It proved to be one of my better experiences of late which is reassuring for those of us who feel that the standard of both service and the product offered - UCS apart - has been in steady decline.
Car was in good time and v easy trip to LHR to the new drive thru check in area - hear that next year there will be a swanky new facility complete with own security clearance and direct access to the Clubhouse - should be excellent!
V helpful at check-in as I had to have a ticket revaliadated for a connecting flight down to Bermuda.
In the past I have been left to my own devices and sent off to ticketing to stand in line - which has taken up to an hour - but this time the very helpful check-in agent sorted it out for me in person in no time which was much appreciated as I had arrived good and early to enjoy the Clubhouse.
Through Security in no time and onto the Clubhouse which was v quiet indeed - Sat midday and straight to eat a late brunch - the wonderful eggs benedict - yummy.
The service from all the staff in the lounge was exemplary - it was quiet which probably helped but v attentive and smiling and seemed genuinely concerned.
Picked up lots of reading matter for the flight and then off for a haircut - prebooked.
Was the only time the service seemed a little on the standoffish side - didn't seem very interested but did a v good job!
Then back for some dessert - sadlly no white chocolate cheesecake but had some v creamy rice pudding and stocked up with a few cookies.
A few phone calls and emails and then time to board after a very enjoyable time in the Clubhouse - top marks especially if it's as good when they're busy ..
Boarded on time and was v quiet in UC - about 15 of us - and had selected a seat to the rear and far from others
However just as i was settling in a FA moved two others right next to me so I promptly moved myself to the other side of the rear cabin which was completely empty and settled in to select my movies and check out the menu.
Flight crew on the whole were v helpful and friendly and IFBT introduced herself and I put myself down for a treatment and thought I would be ok as it was such a light load.
Late taking off - something to do with cargo not being loaded correctly but Captain said might make up some time and flight should be smooth etc and was v apologetic.
I decided to have dinner later - have to say I found the selection distinctly unappealing but ordered some hummus as a bit of a nibble and then the rosemary steak for later.
The hummus was v disappointing - and the pita bread that came with it was tiny and too hard and dry - not good at all.
The flight attendant did offer some crackers to go with it etc.
OH and of course that truly pitiful pathetic mean-spirited envelope with socks etc in - have written to complain and the FA said they were embarrassed at handing them out - would be better provided for in Economy Im sure - sort this one out VA as it makes you look so shoddy and is simply not good enough for what you charge.
Flight was great - 7 hours 15 mins - and smooth all the way and great IFE - V-port and all worked smoothly for once!
Biggest disappointment was the FOOD - not especially appetizing and such TINY portionsfor the main course - again not good enough.
Same with cheese portions - tiny
Best was the lemon bread and butter pudding but this would have benefitted from some cream or ice cream but was yummy
Nice selection of fruit and chocs at the bar and was regularly asked if i needed anything by FAs which made a welcome change I have to say!
I do miss having afternoon tea on this later flight and wish that they did offer some sandwiches and cakes but in fairness they did ask if we wanted anything else to eat
OH - while I remember - why do they have such terrible nasty cheap orange juice - i don't drink alcohol at all and why don't we get some decent freshly squeezed juice ie not from concentrate?!!
Is it too much to ask?!!
V long taxi to stand and a wait but was first off the plane and Immigration Hall was mercifully empty and I was first through and out and into a car and off to the ok but nothing special JFK Courtyard by Marriott.
SO on the whole a v nice time - just shame about the food and the amenity kit and the OJ
But the best service I've had in a long time!
Will be coming back through Boston probably and my last experience there was nothing short of terrible from check in through to the disgusting lounge and inadequate food to the surly onboard service and the lack of choice with that horrible goodnight service and a v loud man at the bar and i was seated a long way away!
Chalk and cheese
Happy flying to all
