V-Flyer

All,

My family and I are travelling u/c return to LAX next Easter - this is most likely a one off for us, so I want to make the absolute maximum of the experience.

So, what I'd really appreciate, is advice from all you seasoned travellers as to how to get the most out of it - in terms of enjoyment etc.

Also, any practical tips would be much appreciated. For example, I've read of sleep suits - I mean, how does this work, do they go on over your travelling clothes, do you get changed, how? Where can you get changed on the plane in privacy!!

Also, these seats make into flat beds and you can request that they be made up when you're ready - but you need to wear a seatbelt right? So, do you have one over your middle as you are trying to sleep?

Anyway, any tips and advice welcome - and apologies to those for whom this is all "old hat" - we may get the chance again in the future, but it won't be for a long time, so I want to enjoy every minute of this!

Thanks in advance,

Al

There's loads of advice about enjoying UC in the forums but rather than have you digging them out here's a few pointers.

First of all get to LHR early to get the maximum experience which should include check-in and the private security channel and of course the Clubhouse. When you get there the first thing to do is go and book a treatment. Do it the moment you set foot inside. Do not delay about having breakfast first. Book the treatment and then eat. And of course to celebrate your UC experience champagne is a must. When your flight is called the perceived wisdom is to wait till the second call before leaving to enable the crowds at the gate to have boarded rather than queue in the jetway.

Sleep suits. You change in the loo and most people take off their outer clothes leaving on undies. Lots of us bring our own as they can be rather hot.

The cabin crew will ask you if you know how the suite works and will talk you through it. They will convert it into a bed for you if you ask. The seat belt is fastened over your waist while you sleep.

Enjoy UC. Others will fall in with other advice

Sleepsuits are on request only on day flights and handed out as standard on night flights. As there are so few loaded on day flights, board early and ask for them when you get your glass of bubbles - they can go that quickly.

As for how to wear them - it is up to you. You can wear them over your clothes, instead of your clothes (like pyjamas) etc. You get changed in the toilets although some impatient exhibitionists do occasionally drop their trousers in the middle of the cabin to change. xx(

You can ask for your bed to be made up whenever you wish. There is a seatbelt that just fits over your middle when lying down. It is advisable to use this seatbelt (and have it fastened over the top of the duvet) as if the seat belt sign illuminates whilst you are asleep, then it prevents you from being disturbed as the seat belt is clearly visible to the crew.

Any more questions then just ask. :X

Sort of echoing Honey Lamb and Tinkerbelle but my pre flight routine is to get on the flight quickly on the day flight to get a sleep suit. At that point I order my bucks fizz - pop to the loo get changed into my sleep suit and then settle in to my seat as the drink has just arrived.

The seat belt you use when the seat is in a bed has enough 'give' in it that you can wear it very loosely so still turn over.

Have a sit at the bar during the flight - just to say you have! In my experience the CC are often happy to have a natter with you too which can be interesting.

guve yourselves loads of time, relax & enjoy everything on offer. the best advice other than that already offered would be don't be afraid to ask - the staff at the clubhouse & cabin staff are more than happy to help out. the clubhouse reception usually ask if you know your way around & will give you a quick orientation if not - likewise the cabin crew.

Search through all the UC TRs for VS7/8 and VS23/24 for further tips about LAX and all the bits before, during and after.

LAX is a longish flight, try to get 2/3 hours kip, it will help with the time zones!

Search through all the UC TRs for VS7/8 and VS23/24 for further tips about LAX and all the bits before, during and after.

LAX is a longish flight, try to get 2/3 hours kip, it will help with the time zones!