This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Having travelled up from Florida, we arrived at JFK quite stressed. By now we realised our planned transfer time was cut from 5hours to just over 2hours, so unfortunately lost time in the clubhouse! Catching the Airtrain from T5 to T4 was easy apart from carting lots of luggage on & off the train, along corridors and up elevators.
The UC check in desk was empty and the staff were friendly and informative directing us to the clubhouse. Then security was a nightmare with long queues. We were supposedly given a priority lane but even so this took another 10minutes before we got to the scanners. Two passengers were having an awful row about who pushed in. There was then usual scrum to get through to the other side, not helped by an airline crew member who was setting off alarms as she went through the body scanner. This resulted in all the hand luggage bags stacking up and it was manic trying to retrieve our stuff.
We walked to the clubhouse which was quite crowded. Apparently the VS 46 was delayed. We was shown around and introduced to someone who would assist with our drink & food. We just had enough time to have the salmon starter, followed by the Clubhouse burger and finally ice cream. Few glasses of Merlot was also enjoyed!
All too soon, boarding for our flight was announced. Warmly greeted by the crew members at the door and we was directed to our seats in the snooze zone area. However my seat had been occupied by a missing passenger who was getting changed but his belongings were strewn over the seat! Had a nice chat with the FSM while we waited for him to return. Not that it was her fault, she was full of apologies and came back twice before take off to ensure I was settled and relaxed.
There were a few empty seats in the forward zone area which surprised us because of the VS46 delay. We pushed back on time, slowly taxied to a runway but it was nearly 55minutes before we actually took. Once in the air and seatbelt sign off, the crew were magnificent and swift into action getting passengers sorted who want their seat converted to maximise the sleep time. The cabin was soon very quiet and as I had opted for no breakfast, I slept for a long while. Serving of breakie was actually over when I woke but our cabin crew member was more than happy to give me a glass of orange and mug of coffee.
The descent into Heathrow was immediate, not the usual holding pattern resulting in touring round and round over London! We taxied straight to the gate and disembarked very quickly. I found this to be a very positive flight with the crew being very friendly, attentative and efficient when needed. Tops marks and note Inhate to comment on food & entertainment but didn't actually experience them.
Immigration at Heathrow was absolutely horrendous with literally hundreds of people crammed into that claustrophobic area. Queues going up and down so many times. Finally after nearly 40minutes we were through passport control and on our way to the Revivals Lounge. Never used this facility before but we had planned not to have breakfast on the plane, opting to relax here for a bit while waiting for family to pick us up. We had a very nice freshly cooked breakfast, plus tea and toast. Shall use this again.
Our flight from JFK to Heathrow was a very pleasant travel experience and I'm already in the early stages for next year. Palm Springs & Scottsdale are top of my list