This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
I arrived on time from Phoenix, via US Airways. Their lounge at Gate 29, has to be one of the smallest I have been in, although I think Virgin's shared lounge in Jamaica probably has the award.
There is some refurbishment going on at LAX, so I went round in circles and eventually got through to the check in, where I got my boarding pass and invitation to the lounge.
Security was pretty good, not the usual bun fight and delays I have experienced in the past.
I had forgotten that there are practically no shops airside so went to the lounge to shower, surf and eat. The food chouces were basically cold meats and cheese. In the past Air NZ had done hot food, not while I was there they did n't.
Boarding was about 30 minutes late due to the late inbound aircraft, and we were called at around 17:30. I went straight down to find the check in area be-seiged with passengers, and other Upper travellers could n't find their way through. I suspect the gate agents knew that the lounge guests were on their way down, as they quickly beat a path to the boarding agents, I did n't look up in case the other passengers were scowling.
Was met at the door by someone who also did n't know where 2D was (Read my SFO outbound TR for the first occurrence) and I made my way to the pointy bit. Seat 2D is great, no overhead bin, and a huge wardrobe to put your carryon in !
I was quickly followed by another passenger who was seperated from his wife, who I vaguely recognised but could n't place him until the morning, I thought it was a certain judge from a popular US Dancing show, although I was n't sure.
I had a pre-flight glass of fizz, and we pushed back 30 minutes later than planned, and quickly were off to the UK, with a 10 hour flight time and a lady driver, we were on schedule for a 12:30pm landing.
Food took an absolute age to get served, it was nearer 2 hours by the time the main course arrived. The starter was a very nice crab meat showder in a bread bowl, and I went for the Beef with green beans and carrots and roasted potatoes. It was n't bad. It was followed by a nice lemon tart with raspberry sauce.
I know it took ages to be fed and the tray to be collected, because I watched half a Top Gear on the iPad and 2012, which is 2 hours and 30 minutes. The film finished just as I had my tray taken away.
What also was a bit strange was the fact that there were two people bedded down in the front of the plane, in the galley area. They had had dinner at the In Flight Beauty Treatment table, and then some upper class duvets on the floor. At the end of the flight, the girl went back to Y, not sure where the guy went. I suspect one or both of them were Virgin staff on personal travel.
We had a few bumpy bits, and I did get some sleep, waking an hour before landing, and ordering the Muesli (not to my taste) and fresh fruit with the yoghurt (not to my taste) and an Apple Juice (not to my taste).
We came straight in, and landed 30 minutes late, but no stand, so we had to wait for 10 minutes. We then were given a stand, everyone got up, and then were told that there were no Virgin ground crew to operate the jetway just yet so we had to wait.
The Captain told us the wait would be a short one, and it was, she also said the first office was very pleased at his landing, and hoped everyone else appreciated the smooth job he did.
Finally L2 was open, and then we were off, or actually we were not, because the man in front of me had lost his suit carrier, and was hunting in an empty cabinet, and by the time I got nearer to the end of the cabin, there was a steady stream of PE/Y passengers heading off.
I was a little shocked, as I had just been confronted by a large black man in his boxers, as he had decided to change his sleep suit in the cabin.
A quick walk and I was back with the other Upper passengers, and walking behind the person who I thought looked a little like a judge on a popular dancing show in the US, and I think I was right, as when the Heathrow press were waiting, they gave him a nod as he walked past.
Both Iris machines were working. And I was down in a flash and with carryon only, I was away into the arrivals hall. I should have picked up some Pimms as my wife had started on it already and we were down to the last half of the bottle, but I was mized up on the prices. I'll just have to grab some on the next trip.
In Summary
The FSM was visible but did n't visit everyone, he did the wine service, and as I don't do alcohol in flight on a work trip he did n't stop at my seat. The flight was full in J.
No welcome back / recognition of Au status. The service was average. The girl serving me had the same name as the one on the outbound flight. The Virgin Coffin is just too narrow to be comfortable in a seated position, and I am fairly slim.
This trip/flight was a turning point for me. I have now come to the conclusion that renewing Au status is not worth it. And I will renew it for this year, as I only have 1 more trip planned, and that will secure the missing 10 points.
The other carriers do the in flight service better in Business, even their non-flat seats are more comfortable, their recognition of their loyal customers and the food is often better.
I retained Au status since 2006 mainly for the LHR Clubhouse and in the belief it actually meant something on board. The changes to the Club House, and the fact that being an Au FC member does not appear to have made any differnce to my travel over the years, I plan to focus on the Star Alliance airlines.
Virgin has a very good reputation amongst the US people I met atthe conference I was at in Phoenix, but I think it's trading on past experiences and service levels.
that sounded a rant. Sorry. Your TR 
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