This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
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We have been flying the edi lgw mco route now since 1990 and have tried most of the permutations available. Fly down the night before, the morning to the 027, later on to the 015 etc etc and have now decided that the most comfortable, although not the cheapest, is to fly down the afternoon before, stay in the Hilton (points ![}:)]) and take the 027 out, arriving at the very civilised time around 3.30pm, more than often allowing you to be checked in and in the shower for around 4.30
So the latest venture to the Sunshine State arrived and we found ourselves checking in to the Hilton on Saturday afternoon after a very uneventful, but efficient flight down on BA from Edinburgh.
For the 4th time in a row, we where checked into a (our) very nice room on the 4th floor in the executive wing. I cant believe its the only executive room on a high floor, close to the elevators and non-smoking in the whole place[;)], but there you go, 4 times in a row in the same room must be some kinda record.
This was my 3rd Upper Class flight in 10 months to MCO after an UC reward flight to MCO in Jan 05 who says these point things are addictive which brings my tier points to 30 but thats probably another story[:w].
Check in was very quick, friendly and efficient and we were soon on the way to the clubhouse after the quick trip to the duty free (extra points on champagne and summer fragrances[;)]) and were quickly seated in a rather quiet clubhouse with a glass of fizz.
After the shoe shine guy did a very nice job with a pair of timberland shoes (which, I admit had only been worn a couple of times after finding them new in the suitcase from the last trip[:w]) it was time for some breakfast and a glass of bucks fizz.
I had though that there was wireless access, but no problem, there was no one at the pcs (you know, I am sure I have used it in the past but there you go[?])
All too soon, it was time to trek to the gate, to be greeted with a half hour delay in boarding due to the late inbound aircraft. It still never ceases to amaze me that a soon as one family decides to set up camp at the entrance, they are joined by half of the airport[V]. (Gives you something to step on I suppose)
The aircraft was nova (hotlips I think) and was full to bursting in virtually all sections, although I have to admit I was never upstairs, but when the horrible seats downstairs in PE are full, it goes without saying that upstairs will be full as well.
Service was 1st class, with nothing being to much trouble and an empty glass not being empty for long. Even the food was pretty good. I had the soup lovely and a decent size serving, the chicken tikka very nice and some ice cream to finish off, followed by a cappuccino. Very nice.[y]
You know, if they had only went for broke and put V-Port in when the suites were fitted (I know, another discussion for another time) this flight would truly have got 10 out of 10. No queues or interlopers at the toilets[;)], very little turbulence, great service and much improved food, what more can you really ask for, or indeed need.
We made up the lost time and landed pretty much as scheduled. As someone reported the landing arrangements into the satellite at MCO have changed again no more search area as you come up the stairs, but still a hellish wait for your bags at baggage reclaim B. You know, I think you could get out of the airport much quicker, if you were allowed to bring your bags with you on the little shuttle thing. Even one of our fellow American UC passengers commented that they didnt know how this wait is allowed to happen.[:?]
However, to finish off, because I am sure your all bored to death by now, we are checked in to Disneys Saratoga Springs, with a great room right across from Downtown Disney and a glass of champagne (extra points you know) enjoying a balmy 90 degrees having just heard its pi**ing with rain back in Scotland and that the central heating has just been put back on. Oh well . shame[:p].
Thanks for listening
David.