This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
A few weeks prior to the trip managed to bag an upgrade for the return flight and carried on checking for the outbound. Right up until the night before there was 2 spare spaces in Upper but no G's. On the day I decided to take the slightly longer train journey from Watford via Clapham as opposed to the direct service from St Albans (unlikely to get a seat) or a taxi (M25 pretty much everyday is snarled). As the taxi arrived I received a call from one of the others travelling to say that he had managed to upgrade at the airport and that there was still one seat left if I could get to the airport ASAP! He did try and upgrade on my behalf and I also tried to phone once on the train but to obtain the last G I needed to do in person at the airport.
After a very long train journey I finally arrived at Gatwick (at least I managed to get a seat on both trains) and made my way across the concourse to the ticket desk. The lady serving confirmed there was still one seat free
and arranged my upgrade, all in all it took about 15 minutes to process and I wasn't the only lucky passenger that day as the gentlemen next to me managed to bag 4 G's on the flight to Barbados! Well done that man. Check in was very brief although a little unfriendly, was just asked for bags and no other conversation was made between me and the check in agent. Fast track security was pretty quick and very friendly and the corridor to the lounge was clearly marked. Lounge experience was pretty standard, a couple of redheads, plenty of water and a cooked breakfast (gluten free so no sausages and extra egg). The lounge was brightened up with the arrival of Abby Clancy who was on here way to Jamaica. Lounge was full but still did not feel crowded and service was swift and attentive. The flight was called and we made our way over to the gate. Despite leaving (I think!) on the first call we were the last 3 passengers to board. One of the party was upstairs in row 75 and the other was in 12A. 3 of the seats in row 75 were closed off due to a problem with part of the door which had fallen of on a previous flight meaning that my friend was on his own in row 75. On the return flight we had the same plane and the problem had not been fixed.
Flight was pretty uneventful, managed to watch 1 film, Entourage, not a patch on the TV series.
There was a problem with my Gluten Free request which had not been loaded, however the cabin crew were excellent and brought me out the paperwork for the various menus in each cabin to see what was safe to eat and decided on a Soup Starter with GF bread roll (only one on the plane) and Chicken Tikka with Rice from the PE menu. Had a glass of Red Wine (a Chilean Malbec?). Later on in the flight before landing I had a Salmon Salad with Potatoes that I had brought on board with me from M&S at the Airport.
I spoke to the crew as they were trialling a freedom menu of sorts were UC could order their second meal and have cooked to order. They were also operation with one member less than usual and were very visible and busy during the whole flight, to me it seemed like that they had no breaks. There was also 3 "Suits" from Virgin Atlantic (not suits but jeans and smart shirts) who were observing and talking to customers for feedback as well as generally helping out as well) - was impressed with the hard working crew and at least half the UC passengers took advantage of having a second meal cooked for them.
Smooth and quick landing at LAS but behind a BA heavy so was expecting a busy line to get in, however we were through in under 30 minutes so not too bad. Off to the Palazzo and the Prestige Lounge for the next 6 days!
