This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
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I have been a fan of the site for ages, and been a voyeur of all the trip reports, so figured it was about time that I took the plunge, joined up, and submitted my first trip report - so here goes...........
After reading on the forum about the 'invitation only' use of the Upper Class drive thru wing, I was hoping that I would get the magic email. And, sure enough, a few days beforehand - it popped into my inbox. So, called up, gave all the required details (they stop at asking for the drivers inside leg measurement!) - and it all worked like a dream. This is a real bonus, being able to bypass the terminal completely, so was in heaven, sorry, The Clubhouse, within ten minutes of pulling up. The Clubhouse was packed! What recession! I had emailed a week previously to book a haircut, but no luck, so before even dropping my bag at the cloakroom, I scooted over to Bumble & Bumble, and after some mouse clicking and paper shuffling, I was in - hurrah! The lady after me (who went through UC security just ahead of me) was a little peed off that I got the last appointment. She made the fatal mistake of checking her bag at the cloakroom first. Ha ha ha (cue evil laugh). Anyway, Clubhouse was as great as always - I had a lovely sausage sandwich (I know Eggs benedict seems to be de rigeur in the forum, but I don't eat eggs, so that's a no go for me), and then popped out to do some shopping. Back for a haircut, enough time for a couple of Pear Bellini's at the bar,before heading off the get the flight. And this is where it gets exciting. Or glamorous, rather. Just as I was heading to the gate, I saw someone ahead of me, who had photographers jump out at them. Who could it be? Male, slim, bit of a cocky swagger. As I caught up I could got a glimpse: Jude Law. A frisson on excitement rippled through the crowd as he was whisked right through the lines and onto the plane - the women were swooning, and the men pretended not to be impressed! The line was long, and only divided actually at the desk, so it took ages to get through and into the UC line. Probably the most disorganized boarding I've ever experienced. It would have been sensible to have the signs further down the hallway, as the gate was in a corner. Anyway - soon on. Not greeted by name, but with a smile. Next best thing! I made my way to my seat - ground floor and in the nose - I was the third from the front (don;t like those two front seats they feel claustrophobic to me), And lo and behold, who would be sitting two seats away, right in the nose - Jude. Not one to ignore the elephant in the room, I introduced myself and said hi, commented on the photographers. We had a little chat, and as I made my way back to my seat, found the other passengers who were around staring at me!
So, we took off, albeit a little late. My seat looked like it had seen some real action - on the topping point of becoming filthy. VA really need to look at doing a revamp of some seats, mine was seriously below par. Drinks after takeoff, although I don't understand why the bellini mix isn't available anymore - I used to really enjoy those. The microscopic dishes of crisps were offered - so I changed to the cabin crews 'crisps OR rice crackers' to an AND, and enjoyed both! The FSM was around, but I don't recall him coming round with the bowl of goodies. I'd never been on board with a serious celebrity before (lots of Z lister, and passengers who think they're celebrities!), and it was interesting (and goo) to see that the crew didn't give Jude any special attention (apart from a little mild flirting from one of the female cabin crew) and the fact he was whisked off the plane before everyone else (although that didn't get him through immigration quicker, or make his baggage some through the carousel any quicker as he stood with the rest of us later on!).
I always look forward to lunch/dinner during the flight but was sorely disappointed. It was the new Autumn menu, and I chose the beef olives. They were quite horrid -Javascript:insertsmilie('[:$]') - overcooked and dry, and with little sauce to soften them up. The soup was watery, and is it me, or are those bowls getting smaller?!? Cheese and biscuits rather than dessert, and skipped the wine - as I'd had a few drinks, and had to drive when I got to JFK. he annoying thing was that my VPort wasn't working, and had to be rebooted. 30 minutes (and no attention from cabin crew to see how it was doing), nothing - still dead. I raised it, and it was rebooted for a second time. Fifteen minutes later and I was up and running. Watched a movie (The Hangover - fab!), got the MacBook out, did a bit of work, watched a DVD etc. The flight went really fast. The crew were great with bringing round drinks, and a few tea rounds before the afternoon tea was served (which was miles better than the main meal).
All in all a good flight, bar the boarding debarcle, but that was soon forgotten once in the air. I flew the route in BA Club World a few months ago (for work, not my choice ;-) ) and it was good to fly their new 'improved' seat - but it can't hold a candle to Upper Class. Javascript:insertsmilie('[y]')
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