VS028 MCO-LGW 17 OCT 12 (Premium Economy)

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

After two great weeks of Florida sun time to go home. Had a refit for the outbound leg so started checking MMB a couple of days before our flight. Seat map available and it's another refit had a choice of both PE cabins but decided to go for 17A-C downstairs. OLCI successful the day before. We decided to cough up the $10 pp for the downtown disney checkin area to get rid of the cases and enjoy the final day. Advised that flight was running 50 late at that time. Before going to the airport we had a pleasant wander around the village, a nice latte then slummed it with lunch at Denny's. Ultimate omelette, yum my favourite. Made our way to MCO at 3 and dropped of the rental car without any fuss. Big lines at security so decided to wait and have a wander around the shops. Big mistake. When we went back the lines were even longer . Joined the queue and after 35 mins it was our turn. We both got the full body scan treatment and I was questioned about suspicious items in my pockets, a plastic comb and a packet of gum . Anyway off to gate 81. Settled in to a couple of seats near the priority boarding lane. Not sure why but the gate areas at MCO always seem to degenerate into chaos as the boarding process starts. First call was for people needing special assistance, quite a few pax in wheelchairs for the flight joined by families with buggys and small pax. The latter were turned away by the agents, not sure why. Next call was for UC and gold only. There was then a wait of nearly 10 mins while we waited for the last UC people to arrive at the gate. Finally PE pax. By this time the gate area was almost completely blocked by pax 'hovering' waiting for their turn. The announcements were almost in audible and not very helpful. Anyway on to our seats and we settled in. Welcome drinks delayed for about 15 mins followed by the new amenity pack. I had decided to abstain from on board food for the flight so I had my own picnic with me. We pushed back about 50 min late and we were almost immediately aware of a very spectacular thunderstorm of to the left of the plane. Announcemt to the effect that seat belts on until we were clear of TS. Quick flight 7.5 hours. The low marking for the cc reflects an almost complete lack of interest show by them throughout the flight. The fact that I did not want food or drink or to be disturbed on the flight seemed to annoy them for some reason and resulted in a pretty frosty atmosphere. We had a refit on both legs of this trip but the difference in the cc was disappointing. Into LGW at 7.25 and after a long walk made it into the emigration area. We were 'encouraged' to use the e gates, not something we have seen before. Scanned the open passport ok then on to the camera scan. Bit odd standing there waiting for the camera to bob up and down and finally let me through. Took about 5 mins in all, very good . Luggage through in about 15 mins and we in the taxi by 8.15. The temperature at gatwick was a bit of a shock but good to be home. Refitted aircraft are VG but it's the cc that can make or break the flight experience IMHO.

Ahhh the old plastic comb and packet of gum plot.... at least they caught you before your dasterdly plan could be enacted

Got to dislike a CC that are disinterested and spend the flight service milling around doing the bare minimum, now if you had tried to smuggle a cattle prod passed security for this scenario you may have gotten away with it

Cheers for the TR

Thank you for the TR. Such a pity you felt the CC were disinterested - if they were like that with everyone it is unacceptable but if not I wonder if they misinterpreted your request not to eat, drink or be disturbed and unfortunately gave you too little attention - or perhaps they were frightened off by the comb and chewing gum!

Thank you for the TR. Such a pity you felt the CC were disinterested - if they were like that with everyone it is unacceptable but if not I wonder if they misinterpreted your request not to eat, drink or be disturbed and unfortunately gave you too little attention - or perhaps they were frightened off by the comb and chewing gum!

Forgot to add that mrs Needsomesun was awake and eating, drinking etc. the entire flight and she was not impressed by the cc on the flight either. It's a shame but the home flight is always a bit of a downer anyway so try to lie low and just get through it!