This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
It looks like all outbound flights between 1 and 3 hours late into departing LHR this week and similar delay in leaving Mumbai (VS350/351).
So awoke this morning with some trepidation when had VS350 left LHR last night! However as all flights unaffected by weather and flying normally the inbound estimated arrival is 13.58 (scheduled due at 12.10) and although only leaving LHR just over an hour late, obviously time lost 'en route'. But at least its nearly here.
So why am I so happy[:D] Sitting here in the Clipper lounge in Mumbai (typing this on Word so I can cut and paste as a trip report later - Does WiFi exist???) for a 15.30 departure to London (scheduled 14.00).
Flight now delayed to 18.30 - aagh. Well heres a story I don't understand. Plane has diverted to Ahmadabad, @300 miles to the North in Gujarat, to RE-FUEL. Apparently one of the runways is closed here at Mumbai for maintenance (as it is every Friday) and there are problems with the other runway (??) and VS350 has been circling Mumbai a while and needs to refuel. Well thats the story I'm sure someone out there can explain[:p]
So just had first Upper Class meal in Clipper Lounge, Mushroom omelette and chips and 2 slices of unbuttered toast (what's that about!). And despite what I may have read before about drinks availability in the Clipper Lounge, unlimited drinks such as appear to be the order of the day - Gin/vodka/whisky/beer and soft drinks.
Not sure the standard trip report is written 'as you go along', but never mind something to do.
VS350 has touched down (hurray) - 16.55. At 18.00 (exactly!) we get collected and taken to security - huge queue (What appears to be a sea of white - many, many Muslims in traditional dress on way to Hajj in Saudi). Anyway VS lady grabs us UC and straight to the front! Way to go[y]
Usual billy stamping of boarding pass, hand luggage tag and search by one of the many military staff on duty. Onto plane, usual excellent welcome and within seconds champagne is pressed in to hand!
Apologies off CSD and Captain both put down delay to delayed start from London, caused by fog. UC staff confirm Ahmadabad story however..
What more can I add - take off at 18.53 (13.23 UK time), ETA 22.35 - we shall see. Seat belt off and straight to bar - only 19 in UC. Talk to VS staff, one lady on secondment from Virgin Blue and as is standard a superb crew and CSD. Really knocks spots off BA!
My colleague and I have our starter at the bar, but turbulence sends us back to our seats for the main course. Tomato soup, followed by salmon and a spot of cheese.
Couple of hours sleep then ensue must be the altitude, cant be the champagne[ii]
Wake up, not in mood for movies so battle through Tetris for a while. Then onto laptop (to do this) and catch up on a bit of work whilst listening to the excellent Killers album on the IFE.
An hour to go - lets hope its not Cardiff or Edinburgh!! Cup of tea and fruit tartlet - very nice.
Excellent touchdown at 22.50 after circling for 40 minutes. Limo duly waiting 2 hours to get home, arriving 01.30 despite the fog!
So a mixed bag this flight. After 8 continuous flights with BA in the last year, couldnt have picked a worse week to fly my first VS business flight. Mind you I did the August flight last year on BA when the 'Gourmet' strike occurred. All the way back from India with only water to drink, broken IFE and broken armrest - but it was on time[ii]
So booked up again on VS350 on 11th January and back on 19th January. Sincerely hope for an uneventful trip report!!!
