This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
By way of a prologue, the Delta Flight between MCO and JFK was absolutely splendid! Status recognised at Check in and Mrs B had TSA Pre Check too Indeed TSA was a breeze compared to the evening scrum at MCO, so much so we even had time to pay a visit to the Delta Sky Club - again far more peaceful than in the evenings. As we were flying UC, we were in First and Delta were very strict on the boarding priority - assistance, premium cabin then Delta Status. Another good point was the bins in First Class were clearly marked for First Class Only. A super flight, well looked after with drinks and a nice salmon snack.
We arrived at JFK Terminal 4 just after 2pm at the "B" Gates and as our luggage had been checked through to London, all we had to talk was walk through the Airside section of the Terminal to the JFK Clubhouse
We arrived at the JFK Clubhouse shortly after it opened - it was virtually empty!! To give an idea of how empty it was, I insert an excellent YouTube Vlog here by Spoonfullofsugar21 . We had a pick of the seats, so we plonked ourselves down above what was to be the Departure Gate. For the next three hours we relaxed, drank a little and of course had the obligatory Clubhouse Burger - to make up for the one we would have had in the Outback Steakhouse in the Terminal at MCO We saw A340-600 aircraft arriving at the Gate after being towed in from a remote stand.
We departed the Clubhouse shortly before the Flight was called as by this time, the Clubhouse was virtually standing room only! After walking down the flight of stairs we were at the Gate and seeing the last of the assistance passengers being boarded, so within minutes we were on our way towards the aircraft.
It is a long time since I have been on an A340. pleased of course about having "the wall" as I had chosen 9 & 10 A (make not to self 9A does not have a good window view ) but plenty of locker space!! On boarding i noticed they were serving Gardet, so when we were asked for a welcome drink we asked for prosecco, which the Crew were happy to oblige. (I subsequently noticed they also had Canard on board, so obviously VS are still trying to get rid to the Gardet )
Offered sleep suits, but we declined as both prefer to sleep in the recline mode. It was a completely full flight in UC and in PE too, so with just over 200 on board, I suspect economy had a little space to spare Fairly quick taxi (by JFK standards that is) and we were airborne. Drinks service commenced pretty quickly and shortly afterwards the FSM announced there was some problem with the IFE and she would re-boot it. This announcement was not to be confused with Mrs Buns trying to get the IFE by touching the screen It does take you back when you do not have a touchscreen!! A little while later the FSM said she was resorting to "Plan B" whereupon i pads were dished out en masse.
Now it being a night flight out of JFK, there was an extensive menu on offer, ranging from "Nightcap and Turndown" through "Quick Bites" to "Supper". I opted for the spinach and broccoli soup, which whilst it tasted nice, I was grateful the lights had been turned off as the colour -WELL . On offer was "Hawaiian grilled beef" which frankly was worthy of being served at Marlins Holiday Camp
The I Pads distributed meant I was able to watch Despicable Me 3 which I found good but not as good as "2". I did find the Pads to be a bit of a faff and on reflection I wish i had not chosen one for a night flight.
Managed a couple of hours doze before breakfast service came around - usual offerings and plenty of passengers took it as we did.
As we commenced our descent, the I Pads were collected, whereupon there were repeated requests for one that was still missing By the time we landed it was still unaccounted for and I hope it was later found in the bedding that is just stuffed behind the seats rather than being taken.
An early arrival and very quickly through Immigration and our bags were one of the first out, which considering we were on a connecting flight, was a real bonus!
As Mrs Buns was on an "I" Ticket, a Tristar Car had been booked by VS. When we presented ourselves to the VS Limo Desk, they took one look at our luggage and we went home in a Mercedes Van
All in All a very good journey, impressed by Delta so much that we may even give them a tryTransatlantic the next time we are routed back via JFK.
Thanks for reading
buns