This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
I needed to keep some items with me so changed mind and headed for the Hilton deciding to check it in the following day and pick up my boarding card then.
Nicely upgraded at the Hilton to an executive room with the benefits of the lounge for the evening and breakfast the following morning (not required as I thought the Clubhouse would be superior). Thank you Virgin for the Gold Card offer[y]
I had booked PE out and UC return as no UC seats were available at the time. My e-ticket confirmed a K out and Z back. I checked expert flyer a couple of days before departure and it was showing 6 seats available in UC.
At 8am on the day of departure I thought I'd go to the ticket desk to see about a mileage upgrade. Aware that the K class ticket didn't officially qualify (thanks gurus) thought I would ask anyway. Lady at the desk was extremely helpful but declined my request but offered to upgrade me for 99 pounds (inc. taxes) plus miles. My credit card removed itself from my purse and my seat in 9A was secured. I was up front about my luggage weight but they very kindly let me take my case on board anyway. The help, friendliness and professional way I was dealt with could not be faulted and I headed to the Clubhouse a very happy bunny[:D]
I was just in time for my hair appointment at 08.30 and radically had at least 6 inches removed from my long locks. The lady in the salon was on her own and unfortunately she had to turn down requests for treatments. Very happy with the cut but was politely asked to let them know in future just how long and thick my hair was so they could allow more time for my appointment. Really do think that they should have had more staff on duty though even though the lounge was pretty quiet.
Settled down for a couple of hours of coffee, breakfast and a glass of champagne to finish.
Flight was called at 11.30 to gate 32. By the time I got to the gate priorty boarding had just finished but there wasn't much of a queue left anyway and was quickly on board by 11.50. Managed a bucks fizz topped up with more champagne before we pushed back at 12.15. In the air at exactly 12.30.
Cabin crew were excellent and FSM came round to everyone, introduced herself and addressed everyone by name also giving out the latest Carlos. Two gentleman in 6A and K decided they didn't like it there and moved to 10 and 11 K. There were 5 spare seats in the cabin.
Food - what a poor selection. I decided on the chicken salad as a starterand salmon and hake with rice. Salad was very nice but I really didn't like the fish and left most of it. I saw the lamb suet main dish served and it looked like a poor pub-grub offering[n] I think this is the worst food I have had on any VA flight - and that includes economy, in fact I hazzard a guess that it was probably better. Decided to fill myself with the fruit and chocolates available from the bar, this was probably why I declined afternoon tea later into the flight, but again the selection on offer wasn't to my liking.
However, the selection of entertainment was much more to my liking and I watched 'In her shoes', 'The wedding crashers' and '40 yr old virgin'. Didn't stimulate the mind but good light entertainment. Due to this I didn't sleep at all, along with the great company of the 2 gents infront of me[;)]
Landed early at 04.30 but a long taxi meant it was 04.50 by the time we were at the gate. Fought through very full downstairs PE and EC, full of children and was glad to see no queue at immigration. The BA flight had been processed but many were still waiting for their luggage. Picked up the car from Dollar (had booked a compact 2 door but found a 4 door intermediate in the car park) and was at the villa by 6pm having stopped for some supplies at the local Publix.
All in all the journey was great. the check in staff were exceptional, cabin crew couldn't do enough for me, but the food left a bitter taste in the mouth. Virgin please change the menu with great haste.
Sorry rambled on a bit.
Jilly
