This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
East Coast won my business instead of Grand Central because of lower fares and my journey to London Kings Cross took a little over 2hrs with a rather nice afternoon tea enjoyed to fill the time. A dash across London on the Underground and the Gatwick Express had me arriving into the Hilton just over an hour after getting into Kings Cross which was not bad at all....
The Hilton was very busy when checking in but a nice little upgrade later I was sitting drinking my first glass of wine in the executive lounge which I know some of you really like. It did get busy but a nice selection of hot and cold snack food and free drinks until 9pm......
Next morning I received a text to confirm my flight was delayed 40mins and Gatwick was very foggy too. Headed across to the airport around 830am. The UC area was empty and I was processed quickly. The delay was confirmed too and I was off through the premium security area.
Arrived to smiling faces and a personal welcome from the CH manager just before 9am. A Clubhouse breakfast was quickly ordered with some bubbles and enjoyable it was too. As always the CH was fantastic, service was top notch and lovely throughout.
Through the morning I also enjoyed the hot-dog too and few more drinks and had a shave which I was lucky to be able to book in advance.
The first boarding call came at 1245 and I wandered down to the gate which was still very busy and general boarding was very much underway. Rather than pushing myself through I joined the line and it moved quickly.
Once on board it was clear to see it was going to be a busy flight, in fact 451 passengers with 18 crew. UC was solid and the CSS was an acting up senior CC member who was friendly and efficient but seemed a little shy. No names used which is the norm now
The FSM was very visible and involved herself in the service in UC throughout and was friendly and chatty though no welcome back for me this time...
Champagne was offered before departure with newspapers and magazines. The amenity kit and headphones were on the ottoman with a bottle of water in its holder.
Pushed back at 1343 with an apology from the Captain for the delay which was caused by the aircraft arriving late from LAS. Take off was at 1402 and a flight time of 8hrs43mins promised.
The service soon got going with hot towels and drink orders which were dispatched with crisps and refilled too without any fuss. Menus were handed out by the FSM.
Tables were laid for a late lunch at 1500 and wine, water and bread were regularly offered and topped up without asking. I enjoyed the Leek and Potato soup, Herb-crumbed fillet of British beef which was huge and tasty.
Dessert of Cherry sponge pudding with custard was divine....
The cheese trolley came around and enjoyed by most in the cabin with large glasses of port too..........
Then it was time to settle down to enjoy the IFE which was very good. I'm a big fan of Vera Touch.
Drinks and snacks from the graze basket were regularly offered, had a drink at the bar later in the flight and went for a little walk around the aircraft.
Afternoon tea was offered about 1.5hrs out from Orlando and the mix of sandwiches, cakes and clotted cream warm scones were welcome. Also offered were the graze options too of the gourmet beef burger, Hoisin chicken skewers or falafel.
With the cabin secure, love-hearts and hot towels were offered and I secured a large bottle of water to take with me.
We touched down at 1735 and a slow taxi to Gate 83 helped reduce the lines at immigration from the Manchester flight which had arrived 15mins before us.
A good solid slight with a friendly and efficient crew on what was a very busy flight.
Jon
