This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
I took the lift upstairs and through the private security channel which was quiet. I even managed to have a few laughs with the security team there as they seemed keen to chat.
I arrived into the CH with a warm welcome and having missed lunch found a table for something to eat. The CH menu has recently changed. I enjoyed some breaded pickles and Lamb kofta which were delicious.
The Sweet and Sour chicken was outstanding.
I also enjoyed the Homemade Williams GB Gin & Tonic and Elderflower sorbet which was refreshing and soooooo enjoyable!
I also tried after having my arm twisted to do so....the delicious Warm doughnut which was amazing and if you pass through the CH do try it...very good indeed.
With Wimbledon around the corner, a lanson promotion was underway with the pool table converted into a table tennis table and large tennis balls around the CH too.
Service throughout was attentive and friendly ( I have a full copy of the latest LHR CH menu if anyone would like me to share this?) My time in the CH was spent enjoying a couple of redheads, had a haircut and left the CH on the first call at 1930.
Reached Gate 19 quickly now that the moving walkways are back in use. Boarding was underway so made my way, down the air bridge (handed a small bottle of water) and then through L1 onto 'Varga Girl' where I was welcomed warmly at the door.
I already knew UC would be full so took my seat quickly and settled in. Champagne, OJ or water were quickly offered. This was soon followed by sleep suits, newspapers and magazines.
The menu was already on the ottoman along with the amenity kit. Refills of drinks were offered as an impressive thunderstorm was taking place outside. Sure enough the airport was closed to departures (though not arrivals) and we were kept informed of progress.
With the all clear given we pushed off the stand at 2112 so quite a wait. During the ground time, drink and food orders were taken on the ground saving time in the air. Hot towels were also offered on the ground.
Take off came at 2127 with a flight time of 7hrs7mins promised. Both UC and PE were full though a few seats were available in Y. A flight crew of 2 and a CC of 13 were onboard.
Drinks were quickly dispatched with crisps and missing the Elderflower Collins which was on the last menu cycle I have a new favourite...the Sapphire South side which a mix of gin, raspberry and mint topped with raspberries. Delicious.
Tables were quickly set for dinner after a top-up of drinks. I should mention the CC. The FSM was wonderful. She was a natural leader, oozed personality and showcased her crew. She stopped by to introduce herself and referred to me by name throughout. Small things but which make a difference, a big difference. She was very visible.
Sadly the CSS who I didn't interact with very much (and she was an FSM acting as the CSS and leading the service in UC) was very different. She hardly smiled and huffed and puffed at certain times of the flight. When she did interact with me and I used her name, she smiled and was ok.
The flight would have been very different I am sure had she been in charge!
I won't recycle the menu as its been mentioned before but I skipped a starter as I was still full from the CH and the choice didn't grab me. I picked at the Roast Chicken with gnocchi which lacked a sauce of some description but tasted quite bland.
The strawberry creameaux pannacotta slice was light and sweet and hit the spot. The cheese trolley was brought around but as it was now past 11pm and I was stuffed it was time to wave it on by!!
I will say the CC did a great job of keeping glasses topped up and three offers of bread were made. This really was an engaged and team focused CC.
Lights out and we settled down. The IFE on the A340-600 is below par compared to the A333s and 789s and I just can't help but touch the screen and look a complete fool for doing so!
The seat was in good shape and was comfortable. The bar area was quiet and when I visited the washroom I found the CC making flowers for their hair from the red napkins, it was that kind of flight and crew and they did all wear them for the rest of the flight!
Drinks were regularly offered and the snack basket was brought around too which is filled with jelly beans, olives, crisps, biscuits and chocolate.
About an hour out of JFK the Extra bites menu options were offered. Not many takers though I did enjoy the burger and some mini cakes which were not on the menu but the crew mentioned they had been loaded. It was all delicious and washed down with hot chocolate.
Touch down came at 2320 local and we finally reached T4 at 2342. A few cheery goodbyes to the crew and we were off to be through immigration quickly ( a first for me at JFK)
Delays happen and I got the time back on the return as we were over an hour early but this was a good flight with a great crew. The menu doesn't stand out to me which is always the case when I have a few flights coming up!
Thanks for reading (I'll post some further photos in the comments below...)
Jon