This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Check in agent was very friendly and chatty and checked us through to Manchester and gave us our lounge invite and off to security we went. No lines downstairs and we got to 'jump' the queue upstairs. But to no avail. How the US manages to make function is completely beyond me. Sheer chaos and confusion all around. Eventually we made it airside and up to the Air New Zealand lounge, which was quite busy as their NZ2 was late.
Watched the planes take off and land for to while away the time, also had some nibbles and refreshments. Eventually the VS8 was called and we headed down to the gate and into what was to be a full UC cabin. Welcomed on board and indicated to turn left. No hello Mr L, nothing zilch nadda. On VA everytime I board I am welcomed by name, as are most passengers, and those with status get a welcome back too. How hard is it to read the name out - it makes a difference!
The glitz of the spotlights on the reflective stripe, the red lit ottomans and magazine slot made it all look very cool. But this is where the magic stopped. On previous flights in UC (twice only) the cc have come round and welcomed the passengers, asked if they had flown UC before and explained how the seat worked etc and offered a drink.
I am probably going against popular opinion here but I am not a fan of the suite. I much prefer forward facing seats - I know someone gets trapped by the window - but your feet don't get bumped into during the night and when seated there 'appears' to more room at the shoulder.
Sleep suits were on the bassinet position opposite and were being rummaged through like a bargain bin in a sale - somewhat cheapens the product - by the passengers. Why not get the CC to offer and deliver them rather than self service. CC did come through with a tray of drinks and handed them out again why not ask first. Struggled to get the glass of fizz to sit flat on the side table with it being in the Marie Antoinette style.
Safety demo started and I popped my screen out to watch it - didn't notice anyone else doing this - so I assumed the crew weren't bothered if UC watched. Take of was uneventful and a flight time of a quick 9h20m was announced.
As drinks orders were taken the CC introduced herself and said she would be back for the dinners order later. Wine duly appeared along with some crisps - and was duly emptied. Dinner orders taken - trio of smoked salmon, udon noodles, bread and butter pudding and cheese all consumed and nice they all were too. No complaints from me with the catering. Drink's refills were offered regularly.
After dinner we went up to the bar and had a couple of cups of tea, the OH had a couple of drinks, had a nice chat with one the CC. Retired to bed and woke - not sure if I actually slept - around 3.5 hours out from LHR. Changed my bed back and got dressed and asked for a coffee. Breakfast was served and was fine as I elected not to have the eggs. After breakfast I asked if landing cards were still needed for non UK passports, travelling on my Aussie one, and there was flurry of activity and these were then offered to all passengers.
Landed very early, into Gatwick I think it was, judging by the walk to the main terminal building! Where we followed the signs to flight connections, I think the bus stop is at Luton, for the transfer to T1. I jest but the distances involved are ridiculous.
All up an OK flight. There was none of the flair and personal service I experienced back in 2007 between SYD and HKG. There was nothing to complain about - it was just ordinary. I have been privileged to fly business class quite a few times, on a number of airlines, and what makes a flight stand out is being made to feel special - not just one of the crowd - this is the bit that doesn't actually cost anything but in my opinion is the deal breaker between OK and excellent.
Rob
