This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
The car service arrived on time in my remote, rural corner of western New Jersey, no small feat in itself. Check-in was painless and on to the EWR Clubhouse. I really didn't know what to expect as opposed to the Continental President's Club with which I am familiar. The greeting was pleasant and a brief tour was offered but declined. Making my way to the breakfast area I noted that despite the early hour (0545) I was not alone. Several other singles as well as a few families were present. Breakfast was acceptable, but not anything not found on thousands of breakfast buffets anywhere. The bar was open but not manned; not a problem as I really needed my morning tea to wake up anyway. The room appeared a tad worn, but I have not seen it before so it may be a room in transition.
Boarding through the security line was a non-event and a warm smile from the FA greeted me and showed me to 6A (one of the most inviting smiles I have ever seen anywhere. They should package that!). She immediately offered a morning wake up drink, so I requested the customary Mimosa. Following an on-time departure the FA showed me through the tricks of the trade of the Pod. A note here: not having flown in a Pod previously I was rather surprised at how isolated one is. I do not have any form of claustrophobia but imagine the enclosed feeling could be an issue for others.
Enroute to LHR the attention was just right - always available but not annoying. The entertainment was functioning fine, but nothing enticed me. A good novel helped pass the hours. The food was honestly not as I had hoped. I chose the braised short ribs for my entrée. They were rather overdone and not too tasty. The sticky toffee, however, was worth waiting for.
Arrival into LHR was pretty well as scheduled, security a simple pass through the express line and on to the baggage hall. My bags arrived rather promptly but my co-worker had one of his two bags left at EWR. Sorting that out took the better part of two hours so our expedited departure through the masses was to no avail.
One glaring oversight was the cleanliness of the aircraft, or rather, lack thereof. Crumbs of food were all over the seat, the area behind the entertainment screen was filthy with spilled liquid and food morsels. Not a very good impression left there.
I'm undecided but suspect I prefer the traditional large sleeper first class seats to the pods. Perhaps VA would consider making a section configured as such optionally available. But then, maybe it is just me.
It was wonderful to arrive in the UK, albeit for a business trip. The weekend was spent in beautiful Cardiff with a personal grand tour from our very own DragonLady. One would be hard pressed to figure out the source of that pseudonym - DL is a classy, wonderful and beautiful lady. Her company was greatly enjoyed!
I will post the also past-due TR for the return from LHR to EWR shortly.
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The isolation of the pod style suite doesn't bother me - I rather like it's privacy. My mother likens it however, to being in a coffin 
