This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
My Upper Class ticket was the cheap type, so it didn't come with the limo. No matter, I arrived at Heathrow in good time and checked in without hassle. I got my seat (3K - thanks to this website for the recommendations!!) and proceeded to the lounge. Very impressive marble staircase.
First impressions, it was warm and very noisy. I guess I was more used to the SQ lounges which exuded more quiet calmness than a vibrant cluhouse. I had a few hours before the flight so I thought I'd get a haircut. It was the worse haircut - ever. The lady cutting my hair was more concerned about getting it done than getting it right. It was completely uneven, and when I pointed this out to her, she responded by telling me that the unevenness was due to my Asian hair than her skill with the scissors. And that 'everybody works differently'. What a lousy attitude. I of course insisted that she got it right. She finally did, although it was still so bad that as soon as my hair got long enough to cut again (when I was in Miami) I got it cut right again. Suffice to say I'd NEVER use the Virgin clubhouse again for a haircut. I appreciate that Virgin probably contracts that part of the service out, but they should at least hire poeple who were competent or at least polite if they mess up.
The rest of the lounge experience was great. I had a nice light meal and my shoes shined. Cool!
The aircraft was an A340-600. Nice! And the seats I have to say, are GREAT. I love the large tables and the number of litle pockets you can stick your things into without losing them. DEFINITELY better than the SQ Raffles class seats which collapses into a flat bed, but at an angle, which makes it uncomfortable to sleep on. The UCSs were very comfortable, if a bit hard on the bed side.
On board service. VS advertises a 'freedom' menu - eat what you want when you want. Not really accurate is it? You can't eat anytime because I asked - you eat when they come round and take your order and serve it. That's okay as long as its advertised as such. On SQ, you REALLY get to eat when you want, and you get to pre order your food (on Raffles and First) from a list before you board. Also, the forgot my dessert. Hmmmm.....
I'm pretty used to a particular type of service, and that's a more formal, defferential attitude - SQ - typical. I was told that VS had a more informal service attitude. That sounded just fine. But, hands on hips teapot style, gum in mouth, chewing whilst talking to UC passengers 'y'allright there' just doesn't cut it on Upper Class I think, no matter how informal.
In all, my first Upper Class experience was good. It was certainly different! But I am looking forward to my RTW on great escapades. I'm quite peeved they withdrew the First Class Escapades. I was quite looking forward to travelling on SQ First!