This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Our first flight to TPA and our first experience of the A339 - we had been looking forward to both since last year.
Living in Cyprus, we flew over the day before from Larnaca with BA in a very busy Club Europe. The service and food were very good and a definite improvement on our recent BA experiences, although legroom for a business product is shocking. Stayed at the Sofitel and had a relaxing night before our car service to the Upper Classes Wing next morning.
I had used London Heathrow cars pre-pandemic and always found them good, even if occasionally having to point out the Wing entrance to the driver. However, after reading a lot of poor recent reviews, I had a look at some review sites and selected Patrick Egwu Transportation and reserved an estate car as we had 3 checked bags and 2 carry-ons. Car arrived 5 minutes early but I noticed the Addison Lee decals on the back. Driver had all my details and didn’t realise that this job must have been subcontracted from Patrick Egwu - it would have been nice to know. No problems though and we were soon being greeted at the Wing where we were checked in and through security in 10 minutes. After a brief stop at Boots to allow Mrs M time to pick up some items we can’t get in Cyprus, it was off to the Clubhouse. Not too busy and we were able to get seated in the “quiet area” behind the glass wall which we prefer. Very attentive staff soon had Redheads delivered and we spent some time chatting to Virgin staff who are always keen to chat about Cyprus when they ask where we’re from (the Scottish accent always surprises them).
Called to Gate 20 where G-VEII was waiting and boarded straight away. Very busy UC cabin and PE as well. I was impressed by the cabin layout and the seat space. Lots of storage space and I could get my legs straight out in front of me (and I’m 6’3”). Minor personal niggle would be that I found the seat quite hard (even with my ample padding!) but there were pillows etc to help.
Excellent FSM was working UC with a CSM and another crew member who were all very attentive and making sure we all had drinks etc. without having to ask. I had pre-selected the lamb (which wasn’t on the onboard menu) and it was very tasty and tender.
Whilst scrolling through the IFE menu, I noticed a 4 part series called Branson which I thought was very appropriate for the journey so started watching. One of the crew noticed as she was passing which generated a long conversation about how she would love to meet him. She was originally from Hungry but had also lived in Cyprus for a while so I ended up having a long conversation about the island again. Didn’t bother me though as she had filled my glass again!
We landed about 30 minutes late at TPA due to a 20 minute ATC delay to push back at LHR and strong headwinds during the flight. Once landed we were very quickly through immigration - Mrs M was having some trouble with her GE machine and before I could start with mine, I heard a CPB agent calling my wife over by name “and if he’s with you bring him as well” she shouted to my wife. All very good natured though and after a quick scan of the passports we were through to the baggage area. Waited around 15 minutes for bags - is it just me or do priority bags always come out last- it happened at LHR as well!
I was surprised that the journey to the car rental garage was as long on the 2 monorails or maybe I’m just used to MCO. Quick checkin to the Avis preferred desk in the garage and we were on our way to our villa in Davenport.
Overall a very good Virgin experience both on the ground and in the air.
Last edited by mitchja on 01 May 2023, 20:48, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Flight number fixed for you
Cheers
Allan
Allan