This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Logistics of getting from our home to LHR is always one of those issues that taxes the mind for considerable time, but we eventually settled on taking public transport through Central London and this enabled Mrs Buns to undertake some work on that day whilst I was nominated porter.
Meeting up at Paddington, we used our soon to be expired Vouchers to upgrade to First Class on the Express and settled ourselves into the almost empty carriage for the swift journey in the sunshine to arrive at Heathrow at what some might consider as an obscene hour of 2.30pm for a 9pm flight[:I] Thanks to reading V-flyer TRs, we were aware that the flight only offered the 'Goodnight' service and we felt that a prolonged visit to the Clubhouse was in order.
Arriving into the plush VS Terminal we were able to make our way directly to the Upper Class check in area without being intercepted and despite there being some kerfuffle at the desks ahead of us, the issue of Boarding Passes was soon overcome and using the lift, we had our first opportunity to use the 'magic' door and into the dedicated VS security wing[y][y] There were no other passengers around and we were quickly through and were able to demonstrate to the BAA operative directing all and sundry towards the shoe carnival, that we had completed this necessary formality. So within 20 minutes of alighting from the Heathrow Express, we were entering the hallowed portals of the Clubhouse[oo]
Well aware that this would be a marathon stint in the Clubhouse, we made our way directly to the Brasserie and I took a late breakfast of smoked salmon and scrambled egg whilst Mrs B opted for the bacon roll - washed down by the almost obligatory Mumm Champs. Whilst dining, Mrs B noticed some work colleagues (good job she had not thrown a sickie that day [}:)]) and had a chat with them before they took the JFK flight.
Part of the kerfuffle at check in had been caused by an 'organiser' making plans for what appeared to be a VIP Group. This was confirmed by the fact that the Sky Lounge and Deck were 'closed' being reserved for them. Soon enough a group of about 20 arrived and began to make use of much of the facilities. They were part of a tour group going to South Africa and clearly this was not your ordinary 18-30 type of affair.
Meanwhile, Mrs Buns and I took the opportunity to relax in my favourite 'Eames' chairs and take in all that was going on around us. As we were hoping for In Flight treatments, we had not booked anything in the Clubhouse, but took advantage of the shoe shine, magazines and Internet access for the next few hours.
After some tours round the ever crowded terminal to undertake some duty free window shopping, we went back to the Brasserie to take an evening meal. On this occasion I had the Shepherds Pie and Mrs B the Burger - both excellent[y][y] At a nearby table, there was an accident with some red wine and the efforts to which the staff went to remedy the situation is a credit to all who work in the Clubhouse[oo]
Eventually, the flight was called and we were directed to Gate 32 to find the inevitable melee. Notwithstanding the message announced in the Clubhouse to 'make your way to the front', this was almost impossible and arrival at the Gate Scrum was not helped by muffled messages for Upper Pax etc. to make their way down the right hand side - this only added to the confusion. Indeed, as Mrs Buns & I waited patiently, a man attempted to push by and in response to my typically British 'Excuse Me?' he proffered his credit card wallet and said sternly 'Gold Card'. I merely responded by showing my purple boarding pass to which he graciously apologised.
This is something VS must get sorted - to leave loyal passengers feeling embarrassed through no fault of their own is not a way to retain customers[V][V][V][V]
Finally we boarded and quickly were at our seats (albeit with the minimum of welcome and direction it must be said). Thereafter, service on board was exemplary, like the children's' TV show 'Mr Ben', just like magic, our flight steward was always there when we turned round to need assistance.
I quickly changed into the offered sleep suit and my clothes put way for me in order that I could enjoy the sparkling stuff offered[;)]
Push back was at 9.10, however a baggage tally problem left us on the taxiway for another hour so take off was not until 10.20. A combination of an extremely long day, an extended Clubhouse stay and the ground delay combined to make me ask for one glass of port before hitting the land of nod.
During the flight, Mrs Buns received her IFBT and gave this full marks. Just like magic, as soon as I awoke, the steward was there to offer breakfast and I chose the full works and soon after I changed back into normality as we began our descent.
The remote stand position remains and premium pax were taken in a separate bus to the terminal. Fast track was anything but, with only one desk open, but this did not detract from being at the carrousel to greet our bags and soon afterwards we were being whisked to the Hilton Dubai Creek by Audi A8.
To summarise, and reflect the Questionnaire I was handed on board, Good Check in, Excellent Clubhouse and excellent Crew (given that the hours delay, I was not too fussed by the absence of a visit by the FSM) but, interestingly enough, the Questionnaire when asking about boarding enables a 'Terrible' marking - I will leave you to imagine whether I chose that box[}:)]
buns
