This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Check in at Cape Town was fine--especially as the agent encouraged us to go ahead and check in even though she hadn't officially opened yet. Our bags disappeared up the chute and, with that wonderful feeling of lightness that only a new short haircut or getting rid of luggage can bring, we tripped up the stairs to security and went on through.
It is fortunate that CPT international has some good shops as the Priority Lounge is a bit thin. Great views, drinks--but little in the way of food, even for a 10:30 pm departure. Business desks were poor and wireless at a hot spot paid premium.
Flight was called and a short wander to gate. No signs delineating which line to stand in of the two and an agent had to bellow that line 1 was just for PE and UC customers. The Very British Woman behind me kept complaining (even though the African agent was clearly right in front of her and no mistake about his message), 'What does he say? What does he say?' before she was sent over to Y line.
What a wonderful flight--from plane walk on to walk off. All seats taken (this was just two days CPT post-marathon bike race) but crew were fantastic. Cheery, fun, able to talk grouchy old men (our neighbor who announced loudly as we left priority lounge that it was the worst he had ever been in) into having a good time and lightening up.
Ninja suits, amenities, handed out along with fizz (ahh... cowshed! and PENS!!!! but still no paper nor tissues) and much reassurance by FA's that meals were freedom menu so anytime was fine with them--and they meant it.
We elected (as did many in UC except for those who opted for immediate bed and coma) to eat as soon as cabin staff were ready to serve and I enjoyed salad, soup and cheese along with the same wines we had last sampled on VS in December--which tasted a bit sorry after a couple of months of drinking novel new world lovelies.
My partner stayed up (as he is wont to do) and caught up on movies after we both had a brief nightcap at the bar but I made up my bed and gratefully got in it--and slept very soundly for nearly eight exhausted hours. I don't recall any of the turbulence we experienced in our outward flight but then a nightcap glass of Remy is often an excellent antidote to that level of awareness.
Partner had excellent back massage after offering one of his many priority cards as IFBT schedule was quite full and he was delighted to have it honored. He returned with a sheet of lavender scented tissue for me to place under my pillow for an aromatherapeutic sleep (why not?).
A cheery good morning and a cup of tea and yogurt and fruit and we made the almost requisite loops over London as we awaited our berth until the smooth landing that released us to the long walk to immigration. Heartfelt thank you's to the terrific crew for making this long flight so pleasant despite the 12 hour shift.
Grins all around [8D]
RR
Roadrunner
