This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Decided to blow some points and stay at the Hilton Gatwick the night before, had a few palpitations when I walked into the Lobby to find quite a number of VS PAX checking in and a sign on the counter saying (Virgin Atlantic Delayed Passengers please check in here), now reading other posters I understand the issue. Up to the Exec lounge which was empty, checked in and had a good rest.
Wondered down about 8ish to the UC check in area, economy was about half full PE 4 couples and UC was empty so seen straight away, all questions answered by a very helpful lady, bags tagged and boarding card issued then directed to the Premium lane upstairs. Again completely empty so straight through with Laptop and I pad out no issues wished a nice day and onto the Clubhouse. So from check in to Lounge in just under 12 mins.
Welcomed back to the clubhouse and what a little gem this place is, ok not the flagship LHR gaff but I prefer the intimacy and service here. Seated by the ramp, eggs Benedict, OJ and Lanson ordered and fox was happy as can be. Didn’t fancy any treatments today but did allow my shoes some so as they were having a full MOT I enjoyed reading the Sunday papers in again a very quite clubhouse at its peak I would say there were 15 PAX and then about 6 VS Staffers who were going on a jolly. Time flew by and we were advised boarding had commenced and to make our way to gate 17 were I think Ladybird was waiting.
Priority boarding was in effect with most of the PE and Economy PAX boarded so straight on coat taken, champagne greatly received and seat inspected and adjusted. I just love the original UCS and was one of the reasons I chose West Coast as this old and trusted seat was almost guaranteed. This in fact will probably be my last flight on VS metal as have fully moved over to the dark side for both work and more recently pleasure flights. I really do not like the new UCDS coupled with the cramped cabin feel just makes the flight and experience non enjoyable.
Anyway back to VS43 all PAX boarded FSM came around and introduced herself and I could tell immediately that this was going to be a good flight. Upper and PE was full with about 100 spare seats down the back. The captain during his announcement made reference to the lack of 3 crew today and apologised in advance if the service was going to be impacted but the choice was fly with 3 down or cancel the flight. After reading the post on the BGI mess and seeing the number of delayed PAX in the Hilton the night before I for one would not grumble.
Captain advised a flight time of 9 hours and 45 mins and commented on an unusual tailwind that meant the flight would do well in transit. Manual demonstration and IFE was turned on (note you cannot use your own headset until after takeoff). Shortly after we were released from our seats hot towels and drinks and food order taken. I went for the Ham Hock starter, Beef main and salted caramel chocolate pudding which was all delicious and served with a smile. Then the cheese trolley did the round which is my favourite part, nice glass of port and watch a movie. About 6 hours in Hagen Das ice cream was served and throughout the flight was asked if they could get any more drinks or snacks so if there was a decrease in service was not apparent in the J cabin. High tea time and was a little peckish but every time without fail on this part of the service the bread on the sandwiches is starting to go hard, a bit like you when you order catering for a business lunch at work from M&S, the sandwich platter arrives at 11.30 for a 12.00 working lunch, there lovely but after the 1 hour lunch you take one more for the road and its dry and inedible. So VS although I love sandwiches I personally don’t think they work so long into a flight another savoury choice say mini pork pies, Cornish pasties or the like would be much better! The High Tea part of the service on the menu made reference to Wimbledon and that Strawberries and dipping chocolate would be served but I did not see this, assume due to lack of staff this would be labour intensive to set up so was not an issue for me. The rest of the flight was uneventful with some light chop experienced over Salt Lake City, didn’t manage any sleep but was not in the mood to bed down.
First officer made an announcement about 40 mins prior to landing into LAX.... he later apologised! And advised PAX on the right hand side that we would get a great view of the strip. After touchdown the captain announced that the temperature was 115 and rising and asked all PAX to shut window blinds to aid keeping the plane cool and asked us to prepare for long delays in the immigration hall.
So off we went to and I kid you not an entirely deserted immigration hall I was second off and was seen immediately welcomed back to the US by a very friendly officer who had some great customer service. Bags took about 10 mins to come off but again not long at all and it was through customs and onward to hotel. So from setting foot of the aircraft to entering my hotel room took just under 60 mins.
Overall this was a great VS experience for me, the check in, club house and attentive cabin crew really made part 1 of this journey a pleasure. Now how to deal with the furnace that is Vegas!
