#261565 by Guest
10 Dec 2009, 16:50
10 Dec 2009, 16:50
This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
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We set off in a very packed car mid-morning for a 2.5 hour trip to some relatives where we abandoned the car and got picked up by Tristar. This meant we avoided the hassle of trying to get 2 year old, buggy and seemingly most of our worldly possessions onto a bus at terminal 3 and also meant we could have a drink on the return flight[y].
Our driver told us that we had been invited to use drive-thru check-in news to me but still exciting until we reached the entrance. VS advised we were not eligible and asked the driver to proceed through the barrier and immediately turn right to get back to the drop off point. He didnt hear and our Volvo estate then got stuck between barrier and bollard with no access to the inter-com! After what seemed like a 48 point turn we made it to departures, strapped junior into the buggy and trekked off to check-in.
The check-in area was deserted and we were seen straight away. Our pre-booked seats were confirmed and we were in the lift to the security channel in no time.
The security channel was empty but a bit of a palaver. Junior had to come out of the buggy which had to be x-rayed along with everything else including George. Now, in my world, everyone knows George hes Peppa pigs little brother, and the beany version of George never leaves my sons side. Stupidly I asked the operator if George needed to go through she just smiled and said no, and then asked if the piggy could go through. I hope she realised that my son's name is not George! Oh the confusion! Fortunately, junior thought this was the perfect opportunity to hurl George at the machine, and he made his way along the conveyorbelt (George that is). The queue for the normal security channel looked horrific so already we were feeling the benefits of UC.
We went straight to the clubhouse (we had asked for directions at check-in or we could still be wandering round there now) and after a (very) brief summary of the facilities by the lady on reception we settled down in the seats immediately outside the playroom. The clubhouse was very quiet and junior had the playroom to himself the entire time we were there. As we settled down for our first champagne of the day, my husband stated that we were never travelling another way. Hmmmm. I have to agree with other travellers on the playroom though. It was lovely to have this space and to keep our monster away from people who were working but all the toys were broken or had bits missing. There is only so long you can keep a 2 year old amused with naff toys. Fortunately there was a 747 parked up outside so every 10 minutes he scrambled up to the window and shouted big plane there which seemed to keep him amused.
We ordered food (and for the record, the clubhouse do have highchairs and offer childrens meals despite what I was told by customer services). I had the Steak and Ale pie, hubbie had the burger and Junior a pizza followed by ice-cream which became the first of many new words that week!
I then toddled off for my treatment and became all smug as I heard the 2 people in front of me being turned away as they didnt have an appointment. I gave my details and was politely informed that there was no record of my booking and they were full. I stood my ground and pointed out that I had received a confirmation email and the receptionist asked if I was sure! What was I going to say ah no I must have dreamt it. She ummed and ahhed and tapped away and eventually found the email it seems they just hadnt written the appointment down maybe this happens a lot and is why they are no longer taking bookings? Anyway I was eventually seen and the lovely hairdresser told me he had all the time in the world and earned himself a very nice tip.
We then made our way to the gate and were told that we could take the buggy on board. Excellent news, although I had recently forked out for a buggy travel bag to stop it getting damaged in the hold[:(]. Lady Luck was waiting for us and boarding started just after we got to the gate. Unfortunately, all boarding was via the very front door so it was suggested that PE and UC passengers wait although they were welcome to board at any time. We decided to wait to avoid getting in the way and to try to keep junior occupied before he flipped out. It was 2 hours past his bedtime and he had not slept well during the day.
We eventually boarded (disappointed that we didnt get to turn left) into 3A, 4A and 4D and felt as if the whole cabin stopped to watch us. The child seat was not in place despite being confirmed at check in so we had to wait for it to be fitted. Drinks were offered and juniors milk went off to be warmed. We had time to get junior ready for bed and into his Grobag before we pushed back. I stayed on the ottoman for much of the taxi and then moved to my seat ready for take off. I apologised to the gentleman in 2A in advance of any disturbance explaining that junior had not flown before so this was a bit of the unknown for us. The man was lovely and explained that he had 2 young children that he had travelled with and we werent to worry.
My son barely noticed take off as he was happy devouring his milk and as soon as the seat belt lights were off we got his seat removed and settled him down. I had to lay with him and ended up singing twinkle twinkle but he nodded off almost instantly. Not sure what that says about my singing The FSM came round during this offering the basket of goodies and my husband did me proud in collecting as much stuff as he could.
The crew were all lovely and had made a huge fuss of my son when we boarded they were all really lovely and although we didnt see much of them as it was a GNF, when we did see them nothing was too much trouble[^].
Hubbie and I both opted for the night cap and turn down but spent the rest of the flight unable to slepp despite drinking plenty of port to knock us out. I kept checking on junior but he was soundo except for the moment when his dad decided to steal his pillow!! Dad still maintains he was worried that junior would end up with a crick in his neck.
Breakfast was uneventful the plane was still dark so they could have served me anything. We had to wake junior for landing which he was not happy about and he got a bit distressed during descent mainly because he dropped George but also because he was still a couple of hours short of a full night sleep.
We stumbled off the plane, carrying 2 year old, buggy, buggy bag, and copious amounts of hand luggage but very quickly made our way though the airport to be met by our driver for the journey to the Jumeirah Beach. It was only at this point that I realised Junior had never got his breakfast or a K-id pack[:(!].
The trip overall had been lovely. Despite a blip at the clubhouse, Virgin had done themselves proud and we were already wondering how we could get enough miles together for the next trip[:w].
