This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
I checked in online the night before. No sign of an operational upgrade. Unlikely anyhow as its half term and flights are full.
Check in was fast and no bag weighing nonsense for my laptop bag
Heathrow security was ok. Not too long - 10 minutes at most.
Clubhouse
Off to the club house then. Im soon enjoying a haircut at the cowshed. Then a leisurely breakfast and read of the paper with coffee.
Gate Security
I wandered down to the gate but there was a problem I could tell. The BAA security people were telling people to sit down and not form a queue. Quite rudely or at least with no customer skills evident. 'Were not boarding just sit down' - charming. Not Virgin staff I hasten to add although Virgin Staff were in abundance and ignoring...
Then they told me it would be 20 minutes before boarding could begin so I wandered away to get a coffee. As I got to the coffee area the boarding was announced and so I went back again to board. This is going to be one of those days I thought....
The premium check in was roped off so I queued. 'No point standing there we are boarding by seat row number' said the BAA security guy. 'Im in premium - Its priority boarding - it says so on the sign there...' I said.
'No point standing there we are boarding by seat row number' was his reply exactly like a Vogon in Hitchhikers Guide - if you could stretch your imagination to the Vogons being from Slough.
Chaos ensued.
They called by row number with everyone standing in the way waiting for their row to be called and seemingly nobody boarding. It was like everyone waiting for the fire alarm in Fawlty Towers.
'Please sit down' said the vogon.
Everyone ignored him.
'Can I sit in there where the priority area seems to be set up' said a brave fellow premium economy passenger..
'No'Said the Vogon.
Inexplicably he then waved me through, although my row had not been called and nobody else followed me for 5 to 10 minutes. Consistency. Every time it gets to me a little bit more.
Departure and onboard
The plane was an hour late departing.
Once onboard I sat down in my Premium Economy Seat 77A. Nice seat. The back row so nobody behind to moan about reclining. The flight attendants brought round a glass of champagne and even a couple of refills - presumably because no other premiums had boarded - they were still waiting for the Vogon to capitulate.
The captain announced that the delay was because of a faulty door chute deplyment at New York which had to be repaired. Take off at 12:30 an hour late.
The food was very good standard economy class fare. I chose chicken and it was edible. The seat back TV system had a wide selection of movies and channels with the ability to pause or restart. The skymap was a little old fashioned. Food service included drinks. Too many I guess. 2 Gin and Tonics before meal, wine during meal, cognac after. Soon I was asleep.
During the flight paninis and snacks and water were served.
Laptop power meant that I could play 'need for speed underground 2' when I couldnt sleep. The laptop power connector digs into my leg though - its in a stupid place.
Arrival
On arrival I was first out ad first to a deserted immigration check. It was unexpectedbut I was through in less than 5minutes. Quite amazing for the UA these days.
My bag seemed to take forever to come to reclaim and another persons bag hit me in the legs after hurtling down the chute.
I caught the flyaway bus to Los Angeles Union Station to catch my onward connection by train on the Pacific Surfliner. Its a nice connection. It takes an hour but its so nice to be on a US train and hear an american shout 'board' like something out of Casey Jones...
Overall
Overall a very enjoyable flight. Virgin was comfortable.
Actual Mileage credited
Silver Membership Offer 25% Miles Flown Bonus: 1,388
Virgin Atlantic, LHR-LAX Premium Economy: 8,163
Tier Points: 3
Last Updated ( Saturday, 03 June 2006 )
You can read other reports and see pictures at my website which is in my profile.
