VS046 JFK-LHR 6 APR 15 (Economy)

This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin

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After 4 fun days in one of my favourite cities, it’s time to head home . In this time I met up with a sewing friend (knew each other pretty well by then via blogs) and enjoyed a morning of visiting the Garment District with a local , had lunch in Juni (would highly recommend it! ), strolled down the High Line (this time it is all finished), wandered around Central Park/Upper West Side, Chelsea, Greenwich, Brooklyn (including Park Slope and Prospect Park this time), Little Italy and China Town, saw Honeymoon in Vegas on Broadway (amazing! ), went to an NBA game (also amazing), and got a little bit too tipsy on wonderful cocktails at a swanky bar called the Campbell Apartment which is neatly tucked into Grand Central (a real hidden gem ). Oh and how can I forget? I finally visited Lady Liberty and learned about the fascinating history of immigrations by visiting Ellis Island . And of course did some shopping. It was a real blast and the perfect way to spend the Easter weekend. The fact that the locals didn’t have the Monday nor the Friday off may have made me feel pretty lucky, too.

We were catching the VS46 back, leaving JFK at 7.30pm and getting us to LHR by 8am, ready to work! I knew it was going to be a tough one – a what I call “mid-haul” 6 hour 15 flight (thanks to the jet streams) overnight in busy economy on a 747. We got to JFK with 2.5 hours to spare, thinking that we could have dinner at the airport before the flight, which would allow me to skip dinner on the plane to sleep, but security took almost an hour, which meant that once we were through, we had little time left before boarding.

Cosmic Girl was to take us back home, and she is carrying a full load as far as I could tell. I was on the upper deck again, and except for a seat which was broken, there was no spare seat in sight. In fact, one of the VS staff was sat in the jump seat!

There was a small wait before we took off, as apparently one of the runways was closed at JFK. Shortly after though we were airborne, and when the seat belt sign was switched off I attempted to recline gently and slowly. Immediately I felt a tap on my arm, and when I looked back I was met with a “I’m working right now.” I wouldn’t have minded so much if he at least asked me politely to not recline, or asked me at all , but frankly I didn’t like his attitude. I politely advised him that I, too, will be working actually as soon as we land, so I’ve got to get all the sleep I could get. I would be willing to sit upright until after the meal service, after which time I shall recline until breakfast is served . I think this gentleman was a bit shocked with my response (as who would say no to such an important person? ) and didn’t say anything. After the meal I informed him that I was going to lean back now, and he asked me not to recline the full way , but in a much better manner than his previous request. Too late, I needed all the help I could get so had a good snooze whilst enjoying my full recline!

This episode reminded me of the debate we have had on v-flyer a few months back, and how dividing it can be. I don’t want to start a second round of debate on this, but for what it’s worth, I enjoyed the recline which I think I am entitled to especially on a red-eye flight, though I may have been a bit more accommodating if his attitude and manners were better. The DYKWIA vibe doesn’t float well with me , and to be honest I thought he could probably do with some rest himself.

I managed a few hours sleep drifting in and out, and appreciated the drink rounds that came by. I have to say that the CC were absolutely fantastic on this flight. In particular, one member of crew was extremely smiley and friendly, and was very proactive – nothing was too much trouble. His energy was maintained throughout the flight right until we were leaving the aircraft. Food was very good, too. I had the chicken curry, followed by the Gu Passionfruit mouse, and I was very pleased that breakfast was no longer the poorly attempted eggy, bacony, cheesy mess, but a refreshing granola with blueberry muffin. I hope this is the case for all overnight economy flights from now on, as I can truly say that I have never had a decent breakfast either in economy or PE on VS until now!

We landed a tad early in LHR, and as I didn’t have check-in luggage again (my hand luggage was about to burst though!) I met my taxi driver at the pax drop-off (as he was a bit late, or rather I was quite early), saving me a few quid of parking . I was back home switching on my work laptop at 9am! It was a tough day nonetheless, and a quick power nap certainly helped matters .

Whilst I was away, the dear hubby had been a busy bee and spent all weekend painting the living room (some of you may recall that we are still in the middle of quite an extensive home improvement programme), so it was really lovely to come home to see a freshly painted room. This has turned out to be the perfect long weekend all round! Of course the hubby would beg to differ.

I wouldn't have been impressed by the other passengers attitude either. Unfortunately this is the risk some people take when travelling in economy. I know if you have long legs or are claustrophobic it can lead to an awful journey, and I'm sure with a polite request most people would take this into consideration . The only way this will be solved is when the seat manuafacturers produce a seat that reclines by sliding forward within its on frame as per the AA domestic first class seats. Then everyone would be able to recline without confrontation as the only reduction in personal space would be for passenger reclining.

Sounds like to you had a great time. We too hit the Garment Distict as MrsPJH was after some ribbon - and boy did we find it....

Ellis Island is a fascinating experience, and if you find that interesting, and you haven't done so already, next time visit the Tenement Museum on Orchard St. How long ago did you you get tickets for the SoL? We started looking a couple of months ago and nothing was available until June.

Sounds like the flight was decent. At least the chap behind attempted communication on the recline; how often have the discussions here included 'I suffered in silence'. I have made it clear to my managers that flying economy = no work on aircraft. I like the design that PaulS mentions; seems like a good idea to limit the choice to oneself.

Sounds like to you had a great time. We too hit the Garment Distict as MrsPJH was after some ribbon - and boy did we find it....

Ellis Island is a fascinating experience, and if you find that interesting, and you haven't done so already, next time visit the Tenement Museum on Orchard St. How long ago did you you get tickets for the SoL? We started looking a couple of months ago and nothing was available until June.

Sounds like the flight was decent. At least the chap behind attempted communication on the recline; how often have the discussions here included 'I suffered in silence'. I have made it clear to my managers that flying economy = no work on aircraft. I like the design that PaulS mentions; seems like a good idea to limit the choice to oneself.

Thanks for the recommendation of the Tenement Museum. I shall definitely check it out for next time.

For the SoL, we only bought tickets the week before, but our ticket only had access to the island, not even pedestal, and of course not crown access. Something for next time perhaps!

It annoys me when (especially on a red eye flight) another PAX asks you not to recline. You were polite enough to wait until the meal service which is maybe more than I could have managed. After all we've all paid for the luxury of a 32" seat pitch with limited recline!

My daughter suffered at the hands of very tall young man on a USA - UK charter flight some years ago, he kept kicking her seat as she tried to recline. The very unhelpful CC suggested that my daughter moves to another seat at the back of the plane to accommodate this PAX request. It got quite heated in the end - haven't travelled "Travel City" since.

It annoys me when (especially on a red eye flight) another PAX asks you not to recline. You were polite enough to wait until the meal service which is maybe more than I could have managed. After all we've all paid for the luxury of a 32" seat pitch with limited recline!

My daughter suffered at the hands of very tall young man on a USA - UK charter flight some years ago, he kept kicking her seat as she tried to recline. The very unhelpful CC suggested that my daughter moves to another seat at the back of the plane to accommodate this PAX request. It got quite heated in the end - haven't travelled "Travel City" since.

I was polite, but pretty firm in my response but yes, I thought I'd offer a middle ground...

Your daughter's experience sounds traumatic! I did think about getting the (very helpful) CC involved, but didn't really fancy moving as I was sitting next to my friend plus the flight was very full. Why can't everyone just get along eh?