This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
So after a very enjoyable but hectic two weeks in Japan it was time to head back home to England.
OLCI attempted at T24 but wasn’t available, so had to check in at the airport
Arrived early at NRT but unable to check in until exactly 3 hours before the flight. Check in was prompt though as there was no queue for Upper Class. The agent at check in was very friendly and asked about my holiday whilst sorting out the luggage tags. There was also a member of staff who lifted my cases onto the scales for me- something that never happens in the UK! 
I was given a clubhouse invitation and informed of its location before heading through security.I was excited to see the NRT clubhouse but knew it would be a lot smaller as there is only one flight a day. It’s amazing that VS have decided to drop this route, considering the presence of the clubhouse and the fact that both flights I took to/from NRT were full (in the middle of the week!).
I had a rather interesting experience at the clubhouse, where I was informed that I wasn’t entitled to entry due to my miles upgrade ticket. However, since the check in agent had given me an invitation (apparently she was wrong to do so) they would let me in as a special case. I knew this was wrong, but decided not to argue as I was being allowed in
After being shown to a seat and offered a drink, the Clubhouse agent who informed me I wasn’t technically allowed in came rushing over to apologise as she realised she had been wrong. She explained that I was allowed in (with a guest) and that she had made a mistake. She looked extremely embarrassed about the whole situation so I assume she was new and had made a genuine mistake.No harm done, so I ordered breakfast (eggs florentine) and settled in with a cup of tea and a glass of champagne. It’s an interesting clubhouse at NRT- very small, so no real bar to order from. However, the staff were very attentive and continuously checked if anyone needed more drinks or food. I had another glass of champagne before making my way to the gate (conveniently next door!) to board early. On my way out, the agent who had made the earlier mistake greeted me by name and apologised again for giving me the wrong information- there was no need to but it was nice to know that they really care about customer service there
Upper class was already boarding so I made my way on board and was directed to my seat (5K). I preferred this seat to the outbound one as it doesn’t face anyone, so there’s no awkward eye contact… It seemed that everyone was arriving in the Upper Class cabin at the same time, so it got a bit manic for the Cabin Crew. A drink was offered and I had champagne, but I only managed to drink half before it had to be taken away for take off! They seemed very keen to take off on time at NRT- something which rarely happens in London!
Anyway, no problem as another drink was offered very quickly after we were in the air, along with crisps. This time around I had a brilliant member of the crew who welcomed me by name and asked if it was my first time flying Upper Class. I was really impressed with this and just wish I’d had the same experience on the outbound flight. I was also offered a top up of champagne shortly afterwards, which was greatly appreciated
The dinner order was taken shortly after drinks were delivered. I had the mozzarella and red onion salad to start followed by spinach and ricotta cannelloni (which was absolutely delicious!). I was too full for dessert as well, but had some cheese and biccies. Again, all the food was delicious and immaculately presented.
I was a little surprised by what happened after dinner though. Since the flight left in the morning and arrived in afternoon, I assumed it would be considered a day flight. However, all the lights were dimmed until 2 hours before landing and it was treated as a night flight!! Not really sure why this was as it’s not happened to me on other flights during the day, but thought it might be due to the length of the flight.
Anyway, I wasn’t at all tired, so decided to stay up and make use of the entertainment system. I was impressed that a member of Cabin Crew came round and asked if I wanted my seat converted to a bed though (it was nice to be given the option). I watched a few films and the Cabin Crew came round periodically to ask if I wanted a drink. I was also offered ice cream mid flight, which was yummy!
The lights went back on 2 hours before landing and afternoon tea was offered. The sandwiches were lovely, though a bit small… However, the large number of cakes offered made up for this and in particular I loved the warm scone with cream and jam. Soon after we prepared for landing and we arrived into Heathrow about an hour earlier than scheduled.
I was very impressed with the Upper Class experience on this flight, which helped make up for the slightly poorer experience on the outbound flight. However, i’m not sure I’m converted from PE just yet! I may need to take another trip in Upper to decide for certain…
Thanks for reading
