This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
To cut a very long story short I'd recently been diagnosed with a couple of medical conditions, one of which can be very embarrassing and happens with little warning, I'd pre-advised the special assistance department at Virgin Holidays and they'd passed on all my details to Virgin Atlantic.
I'd already checked in online the day before to 'secure' my pre-selected seats (9A and 9K), as I really wanted to use the Upper Class check-in. Arriving at check-in around 7.15 am there was a long line for economy and also a few people at PE, but thankfully no-one at UC. We were called over straightaway and the check-in agent confirmed my details were on the system, next thing I know, a VA 'supervisor' appears to escort me through the security as fast-track wasn't open. Within a few minutes we'd bypassed the lines at security (although they were probably only a 10/15 minute wait at that time in the morning anyway) and were making our way up to the clubhouse.
On arrival at the clubhouse there were already quite a few people there, but the staff were very efficient and 5 minutes later we had ordered our breakfast (I had the porridge with cinnamon apples, unfortunately I can't remember what my travelling companion had). I know that the Gatwick clubhouse is open to Virgin Holidays passengers for a fee, but there were definitely more non UC passengers than UC passengers (confirmed by a member of staff) including one rather loud large (in number) family who were asked to tone it down a bit. Another hour passed and we were both called for our treatments, I had a hand massage and my friend had the facial. I can't believe how quickly time passed and it was time to make our way down to the gate.
I have to take various pills and inject at certain times of the day so I was advised to make myself known to the gate staff and they would pre-board me (to enable me to do this in relative privacy), even before the general UC pre-boarding. I was advised to sit down and someone would collect me, literally a few minutes later one of the gate staff came over and I found myself being first on the plane, before everyone else, now that was funny, if not a little embarrassing, with people looking at me wondering if I was a VIP or someone special.
What can I say about the UC cabin, although it's small it was very impressive. I know staff can make or break a flight but the staff in UC that day were fabulous. They offered to take our photos and then showed us how to work the suite. Once I was ensconced my comfy suite the UC cabin service supervisor, together with the other staff member working the cabin that day, came along and talked through my requirements (relating to my 'special needs'), all this was handled sensitively and discreetly. Throughout the flight the crew were constantly asking everyone if they needed anything. I had ordered a gluten free meal, which was laid out on the UC china plates, and I was also able to pre-select individual items from the menu. I was unable to have the UC afternoon tea, but the crew put aside a 'double serving' of tappas for me. I suppose this is a bit naughty on their part, but they advised there were going to do this for me, without my even asking, and they advised it was unfortunate if there were not enough for other passengers but I would take 'priority'. Absolutely amazing service which I did not expect.
There were a couple of hiccups on the flight - the sky map wasn't working and the films all appeared to be on the wrong channels, plus there was no sparkling water on the whole flight. The heating was not working fully either so the majority of people used the duvets to keep warm.
Time passed way too quickly (I was enjoying my first UC experience too much), and we were soon landing at MCO. I'm glad to say priority baggage reclaim was working and we were departing the airport within an hour.
I had an amazing time flying UC, and my return UC experience was equally as good which I'll post a trip report on as well later.
