This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
How wrong could I have been…….. But first, the usual preamble.
Mrs Buns and I had a wonderful break (Mrs Buns in particular acquired some super bargains
) but all too quickly it was time to return home. The day before weather forecasts were predicting some stormy weather and rather than becoming a pair of nomads wandering the Malls, I opted to book a day room at the Hilton Garden Inn Seaworld at a fairly reasonable price - this was to prove more valuable than I could have realised 
The evening before I had checked in on line at our hotel after going out for dinner so only secured SEQ 46/49 
Next day we checked out and moved to the Hilton; whilst overcast, it was a place to rest as the return flight was not until 8:50pm due to the clocks going forward in the UK. As predicted, at 1pm it started to rain and we retired to our room and that is when the fun started (no, not that!!!). My US Cell Phone, started to make klaxon noises and a message appeared warning to "Take Cover" as Tornados were expected
Sure enough, a huge thunderstorm then took hold of Orlando with reported wind speeds of 100 mph and we had a running commentary on TV for the next two hours. How thankful was I that I had booked the day room as Orlando International Airport was closed down.After the storm had passed, we got ready and made our way to the Airport which by this time had re-opened. As is our usual routine, I dropped off Mrs Buns and the bags at the Departure Level before returning the Hire Car - a good move as the Airport closure caused long tailbacks getting to Alamo. Car return, I rejoined Mrs B and we checked in at the Upper Class Check in. A friendly agent helped the process along and after replacing our paper tickets with real ones, issued the Invitation to the Delta Sky Lounge - advising that even though we were early, it would be best to get airside as soon as possible.
Sure enough, when we got to the TSA screening point, the queues were the longest I have ever seen. That said the TSA staff were working as hard as they could to get through the backlog of passengers and the wait was not that long in the end - although there was a fair few number of people were being grumpy.
Once Airside in the Satellite, we first went to the Duty Free to compare prices with on board and as there was a marginal difference (and the fact Mrs B does like her Tanquerry
) some purchases were made before crossing over to the Outback Steakhouse. For the first time ever in my experience, there was a 30 minute wait to be be seated - once again we were chilled but plenty of folks were not so understanding.After our meal, we went to the Delta Lounge. Never before had i seen it so crowded and it soon became apparent that a number of Delta flights had been diverted / cancelled and that some in there had been waiting for most of the day to get away
Eventually we found some seats and settled down to do some final internet browsing and a spot of people watching
It was showing on the board that the flight was slightly delayed, so before the announcement was made we made our way down to the Gate.As benchsmith has already commented, there was a large number of people congregating directly around the Gate entrance even before any announcement had been made. I figure that the Ground Staff see this each and every day and have decided not to waste their breath on telling the stupid Brits who clearly do not take heed.
As he experienced, first the wheelchair passengers were called and those "with children UNDER 4 ". Then Upper Class were called and we took this as the cue to go forward and after quickly picking up the Duty free we were aboard the aircraft as well as another couple in 19A & C. Welcomed with a glass of fizz once we were settled, shortly after, the Senior Cabin Crew member came up to us and said "Welcome Back Mr & Mrs Buns, thank you for flying with us - if there is anything I can do to make your flight more enjoyable, please let me know"
We ordered some drinks from the Upper Bar to be served after take off. Now just in case you might think I am special (and I certainly don't) the same was done to the couple in 19 A & C.Apart from two vacant seats (which must have been the two who were frantically trying to upgrade both in the Lounge and at the Gate and eventually got there
)PE was full as was Upper. Economy on the other hand was half empty - prompting the announcement that after take off passengers could be move seats provided it was not be to an extras leg room seat for which there would be a charge.After take off, the FSM came round and he too welcomed us personally. I thanked him for the welcome and recognition of our Au status and his response was utterly brilliant - "It is important to look after passengers like yourselves as you keep me in a job"
Now i know we often have debates on V Flyer about on board recognition and the lack of consistency, but when it is put in such a simple way then if this is a core crew value then VS deserve to succeed. I will be writing to Crawley Towers.
Now I have marked down the entertainment as my headphone jack was faulty. After the FSM had re-booted, I was offered a DVD player and miles - I declined both as for the return after the meal I prefer to listen to my own music and have a sleep.
The meal was more that adequately described in Benchsmith's TR, but just to re-cap:
Braised beef in red wine sauce
Chicken Marsala
Fusilli Pasta
We both had the beef and it was tender and good - the desert was very nice indeed
Throughout the dinner service, the crew could not do enough for all the passengers in the PE Cabin and clearly the FSM was leading by example and in fact he served the after dinner drinks.
Lights out and I was soon asleep - three hours later I awoke to the sounds of breakfast
Had the "American Breakfast" which served its purpose although by no means stellar.A fairly quick approach and landing and we we touched down at 10:14 and parked up next to Lady Penelope. After saying our goodbyes, we had a prompt walk to Immigration and it was quicker to go to the human Border Staff than the machines. As soon as we arrived at Carousel 7, our bags were coming around, so we were out of the Airport and getting into our car with 40 minutes
All in all, after my pre fight fears, this was perhaps one of the best PE flights back from the States Mrs buns and I have ever had. At a time when Virgin needs to establish a solid customer base, then consistent service such as we experienced will help keep passengers coming back. Hence why i will be writing to Crawley.
Thanks for taking the time to read this TR
buns
MCO was immesidatly west of where a confirmed Tornado went though and did some minor damage. Glad that you and Mrs. B were safe and that you received our Emergency Alert via cell phone! 
