This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
We had spent the previous day exploring Dublin before starting our trip with the last BA flight of the day back to LHR. After a comfortable night at the Hilton Garden Inn (nee Jury’s Inn) near Hatton Cross, we arrived at T3 around 3 hours before departure of VS7 and headed straight to the Upper Class check in area where there was no queue to be checked in.
The agent asked to where we were flying, took our passports, confirmed where we were staying in the US and then said something strange, advising me that I had booked an exit row, to which I replied I hadn’t booked an exit row, but rather an extra legroom seat. I was then told again that I had indeed booked an exit row seat, to which I again said I hadn’t, at which point I asked her to confirm my seat assignment to which she responded 53K, which is the extra legroom seat I booked on the A340-600 and is not in an exit row, even though the agent had the last word by saying it was by the exit. At this point I smiled and headed to the Upper Class security area. Bit of a fail there not knowing her aircraft.
The queue for upper class security was fairly long, with a VS agent directing people to the ordinary fast track queue around the corner, although I stayed in line rather than take my chances as switching queues never seems to work for me. The queue moved rather slowly, mainly due to those in front thinking security didn’t apply to them, with most not removing the usual liquids, tablets etc from their bags and walking through the detector dressed like Mr T. Guess it was more a holiday rather than business crowd on the Saturday of a bank holiday weekend.
Once through, it was straight to the Clubhouse. I’m not a big fan of the Clubhouse breakfast menu so I ate at the hotel before coming to the airport, and instead relaxed with a game of pool. I was slightly surprised that I had to surrender my boarding pass to get the cues though, do they often get people walking off with them?! I eventually caved and ordered some food and actually the pancakes were very nice, washed down by a very nice orange juice. I was very surprised at how busy the bar was at 10am with people knocking back all sorts of alcoholic liquids. Personally I can’t think of anything worse at that time than drinking alcohol, particularly before boarding a flight.
Boarding was already well under way when we arrived at the gate at T-30 minutes and we walked straight onto the aircraft once boarding passes had been checked. Unfortunately we were on the aircraft well over an hour before we pushed back as something was brewing nearby on the other side of the aircraft. It seems like a couple of passengers had made some sort of comment to the crew about a medical condition. From what followed it appeared that it was said as some sort of joke (but I might be wrong) as they later retracted what they had said but the crew member said he couldn’t let them fly after they told him what they did. After a bit of protesting they left quietly, but nobody seemed too keen to occupy the ELR seats they vacated, making me wonder what they were supposed to have, although one “brave” person eventually did with the crew’s blessing. After a delay for their bags to be offloaded we were on our way around 40 minutes behind schedule.
Luckily we made it to the front of the queue for take-off fairly quickly which made up a bit of time. It has been a while since I last flew VS economy but I was surprised that there was no longer amenity kits offered (although we did get one on the return). Service throughout the flight was pretty good with one particular crew member (with very funky hair) doing a stellar job. There was no gold recognition on the flight but I’ve never had that, ever! The only issue with the service was that the vegetarian option for lunch was loaded incorrectly by the ground handlers and instead it was a third breakfast for me! Again this was handled well by the crew who were very apologetic. I took it well but the gentleman in front of me kicked up a fuss and ended up with a PE meal which goes to show that being a jerk does pay!
Just a quick word on the seat – 53K which is an ELR seat. This was well positioned behind the wing allowing good views. The legroom was certainly better than standard but nothing special. If I had to pay I probably would, but would opt for an exit seat in row 31 for a night flight where the view is not important to me.
The flight passed fairly quickly and we arrived at LAX at 15:00. Immigration wasn’t too bad but was frustrating as the queue minders kept allowing people who came after us into a much faster queue and not allowing us to leave the long queue with only one officer until most other people had been processed. Arguing in a US immigration hall doesn’t get you anywhere! In any case we were curbside by around 16:00 and driving off to Valencia from the Alamo lot by 16:30.
All in all a good flight. If only my miles for it would post!
