Sitting now in the 1st class lounge waiting to board 719 back to PHL, have an hour to burn so will report outbound trip to FCO
Upon check in at PHL on a hot Monday, the lines were small, and upon asking the check in person, we were graciously and freely moved into row 1. I was happy about this for the experience, and also for the leg room, as i am quite tall. Moving quickly into the Envoy Lounge, found it to be clean, quiet, and a decent selection of food. Nice wines, French, Italian, and perhaps one Spanish, and a clean self service area. They could have used one more person collecting remaining dishes/glasses, but most importantly, they had someone tending the self service area non-stop.
Arriving at gate, the flight was oversold, and worse, the APU on 274 was broken, thus no A/C on board. They announced in the boarding area this dilema, and asked everyone to please board quickly. We were first to board, and it was sticky HOT on board. Used to flying transcon on 321s, i was expecting a riot in the back. 10 pleasant minutes later the enitre boarding was complete. Simply amazing how quickly it took. Engine start at the gate before push back, and because at A25, that was a good thing, as we waiting 10 more minutes for traffic to clear behind us to push. Once back, pilot used excessive engine power at idle, and taxi, and we had 2 aircraft wait, and we were off. Looking out the window, we were lucky, as a US757, must have had something wrong, and was taxing back down the taxi way, which caused 8-10 planes waiting on the apron closests to the teriminal to depart.
In any event, I was extremely surprised at how quickly, especially given the heat and hunidity, at how fast the plane got off the runway, and how quick the plane climbed. The 343 Air Tahiti was scarely slow to lift, and then climb.
Two male FA up front galley. Each guy took an isle to himself, and worked their tales off. LIterally running up and down the isle with drinks, appetizers, and the works. I was not expecting our meal to come from behind us, but we were served first. The nuts were not warmed at all, but nicely salted. The Caprese was cold, crisp, and right up there with Caprese we had in Italy; seriously. The filet was good meat, although slightly undercooked for my taste. After a food coma nap, nice moose, and petit fors for desert. I forgot to ask for, but they did not offer any expresso, and the machine was not used. Another glass of wine, then put to work the lie flat seats.
The seats were great with movement, although the hydrolics in my seats must be low or a leak, as when the legs were fully extended, the leg extension would lower 1/4. Problem solved somewhat by lifting the seat portion upwards. Found the seats comfortable, yet somewhat narrow. Wife found them great, and she could sleep on her side, whereas I could not. Nonetheless, the movie system was fine for me, maybe I do not know what else is out there. Last time I flew 1st AA-763 MIA-SFO, they handed out the movie player, and we had to hold. US is the same system I had in AF coach 7 yrs ago.
The experienced FA told me that the former Envoy was fantastic product, 2 FA just for 6 people, and 4 or 5 for the rest of first. He said he used to carve meat and fe4sh turkey breats up front for the Envoy people, and other amentities. You could see the pride on his face in talking about it.
Bottom line, it was a very good experience because of the people. The man from Boston could be pissed that his station was closed, but in stead he ran his ass off, smiled every time and gave the paying customers the best experience he was capable of providing. For that, I say thank you.
FYI, also upgraded to row 1 on the way home, interested to see how this experience goes. Also, this lounge is crowded, has dirty bathrooms, no toiler seats in the ladies room, and dirty mens rooms. Okay, they just called to board. Report on trip home in few days....
Upon check in at PHL on a hot Monday, the lines were small, and upon asking the check in person, we were graciously and freely moved into row 1. I was happy about this for the experience, and also for the leg room, as i am quite tall. Moving quickly into the Envoy Lounge, found it to be clean, quiet, and a decent selection of food. Nice wines, French, Italian, and perhaps one Spanish, and a clean self service area. They could have used one more person collecting remaining dishes/glasses, but most importantly, they had someone tending the self service area non-stop.
Arriving at gate, the flight was oversold, and worse, the APU on 274 was broken, thus no A/C on board. They announced in the boarding area this dilema, and asked everyone to please board quickly. We were first to board, and it was sticky HOT on board. Used to flying transcon on 321s, i was expecting a riot in the back. 10 pleasant minutes later the enitre boarding was complete. Simply amazing how quickly it took. Engine start at the gate before push back, and because at A25, that was a good thing, as we waiting 10 more minutes for traffic to clear behind us to push. Once back, pilot used excessive engine power at idle, and taxi, and we had 2 aircraft wait, and we were off. Looking out the window, we were lucky, as a US757, must have had something wrong, and was taxing back down the taxi way, which caused 8-10 planes waiting on the apron closests to the teriminal to depart.
In any event, I was extremely surprised at how quickly, especially given the heat and hunidity, at how fast the plane got off the runway, and how quick the plane climbed. The 343 Air Tahiti was scarely slow to lift, and then climb.
Two male FA up front galley. Each guy took an isle to himself, and worked their tales off. LIterally running up and down the isle with drinks, appetizers, and the works. I was not expecting our meal to come from behind us, but we were served first. The nuts were not warmed at all, but nicely salted. The Caprese was cold, crisp, and right up there with Caprese we had in Italy; seriously. The filet was good meat, although slightly undercooked for my taste. After a food coma nap, nice moose, and petit fors for desert. I forgot to ask for, but they did not offer any expresso, and the machine was not used. Another glass of wine, then put to work the lie flat seats.
The seats were great with movement, although the hydrolics in my seats must be low or a leak, as when the legs were fully extended, the leg extension would lower 1/4. Problem solved somewhat by lifting the seat portion upwards. Found the seats comfortable, yet somewhat narrow. Wife found them great, and she could sleep on her side, whereas I could not. Nonetheless, the movie system was fine for me, maybe I do not know what else is out there. Last time I flew 1st AA-763 MIA-SFO, they handed out the movie player, and we had to hold. US is the same system I had in AF coach 7 yrs ago.
The experienced FA told me that the former Envoy was fantastic product, 2 FA just for 6 people, and 4 or 5 for the rest of first. He said he used to carve meat and fe4sh turkey breats up front for the Envoy people, and other amentities. You could see the pride on his face in talking about it.
Bottom line, it was a very good experience because of the people. The man from Boston could be pissed that his station was closed, but in stead he ran his ass off, smiled every time and gave the paying customers the best experience he was capable of providing. For that, I say thank you.
FYI, also upgraded to row 1 on the way home, interested to see how this experience goes. Also, this lounge is crowded, has dirty bathrooms, no toiler seats in the ladies room, and dirty mens rooms. Okay, they just called to board. Report on trip home in few days....
