This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
On the day of our Vegas flight we got up nice and early to make the most of the Lounge. I was with a group of friends who had never flown Upper before. They too, were keen to experience the lounge. One of our group was economy so I got him in as a guest.
Most of us travelled with hand baggage only. Only one of our group of 6 had checked baggage. So once finished at check-in we arrived in the lounge at about 0715am.
The English breakfast was ordered and as is customary, a few red heads too. The group were pleased with the look, feel and quality of food and drinks in the lounge.
Three of the group booked a treatment each. We busied ourselves working through the cocktail list. Either due to the alcohol or the good vibe of the place the lady going around signing up new credit card customers hit the jackpot…. 4 signed up, 3 for the white card and 1 for the black. I should have got commission.
Our flight was due to take off at 10:10am. At 09:00am we received a message stating due to our aircraft sustaining damage there would be a 2hr 50min delay. To be fair, none of our group were too fussed as they were having a thoroughly good time in the lounge.
We boarded and took off and the re scheduled time. There were announcements from the captain and FSM apologising for the delay. The captain was confident in making up some of the time due to the tail wind. The aircraft was Ruby Tuesday, all cabins were full and had 15 crew on board.
Due to the change of aircraft the CSS came round stating no menus were loaded. She read out the menu list. Luckily the Upper cabin is small as she did this with all 14 of us.
Our group of 5 took up seats 6A & K, 7A & K and 8A. I haven’t flown upper on the 747 before. I had 6K. I am glad I was friends with the person in 6A as our feet were nearly touching. I’m not sure I would choose to sit there as a single. These are great seats for a couple though.
We had an excellent crew working the Upper cabin and to be honest it was the CSS that pretty much worked the cabin on her own with the occasional help from another crew member. As this was a day flight I chatted a bit with the CSS at the bar. We talked about the new on board service as discussed on another thread and the effect a reduction of crew on aircraft will affect service and crew workload. I think it was mentioned that the crew reductions were not in place yet at Gatwick or at least not on the 747’s.
Some of the crew on this flight were mainly Heathrow based and were working this as their ‘check’ flight to keep them licensed to work on a B747.
Service was very friendly and efficient. The new service with the trolley being loaded at the galley was evident. I cannot recall the menu so I have posted pictures of what I ate.
After the meal service and the crew were all cleared down I asked if our friend in economy could visit. This request was granted and he came into the cabin. We ordered some food from the graze menu (2 burgers and 2 of the snack selection). The six of us shared the small feast.
The CSS chatted with us for a while discussing our Vegas plans.
None of us watched the in flight entertainment much as we sat chatting and getting a great drinks service.
About 1.5hrs from landing afternoon tea was offered. This was a plate service with mugs of tea or coffee. The scone was warm and nice to see Cornish clotted cream too.
We landed just 2hrs late as almost an hour was made up as we flew at 38,000 feet and obviously very fast.
This was a great flight thanks to a lovely crew and a group of us enjoying what Upper Class offers.