This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
We stayed at the Radisson SAS the night before to make travelling easier on the day of our flight. The hotel was excellent in our opinion, slightly pricey but worked out well. We arrived at check-in with plenty of time to spare not knowing what security would be like. We had actually checked in online but were advised the system had only checked myself in and not my wife and child so he then had to start again. The check-in guy was okay not particularly friendly but then again not rude so no complaints there. We were provided with Escape Lounge pass and advised we could use fasttrack immigration. Straight through immigration (to our relief) and straight to the lounge. The airport seemed chaotic so we were relieved we were going to be able to relax in the lounge. Refreshments and breakfast items were in our opinion very good, obviously not Clubhouse quality but better than expected. We were travelling with our 20 month old son who was more than happy as the staff were fussing over him and made us feel very welcome. Boarding announcement came so we headed for the gate.
Clearly signed for UC boarding, quickly through second security and straight on board with no problems. Once seated cabin crew approached to offer us our drink, they then advised we were in for a quiet flight. There was only one other passenger in UC therefore my son could have his own seat if he wished (obviously unless there was turbulence). The other gentleman passenger was very friendly and like us could not believe how quiet the flight was. The 1st officer advised that once airborne due to low flight numbers passengers could change seats if they wished, we had never heard an announcement like this before. The OB kits were given out and to our surprise the cabin crew had not even heard of the scrooge packs only that there was a new kit but OB's were still being handed out from MAN.
As you can imagine service was exceptional all the crew were very friendly but for them probably a boring flight with very little to do. All the food was very good and they were very flexible and helpful with our son which obviously made our life a lot easier. The flight was pretty good but non-eventful, it passed quickly with cabin crew always around to help, it was nice to be able to chat to them without them having to look after numerous passengers at the same time. We were in 6a and 6c, seat's seemed in good condition.
Flight landed a little earlier than expected, said our thankyou's and headed for immigration. Amazing but immigration was very quiet so we were quickly through and at the carousel in plenty of time for luggage to arrive. Priority baggage worked well (separate conveyor) so picked up luggage and headed for second bag drop. Collected luggage and out to Avis for car-rental, avis preferred member so car allocated and off we go.
To summarise for us an excellent flight, we were a little unsure about paying the cost to fly UC out of Manchester, we normally fly out of Gatwick but hate having to do the internal flights so thought we would give it a go. We missed the Gatwick lounge but all in all no complaints and would definately do it again[^]
Regards
Nevil
