This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Normally we travel to LV from Gatwick. On this occasion because of differential in price of around £200 each when booking we chose to travel from Manchester which adds around 50 miles to the journey - seemed to make sense also accepting the difference in lounge quality.
Drove up in the morning arriving at MAN at around 7.30am which is a little later than we typically would arrive at Gatwick. Baby became restless for final 30 mins so was glad to arrive. Smooth transfer over from APH Parking.
Checked in at Upper Class, no issues. Given paper boarding pass in a nice Upper Class wallet, which we'd not seen before and provided nice little holder and useful identifier of Upper Class/Gold Card by airport staff. Through security, went thru line for baby buggies and staff very helpful and accomodating. Due to our long stay in Vegas of 11 nights, we had a lot of milk and baby food which had to be checked over. As well as this a lot more hand luggage than normal to take care of the baby thru the journey.
Went to the Escape Lounge which was packed when we arrived but soon emptied out and we were able to move to more comfortable location. Baby became slightly restless so walked her around the lounge, outer corridor to keep her occupied. Food more basic than Gatwick lounge, but did have nice sausage sandwich.
Boarded on time, very helpful stand at the gate with the baby buggy. As gold car holders we were able to get on early and settle in and pack away our hand luggage, baby gear before other passengers joined the plane.
Had bulkhead seats for use of the bassinet. Cabin crew very friendly and Flight Manager came around to welcome us as 2 gold card holders and offer us champagne. Cabin crew explained that the two seats to our left were not taken so would try to keep these empty for us to help us with the baby. This seemed very thoughtful and proved to be very useful and remained empty despite flight being very full - around 20 spare seats on the plane. Cabin crew on the whole excellent with the baby and understanding the challenges of travelling with a baby. The return journey was not so good in this area.
Took off on time. There seemed to be one other baby on board in another one of the bulkhead seats. Baby has travelled twice already to LV and Orlando and was pacified with milk previously on take off or times of restlessness when she was slightly younger. Not so easy on this trip! Crew set up bassinet but as baby was already virtually at the max weight and almost too tall. We tried to allow her to sleep there but with the strap right across her face, as soon as she tried to move in her sleep she was awoken. The spare seat proved very useful and we were able to seat her here in one form or another to watch the tv/play with toys.
As soon as she became more restless we took turns to walk her around the plane though this was not easy with the flight being so full, and legs stretched out on corridor/cabin crew serving. However at least this kept her quiet and amused and minimised inconvenience to other passengers.
Seemed fairly peaceful flight compared to the norm for LV. Most people happy to sleep/watch tv with headphones on.
Once we were half way thru the flight I was then counting down the hours until we landed and how much the flight had passed, Whilst I always do this, this time it was mainly with the baby in mind.
Flight arrived about 30 mins early after which I managed to run ahead to secure a good place in the queue at immigration. Wife stayed at the plane exit to await the buggy.
Went thru immigration fairly quickly, and picked up baggage straight away. Then a huge queue to exit the customs areas of the arrivals hall which was a little disorganised with many people not necessarily going to the back of the queue.
I would use Manchester again for this flight if the price was right. Airport staff and crew were great, only difference being the lounge and the slightly longer journey for us to get to the airport.
A successful trip with the baby though not easy, but crew made it much easier. Would definitely consider seat plus for the baby next time until she is 2, as the spare seat proved so useful.
