VS045 LHR-JFK 12 JUN 14 (Premium Economy)

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

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I started writing this report mid-flight.

My (sort of) annual pre-summer hols trip to NY. After much consideration I opted for the VS 45 as I figured it was better to land in London the previous day and have a decent night’s sleep and get to the airport a little before noon.

Got to the CH at about 11:45 AM and ordered a Red Carpet and tapas and went to book a treatment and was dismayed to find out that the back and shoulder massage was no longer complimentary. So I decided to go without a treatment and went back to my seat.

The tapas were really nice. I particularly enjoyed the crispy squid, the goats cheese thingamabob and the sliced beef thingy. Ordered a Red Head with the meal and finished up with some ice cream.

I had been looking at the screen to get an idea of where our gate would be and all I saw was a message saying to wait so I knew the flight would be delayed, and it was – for one hour. There are worse places to be than the CH so I didn’t mind too much.

Eventually, the boarding announcement came and we made our way to Gate 18 where Tinker Belle awaited us. PE and Economy were still boarding at the time so it took a bit of time to get to my seat, but not too long. PE was full with only about 3 empty seats.

Once settled in, had a glass of OJ (I know! Very un-vflyer) and settled in for the flight which took off at about 3 – 1 hour behind schedule.

Now to the flight. AU status was recognised, and I think I might have been the only one in the cabin, I got a welcome back from the CSS and was the first along with my travelling companion to be served drinks and meals in the PE cabin.

The food: It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to say this, but the meal was excellent. I had:

Starter – Cucumber salad with mixed salad leaves and chilli, lime and lemongrass dressing.

Main – Beef bolognaise with fresh fettucine pasta and shaved Italian cheese.

Pud – Mandarin quark mousse with raspberry coulis

There was the usual Amarula/Brandy run, a tea/coffee run, and a few water/juice runs as well as the offering of some sort of ice lolly thing.

Afternoon tea was served a little over an hour before landing (I think it was cheese and sundried tomato sandwich and caramel biscuit).

Landed smoothly at JFK, and taxied for what seemed like forever. Eventually got to the gate and had a bit of a wait on board before we got out. The gate we got wasn’t too far from the immigration hall, so we didn’t have a long walk. Was through immigration and customs and in the Dial 7 within less than 30 minutes after disembarking. For me, that is a result. Traffic was a bit heavy, but managed to get to my room at the One UN by 7PM local time (I think we landed at 5PM). So for me that was a result.

Thanks for reading.

As a last word, I think I’m beginning to appreciate the PE product once again. My last 3 trips in PE have been wonderful.

These trip reports and "hello from the CH" are making me anxious to get packing!
Good to see your complimentary comments on the flight, shame it was delayed.
Out of interest I have found that the V-flyer site has been more accurate when it comes to notifying of delays than the screens in the Club House?

Sounds like a good flight , is it me or does the 45 always seem to run late ?
Hope your having a great time in NYC .

[buns]

Tinkus

Thanks for the TR

Glad to see that your Au Status was recognised on board - a shame that this is not always the case.

Enjoy NYC and hope you have a good return flight

buns

These trip reports and "hello from the CH" are making me anxious to get packing!

With 23 days to go I know what you mean.

I adore reading TR's especially when I've either; done the route myself, want to do it, am about to go away, have just come back, have a spare 5 minutes, don't have any time and anything else that gives me an excuse to be here.

Fabulous to hear you had a delay enjoy your time away.

Sounds like it was good all round, and an extra hour in the clubhouse... nice

Tinuks, good to see your Au status was recognised and that all went well. A good arrival and little delay, an all-round good experience. Thanks for sharing the PE menu too.

Jon

Thanks for the replies everyone. Only with full CH access can one appreciate a delayed flight (provided there's no missed connection looming).

I am having a great time in NY as always, but I'm more especially looking forward to our social on Thursday.

Thanks for the TR. I agree with you about PE - I think it has picked itself up a bit of late.

Out of interest, when you say AU was recognised, was the status specifically referred to in what was said?