This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Amazingly no line at security we romped through and made oor way upstairs to the lounge which on the whole is OK - aesthetically it is nice to look at with plenty of space and comfy seats - even the dollar tip jar had gone off the bar (surprisingly) it is just that there are no facilities there or decent grub, just a bombay mix and some pretzels. Still a beer, G&T and coffee later we were ready to board, albeit 3/4 late.
In the area where BA and 2 VA flights were leaving almost together, there were thousands of people and screaming children everywhere. We fought our way to the small Priority borading sign that several people were mingling around, mainly PE. Eventually UC were asked to come through, not over tannoy, but just in normal voice to the crowd. Luckily we were nearby and whizzed through, picking up more pre-purchased duty free at the gate, and being 1st in the UCS. We were greeted by the FSM wearing a witches hat. Being Halloween it was though to brighten up the flight home, all FSA would wear some attire or mask in the spirit (boom boom!) of things! Nice touch and a talking point, apart from one girl - 'Oh, I'm in the galley all night, so no-one would see me' - ahhh!
Soon we had our champagne and was introduced once more to an excellent FSM who was very attentive throughout, again creating a fine atmosphere and inducing conversation - funnily enough same girl on way out was on way back, with sister and father in tow. There was a further delay, so another glass of champagne was offered which I thought was a nice touch. There were lots of banter in the cabin and a good atmopshere ensued.
Over an hour late we pulled away. Once more food was nice, although for my taste I was limited off the menu - Lamb ( I detest), Veggie option (no thanks) or Salmon (no big fish eater). Had the salmon and it was OK enough for me to eat it all! Same wine selection as with the cheese and biscuits. Had a brandy to wash it down before settling in to watch the Omen. Not bad, but lacks the menace of the original. Started to play Millionaire (not on the sytem on way out) but felt tiredness over come me. I had already changed into my sleeper suit so I went to the loo before a doze. We share these 2 loo's with PE and by half way, they were in a bit of a state, and they appear quite cramped (smaller than BA? Not sure, seem to be). Upon return to my seat, my bed had been made up. It was so warm, so turned on my individual cool air blower (a plus over BA, where it is always stifling hot, despite everyone else having duvets, blankets, sweaters and scarves on even on the hottest temperatures!).
Settled down, I-pod in tow, for a couple of hours snooze. Never sleep well on planes, but these were comfy seats and before I knew it I was being roused by a FSA saying it was 1 1/2 hours to landing and breakfast was on its way. Oh good, I had got more rest than I though, always a bonus. I finished my game while a warm bacon roll was brought out with cereal, OJ and pastries if I had wanted it.
Soon we were circling for a quick landing, still an hour behind schedule. Again another great flight, good service, good atmosphere with the crew making an effort especially with the halloween theme, and good food.
Once more very impressed - let's hope VA has turned the corner and continue to provide the high standrds that I had experienced these 2 flights back to what I had almost 7 years ago when I first experienced it in the good old J2000 days! Again, thanks and well done to Virgin.
{mcuth: edited to remove FSM name - please see here for rules on quoting staff names}
