This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
To recap, I had book a very quick jaunt to MCO using miles, ostensibly to recharge my batteries, but also as a homage to Joe Sutter, the father of the 747, to recognise the first public showing of the 747 back in 1968 on September 30. This was the closest I could get to the date
Anyways, after 3 enjoyable days in Orlando, I made my way back to MCO via the 417 during the early afternoon and traffic was light, so was at the airport in half an hour dropping off the Alamo car. A quick sprint up the escalator and was at the VS check In area in no time.
As an Au passenger, I could avail myself of the UC check In, which is once again back on the "street side" of the VS Check In area. A very efficient process and there was some banter with the agents who noticed my V Flyer Luggage Labels
The y had to root around to find a "GOLD" stamp and for added insurance writing in manuscript "lounge access" for the benefit of the Delta Sky Club staff. One of the added benefits of being Au it seems is also TSA Pre check, so despite the Airport being full to the gunnels with departing Microsoft conventioneers, I was through security in no time at all.Of course the influx of all these Microsoft people was putting pressure on the facilitate there. There was a 15 - 20 minute wait to gat into Outback and this was despite Bahama Breeze now being open (where there was a similar wait time). I was happy with the wait time and a more than pleasant final burger was consumed before making my way up to the Delta Sky Club.
Yes, it was a Friday, yes it was a Microsoft convention, so I expected it to be crowded. The desk staff told me they have over 1100 passenger that day!! I did find a place to perch and catch a quick drink. One thing to mention is there is now only one set of loos in operation as the other (behind the bar area) was being refurbished - at last!!
Once again VS Groundstaff were on hand to escort passengers to the Gate when the flight was called. This was a real benefit as I was the first Economy passenger in the bubble
I can well understand why the bubble is so popular, the seat pitch was more than adequate and having the side bins is a real boon.The aircraft quickly filled and with a full load the doors were finally closed. As with the outbound, there was a manual safety demonstration - so I presume the month end process is still in operation. CC engagement seemed to be practically non existent - something that was borne out later.
We were quickly airborne and service then ensued. Not being a wine drinker on board, I was able to get two whiskeys. The dinner options were:
Mains
Pulled pork with Boston baked beans
Dal makhani and gobi masala (v)
Chicken meatballs and mash
Pudding
Salty caramel CakeLove
Needless to say my choice was not available and only when I said I would not have anything, was a pork found
Dinner was good - but as the breakfast was dire I have only ranked the food "average".After dinner I mentioned I had a Duty Free Pre Order. A little while later the CC returned and thrust a Retail Therapy card into my hand and advised my that as there had been a plane change at MCO my Duty Free was not loaded and to contact Retail Therapy for a refund!! As you can imagine, I was not a happy bunny
The last time this happened to me (and I can fully understand things happen) the FSM apologised and offered 8,000 miles and resolved to get a refund sorted. So I then asked to see the FSM.The subsequent discussions on the crew jump seats at the top of the stairs was interesting and showed just how the new FSM tablet system can work but as is always the Achilles heel of VS it requires consistency of FSMs. Yes, I did get my 8,000 miles and a drink from the UC Bar, so was able to properly toast Joe Sutter.
I was able to grab some sleep after watch the original Incredibles Movie. The rest of the flight was pretty uneventful other than to say the "warm butter croissant with cheese" served for breakfast was absolutely dire.
Upon landing at Gatwick it seemed the Gates used by VS have changed as we had to walk back across the sky bridge. However by the time I had go to the carousels - yes two -my bags were coming off.
It being a Saturday morning, Tristar had replaced my booked vehicle with an Addison Lee so I have a nice 20% discount on my next booking
Slow meander to a moth later, I finally received a rely from VS Customer Relations:
I was sorry to hear that you had been greeted by our Flight Service manager upon boarding or during the beginning of your flight. I can see from the crew report that she has advised you spoke regarding this and we have added 8,000 Flying Club miles to your account by way of apology.
With regards to your pre ordered duty free products, I was also sorry to hear that these hadn't made your flight. I can see that this was due to a last minute aircraft change and don't underestimate your disappointment with this. I have spoken to our retail therapy team today and have arranged they issue a refund of the alcoholic purchases you had made to a total of £30. They have advised that this will be refunded back onto the original form of payment and you will see this on your statement.
As I distinctly remember the FSM was male, the rest of the reply is garbage - I will let you know when the refund eventaully appears.
All in all, the Economy product is fine and would use again - when you have a good FSM VS cannot be beaten, it is being able to get that level of service all the time is something VS continues to need to work on.
Thanks for reading
buns
