This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
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Cabin Crew
)OLCI was done nice and promptly 24 hours before. I managed to get SEQ 1 this time (much better than the pathetic SEQ 5 on the way out - even my family said "What went wrong?!)
A few hours before OLCI opened I noticed I had been moved from 37C to 45H. No panic though - I had been suspecting that this would be a lightly loaded plane and they would be moving us to the back to help with weight distribution. OLCI confirmed I was still in 45H.
I went to Downtown Disney shortly after 0830 the next day to get rid of my bags. The check in staff were very friendly and printed me off a proper borading card (they always seem to do this here). They also confirmed the plane load looked very light in economy so I would be free to move if I wanted after take off.
Arrived at the airport in plenty of time to clear security. I always seem to pick the wrong line - note for next time - go for the one on the far right as it is the shortest and probably quickest (I noticed this after spending 5 min longer in one of the left ones!)
Boarding was called nice and early in the usual order. I stood next to my pre assigned seat of 45H to wait in case people were due to sit next to me (no sense in getting all settled only to have to move again). Soon after it was announced all 208 people were on board and we would be pushing back ahead of time. So I had already secured an empty row for myself - nice! A quick look around revealed many empty seats - obviously the front section was empty but it looked like the very back middle bit was too.
We took off ahead of schedule and soon the seat belt light was switched off. I didn't move immediately as I already had a row to myself and wanted to see what every one else did first (I am obviously a sheep
). After a few people had moved I decided I would too as there were still loads of 3's empty on the left hand side, nearer the front. My seat of choice was now 27C!This seat was right next to the galley as it turns out. Not really a bother for me but for those who like it quiet - you may not wish to sit here on a night flight. Also worth pointing out that as all the food is prepared here, sometimes the cooking smells are a bit strong (not unpleasant though!).
We had a pre dinner drinks run and drinks with dinner which was very nice. The food was once again pretty good - I had the veggie pasta. Post dinner hot chocolate or tea followed soon after by "lights out".
People had clearly spread out in our section and after seeing the disgruntled looks from the few that ventured out of a packed PE section, I was glad I hadn't been tempted by the cheapish upgrade offers!
I had a nice lie down for a few hours so missed out on any water/juice runs.
Breakfast was served around 2 hours out. I miss the egg mcmuffin thing that they used to do! However the new breakfast menu was very agreeable - I liked the muffin and pocketed the breakfast bar for a bit later.
After a very quick 7ish hour flight (with surprisingly little turbulence) we had the smoothest landing I think I have ever had (nice one pilot
) into a cold but bright morning at Gatwick.Disembarkation was quick with me off as soon as the front and upstairs bit had emptied.
Immigration took around 10min with my bags following soon after.
Overall this was a great flight experience - to be honest I couldn't see much difference between this and the PE flight I took earlier in the year but I do suspect that the light loads had a lot to do with this. I very nearly gave up and went to BA last year but the 747 refits have done wonders for the economy experience to MCO. I also got lots of miles and TPs thanks to the bonus scheme! Gosh another couple of flights and I will be a Silver member
Thanks for reading!
