V-Flyer

I should have been more tired than I was when I got to the airport, but I think the excitement of my second ever trip in UC (and second this year on miles) was keeping me lively.

Check-in was simple and polite and I was directed to the CH. I like the JFK clubhouse. It looks much nicer than the EWR one I'd used in January. The service, however, was distinctly mixed. EWR had a lovely "you're very welcome here" vibe about it and the staff were friendly. JFK had a mixture of very lovely staff and very surly staff. This was a great shame. I was, however, served with a drink very promptly and with a very lovely burger. I had plenty of time in the CH, maybe a bit too much time, but I managed to keep myself occupied.

As I left, I asked if I had to have an invite to the revivals lounge (I had remembered this from last time). I was furnished with one, but wondered what would have happened if I'd not asked. Ought they not offer this to me when I go into the CH as a matter of course?

Boarding was reasonably hassle free and I was soon sitting in my seat with a glass of champers. I was a little distressed to see chocolate over my v-port handset. This was wiped away for me, with an apology that they'd had a very quick turn around. Disappointing nonetheless.

I was also given an apology that they didn't have names yet, as they'd not been given the passenger list, but a lovely lady asked me what I would like to drink after take-off and what food I'd like. She said she'd be looking after me for the flight. I never saw her again - other people brought me my drink and served me with my food (although they did at least bring the right things).

I tried to sleep, but didn't do very well. I'm not often good at sleeping on planes but it was nice to have the luxury of watching a movie in bed whilst on a flight.

Virgin say "try the warm pastries at the bar" so I wandered down only to be told they were somewhere else. I'd rather fancied breakfast at the bar, but it seems the staff had other ideas of how the bar ought to be used.

All in all, this was a pleasant trip. It was not nearly as good as the PE trip I'd had out. I wish I'd had the same cabin crew on the way back in Upper as I'd had in PE. It would have made all the difference.

I was, however, extremely impressed with the service at the revivals lounge. The guy who was serving there that morning was amazing. He sorted my shower out, he booked me my massage, he made sure I got my breakfast promptly, and he remembered my name throughout. Everytime he saw me it was "Are you ok, Mr Lloyd? Anything I can get for you?". Excellent service.

When Virgin do it well, they do a fantastic job. When they don't, it's ever-so disappointing because you know how good it can be!

When Virgin do it well, they do a fantastic job. When they don't, it's ever-so disappointing because you know how good it can be!

Spot On

Consistency strikes again

Thanks for a good TR

buns

It's hard to be consistent, that is for sure. VS though can definitely hit the high notes, and for me Revivals was always one of them. Always had a real appreciation for what it offered, and spent a lot of time in there. You don't, incidentally, need an invite - they keep a list of UC PAX on hand, if you are in PE or Y your gold card will be requested, and your UC boarding pass will also do the trick. It is nice to have the invite tho', and I have kept a couple in my travel box as a memento.

The JFK lounge was very cool, none will ever quite match SFO in my book (but then I'm biased there), but probably second best at least for the look and feel. I kinda like that you have a wide open space there rather than being in a room, overlooking the terminal, feels quite different.

Thanks for the report!

Hey Buns - the trip wasn't 'bad' - but I guess that's my point. Although it was of a decent standard, it just didn't hit the high notes of which Virgin are supremely capable.

MarkedMan - I must try the SFO clubhouse. I've only been to SFO once and I did it in PE both ways, so have yet to experience their CH. Next time. Next time.

I enjoyed the TR... nice read!

Thank you for the return TR.