VS015 LGW-MCO 19 SEP 13 (Upper Class)

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin

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Well here I go with my first TR. Have viewed loads, so thought it only fair I give my offering!!

Mrs Fainty and I travelled down to LGW the night before our flight. We have always been a fan and advocate of twilight check in so headed straight to the desks at around 17:10. In previous years we have checked in a little earlier but alas the wise people at Virgin have decided that 17:00 is as early as is needed!! We were presented with a little bit of a shambles really. A long snaking que, with only 3 checkin agents available. We were lucky enough to be traveling in Upper (one of us on a G at that! ). There was a dedicated line for upper (the first time I have seen that) but no agent at the desk. Mrs Fainty (the bolder of the two of us!!) asked if we could use the upper lane. They agreed that it was fine but we woul shave to wait for a check in agent to become free - nothing unreasonable there! The agent became free within a couple of minuets and we checked in. Now not wanting to be cast dispersions, but I got the distinct feeling the agent was in a very bad mood and wasn't shy in showing it!! Nothing rude but very miserable, I thought that maybe she had a long day - but check in had only been open for 10 mins!! In the time we were waiting I did get to look over the new upper class checkin desks at LGW. Given this experience I think we will plump for normal checkin next time.

Check in complete and got the seats we requested 8a for me and 8k for the Mrs. The grumpy check in agent informed us that the clubhouse would be available to us from 10:00. Thanks to fellow v-flyers we both knew this to be incorrect but opted not to corrected her. Parked the car and checked in for the night at the Holiday inn. Nothing special but convenient and reasonable. I at least got to watch the football with a pint - not a bad way to start the holiday!!

So morning arrived and after a very short bus ride we arrived at the terminal. Proceeded through premium security lane with no issues, barely even breaking stride. Straight into the great safe haven of the club house. We have been here a few times now but even so, it just seems to get better and better. Settled straight into some comfy seats for breakfast and cocktails. Both having the eggs Benedict but me with a redhead and the Mrs with a bucks fizz. A few drinks later and I had a great back massage and the Mrs had a set of nails (or something like that!!). Another couple of drinks and a shoe shine later it was time to make our way down to the gate. I have to say the service and attitude of the staff in the club house was exceptional.

Headed down to the gate which was only a short stroll away. General boarding was nearly complete and we walked straight on to the plane. A warm welcome on board and that luxury of turning left and not right. Simple things like that make me smile!! We got into our seats and immediately offered champagne - well it's rude to say anything but yes!! Flight set off about 20 mins late but no real issue from me. Food was served quickly and efficiently. There was a family with a small child sat in 6a and k. The crew were fantastic in helping them. At first I thought they were just swooning over the baby, but slowly came to the realization that by doing that they were doing the entire cabin a massive service!! Sat at the bar for about and hour had a nice conversation with the FSM and crew.

As it always seems when in Upper the flight was soon over. Disembarkation was good, and soon on that hurried walk down the corridor to immigration. Shock of shocks - there was no que at all. The MRs and I were immediately at a desk, being asked the standard questions and some weird ones too! We were obviously on a run of good luck, no sooner were we through immigration but our bags were waiting for us - seriously from plane to getting bags and on the transit train in 10 mins. Up to ALAMO desk to pick up the truck for a couple of weeks - quick little upgrade after a bit of haggling and we struck gold with a Escalade

In summary checkin was the weakest link, club house and flight excellent.

Thanks for the great first TR. Lucky you for having such a smooth experience. It's very rare to hear experiences of great experiences at MCO. I've only seen a handful of TRS that say so. MCO arrivals usually gets adjectives like heaving and can almost be likened to one of the chambers of hell (or heck if you will).

Fantastic TR, thank you for posting. Am doing this route myself in a couple of months time so glad to hear all was well.

but I got the distinct feeling the agent was in a very bad mood and wasn't shy in showing it!! Nothing rude but very miserable, I thought that maybe she had a long day - but check in had only been open for 10 mins!!

I had exactly the same thing when myself and Mrs Amex flew out to MCO earlier in the year. Given that the first part of the Virgin Experience on any flight with VS is the interaction with check in staff this is not good. They have to remember that they are the public face of the airline, and they don't get a second chance to make a first impression!!

Think the powers that be at Crawley Towers possibly need to assess things at LGW check in, the vast majority of staff are brilliant but it only takes 1 or 2 not so good members to leave passengers feeling disappointed.

Thank you for the TR.

Thanks for the TR
Funny how the flight seems quicker in UC lol

Thank you for the TR. I have never bothered with Twilight Check in when travelling UC as the check in procedure on the morning of my flights has always been quick & efficient.