This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
We checked in online and having watched the VS29 start with a delay we knew we would have a short delay. We didn't change the taxi time as we were trying to hit the airport between the mass of flights either side and hoped to avoid a long queue.
Private taxi to the airport and a lovely lady took our cases and issued the lounge pass - she was without doubt the very best ground staff in a non UK airport that I've ever encountered. She was bubbly, professional and very good humoured.
Straight through a short queue (5 minutes no more) and upstairs into the lounge. Plan A had worked.
I can't now recall how late we were to board but we thought we had been called and all traipsed down to the gate to see a queue of UC and PE pax. Rather than return to the lounge we stood chatting to another couple. Eventually, after about 15 minutes the last of the crew appeared from the airport shops (laden with bags) and we were prepared for boarding.
Champagne on boarding, no refill and a little wait before we did eventually taxi. Full cabin for us including 2 tots, 1 right beside us and 1 at the front. The one beside us was a darling, the 1 at the front screamed the entire flight, even through the headphones and we didn't see much activity from the parents in trying to entertain/distract. Having flown with a young one I know it can be impossible, but you do have to make the effort. The couple near us with tot number 2 did make the effort and the little darling played, munched and then slept. Perfect.
It was VERY hot and we were told the aircon wasn't working. Blowers on full and naked legs/arms didn't make much of a difference - duvet was out of the question and it was folded into a bundle to act as a pillow.
A couple of drinks runs before the meal (I stayed on champagne).
Then for the meal. Food was ok, nothing special. The starter was a goats cheese salad. I think the caramelised onions had forgotten to caramelise and the chef decided to add a few spoons of sugar - it was very sweet and gritty. The beef was good though. Skipped pud and opted for the cheese. Mr M ordered the same (he was in 7A) but was asked to swap as they'd run out of the goats cheese salad. He had the shrimp something or other. That was ok, nothing special.
Straight after plates cleared we were prepped for sleep. Although I had my bed converted I wish I hadn't (heat and full stomach are not a good combo).
I watched a couple of movies - can't even remember which ones. Crew stayed out of the way but were there if needed. I tuned in and out of tot number 1 screaming her head off and if truth be known I probably felt as irritated as she was.
Before I knew it, breakfast was being prepared. I had the bacon butty - best one ever on a VS flight and a croissant. Uneventful landing, straight off and first through immigration. Two bags were already waiting and the third took it's time - came through with Y baggage.
Straight on the transit bus to the Long Stay and into the car for home.
Overall it's what I expect of the A330, crew were fine but the heat was unbearable.