This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
We walked the short distance from the Radisson SAS hotel along the skywalk and negotiated the large crowds in Terminal 2 to find the Virgin check in. Spotting the empty Upper class check line, we entered the cordoned off space to be caught by an official. 'Travelling Premium Economy today sir?' he said to my husband! What a treat for us to say no, UC! Probably the first and only time - in fact would be pleased to say yes at another time!
After some hand baggage checking we finally reached the desk and checked in and was given our Escape Lounge invitations. This is all quite exciting to us first time UC travellers! The check in staff were very pleasant and we were soon off through fastlane security, though the main lines weren't too bad. I asked the guy if he wanted my shoes off - 'no' he said, 'they don't suit me!' Through the scanner and then I was told to take off my shoes and send them through!! Anyway we soon found the lounge which is much better than I was expecting and we settled down with coffees and toast. There was also pastries, fresh fruit and fruit salad, yogurts, cake and biscuits, as well as the usual alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. Nothing like the Virgin Clubhouses, but that has been covered many times!
EGG had recommended going to the gate before the time on the screen so we ambled there and hung around the boarding area as there was no where to sit of course. It wasn't for long though. After wheelchairs came priority boarding and though we didn't mean to be we were second and third through - no pushing, frowns or crowds at the gate. Priority boarding was well signed.
Walking into UC for the first time is quite an experience. The Cabin Crew welcomed us, offered the Champagne and explained the suite operation. Ah, yes, the amenity kit! Still the cardboard packet embarrasingly left on the ottoman. Suites looked in good condition and I can't remember any problems with tables not working. We took off about about 20 minutes late due to air traffic control. The crew were excellent, friendly and attentive. We were in 7 and 8K so we could chat, but it is still difficult to have a conversation, which pleased my husband I think!
In 6A and K at the front were a couple with a baby, but she wasn't too much trouble - the parents however talked loudly the whole flight! I actually think those seats must feel like you are being watched by the whole cabin,like a show, so we probably wouldn't choose them if they were available.
Drinks were offered regularly throughout the flight. The FSM served the lunch wine and water I noticed.
Lunch was leisurely. It was the Mediterranean menu and was pretty good, though I would prefer the new menu. I didn't have a starter, had the Moroccan couscous and the lemon pudding - very nice. John enjoyed the Minestrone soup and the fish pie but found the Chocolate mousse a bit ordinary. All was served and presented very nicely too. We ate seperately so we could watch the film - I enjoyed Pirates of the Caribbean!
Soon had the suite turned into a bed, but couldn't sleep for the talking so watched another film, The Queen - very good by the way.
A smell of burning heralded the afternoon tea. No explanation, but the apricot tart never appeared so.......!! Enjoyed what was offered though, but I did fancy the apricot tart!
Soon it was time to tidy up and stow away. Had a good landing about 15 minutes early. Even with all the messing about with baggage there in MCO, we were out and on our way in our hire car in not much over an hour.
An excellent first UC experience!
