This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Off to LA for a few days before San Francisco for some work so got booked up on VS23 this time in Economy...
I started the day in home in East london debating a cab to the airport or good ol’ public transport. The last time I flew from LHR I was living in North London which makes sense with a cab as it’s a lot cheaper! Looking at prices, the tube and HX was decided upon. Flight was at 1545 and I hadn’t checked in, so I wanted to get to T3 for around 1245. I had also booked myself in the No1 Traveller Lounge so wanted enough time to take advantage of that. (Not the CH of course but a place to relax without the noise of the half term crowds in the terminal!)
It was a quick journey to Paddington and even quicker on the HX. Arrived to T3 around 1230 and went up to the PE CI lane (having just got back to Silver) and asked whether I was too early for VS23. ‘No’ was the smiley reply so I was checked in. Having paid for ELR I asked asking whether my seat - 34G was better than a window. The reply was that if I was on my own, that it would be more comfortable and she was indeed right!
I settled in at the No1 Lounge for a few hours and had the Chicken Caesar pitta which was ok I suppose. Some emails, a coffee or two and a cookie and it was time to head to Gate 20.
Heading towards the gate, I got that familiar feeling of dread as I started to see the crowds appear waiting to get into the gate. It was busy - around 310+ PAX on the flight. Of course, being to LAX and the start of half term, a number of which were children. Now, don’t get me wrong. when well behaved, kids are fine on a flight, but for some reason, whether it be the pressure or excitement, my experience is that they turn into little devils! For a 10 hour flight I was hoping they would be less devil, more angels!
Got to the gate just as UC and AU pax were boarding and 5 minutes later I was on Sleeping Beauty (G-VNAP) in 34G. Now, having flown PE the past 2 long hauls, and going PE on my next flight, being back in Economy was a little strange. Terrible I know, as we are very lucky to be able to fly in a more comfort for work but you do miss those little perks! That said, the extra leg room for £35 was well worth the money - it just gives you a little more breathing room.
**Just a quick edit here which I completely forgot about**
When we entreated the plane, the was the most HORRID smell throughout the cabin! To me it smelt like Thai Fish Sauce but apparently it was rotten veg the ground crew had the unfortunate luck of unloading from the previous flight! The CC were very apologetic and where dosing the floor with all sorts of scent to mask the smell. Luckily when the engines started it went!
Back to the report....!
We spent about 20 mins taxiing and during this, the usual video safety video was broken, so the crew did a manual version, which was actually quite fun to watch to see if they still remembered everything! There was some looks between the crew when it came to some things but overall was a solid show..!
When we got in the air, there was a surprise when the CC asked my name and handed me a glass of bubbles and welcomed me back to VS! Now being a Silver member, I was always under the impression that this recognition was reserved for AU members only, so it was a lovely touch! Not sure whether it’s because I’ve been doing few flights with VS recently or just something I was unaware of, but lovely either way!
Meal time - I opted for the Thai Curry (usually I go with a meat option, but the curry had me this time). It was ok - the rice was a little funny but generally tasty, as was the salad and dessert.
After the meal service, it was an hour or so, then they lowered the lights which is always very annoying. Surely if you are travelling west, you need to stay with the light and not sleep - otherwise this will muck you up when you try and sleep in the evening? Can anyone explain this?
After what felt like a lifetime (helped by iPlayer downloads of Stewart Lee) we were nearly ready to start our descend to LAX. The pizza thing that was served by this point was ok - nothing special but it was a bite which was well received and eaten up!).
A very easy approach into LAX and a fairly quick taxi to the stand. The usual dash to passport control was stopped by the Air China flight that had come in before us. This meant quite a wait as the PAX needed translators to help with some entrants. Frustrating, but it’s something you have no power over so I just go with the flow!
All in all a good flight to LAX. The bubbles and welcome back really set me up for the flight - amazing what a little thing can do to your mood. OH! And the previous mentioned child PAX? They weren’t so bad - a few tears on descent due to ears but overall nice and quiet!
LA for a few days then to SF for work. Heading back in PE so will be sure to right up that report as well.
Thanks for reading!
Last edited by olisones on 08 Apr 2014, 17:05, edited 2 times in total.
