This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
The Wife was off to Dubai the same day on Virgin VS400 travelling in Y[:0] and as this flight leaves 30 minutes earlier we both went to LHR together.
We had both done OLCI, but went to UC check in. No one in the queue, the agent quickly reconfirmed our seats and tagged the luggage. I asked if the security lines were long as the wife could not use the fast track. The agent then stuck a gold Virgin priority sticker on the wifes boarding pass, and hey-presto shorter wait for security. Excellent customer service by Virgin.
About 10 minutes to get through security and off to the Clubhouse. Although there was quite a few people in here, it did not appear busy. Incidentely, there was a group of Virgin employees in the Clubhouse who I think had won an incentive and were off on a 'jolly' somewhere. They certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves!!
I had pre-booked a 'fine farm hands' treatment for myself, but decided to let the wife have it instead[:w]. When I booked this I was told the massage has been dropped from this treatment, I enquired as to why the signature treatment from this package had been dropped, and suddenly it was reinstated as a 'one off'. Looks like they are still worried about compensation claims from staff. The wife was very happy with her treatment, although I could not give a damn as I would not have to listen to her complaining for the next 7 nights[B)].
I decided to have a full meal in the Clubhouse. Chose a plate of mixed goodies from the Deli, yummy. Then a burger, OK, but a bit salty. Wife had risotto[n]. Lots of Mumm fizz and a decent Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc from BBR's own label range. I think the waiting staff were a bit stretched on a Friday evening so decided to sit at the bar and cut out the middle man. Had 2 long island iced teas and at that point was close to passing out[|)]
Boarding call was made so went off to a gate that was neared LGW than LHR. Got to gate and the priority boarding sign was there but no agent. I asked the 'person' checking passports etc where the agent was for priority boarding was? Fun started. He replied
'I don't know and don't care, you will have to join the end of the line and wait your turn'
I just walked straight through to the gate and asked the staff there that I would like to complain about a member of staff. At this point the idiot was wailing and gnashing about me jumping the queue. Please don't get me wrong, I do not want any special treatment, I just want want I am entitled to. I feel that if someone is rude it is a waste of time argueeing with them as it only makes the situation worse and that a third party is a better option to sort out any 'niggles'. The gate staff told him to return to his job as I was an UC pax I was entitled to priority boarding and they would deal with me. It is staff with these attitudes that quite often make what should be a painless procedure, become a right royal pain in the a$$. The gate staff checked my passport and boarding pass, apologised for their colleague amd waved me through.
I boarded, settled into 2K, was offered a glass of fizz which was gratefully received! The inflight beautician came round and explained the treatments, I decided to have a shoulder and head massage. The usual alternative treatment was discussed and the 'if I can get round to you I will' speech was given. The cabin was 90% full and was therefore not holding my breath for the massage!
The plane was a recently PE refitted A360, however I did not get its registration, because I was not intrested and had left my anorak at home[:)]
We were about 15 mins late on push-back as a family of 3 could not be bothered to get to the gate on time.
I decided to eat (again) at the bar and had a fish 'light bite', not bad, washed down by a Slovenian Sauvignon Ormoz, intresting. Whilst on wine, the winelist is totally 'Old World' and I feel that BBR/Virgin should include some BIG 'New World' wines on their flights, this would help to counter-act dumbed palates at 36k feet.
When I finished my dinner the beautician told me I might as well have my treatment now, which was an excellent timing as far as I was concerned[y]
As I was now a bit 'tired and emotional' from the hospitality and relaxed from a very pleasant massage I decided it was time to settle down in the suite. I did'nt remember a thing until breakfast was served 90 minutes before landing.
Right, big grouse here. Why do Virgin not serve their excellent bacon roll on this route, and what is a lamb sausage[:0]? O.K, I know the answer but Virgin is a UK carrier with the Union Flag on its wing tips and they should stop worrying about a small percentage of religous followers on the flight, they are catered for. I fully realise that I will get shouted down for this piece of political incorrectness, but to quote a certain Catherine Tate 'bothered'!!!
Flight was 15 mins late landing, Bags were off as soon as I entered the hall. I was then on a 10 hour drive down to Ranthambhore, shame the comfort in the car was not as good as an UCS!!!
All in all a excellent flight with very attentive crew, and although there were a couple of 'niggles' they did not spoil what is usually a very pleasant way to travel.
