This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Joined a queue of about 8 people at which time I realised that the Economy line only had about 10 people in whilst premium was empty. Tried to move to Premium desk but the guard was having none of it and told me to stay in Upper. I must be honest I really could not be bother to argue with him,I was also disappointed that the staff in Premium did not call any of the Upper passengers over as they were having a chat (rather loudly) about last nights 'I'm a Celebrity'[V]
After about 15 minutes and a big argument between the check-in staff and a large American family about how much carry on luggage they could take on board, I finally got to the desk. The agent was helpful and it took her less than 2 minutes to check me in and explain the new Virgin security channel.
Full marks to Virgin for their new security Channel (the lift is now working by the way), I was the only one there and was through in less than a minute[^]. After that a quick stop to sign up for Iris I was off to a very quite clubhouse where I met up with Iain(iforres1).
The flight was called about 10.15 and I took a slow stroll down to gate 3. On arrival, like the security channel I was the only one there. After a quick chat with the lady on the desk I discovered the flight was just over half full and that most people had already boarded. True enough as when I reached the end of the jetway there were only a couple of people waiting to get onboard.
I took my seat (11K) which is upstairs at the back of the newly reconfigured part of the 747. Must say it seemed strange not to have PE up there, one thing you sure notice is how much space there is, this was also echoed by the crew who kept coming for a look as none of them had yet flown the new layout.
About 11:00 the Captain announced there would be a short delay as an important member of the crew had not arrived due to an accident on the M25. At this point the crew sprung into action bringing around drinks and hot towels and apologising for the delay. 45 minutes passed and we still had not moved, I saw the VS flight on the next stand push back and assumed it was Iains flight to LA. About 11:55 the captain announced we would be departing in under 10 minutes at which time a very red faced first officer came running through the top deck looking like he had just got out of bed.
We pushed back about 12:05 and headed straight out to 27L and with only 1 aircraft ahead of us we were away by 12:15. (just had a look at VS web site and it says the VS019 departed at 11:36[:?])
Once in the air the crew took drinks orders and the IFBT came around with her basket of goodies. Dinner was served about 2 hours into the flight, I forgot to make a note of the menu but I passed on the starters, had the steak pie, mash and peas for my main course followed by Profiterole's for dessert and the cheese and crackers all of which I found rather nice[:)]
Fell asleep during the Simpsons movie only to be woken by the IFBT for my hand massage at which time the FSM appeared welcomed me on board and said if I need anything to ask[y].
Afternoon Tea was served about an hour and a half before landing and consisted of Sandwiches, scones and tea or coffee.
Due to light winds we were able to make up time and landed only 20 minutes late. I was second off and through immigration in under 3 minutes. Priority baggage was working and I was at the Rental Car Counter within 25 minutes of landing[^].
Overall a very good flight, with an excellent male crew member serving in Upper. Just a shame about check-in.
-Steve
