This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
So taxi arrived at 7am and off we went to LGW. With all the road works between Worthing and the airport even the driver was warning it might take longer than the usual 35-40 minutes. However, with a combination of back roads and rat runs he made it in 30 mins.
Made our way to zone A and we were surprised that since May the VS layout had changed. The old UC and PE check in areas are now easy jet (I think) and all of the VS desks are now along the left wall. The UC check in area was spacious and relaxed. Three or four agents waiting so no delay at all. Very friendly and welcoming. Advised that the flight was running 50 minutes late. Very apologetic but not a problem, more time in the CH. having handed over our cases I was a bit surprised that someone had to carry the bags about 20 yards to the luggage belt. The whole area was very nice with flowers and space to move around. Made our way to the premier security lane and despite a small line only a five minute wait. Followed the signs to the CH with much excitement. As we normally travel PE we would usually end up in Frankie & Bennys for breakfast, but not today. Greeted by a very friendly lady at reception who welcomed us in and as we were first timers explained how everything worked. Very quiet in the CH so we settled into two seats by the window and ordered two lattes and brunch for two. Very relaxed atmosphere, something we are not used to the departures area. The breakfast was excellent and we then spent some time exploring the rest of the clubhouse. As we have not experienced this before we really appreciated how relaxed it all felt and the service was very personal and attentive. We enjoyed some pastries and more lattes read a couple or the papers and I checked out the wifi. We had arrived at just after 8 and it was quiet but by 9 it was starting to get busy but made very little difference to the level of service. Frequent visits by staff checking that everything was ok. The only issue everyone had was the temperature. It was really cold. The AC seemed to be working overtime. Everyone was asking why it was so cold and we were told that the AC was outside their control but it was being looked at! So break out the portable heaters! Three or four units scattered around did the trick. Had a quick trip down to duty free then back for another latte. We were told that boarding would start around 11.40 so we waited until the really helpful monitor by reception gave us the details of the gate etc.
We made our way to gate 19 and straight through the priority boarding gate. Small line on the air bridge but we were so relaxed by now it did not seem to matter today. Turned left and made our way to 7a-k. Greeted and offered some bubbly followed by the newbie guide to all things UC. Only two other people in the cabin to start, two Americans on their way back to Jacksonville after a week in London. No overhead storage for rows 6-7 so used some space by row 8. Very nice and relaxed in the cabin. Very impressed with the seats. Being able to stretch out, I'm 6.1, is nice. The ottoman is handy for visits to Mrs Mac across the way!
Everything worked ok, table, shelf, monitor and all the seat adjustments. Announcements confirmed delay from 11.40 to 12.40 and flight time of 9hrs plus! Pushed back at 12.45 and wheels up at 13.00. Four empty seats in the cabin and no little ones to 'entertain' us during the flight! I opted for a couple of Gentleman jacks ice and slice with diet coke for pre dinner drinks! We chose the leek and potato soup with warm bread and herb crusted filet of beef. Table service worked very well and the food was good. I had fresh fruit with cheese selection and Mrs Mac had a chocolate pudding type thing. Settled down to watch a movie then some season 2 Veep episodes.
Started to doze so thought I would try the bed. Very nice and managed to get some sleep. Bed was a bit firm for me but it was a real novelty being able to lie down. CC were attentive with drinks offered and crisps refilled without any prompting. Very smooth flight using the south of Greenland east coast route. Had a fantastic view of New York from 38k feet. As I am a diabetic I opted for the burger from the graze menu instead of the afternoon tea. The burger was really nice, so good I had a second one! Mrs Mac enjoyed her sandwiches and cakes. The flight seemed a really short 9 hours, we were having some fun, but we were on our final approach into Orlando. Landed at 18.00 local and thoughts of lines waiting for us at immigration. Cabin announcement about order of leaving the plane, front to back so we emerged with only 40 or so people in front of us. No line at immigration so straight through and our bags were waiting for us. No line at customs so up to the shuttle and over to Alamo on A side. Already used OLCI for Alamo so we picked out our Midsize SUV and we were on the road by 18.45. All in all a perfect trip with nothing at all to complain about. Our first, and probably last, UC experience was everything we could have hoped for and going back to PE might be a problem. Return TR to follow.
in my defence I have to drive when we get to Florida so Mrs Mac has convinced me (on pain of death) to moderate my alcohol intake. It's either before we get on the plane or during the early part of the flight. Opted for two heavy handed Gentleman Jacks in the first hour of the flight this time. Maybe next time 
