This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
At 6.15, a very nice C Class Merc arrived outside and Mrs Buns and I were quickly on our way round a rather empty M25. I asked the driver if the Merc was a move from the usual Volvos and he explained that the 'City' Tristar drivers cover the airport runs at weekends - all I can say is I do like weekends.
The arrival at the Upper Class Wing at T3 was just like it says on the box (or the new TV advert) and in minutes our bags had been taken from the car, security questions asked, boarding passes issued and we were making our way down the corridor to the dedicated security channel. As we entered the main terminal, our boarding passes were spotted by an eagle eyed BAA staff member who allowed us to avoid the main shoe carnival (our shoes already having been checked) so that even with a brief stop off for a duty free purchase, we were in the Clubhouse within 10 minutes.
In the relatively quiet Clubhouse (as would be on an early Saturday morning) service was prompt and efficient as Mrs Buns first stopped off at the Brasserie for a spot of breakfast before settling down in the main area for a little drop of fizzy stuff. As time was relatively short, neither of us had booked treatments, instead hoping for a treatment on board. For the record, I (as did a certain Mr Winner) enjoyed both the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs and a little later the waffles.
The only thing of note in the Clubhouse was an elderly group who monopolised the Eames chairs (my favourite) and gave the impression they owned the place. Thus I was relegated to a seat just down from the Cowshed
The flight was a little late being called and we made our way down to a deserted Gate 5 and whisked straight down the crowded jetway. After a short wait we were happily in 10 & 11A on this 346 (sorry no chance to get the name this time). The seat was in fairly good condition and I am sure the the Discovery Channel could make an interesting programme of how these pen marks appear. The crew was light and therefore whilst the service was more than adequate, some of the nicer touches you often receive were not forthcoming with a very full UC Cabin.
After push back being 10 minutes behind schedule the usual interminable wait for takeoff ensued, but soon after seatbelt signs off, and drinks orders were taken and hot towels being issued. For lunch I had opted for the Mushroom and Mrs B the lamb - both were excellent and both of us declined the wine offerings, preferring to remain drinking mixed drinks.
As an avid user of the LGW fleet, the opportunity to use V-Port was overwhelming for both of us, I watched Oceans 13 and then listened to music for the rest of the flight - nodding off occasionally.
The usual Afternoon tea was served and I stayed with the cheese sandwiches. as I mentioned earlier, the crew was light so there was not a permanent presence at the bar and it seemed as though pax were being dissuaded from sitting there. Nevertheless, the crew did a superb job and I cannot complain. Just behind Mrs Buns was a family with a small baby - before i ignite any comments here, all i will say is that the parent kept the little one entertained throughout the flight and as a consequence, everyone had a pleasant flight.
We both missed out on an in flight treatment but were handed priority cards.
Touch down was almost to time and we were lucky enough to get off the aircraft pretty quickly and be ahead of the rest. By the time we had made it though immigration (no queue) and down the maze of corridors, our bags were coming round the carousel and were we quickly landside to be met by our Carey Driver (again courtesy of miles) and driven to our overnight hotel in one of the nicest limos i have seen for a long while.
In Conclusion:
The Upper Class Wing is fantastic and is something worth keeping up Au status for
The crew did an excellent job
Food good, but nothing special
The Miami Limo first class
buns
