again

buns

Thank you for the super trip report Sunshine. Sounds like you had a fab flight despite the lightening strike.

Do you know who won the AVIS v. Alamo race?

And can I just check - do you get a choice of cars with Avis Preferred (like Alamo), or is one selected for you?

P.S It is exactly a year since we met in the CH

You have a good memory Hilary. It was good to meet you too in the CH. Where has that year gone......

Sunshine

Do you know who won the AVIS v. Alamo race?

And can I just check - do you get a choice of cars with Avis Preferred (like Alamo), or is one selected for you?

We gave up on the race after I got left behind being grilled at passport control

At MCO the car is chosen for you but you can always change it. There is a little Avis preferred office right by the cars. Just means that you don't get away quite as fast. I have often changed it but the other evening I just wanted to get home as soon as possible

Sunshine

Thanks for the info Sunshine.

Have a fabulous time in Florida.

x

Oh Sunshine, how many times have I said to you to only have dry food so that you don't get sauce, gravy, jus, squirty cherry tomato splatter or custard down your front at the start of a day

What an unerving experience at the start of your flight with lightening . Just as well you are a good traveller.

If I meet the immigration officer that was so awful to you I'd like to biff him on the nose. It's not fair when they draw the procedure out after a long flight for no good reason.

Have a wonderfullly relaxing time, wish I was joining you for a beach walk tomorrow morning.

TTFN R-P x