This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Having saved up miles - both through flying and using the VS Amex card for a number of years - I had amassed enough miles for an Upper return to New York for a Thanksgiving trip and secured the Gs a good few months in advance.
So this TR starts with the usual T-24 check-in (managed to secure SEQ 6 - the shame!) and having managed to secure a seat in the 747 A zone (thanks for the tip!). What was I looking forward to most about my first Upper experience? Well, from the enthusiasm of other board members, that special Upper feeling, of course the Clubhouse, a Virgin Redhead, some healthy sparkling grape juice (as it's known) a Clubhouse burger and an on-board trip to the bar.
Virgin Redhead.JPG (28.24 KiB) Viewed 8853 times
Like a child at Christmas, sleep the night before was not forthcoming, although there was little chance of spotting Santa on this occasion. An early wake up led to an early departure for Heathrow and for a good spell in the Clubhouse. And frankly, with the amount of time I had in the Clubhouse, I expect to receive a Christmas card from the staff this year.
Living where I do in south west London, it takes pretty much the same length of time by any transport mode to get to LHR, so taking the cheapest option and travelling by Piccadilly line, I made my way to the airport. Pleasantly greeted at check in, I was immediately directed to a free bag drop desk, where the lady was pleasant, friendly and efficient, which was a great start. Now this is where the Upper Class experience really starts, being directed to the lift and making your way through the special glass doors to private security, quickly through and via duty free for some Christmas shopping and onto the Clubhouse. I'm very much liking this, they can definitely offer this to me again!
Now, as I mentioned, it was my first time in upper and so my first time in the Clubhouse. Now I know that everyone on here says what a treat it is - and such a big part of the Virgin experience... But wow! You really don't know how fantastic it is until you've tried it. Now I've been through the lounge of the 'other airline' and was expecting something similar, but no. Table service. Attentive service. Service with a smile.
Clubhouse 1.JPG (36.29 KiB) Viewed 8853 times
A wonderful location with character and space to relax in - and it is relaxing. Don't get me wrong, I like the Galleries lounge (oops, did I give something away there?!) with the bars freely available but it is always far more busy and the food is more school cantine than prepared to order. This felt far more special and not a patch on the other airline.
Clubhouse Part 2.JPG (36.56 KiB) Viewed 8853 times
Almost immediately on sitting down, I was approached for a drink - and ordered one of those mythical Virgin Redheads which I hear about so often on here. The lady assured me that as it was after midday somewhere in the world, it was completely acceptable. Very tasty (more than expected) - thanks for the recommendation. A pre-lunch snack and maybe another Redhead followed, prior to the complementary treatment. Head massage, which I almost fell asleep during which clearly meant it was effective, followed by lunch... And the infamous clubhouse burger, which definitely lived up to all of the excellent reviews on here. Had a nice chat to one of the lounge members of staff, who clearly enjoy very much what they do and it really comes across to the customer. Full credit to them and full compliments delivered to the clubhouse manager personally, who seemed delighted by the positive feedback. Plenty of jokes shared about not mentioning 'that other airline'.
Clubhouse Burger.JPG (41.69 KiB) Viewed 8853 times
So by this point, I have ticked a number of the 'must do' boxes. Except for maybe a glass or two more of the sparkling stuff, if other trip reports are to go by... So in the good traditions of VFlyer, that was duly completed as well and it was then time to fly!
G-VFAB.JPG (36.67 KiB) Viewed 8853 times
Welcomed aboard Lady Penelope through the priority lane and via a 'random' security check (which happens every time I go to the US), I was mistakenly directed to my seat - thankfully it was a 'turn left' in the end to the A-zone, which seemed spacious and very personal. First thoughts...? Like First on that other airline. 152 customers and 17 staff were on board, so quite a quiet flight today. Apparently, economy was pretty empty. Complementary champagne and more complementary champagne and more complementary champagne consumed and time to fly (I'm sounding like a seasoned VFlyer pro now!) 27L our runway of departure.
Now the safety video... Which I seem to recall has caused controversy. I've flown quite a bit and so am fairly aware about what you have to do - but I did think for someone who hasn't flown so much before, they wouldn't necessarily understand what has to be done in the event of an emergency by the end of the video. Whilst engaging, some of the message seems to be lost in what you actually would have to do - but that's just me.
Soon after take off, the crips and initial drinks run was provided. With an extra drink brought by a particularly attentive member of crew - full marks to him. All very pleasant and service provided with a smile and pleasantness. A wonderful mojito cocktail with bubbles served and food orders taken. Engaged in conversation with a crew member as per the lounge and a very pleasant discussion had about all things VS. Great service. All in all, very extravagant, I loved it.
So food time. Salmon to start. Wasn't quite expecting the roulade but enjoyable and the accompanying warm bread very tasty.
Salmon.JPG (37.32 KiB) Viewed 8853 times
The main - beef and vegetables was rather overcooked. Quite tough beef and tough vegetables.
Overcooked Beef.JPG (38.09 KiB) Viewed 8853 times
Salted caramel and chocolatey goodness for dessert. Yum! Ok, but by no means the best meal I've had on an aircraft. However, given this was the biggest negative about the trip, there isn't much to complain about.
Mightily Fine Dessert.JPG (34.53 KiB) Viewed 8853 times
Having taken advice from those on this fine board, I forced myself to the bar for a drink or two after dinner (do you sense a recurring theme here?!). The sacrifices I make! Some pleasant conversation with various people, including a number of the crew and the FSM. I really like the fact that the bar is there as a social space, as did the crew. I emphasised the fact that this is a real distinguishing factor about VS and I hoped it would not change. The crew agreed. Also thanked the FSM for the services of the crew, which was pleasantly received.
Time for a snooze before landing. Unfortunately, my seat wasn't working properly, so whilst I was at the bar, the crew had to force the seat into bed mode manually. Similarly, when I wanted to sit back up, the same applied (although they weren't able to do it immediately as the seatbelt lights were on, during one of a few bouts of turbulence, even though other passengers were wandering around the cabin without anyone saying anything). Still, in a brief bathroom break once the seatbelt lights were off, I came back to find it in position. Great observation skills from the crew.
Smooth landing and the usual long taxi to stand at JFK. Thanked the crew as I disembarked, they seemed very cheery and wished me a pleasant evening. Quickly to immigration (where the hall was empty), through the automated machines and then secondary screening, as always happens when I visit the US. Still, through that fairly quickly and off to Manhattan!
So what did I think about Upper as a first time Upper flyer? Well, a fantastic experience no doubt helped by the great crew. You do feel special - with the Clubhouse being the jewel in the crown which puts you in such a good frame of mind for getting on board - meaning if things did go slightly wrong on board, you'd be more likely to forgive. Definitely worth the miles spent - and if you can get a miles upgrade or a cheaper sale fare, you should. I'm going to find it very difficult to travel in anything else than Upper in future - but it will happen!
At this point, I was very much looking forward to my return journey in Upper.
Thanks very much for reading.
