This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Anyway back to the TR[:)]
I had spent the 12,500 miles for a Tristar car to pick me up in Ashford at 6.30am for the transfer up to LHR. On the dot a nice silver Mercedes E320 was parked at the door. What no Volvo I smiled. The driver was a contract driver who lived in Ashford and was on their B list, so result all round for me. Nice chatty driver but not to intrusive. All was well until we hit the M26 spur link to the M25, and as sods law would have it we had just passed the exit to Sevenoaks so we were stuck for 1hr 15mins going nowhere and no alternative route. Needless to say this this put a downer on my mood as valuable clubhouse time eroded away. 2 and 3/4 hrs later we pulled up at Drive through Check-in. This was my first experience of drive through, but due to v-flyer had a rough idea of the proceedure. The security lady checking the passport was obviously new or just did not know her geography as she thought my place of birth, Hamilton (Come on the Accies) was in Canada, despite the UK passport[:?] Mind you I was surprised she new there was a Hamilton in Canada[|:)]
Another very pleasant lady gave me the purple boarding pass and directed me through to the old check in area and onwards to the lift to the new fastrack zone. Bags were not tagged with an UC label though[V]
The lift brings you out to a nice new area and a door with which you scan your boarding pass to let you in. Once through the door this leads you to a very modern area where you are directed to use the VS dedicated lane. This was all well and no need for a secondary shoes off. Now foolishly I thought this new fast track brought you out to the Clubhouse, but it only dumps you in the mad house that is T3 retail zone. Once I had got over the 'I must be in the wrong place mode' 6 minutes, I then found my way to the Clubhouse where I lambasted the 'door dragon' as to why the fast track does not bring me out at the CH like I expected. With a Duh response she welcomed me into the calmness of the Clubhouse, which was indeed fairly calm. I met up with Stevieboy, sorry for being late[:I], and we had a small natter about the CH,V-flyerand plans for SFO etc,etc. No alcohol was consuned at this point, a first for me, only because I did not want Steve to think I was raving alcoholic, so coffee it was and 2 bacon rolls. I nipped off for my shave and returned to see Steve still without a drink[:0]. He was boarding soon so I knew it would not be long before I could sneak a tipple[}:)]
But alas 5 mins later and our flight was called.
At the pre boarding gate passports were again checked, no UC line, so stood with everyone else in line.
Once through it was straight down the jetty to be face with about 100 people trying to get on[:(]. My quick touch of the plane metal on the way in and turn left. Yomped down to 2a which was fairly near the IFBT station at the front but I was happy with the location. The IFBT introduced herself and asked if I would like a treatment. I mentioned that I had a shave in the Clubhouse, but if she had time, it would be very much appreciated.
A member of crew was round quickly offereing Champers or OJ so Champers it was. The FSM was also around quickly and introduced herself. You just got that feeling that the crew were on their toes, but time would tell.
Give me a 747 everytime as I found the 346 (Indian Princess)to be noisy and slightly cramped, or maybe I am just getting bigger.
Rotated 15 minutes late for which would be an 11hr,11min flight[:0]
V-Port was swithched on after half an hour and I had already decided on Oceans 13, average and Die hard 4.0, typical but enjoyable. Knocked up was next on the list if I had not fallen asleep by then.
Drinks order taken, usual whisky and ginger, and nibbles, well actually 4 crisps. Inflight service seemed to be efficient but unobtrusive[y]. The IFBT came round and asked if I was ready for my treatment. Result, my first ever one in all my UC flights[:D]. A Decker manicure, and I was a happy bunny, and I could have stared in to her eyes all flight long[:I]
Now to the meal, I had the smoked haddock pate[y] and the square pie[y][y][y]. Simple good food that bodes well at 36000ft. It works so well IMO. Lots of red chilean wine to wash down what I thought was an excellent meal.
Time passed, more whisky arrived and soon it was time to try and sleep, but alas I could only manage about 30minutes. It did not help that the FSM kepy banging my legs on the way past[;)][;)][:w]
Arrival into LAX was bang on time, so all in all a great flight. Uneventful, just the way I like them.
It has been mentioned before that a great FSM makes a great flight and the crew were fabulous. So thank you to them.
But then again,[;)] that is what V-Flyers are all about[oo]
Iain
