Fare worked out cheaper than a companion return ticket so we took the plunge.
Must say we had a very nice trip.
Stansted check-in was a breeze with no waiting. If full the flight would take 102 passangers, our flight had about 40.
Were given a fast-track pass and lounge invitation and headed straight trough. Lounge is new and quiet. Has a seperate area with large LCD TV, and office area with internet acess. Hot and cold drinks, with very good choice. Continental style breakfast with fresh fruit, bagels cereals etc. Lounge is right next to the gate.
Boarding was easy and staff was very helpfull. ( Can I take your coat..)Lots of staff on board as they were still being trained. Kir Royale and sandwiches prior to take off as well as choice of newspapers or magazines. Seats very comfortable, blue leather with adjustable head and back support. Recline nearly to 180 degrees. Found it easy to sleep. Take off on time. Then crew came round and handed out noise cancelling headphones, very similar to Virgin's UC ones an a digiplayer, which was preloaded with about 15 movies current, good choice of music and music videos as well as TV shows. No V-port but better than supernova.
Next a drinks round with little bowel of nuts.
Main meal was choice of lamb, filet steak or vegetarian dish.
Starter was mixed salad with asparagus and choice of several dressings. Afters was cheese or chocolate mousse cake.
All very nicely presented and tasty. metal cutlery and choice of wines and neat little salt and pepper planes, similar to virgin, but plastic.
Crew kept coming round with drinks and ther was a choice of snacks, which could be requested throughout the flight.
Prior to landing sandwiches and scones or banggers and mash.
Only drawback were the toilets, they look dated and are quite small.
Landed 30 min early and bags were on belt very quickly. Virtually no que at immigration. We were sitting in our taxi withing 35 min of landing at JFK.
Overall I really think they have a good product and I hope they will survive.
Still like Virgin, but cannot affort UC as often as I would like.
regards
Chris
