VS015 LGW-MCO 1 OCT 12 (Premium Economy)

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

As a long time flier of Virgin and experiences that date back to Pan Am 747s in the early 70s, I thought I'd offer my opinion of one of the Refurbed 747. I don't have high expectations but I'm compelled to write. Although we logged in 24 hours before departure, we discovered no choice and seats assigned upstairs in 21K. Bag check was smooth, the Premium Security check was very nice. Funny how we alway are selected for further security searches at the gate. We found our seat quickly in the Bubble upstairs 2nd row from front, where it wreaked of toilet from one hour out til landing. Virgin's Placement of PE in front of Economy with WC's forward was a bad decision as those waiting the loo waited in the wide aisle in PE.
The food was inexcusablably poor. Not being a particularly picky eater, perhaps Virgin might consider serving some cornish pasties, Fruit or Egg Mc Muffins. Items known to be palatable to travelers. What was presented as Chicken something was sad. The Lasagna was unavailable-so no choice. The sandwich finger was a joke. I don't expect a home cooked meal but please rethink what you serve. Forget the plush presentation of bad food.
My 18 hour Ham sandwich was wonderful in comparison.
The new seats are very nice but, the arm trays were unclean.
The new entertainment system is very good but the TV selection is mostly unknown titles. The movies were great. Knowing I can connect my devices to the system is good.
The WCs became unclean 6 hours into the flight and ended up unusable.
On arrival the economy section of the Bubble exits first. SO much for that Premium benefit.
Over all the flight was smooth, uneventful, the staff polite but stiff, food was poor, entertainment good, seating was a huge improvement but seat configuration was not thought out.
PE fares are double economy, I hope Virgin realizes we expect more for the money. Otherwise I'll ride economy upstairs with PE. It's about the same. Seems like it's all about craming more travelers in a tighter space. Even in PE. There's noting like the traveler in front of you laying in your lap.
A note to Orlando traveler, after Customs and Immigration your bags go back on the belt while you ride the Tram to be reclaimed at carousel 8A which is on the ground floor by itself. You'll remember this when you see the baggage claim carousels jump from 7 to 9. Go down one more floor.

Thanks for the TR Theli - I'm on the 15 next week and would like to experience a refit as usually go on the earlier flight VS27 the Airbus. I don't think the bubble will ever be the same now its split into the the classes

I take my bag on the tram so to do a quick exit from the airport.

Thanks for the insightful TR Theli, I have not been on a refurb myself as of yet... on my list of things to look forward to in the next few months though.

Further security searches at the gate... were you travelling with a limp and carrying a white cat?? Just all part of the process I am afraid, they like to screen bags in the dept gate lounge for anything they may have missed at the security checkpoints.. they clearly have a lot of faith in their first line screeners

The food sounds disappointing, however I would never wish an Egg McMuffin on anyone!!!!

Cheers for posting and I hope the flight back is/was better for you

I wonder if there was a fault with the wc? It has not moved, just being used by more people.

thanks for the TR not yet flown the refurbed 747 and won't for a few years yet (waiting for grandtwins to get older!)I do feel it is a mistake putting EC up in the bubble,as far as the double bag drop as other people have said you can take it on the escalator then on the tram,ok if there only 2 of you but not if a family,and my wife also gets a security check everytime we fly

Please Note, In the spirit of compromise, I lowered my expectations regarding the quality of food served. I was hoping it would give Virgin a target and some flexibility with an Egg McM being my bottom line.
Fruit, Ice Cream, PG Tips and a nice Sub would do nicely.
According to my young freinds, a nice Subway sandwich can last a week in the fridge before it turns.
Perhaps Virgin could trade with select fast food companies who would benefit from providing the best quality and the onboard advertising.

Also, in hindsight, this flight was rather nice in comparison to VS16, which was a tired, tattered PE section downstairs that left me with leg cramps due to the worn out seat cushion.
It's amazing that the WC stayed clean the whole trip.

We return to the UK several times a year to visit family. It's our hope that Sir Richard & Co recognize the the need to fly into the West Of the UK, Such as Bristol or Cardiff. During our last holiday, the travel time by car from Gloucester to Gatwick is near 4 1/2 hours.

When I holiday with my family we always take the cases on the tram with us. We made the mistake the first we went back in 2003 of giving the cases back, haven't made it since!!!

I'm taking this with a pinch of salt, as anyone who suggests a McDonald's product as being palatable might not be a reliable barometer when it comes to food.

I would rather eat the box it comes in

I'm taking this with a pinch of salt, as anyone who suggests a McDonald's product as being palatable might not be a reliable barometer when it comes to food.

You need to cut down on the old salt - bad for the blood pressure!

Personally I agree a bacon and egg muffin is a better bet than many airline breakfasts I've been offered.