VS200 LHR-SYD 26 Sep 08 (Upper)

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin

Ground Staff

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Cabin Crew

Firstly fellow V-flyers my humble apologies in the lateness of this report - my excuse I have been enjoying my first ever trip to Australia and the tour-a-rama immensely

So to the VS200 flight to Sydney. One word can sum it up nicely - EXCELLENT

From the CDC pick up to the change of Crew at HKG everything was seamless.

I hadn't experienced the new CDC drive through check in so was most pleased to be doing so - really is quite a start to the trip. There I was greeted by a very nice chap with boarding card who needed to check a few things - including had I the medication with me in my hand luggage in case of food allergy and a big 'welcome back' I was really impressed to this attention to detail.

Quickly through security (fabulous) and then onto the Clubhouse where again greeted by a very chirpy lady who gave me a guided tour and told me to enjoy the next five hours before my flight left with a nod and a wink.

To the bar where fellow v-flyer daharris was and we tucked into the champagne supply and rather generous refilling by the humourous bar staff. Good conversation ensued and then it was time for a quick tour of T3 shops, before returning to bid farewell to DA and hello to din dins in the CH. A fantastic Leek and Potato Soup, Burger and Sticky Toffee Pud (to die for) with some wine to wash it down and a nicely contented tum.

The Syd flight was called and a long walk down to the gate. No UC line as such but when I told the security check I was quickly whisked to one side and onto the plane - a very nice touch.

Into seat 10A and a full UC. However, the personal service was not lacking from the flight crew (although no site of FSM until brekkie... weird). The girl looking after our section was a fantastic Sydneyer and fellow row A'ers were a right hoot - we all made good friends and were all heading to SYD directly. We had time for 2 champagnes pre departure, and I must confess I was feeling tired. The menu looked fantastic - duck spring rolls, steak and ale pie with greens and mash and a raspberry dessert. I ordered those for later and decided to get my head down.

6 hours later, same flight attendant was waking me up and telling me my lunch was ready. She suggested having it at the bar whilst others slept and chat ensued. Some great tips for Sydney and other destinations I was travelling to.

Back to my seat for a movie and then it was brekkie time (a bit weird I felt as the plane lands in the evening - would have thought afternoon tea would be more appropriate) and some nice fresh fruit and a bacon roll.

Landed at HKG and flight attendent knew I wanted a shower and gave me a tip. All I can say was from seat 10A I was first off the plane, through security and up to the CH at HKG within 10mins.

Straight to a welcoming shower and a quick change. The staff at CH were delightful and asked everyone to be considerate with their time in the shower, which I thought was a good touch. Everyone who wanted a shower got one.

Time to re-board and again onto a full plane. FSM was highly visible chatted with each customer directly and asked about my food allergns. He hinted that I should take my special menu on this sector, and all I can say was I was very glad that I did!! A fantastic meal of pork dumplings and chicken with rice and veggies ensued. Others did not look so happy. Again the cabin crew were great and again we were being looked after by an aussie girl who was charming and had heard how well behaved we had been by the other stewardess and it seemed that we were looked after better than other pax.

Time for more sleep and then another film. Brekkie again at 5am and all too soon time for landing. For a flight I had been worried about time-wise I had the most enjoyable and pleasant flight. The highlight had to be coming in over the harbour bridge in Sydney - wow!

As we landed at SYD we were given fast pass cards which worked really well through immigration very quickly and by passed quarantine altogether! CDC man was waiting for me and a very quick transfer to the Marriott at Circular Quay

I really hope that the crew are reading this at some point as they were superb and a credit to VA - in fact the best crew I have flown with.

Looking forward to the return

Baloobear many thanks for the TR I am saving up to do the LHR-SYD next year in UC , it sounds wonderful from start to finish I presume Australia is living up to your expectations ? Have a great trip and return journey.

Jurgen and Sue

[HighFlyer]

A great read, and alsp quite reassuring for those of us, like myself, who dont think they'll fare well on the lengthy direct SYD flights. Glad the experience was a wonderful one!

Thanks,
Sarah

Thanks for the TR. Glad you enjoyed your flights, and the dash for the showers [:)]

Hope the holiday was all you were hoping it would be.

Thanks all for your comments - cant believe I was on the plane for circa 23 hours - certainly didn't feel like it!!

Here's hoping that those partaking in the SYD route direct also enjoy the same level of service that I did.

Thanks for a much enjoyed TR would love to travel to sydney, just need an aexcuse!

cheers
alex

Loved the TR, I really identify with your sentiments and always look forward to the trip. Glad you had such a good flight and no need to ask if you enjoyed Sydney as it's such an amazing place.

Glad you're having a great time. The six hours sleep probably helped you feel less fatigued.I struggle to sleep at all on board, and found the journey exhausting in one schlep(even in UC). Glad you managed to get a shower in HKG. It's a nice CH with equally pleasant and helpful staff. As reported previously a judicous sprint is called for when disembarking.Hope the retun trip is as good.
DL

[buns]

I am in awe of your stamina in seeing through the journey with only the short break in HKG[:w]
I agree the Drive Through is something that has to be seen to be believed and I regret to say that once experienced, it is something that makes you want to become reckless with your funds in the future[B)]

Great to see that you were looked after by the crew on both sectors[y]

thanks once again

buns

Sounds like my crew I had on my HKG/SYD they were just fantastic. They were great on the way back too.

Enjoy SYD, it is a great city (if I do say so myself!) Can't wait to get home, will start my count down soon!

Dominic [:D]

I enjoyed this TR!

GJ

Glad it has given everyone a good read - just to add that the HKG clubhouse are now really good at ensuring everyone who wants a shower gets one - they are asking all pax to be as quick as possible to minimise inconvenience to other travellers - nice touch.

Will be interesting to see how the route changes as VA has now closed the Sydney base for staff and are shortening crew time in HKG as well - much to the dismay of the crew - looks like there will be some tired crew on the way back from HKG if the plans are put into place. Would be a great shame.