This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
The night before we went to the airport and made use of the twilight check in.
We arrived approximately at 19:30-20:00 and the area only had 2 other passenger who were already being assisted.
The check in agent was polite to start with asking us to go over to her desk.
When we presented the passbook boarding pass provided by VS by email, she would not scan it and stated that we had to have paper tickets.
I did dispute this and she stated you must have paper tickets.
I took the paper ticket however still continued to use my passbook version as it worked perfectly fine for security and for boarding at the gate and entering the aircraft.
The agent then became more like a robot stating bag on scales, is this yours, anything else, etc.
The check in was then completed it took about ten minutes in all, the check in agent did not provide the standard parting greeting just stared then said "bye".
We then went off to the Premier Inn north terminal at Gatwick where we ate in the restaurant which was great as always, and the rooms and quality of stay was great as ever.
The next morning we went into the terminal around 9am as the flight was at 1pm.
We approached the premium security channel which we flew through in about 5 minutes maximum allowing the time in duty free and to go into the departure lounge area for some breakfast.
After having looked around the new departures shopping area we took a walk down the departure gates which we saw a number of vs aircraft sitting there. We then waited patiently outside the gate for about 5 minutes before boarding began.
1st into the boarding area very efficient polite friendly interactions including security personnel.
Without delay, about 10-15 minutes later boarding commenced.
We were called quite quickly and then boarded the aircraft and walked to the far side and turned left to sit in 18 H & K.
Upon getting to our seats we were offered complimentary drinks and newspaper by smiling happy VS CC.
After settling in the door was closed early and we were pushed back early.
Once the safety video had been played we began out taxi to the runway which began approximately 13:01.
The standard IFE gate to gate was in operation and the mandatory comments about aeromobile were made.
We taxied to the run way and took off with very little delay.
The flight was a bit of a bumpy one but with all the different weather systems going around at the moment the flight was surprisingly smooth.
About 25 minutes into the flight we were served with the pretzels and normal drinks service.
This was then followed shortly after by the meal service which consisted of :-
Starter - Mixed lead and cherry tomato salad with herb dressing.
Main Course -
Cottage Pie - Minced beef with crusted mashed potato and chive top
Somerset Chicken - Succulent chicken braised with English cide, Broccolli, carrots, creamt garlic dauphinoise potatoes and apple garnish.
Spinach and ricotta cannelloni - Pasta tubes filled with creamy ricotta and spinach.
Choice of bread rolls fresh from the over.
Pudding -
Chocolate profiterole cake.
Olive oil and salt crackers with cream cheese.
Liquer service.
I had the spinach and ricotta cannelloni as the chicken had finished and they only had one cottage pie left which the person prior to me had.
The spinach and ricotta was nice and no problem at all really really good for an airline meal.
The salad was fresh and crisp, the cake was really nice not heavy at all and the cheese and biscuits were really good.
The flight then was pretty standard with the duty free trolley and further drinks service throughout the flight.
We did receive a mini fab ice lolly at approximately half way through the flight.
2 hours prior to landing the afternoon tea was delivered which consisted of -
Afternoon team - cheese and pickle and an undulgent banana toffeee cupcake with choice of tea or coffee.
Once this was done there was only a short time left before arrival into Orlando.
It was a very unseasonal grey and cloudy day with expected thunderstorms in the area so the landing was not as smooth as it normally would be.
Upon landing we had a swift arrival at the gate (81) where due to a medical emergency on board (no mention during flight) we all remained back whilst this was dealt with. I must say the crew dealt with this extremely well and in a calm and controlled manner given the flight had approximately 423 people on board. The medical services were waiting when the door was opened and the pax was removed and we had a speedy disembarkation.
Due to being at stand 81 it was only a short walk to the immigration hall which was empty so straight to a desk and through to baggage collection which after 5 minutes the bags arrived.
Other than this it was a good flight nothing exceptional but a good flight.
Our aircraft on this leg was Ladybird (G-VAST).
