This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Arrival
A quick hop on the Heathrow Express, in First Class luxury ([:D]), I should note...thanks to the generousity of Virgin, V-Flyers and the upgrade coupon. The only difference that I could tell was free newspapers/magazines...which does not really matter if going to the CH anyway.
After getting to LHR, up the stairs and lift to check in, where I made my way the the carpets! The usual 'did you pack your bags yourself' (I know this has been discussed in another thread, but it seems quite pointless and perhaps a waste of the airline's thin wallet). Looking over to my left I saw the PE had less of a line than UC...but the wait was not that long; about 6 customers in front in about 5-10 minutes. Although, check-in staff seemed a bit...well...sad, or maybe just tired.
Happily rid of my huge suitcases (they always seem to get bigger after a trip overseas!), I did a quick stop at VAT refunds and customs. Then through Fast Track security, pretty easy, and into the hustling and bustling Terminal 3 airside.
Clubhouse
Now, as I was traveling alone, I already invited any V-Flyer who needed lounge access to tag alone, however, no takers...so...I stood by the Departures board and asked if anyone was on VS11...and sure enough in 5 minutes someone was very happily in tow to the lounge with me (I know I will never even see this person again in my life, I did not ever know their name, however, it is always nice to pass it forward if you have the opportunity to).
I love the new staircase and the lounge couches at the top of the staircase. I also got a peek in through the new doors. As has been previously posted, no way are the 'finished' yet. In addition, I learned that the 'pool' is really a 'pool' to look at and relax by, not an American full size body of water for splashing [:D]
Lounge was very busy and there were many aspects of it I was not impressed by. I had not been there for a year and I had forgotton how much better I liked Arrivals than the Departures CH. First, the bathrooms are in horrible shape...really bad, like Underground station bathrooms bad. Second, there was dirty dishes and unkept areas throughout the CH. It took me a while to find a seat and it was at the bar, where it again took 10+ minutes to get a Ben & Jerry's ice cream and water. However, the staff were in good spirits and that made up for it. One last plus was that I got a couple great pictures of V-FAB which was parking at Gate 20.
Boarding
However, that would not be my last view of V-FAB, as I made my way to VS11, I saw V-FAB was our ride this afternoon! Cool! However, I seemed to be the only one excited, everyone else had either no idea, or could care less.
Boarding was delayed 20 minutes for a mysterious problem with the 'upper class loo' and then when we boarded we were delayed on board for about 50 minutes. This wait was not bad though at all and staff was happy to help in anyway they could. Still, there seemed to be some other underlying problem, as the pilot pointed out: 'these days we can't be too careful with security and we need to check some of the baggage, thanks for your understanding.' It seemed a bit funny...especially because when we landed Passport Control was right outside of the V-FAB's door checking passports?
Anyhow, wheels up at 3:45, so 1:15 hours late, not too bad! Now comes the HIGHLIGHT of the flight. First, the suite was amazing, in really good condition too. But even better was the service team!!! One in particular made a great effort to accomodate several bantering travelers. It seemed as if three babies had been on board and...there was no seat or sky cot for them. Ahh...three babies in UC...that is somewhat ridiculous if you ask me. I was in 17K and I offered to move my 1-month old pre-selected seat to calm things down. I moved one row back, just as happy to be one row away from the bickering family and settled down in my suite.
((Quick side point: is it just me, or does LHR have a bias against VS? It seems like BA planes take-off and land in a quicker fashion. I realize BA of course has a bigger fleet and more destinations, but it seems like VS is always the one who waits and BA planes get to go the the 'Members Only' line.))
Flight
Once in the air, staff was really helpful. I cannot stress this enough, because this is what made the flight spectacular. After a quick episode of the American version of the Office (which I found quite funny), it was lunch time. I liked the Risotto...the cherry tomatoes were quite good, and the passion fruit tart was a hit too.
Then time to experience V-Port. My first time with this as well. I played chess against the seat across from me...and lost [^] And then time for a dumb, non-thinking Hollywood blockbuster...Sahara fit the bill and though chessy, was entertaining.
My usual tour of the plane brought me to the back and up to the bump of the 747 as well. And then back to the bar for a quick chat with some VS Staff. As I am sure most of you have experienced, this is something that truly distinguishes VS over many other airlines.
Landing about 45 minutes late, so we made up some time over the very smooth flight. Quick to get my bags and through customs as well (besides the strange doorside V-FAB passport check).
Final Impression
Overall it was a great experience, with certain members of the VS Staff making it truly brilliant. Though late, it was a quick flight and the suite (+ V-Port) is certainly something to embrace!
I cannot wait for my next flight, even though it won't be in UC unfortunately. Thanks for your comments and posts, I hope you enjoy...it is my first Trip Report, so be gentle [;)]