This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
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It was a late decision and we had already booked a place in 2015 but in December decided we would do one this year as well.
Last year we upgraded from Economy to Upper on points, but this time we just bought cheapest PE tickets. (which were about the same as upgradable Economy last year.)
We have flown Delta to Atlanta and on to Savannah, but didn't like the 5 hour wait at Atlanta so now we fly to Orlando and drive up.
I like to plan to emergencies, but we had none and so after a very relaxed drive we arrive at MCO at 3.30pm for the 8.50 flight.
Dropped off the car and paid a porter to take the cases to the Virgin desk.
We were quickly booked in. There was only one spare seat in Upper and if the price was right Mrs. D would have taken it.
However, they wanted $1506 to upgrade the ticket in order to allow a points upgrade, which seemed disproportionate to me for one leg so we were both in PE.
We couldn't find any priority channel for security but even without it we were through quite quickly and caught the shuttle to the gates.
I couldn't find any lounge to pay for entry, but because we were so early we managed to bag some comfy seats in the main atrium.
Boarding: There were a few wheelchair passengers that went on first then UC was called and no one came forward. PE was called and we boarded.
Settled into the seats and had a glass of Proseco while the rest of the plane boarded. Upper get proper Champagne.
This took a while because the plane was full.
Once every one was on it was a matter of seconds from door closing, ramp pulled back and the plane moving back off the stand.
We took off on time and it wasn't very long before we had pre-dinner drinks. Mrs. D asked it there was any Proseco left, and they went and got her a glass. I asked for Chardonnay but there wasn't any so I had red wine. I was offered it in a choice of wine glass or the more stable little tumbler, which holds a lot more. (her description not mine) so I had the tumbler. Very pleasant it was too.
Meal:
Starter: Mesclun salad, a taste of Provence.
Mix of small salad leaves with tomatoes and vinaigrette dressing.
Main course:
Braised beef in red wine sauce. (Mrs. D had this and said it was tasty and hot.)
Rich, luscious stew. Potato wedges, roasted pearl onions, carrots and peas.
Chicken Marsala.
Italian herbed chicken in sweet Marsala sauce. Mashed Potatoes, green beans and sautéed mushrooms. (I had that on the way out and thought the chicken was a little dry)
Fusilli pasta (V).
Spiral shaped pasta paired with an aubergine and courgette ragout, (I chose that and it was pretty much what is said it was.)
Served with bread roll.
Pudding:
cream cheesecake.
Finished off with a couple of crackers and sliver of cheddar.
Had more wine with the meal and Mrs. D again had Proseco and I had red wine.
We settled for the night, but there was some one in the adjacent row while a barking cough. I actually thought he was being sick.
However I did manage to get some sleep. In row 19 there's no-one behind to kick your seat or play backgammon on the touch screen. The seats don't recline quite far enough to be really comfortable for me but the couple in front of us didn't even bother to recline theirs at all so it did mean we actually had room to stand up for a stretch.
Breakfast:
American breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, rosti potatoes and backed beans. The egg was a solid lump which may at some point have been scrambled. The bacon I actually enjoyed. It was a proper piece of lean bacon. Potatoes also good. Are baked beans meant to be black? I ate a few and they tasted alright but just didn't look right. Mrs. D only ate a little bit of potato and left the rest.
Oh there was a tiny little muffin. Which was good.
The flight was steady with little turbulence and a good tail wind.
We arrive at Gatwick early and touched down at 8.32
What a touch down it was too. 10/10 and light as a feather with no noise or bump when either the main wheels or the nose hit the runway.
We taxied into what must have been the furthest gate from the terminal, but it didn't take long for the ramp to be connected and the doors open.
We were first off, having been seated right by the door.
There was a short queue for Border Control from the flight in front, but we were through that in minutes.
We walked what felt like two miles to the baggage collection point and after only a couple of minutes saw our four canary yellow cases appear on the carrousel.
Fortunately I had two pound coins in my UK wallet so I bagged a couple of trollies and we were off. (note to self for next year to have pound coins)
I didn't see anyone official in the customs hall and we were straight through the 'nothing to declare channel' and met by our son for the final 40 mile leg of the journey.
Only 48 weeks to the next one.
Dick D
