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#861327 by lynnewob
18 Nov 2013, 14:28
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This is my annual solo trip to Vegas trip report.

After an early start from the Midlands at 4.30am, I arrived for a meet and greet car collection at the Orange short stay parking on level 5. This has changed from last year, when they used to meet you near the front entrance to departures.

The check in area for Virgin has changed since last year too, with a much nicer section for Upper Class, rather than the original lane that was there previously next to the PE desks and Easyjet check in. It seems a little more special. On receipt of my boarding pass (as I never print these out), I noticed I'd achieved Sequence 1 :D which is a first for me.

I did a little bit of duty free shopping and treated myself to a bottle of Veuve Grand Damme as I had a £5 off voucher if spending over £75 and some make up and cleansers too, using another one of the £5 vouchers.

Arrived at a quiet Clubhouse and sat in my usual area which is where they place a couple of laptops and comfortable chairs. Bellini and breakfast duly ordered and quaffed.

I requested a back massage which was offered to me at 9am and was very nice.

I then sat back down with a couple of cookies and ordered another Bellini, then a Redhead and yet another Bellini before being called for boarding.

It was quite a hike to get to the plane which was Ladybird this time. Settled into 9K and offered a glass of fizz before take off. The cabin was full as usual.

Menus handed out and the usual "chicken or beef" options. I had the beef, accompanied by the Malbec, which was really nice but didn't bother with a starter as there was nothing that appealed. I asked for a 5 minute break before dessert and when the CC came back to me and I requested the chocolate dessert, I was told it had all gone. I asked for some chocolate instead and was duly presented with small bars of dark and white chocolate Green & Blacks which hit the spot.

After watching the Internship, which was lighthearted, I snoozed for about 90 minutes and got up and watched Monsters University. During this, afternoon tea was offered. The sandwiches had either cheese (which I can't eat) or salmon or were full of mayo, so I didn't bother. I did enjoy the little cakes that were offered though and ate a couple of those.

As we were nearing Vegas, we had some mild turbulence but not enough to put the seatbelt signs on so overall a comfortable flight.

The crew serving in Upper were really helpful and friendly and nothing seemed too much trouble. At the end of the flight, one of the female crew came to see a lady in the opposite suite to mine to show off the new V Westwood uniform. It looked very smart, but I'm not sure how it will stand up to the hard wear and tear they have to cope with on a daily basis. The high collar on the shirt and jacket could, I imagine, be uncomfortable. She looked really good in the new uniform and was perhaps one of the best ambassadors to show it off.

We got off the plane after PE and as there was no other flight in at the same time, I was quickly through immigration. Bags were swiftly off for Upper and PE. The belt didn't get very crowded as the majority of the people must have still be queueing at immigration. A very quick taxi ride to the MGM for a 2 night comped stay followed by a 3 night comped stay a the Wynn.

No hitches on this flight, I'm pleased to report and everything ran to clockwork. Isn't it great when that happens ^)
#861337 by waatp
18 Nov 2013, 16:25
Thank you for a lovely trip report! Enjoyed that.

Glad to hear all was well.

lynnewob wrote:After an early start from the Midlands at 4.30am, I arrived for a meet and greet car collection at the Orange short stay parking on level 5. This has changed from last year, when they used to meet you near the front entrance to departures.


I noticed this in September when I travelled on BA to Spain. I usually take a spare suitcase with me with bits and pieces for my family and this time I had Christmas presents as well. I didn't know it had changed as there hasn't been an email about it. I found it a bit of a faff driving up there for the car to be driven all the way down again and then manage the doors and lift with three suitcases rather than just going up a ramp as before.

I guess the traffic wardens in the departures area just want the traffic to flow better but part of the convenience with Meet and Greet has gone I feel.
#861341 by lynnewob
18 Nov 2013, 16:47
Yes, definitely more of a pain than it used to be, but then again, it's the same as Heathrow, so I expect they've just followed suit.

The biggest difficulty I had was that on my return, the short stay ticket wasn't paid for which it always has been at LHR. I rang the company and was asked to check my terms and conditions and I could not see anywhere that I had to pay although they said I should. It was only £3 but it's the principle. I told him there was nothing in the T&Cs, so the driver came down to me, checked them and eventually swiped his card to let me out.

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