Check-in / Airport:
Did on line check-in, but had bags to check-in at the airport. Arrived and went straight ahead after taxi drop-off, rather than over to the usual haven of the VS. The check-in assistant at Executive First was chatting to a friend in front of the desk, and ignored me completely until one of the baggage handlers pointed out I was there. Fast-track security was slower than standard security at that time of the evening! SAS London lounge - not a clubhouse, but at least somewhere to wait before the flight
Boarding:
Called to gate, with separate lane for Executive First passengers - which actually worked! We were called first, and there was no scrum to board.
The seat:
Very similar to the UC suite, although at more of an angle and therefore more easy to get in and out of. Small drinks table on the side opposite the TV monitor side (really well placed and much better than the UC drinks table). No seat for companion, but bigger space for bags etc (which can be left there during take-off / landing). TV monitor is touch screen, but slightly slow in response and therefore I managed to crash it a couple of times (but it can be rest in under 2-3minutes). Table small and wouldn't be wasy to work on (not that I did any!). Seat reclines down into a flat bed and any position in between - this was really comfortable and meant that you could choose the most comfortable position (Much bettert than the UC suite).
The crew and their service:
The crew are obviously older than on VS, but were very professional and everything was delivered with a smile and 'your welcome'. They were around in the cabin all flight and provided a very efficient service. There were only 24 Exec First seats, but 4 crew to look after us (one spent the whole time in the galley, with the other 3 providing service). One thing that surprise me when I went to the toilet, is that three of them were eating their dinner together (in the quiet time after everyone had been fed), and there wasn't enough room for them all to sit down so one was eating standing up (felt rather sorry for her and wanted to offer her my seat to eat!). Cabin services manager (or AC title) was wandering around the cabin all flight, tidying up and ensuring that service was going smoothly - more noticeable than on a VS flight.
Meals / Drinks:
Only sparkling wine before take-off, although this was pretty good. Efficient drinks round after take-off, with warmed mixed nuts and these were topped up regularly. Dinner consisted of the following choices (the ones I had are starred):
Appetizer:
Moroccan lamb with couscous and chick-pea salad*
Tarlet of vine-ripe tomatoes with pesto
Main-course:
Corn-fed chicken, mashed potatoes, leeks and mushrooms
Roasted fillet of salmon, puy lentils and spinach*
Sweet potato curry, rice and beet raita
Gourment cheese selection with port* (served from a cheese trolley!)
Dessert:
Tiramisu*
Fresh fruit
Coffee / Tea
Followed by liquor trolley service (from full bottles of everything)
The portions were good and the presentation was very good. I think it is all pre-plated on the ground and then re-heated as needed, so this means it all looked very nice. All the courses I had were very tasty indeed.
During the flight there was a trolley service of warmed cookes and ice-cream (so much nicer than a small pot of ice-cream). The pre-flught snack was nothing that special (although it was fairly nice), but not really needed after the dinner!
Entertainment:
As mentioned above, it is a touch screen monitor, which I quite liked. The film guide shows all the potential options, although only a selection are available on any flight (not great as I had seen a lot of them). There was also a reasonable selection of TV, although overall the vPORT system wins on the selection of TV and movies available.
Arrival:
Exec First passengers off first, and then it is a very long trek through Toronto airport (if you are going there and aren't good at walking, then seriously think about special assistance), and some of the moving walkways were broken. Immigration very friendly (unlike the US) and baggage off quickly, with priority tagging working well.
Overall impression:
I really liked the flight, the crew and the food on this flight. The seat was more comfortable than the UC suite and I preferred the ability to choose a range of positions to sit / relax in. The main let-down was the entertainment, on which VS wins. Overall though, I think that VS could learn one or two things from AC in terms of the business class product! (although I remain a huge fan of VS!!!)
