This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Limo pick up in Queens (a change from Mahnhattan) worked better than expected and we made it to JFK in about half an hour. Driver was good company - claims that he has told many VS pax to bet on Englnad to win the ashes, and that he will be doing similar for the world cup next year.
Check in was fine and I had my reserved 2k on a 744. When I had called to re-arrange this flight, I had been offered 15k 'in the snooze zone'. Not sure which aircraft has a 15k in snooze, but I'm glad the agent had looked again.
Lounge got busier as the VS046 crowd came in. Had a pretty good steak, with cheese to follow. Drinks service very attentive, which was nice. Tannoy announced 30k miles for a bump to a later flight - VS004 was overbooked (again). 30k was less than I had got a year or so ago...
Called before 7pm, had to wait for a toilet to free up before leaving the clubhouse. They really need more! Security was less of a jungle than I had seen at other times, and I did not have too long to wait.
Boarded - UC was full. Champagne delivered, post take off drinks order taken (I like this touch - means you can get full value out of snooze but still have a nightcap). Pushed back on time (1930) but then taxied very slowly for 75 mins - traffic was backed up due to the NY weather. Such a delay plus the champagnes (plural) before push back put a real strain on the bladder (and yes Mum, I did go before I left the lounge).
Lights out pretty soon third glass o' bubbly, seat back and down. Dozed pretty well and woke up about 60 mins before we were due to land. Straight onto a stand at the end of the T3 pier.
Went to arrivals and was offered a V Touch treatment on arrival - I think VS have seen that they need to push this service more (I guess if this drive doesn't work, it may be cut soon). Declined as I wanted to get away (and have my own shave!). Limo driver on time, and reasonably fast, despite missing a turn on the A130. I also don't trust Tristar's sat nav on the best way to get from the M25 to Rayleigh (SE Essex) - the system recommends A12, A130. I would used A127 only. Wierd...