This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Just as a brief background, I discovered the delights of Virgin early in 2004 when I flew to Orlando. Upper Class in those days was non-suited although the flight crew and overall experience in one of the old LGW configurations going out and an LHR J2000 seat coming back had me wanting more. I had a chance at the suite last year, flying to LAX and back from SFO. This time it would be SFO out and LAX back. Not the best as I would miss the SFO Clubhouse and have to contend with waiting around at LAX on the way back. However, this was the allocation that was given to me online with connecting first class flights on America West for my final destination, Phoenix. I'd be able to see the relatively new ANZ lounge at LAX too.
OK, having done all that pre-amble I'm not going to go into great detail about the flight. There are many reports here that do that and not being a detail person, I 'aint going to try and compete[;)] Rather I will give you my impression as a relatively new Virgin flyer.
Check in was fine and I was able to sample the delights of the Clubhouse. Last year it was still undergoing construction and was half the size. It felt decidedly busy then. Now it is fantastic! What a great place to be. I arrived at 8am and had a full English breakfast before going for a haircut. The food was good and they did a nice job on the hair too. All set for the sunnier climes of Arizona. Although the roof terrace had the closed sign up I asked and was able to go and take a look at the view on a clear, chilly and breezy morning (just so I could say I'd had the whole Clubhouse experience!). Called to the gate and had to queue for quite a while through the airbridge as there seemed to be a hold up. I was in my seat before too long though.
I was in 9K on Lady Penelope. I like the A zone on the 747. It has a nice airy feel to it. After lunch (I can remember that I had steak and it was very good and a chocolate mousse which was even better) I spent quite a bit of time chatting with the crew about my upcoming trip and particularly Vegas. This was my first time there and the comments from them only served to heighten the anticipation.
My seat stayed in the upright position for the entire flight. By the time I had eaten, chatted, walked around, chatted some more and had tea, it was time to prepare for landing. Overall, a really great flight. I've marked the 'Entertainment' as average, only because I didn't really look at it. I really like the UC suites. Even though they don't have a great deal of recline when in seat mode, I find that putting the feet on the ottoman is very comfortable. Drinking a couple of glasses of tonic water seemed to keep the restless leg syndrome at bay too. First time I'd tried that one. Perhaps it was all in the mind, but it seemed to work. Even though the view through the window is at an angle and gives me a crick in the neck if I try it for too long, the fact that you feel so private and don't have any seat in front (and that big aisle in the A zone) is a big plus for me.
Pretty straightforward transfer in SFO to my America West flight to Phoenix and a very pleasant flight that was too.
After a couple of really enjoyable flights that seemed to be much less than the fourteen and a half hours from LHR to PHX (one of the advantages of UC and why I am a pointy end fan) I'd arrived! Now, let's see if they were right about Vegas[:D]
Phil
