When confronted with the huge queues at all the VS desks, I was beginning to wish I wasn't flying today [:0]
I queued for around 15 minutes at PE. The UC check-in had a long queue of about 20 people. I had never seen such a busy check-in VS area[?] I think I was so surprised because I has been there 3 weeks previously and it was alot quieter. Maybe because it was a Friday afternoon? I was greeted by a friendly check-in agent who apologised for the wait and asked me where I would be staying in the US.
I must thank V-flyer for my next actions[oo] I asked if there was any availability for me to upgrade to UC with FC miles ( I hadn't really thought about doing this until I found this website[y]) He directed me to the ticket desk as he was unable to deduct miles from my account, explaining there were a couple of seats left. He had given me 70A in PE which would be great, even if I didn't get the upgrade. I knew from V-Flyer that with my 's' class ticket there was a good chance, given availability that I might be lucky [;)] I got to the desk with my request and after a short phonecall I was 20,000 miles less, but armed with my purple boarding pass. Strange how I was beginning to feel better all of a sudden[}:)]
Going through to fastrack (which wasn't)I had forgotten to pack my solid lipstick in my check-in (silly mare[:I])The smug look from the guy who confiscated it from me made me want to deck him, but I know violence isn't the answer[;)] By the time I had negoiated the security it was coming up to 2pm. Made it to the clubhouse and decided I really should try and eat something. I had salmon on a bed of lentils followed by a very creamy rice pudding (yum!) This was washed down with a couple of cranberry juices and a pot of peppermint tea. The clubhouse really felt like a peaceful haven after the madness of check in. It was quiet and the service was again fantastic. The clubhouse staff deserve a big mention for looking after me, helping me to turn from a strange shade of green back to my normal pallor[y]
The announcement for boarding was made with apologies for no priority boarding due to the recent security measures. So off I walked to Gate 18 where my boarding pass/passport were checked and my seat number was taken also. I was then pulled over for a body search and had my bag checked too. Eventually made my way onto the aircraft (sorry, couldn't see which one)to seat 16G.
In UC there appeared to be only one empty suite.PE appeared full but I didn't get a chance to check EC. The snooze pack sat on my seat already and the menu had also been supplied. I was offered a drink quickly and decided to go for a bellini, I just couldn't refuse[:p]The FSM came around to all pax and intoduced herself. I was addressed by name and told not to forget that the bar would be open during the flight (must have looked like I needed more alchol perhaps[:D]) The IBFT marked me down for a mini manicure so kept my fingers crossed I'd get a treatment which I did and an good manicure it was too.[y]
As I had eaten well at the clubhouse I dedcided just to eat lightly on board. I had the Mezze plate followed by the cheese course. The Mezze plate did the job in terms of portion size. The hoummous was delicious but the one small piece of pitta bread was a bit dry. This is why I give the food an average rating as I didn't have anything from the main menu and the food I did have was ok.
I must mention the crew. Even though UC was full each pax in the section I was seated were kept topped up with drinks, helped with laptops etc and generally looked after. They were all immaculately presented and totally professional (which I haven't always found when travelling VS)A great VS crew[y] Also the suites on this aircraft were clean and free of the pen marks that I had noticed on my last flight.
I deplaned feeling 10 times better than when I got on, ready for a weekend in NJ with friends before heading back to BDA on the Sunday.
From this experience using miles to upgrade was well worth it. I know you are not always guaranteed an upgrade but for the price of an 's' class sector PE ticket it is a cheap way to get to UC. This was 20,000 miles well spent[y]
