VS017 LHR-EWR 14 SEP 12 (Premium Economy)

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

Apologies ....a little late writing my very first TR, but here goes.....

Crazed at work and left much later than would have liked Arrival at T3 was pretty quiet. I managed to check-in online the night before (only managed Seq 8), but forgot to print boarding pass Had approx 30 minutes to clear security (took 20 mins)... panic over before Gate 19 called. PE asked to board soon after UC passengers. PE pretty full, only two seats vacant. Pre flight drink gratefully accepted Had a brief chat with my neighbour, who had arrived on VS Delhi flight earlier.... said he had a great flight. He did however ask whether he could pay to upgrade to UC ....CC checked, but said UC was full. Can you request for an upgrade once seated?

Push back was 20.30, and by 20.45 airbourne. FSM informed us that 249 passengers were onboard with a total of 15 CC.

Accepted hot towel, followed quickly by new inflight wallet, which I really like ...much better than the ugly purple plastic thing!!! IFE started promptly without a hitch.

Interestingly, no pre dinner drink was offered.... CC went straight to evening meal service. As I was not very hungry, I requested just the salmon starter, only to be given two starters! CC said it was not enough to eat...I was offered two bread rolls (accepted only one guys), along with a chocolate dessert. I was told that if I was still hungry, she would "rustle up something" from UC. Coffee and tea offered, along with Baileys and Brandy. Another thing I really liked was the new dining trays with cotton napkins and tablecloths...along with cute Wilbur and Orville. Dinner trays were removed quickly and efficiently... cabin lights dimmed ready for some sleep time.

I watched a couple of movies, both disappointing. I noted that CC were visible at all times...they worked quickly and as a team. Interestingly, FSM spent most of her time in Economy ...only came to check PE cabin was ready for landing.

Now the best part .... we landed at 22.45 .... a brisk walk to immigration (far too tired for my usual sprint!) ... ...walking to the parking lot at 23.15 .... 5 minutes before the flight was due to land A quick 35 minute journey into the City.

Woke early the next day ... loaded up the car ...and off!!! A week and half later ...I'm sitting writing my very first TR from East Hampton. The weather has been fantastic.... warm sunny days .... beautiful

VS18 TR to follow....

Signing off

[honey lamb]

Thank you for a nice TR. Glad the flight went well

Interestingly, no pre dinner drink was offered....

Pre-dinner drinks are not offered on flights departing after 7pm in PE and economy

Thanks for the TR. I know that feeling of leaving the office and not knowing whether or not you'll make it in time for the flight. I will not say anything about traffic laws were broken in the process.

And in response to your question, yes you can upgrade even after being seated. I think it costs about £1,000. I may be wrong about the price

Thanks for the TR

As Tinuks says you can pay to upgrade to UC when seated.. however not in cash (as if people carry that as loose change..) as some crew have gotten in trouble for stealing pax upgrade money before...

Sounds like an excellent CC as well The FSM must have been leading the team well, she probs spent the time in Eco as that is where she was needed. Well done to them.

Cheers for posting, hope you enjoy the warm sun... grumble grumble from an indecisive weather day in England - rain, sun, rain, sun... cold.. freezing cold.. sun ahh warm again!! ha.

I have done the 17 a few times (usually followed by a 2am yomp across NYC to JFk for the 6am flight) and its not a bad one. i was told its the main connection to NY from Delhi hence why it is full and sometimes delayed

[buns]

Thanks for a jolly good TR

The 17 has become my favourite as you quickly get into US time - yes it can be busy as it does get the feed from India, but like you, the ability to get through Immigration so quickly it worth it's weight in gold

Seems like you had a good crew, full of the spirit that made VS Special to many of us

buns

Thanks for the inaugural TR!

Thanks for the TR

As Tinuks says you can pay to upgrade to UC when seated.. however not in cash (as if people carry that as loose change..) as some crew have gotten in trouble for stealing pax upgrade money before...

You would be surprised at how much "loose change" some people carry and in £50 notes no less. I've heard stories from a friend that works in HM Customs.

I did hear about the upgrade incident. Shame