This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Given the cruise concludes early in the morning and the VS flight back to LHR does not leave until 9pm (even though landing at MIA at 2pm) Mrs Buns & I had checked into a hotel for the day, allowing us to have some rest, shop and freshen up before our flight home.
Judicious use of miles had once again allowed for an upgrade to Upper and as a consequence we had booked a CDC to take us to MIA. The car arrived to the minute and again a clean and comfortable Carey Limo transported with ease to our destination. the driver appeared to more travelled than many a V-flyer having visited Europe, the Middle East and South America and seemed to find cheap deals everywhere.
Within 25 minutes we were at MIA and collecting our bags we bade farewell to our well travelled driver and entered the Terminal - only to be chased by the driver who had recovered a mobile phone i had dropped getting out of the car. Top Marks to Carey
There was only one couple ahead of us at check in and formalities were soon efficiently completed and boarding cards in hand I convinced Mrs B that a look at landside might prove a little distraction before making our way airside. This was a wrong move - the Airport remains as dour and in hospitable as it was the fist time I visited back in 1980.
Although the VS Check in is located on Concourse E, it is Concourse F from which the flight departs. After joining the queue at the bottom of the escalator, we finally reached the scanners and there followed a trek to the Club America Lounge. Handing over the invitation provide to us at check in we were directed to the left hand lounge. A small lounge (with only occupancy for 61) it soon became clear that this was for VS passengers (as BA pax were directed to the right hand lounge). and a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches were provided as well as the usual selection of crisps and snacks normally found in the non VS facilities.
The place was pretty full in no time and despite the JD & Cokes (or in the case of Mrs B, T &T) the place had become a little oppressive. Coupled with the fact that the soap used in the loos was akin to disinfectant, there was a calling to the diminutive duty free shop to take samples of the waters. The sea of people either milling around aimlessly or staring at huge TVs (with seeming to have much interest on what was actually on) showed just how much MIA needs to be remodelled.
We had been there virtually no time at all when i noticed that board ing had commenced from Gate 19 so a swift walk and we were then entering the fine surroundings of the 346 which would take us back to blighty.
A very efficient crew and drinks, sleeper suits and newspapers were offered almost immediately. A full cabin on the return, but with our trusty priority cards from our outbound leg assured both Mrs Buns and myself a treatment. We were asked if we wished to have our treatments early or late into the flight.
Pushed back on time and there was one incident that got under my skin, when a passenger decided to remain on his mobile phone (making two calls) whilst the safety video was played. i felt compelled to act and summoned flight crew to get the guy to shut up. Given the incidents three days later, I feel vindicated for my action.
Once airborne, the seatbelt lights were off and service commenced which was excellent throughout; I was addressed by name and nothing was overlooked. Even when the inevitable 'will passengers return to their seats' was announced the crew continued serving and I chose to be brave by opting for the soup starter and survived to tell the tale. Remained on the JD whilst Mrs B went for her fallback of Bombay Sapphire.
at t conclusion of the meal - and the obligatory glass of port, I received my in flight treatment at my suite as the seat belt signs remained on.
After-this I converted my suite, and bedded down with the dulcet tone of some Bach played through the new style headphones. The next three hours passed in sweet slumber and Mrs B had to give be a good shake to wake me out of my slumber to have my breakfast order presented to me. The combination of noise reduction headphones and sound sleep meant that was not disturbed by the champion snorer on the other side of the cabin.
The bacon roll remains, but this was the only hot option available. I was able to get to the washroom before the rush started and was safely in my seat as descend began. Thorough the flight, estimated arrival was showing 20 minutes ahead of schedule and this was achieved at we touched down on 27L on a misty, murky Monday morning.
The benefit of the early arrival was soon last as we then wasted 25 minutes for the Gate to become free. Nevertheless, seated in 11 & 12 A ensured a quick departure from the aircraft and the yomp to the immigration was done in double quick time. Enrolled in IRIS, I
attempted to use the machine for the first time - only to find the cubicle i had chosen had a little difficult y with my height - with the aid of some assistance I used the other cubicle and we both then arrived at the carousel and perhaps annually, the bags were not soon far behind.
Through Customs and to the Tristar desk allowed us to be introduced to out driver and the ubiquitous Volvo had us home with the hour.
All in all, the service convinced me that VS continues to cut the mustard and my Au status needs to be retained
buns
