VS350 LHR-BOM 23 Sep 06 (Upper)

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

After a non-eventful car journey to T3, got to the Zone A check-in about 5:30pm to see that Upper was busier than usual. When I got called over, I was greeted by my first name (maybe they've read our thread on Upper improvements), which was a really appreciated touch (and I'm not Gold- at least not yet-that happens on the return leg of this trip). Given the Clubhouse invite and off upstairs to the so-called 'Fast-Lane', where hold-ups were being caused by people trying to get lighters through in hand baggage-this despite printed, verbal and personal warnings at 3 points prior to the scanner-I suppose it's a 'doesn't apply to me' approach.

After that slight delay and a brief detour to buy some chocolate in Duty Free, it was into the haven of a pretty quiet clubhouse at 6:15pm. Is Saturday night always quiet? Sat down in the lodge and was quickly asked for my drinks order-a Virgin Redhead. Decided to have a Clubhouse burger on the recommendation of others on the site, and wasn't disappointed-excellent! Followed that with a Bramble cocktail-not so great, but no fault of the barman-should have had a mccuth blue I suppose! Moved over to the screen to watch some Ryder Cup golf, and before long it was time to leave and walk to gate 25, just about as close to the Clubhouse as you can get.

Priority boarding was called, but no separation of lines occurred, nor were there any barriers or carpet. Welcomed onboard and quickly found my way to 4K (not sure which aircraft-anyone help?) which already had the scrooge pack on the seat and was nice and clean. The table popped out to greet me as I sat down, but this is a given with me and the UCS-the button's in the wrong place! As I sipped a Bellini, noticed UC was almost full, but we pulled back on time and were told of an 8 hour 45 minute flight ahead. IFBT had booked treatments prior to take off as usual, but now came around with toothpaste, brush and pen for all! Odyssey was started fairly quickly, but my screen was so dark I could hardly see it-who does this to the screens? It is starting to look a bit dated in terms of picture and sound quality. Incidentally was also called by name (surname this time)throughout the flight-this is what we want!

I have to agree with the opinion on the tapas from the new menu-it was pretty average at best (I only had this as I'd already had the burger earlier). The pinot grigio was pretty good though. Incidentally, the VAMA Indian restarant dishes are still available on the Mumbai and Delhi flights, but I didn't bother this time.

Watched the Da Vinci code (pedestrian adaptation of the book), then it was my turn for the back/neck/shoulder massage (Wonderful). Only this and the hands treatment are on, as the IFBT told me that they've stopped allowing the treatment oils and liquids on board-not since the start of the alert, but just last week! Is this some BA inspired plot to dilute the Virgin product?

Back to the suite, converted for some sleep, and woke up about 3 hours later for breakfast. Suite had to be converted back manually, the buttons weren't lit. Efficient cabin clean-up (which includes spraying of insecticide aerosols throughout the plane prior to landing) and we were on the descent. On the ground about 10 mins late, and through a very quiet Mumbai airport to the car and off to the Taj hotel, where I now sit typing this report.

Overall, some very good bits, but not very impressed with the new menu or the IFBT restrictions. No meeting with the FSM, but didn't really matter as the other crew were so good. Will add one for the day flight back (VS351) on Friday.

Good TR, Thank you Steve. [y]