nov4bride

I purchased an IAD-STN return trip on Maxjet during a "Friends and Family" promotion a while back for travel this past weekend. Total all-in was about $900. I was called two days before my departure flight and informed that my return STN-IAD flight had been cancelled. I was offered to be rebooked on the same flight the following day, or a same-day return via JFK, connecting to Jet Blue, which I grudgingly accepted.

My MaxJet check-in at IAD was super-fast, and I whizzed through security as well. I absolutely loathe Dulles aiport; this was by far the best experience I'd ever had there. The lounge (NW) was fairly crowded but had some nice drinks and a few snacks. Not great but perfectly acceptable.

Onboard, the flight was only about 2/3 full, so I had 2 seats to myself. The food was very nice; although they didn't have the special meal I'd requested, they more than made it up to me. FAs were wonderful. I loved my little self-contained entertainment system and enjoyed several movies. The leather seats were very comfortable and I had a great nap. The IAD to STN flight was flight was otherwise uneventful. I thought the trip thus far was a very good value, to arrive rested and well-fed.

On arrival in STN, I took advantage of MaxJet's arrangement with the airport Radisson SAS, which is just a short walk from the arrivals area. The concierge checked my bags, and I enjoyed a nice hot shower and a buffet breakfast (all free with your MaxJet boarding pass!) before hopping on the Stansted Express to London.

I returned on Monday morning to check in for the JFK flight. At the Maxjet ticket counter (it was not on the monitors!) I was informed the STN-JFK trip was significantly delayed (more than 6 hours) and offered my choice of that now very late flight...or a transfer to Virgin Atlantic Upper Class direct to IAD...but departing from Heathrow. I jumped at the VA offer, and 3 others and I were bundled into a Maxjet-paid taxi for a pleasant hour-long ride to LHR. The folks at the Virgin Atlantic counter were lovely, and seemed genuinely pleased that Maxjet was having so many problems so more people could try their product! They mentioned that there were unaware of any formal arrangement between the two airlines but that "this happens a lot". The counter agent also took my US Airways FF #...maybe I'll even get miles for the flight (none yet)!

I had never been to the LHR VA Upper Class Clubhouse/lounge and was honestly dazzled. I enjoyed a relaxing complimentary facial treatment in the Cowshed spa, several glasses of excellent wine, a plate of nice sushi and some really good cheese. It was heaven. Rather than minding the delay, I never wanted to leave the lounge!

Once on board, we were treated to repeated, friendly offers of premium drinks (I tried the special cocktail, a nice Bellini!), snacks (salt and vinegar chips or salted almonds) and a v. nice dinner (starter was soup or shrimp cocktail; entree was choice of lamb, salmon, or a potato-cheese pie veg option). Dessert was bakewell tart with custard (ok, not fabulous) or strawberries with ice cream. Then anouther round of ice cream later, plus choice of heavier snacks before landing (mini-ploughman's, sausage roll, or soup).

I watched a couple of movies, although actually I didn't like their entertainment system as much as MaxJet's. It had no ability to pause to rewind or anything, so you had to watch on the same cycle as everyone else, but this was a relatively minor complaint. I put my flat-bed down to try it out; it was really nice even if the guy next to me was snoring too loudly for me to sleep!

I also had a manicure (have I EVER gotten off a plane looking better than when I got on?)

Thanks, Maxjet. I might fly with you again... but only in the hopes my flight gets cancelled and I get to fly Virgin Atlantic Upper Class!

Happy travels...
nov4bride