This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
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I was most looking forward to trying out the JFK Clubhouse which I understand is quite newly refurbished, so that was going to be a treat. I was also looking forward to the daytime flight to see how it compares with the overnight flights I have always taken back from the states. Hopefully no jet lag! Plus, it was the only flight around this date for which, at the time of booking, reward seats were available.
Checking in at T-24 (SEQ 2 - so close but yet so far, no SEQ 1 club for me) was easy compared to dragging myself out of bed at 0430. Looking like a zombie - and frankly acting like one until I'd had my first caffeine for the day - I jumped into the taxi around 0500 for a very swift trip to the airport - only 23 minutes at that time of morning from near Central Park to JFK.
Having won an award for understatement of the year in an earlier post (thanks pjh) I wondered what awards I could pick up through posting about the JFK Clubhouse. However, the need for tea prevailed, after all it was 0545. Quickly to the Upper Class check in desks (via Sky Priority lane) which, as has been previously mentioned are to the right hand side as you go in. Pleasantly greeted, with information on the lounge location and departure gate given. Not quite so quick to get through security here as you wander back to where the economy check in is and skip only part of the queue. Not quite the London Heathrow experience - but not bad. A short wait for security and then through and wandered down to the Clubhouse.
JFK Clubhouse 1.JPG (36.6 KiB) Viewed 9258 times
JFK Clubhouse 2.JPG (35.29 KiB) Viewed 9258 times
Thoughts on the Clubhouse? I really liked it, a great place to relax before a flight and again it felt very spacious meaning it had that relaxed feel, rather than the chaos of certain other lounges. Very well designed. I liked the consistency with the London Heathrow clubhouse in terms of design and service quality, with swift individualised service. Great staff, with the shift manager coming to greet personally. At that time of the morning, I'm not sure I would plan to spend too long there - have the extra time in bed instead. But it remains a fantastic experience nevertheless. To make sure to give a proper overview, I tried an item or two from the breakfast menu - the egg royale particularly tasty. My only criticism was that I'd have quite liked a British newspaper with current news (the ones they had were a day old).
Now I have always wondered what time it is legitimate to start drinking - whilst there is the usual airport exception, it does feel slightly odd drinking at that time of morning. The Clubhouse doesn't offer this opportunity at this time of day (although I didn't ask) - indeed, some of the other services aren't available either, which some people may be disappointed by but it made little difference to me.
Boarded via the priority lane without issue about 0735 prior to formally being called in the lounge - indeed a very pleasant lady at the gate who 'looked forward to seeing me back in NYC soon' which was a nice touch. Apparently, they let economy board first before making the boarding announcement in the lounge.
Now, I remember wise words about adjusting to the timezone of your destination as quickly as possible to avoid jet lag. This of course meant that on boarding Lady Luck it was after midday UK time so perfectly acceptable to have a glass or two of sparkling (and I assume non-alcoholic *ahem*) grape juice, making sure to put my watch forward onto London time in sight of the crew member as I ordered said grape juice. That obtained a smirk.
Lady Luck.JPG (31.47 KiB) Viewed 9258 times
I was hoping that it would be Queen of the Skies which would take me home... My very first transatlantic flight was on her... But it was not to be. Still, her sister Lady Luck was ready and raring to take me home. Flight time was to be 6 hours 2 minutes - it feeling much busier on board today. The A340-600 cabin is pleasant but lacks some of the privacy and special feeling of the 747 A zone. However, Virgin manages to get a consistency in decor and ambience, which is good (you can see I like consistency!).
On board the aircraft today were 231 passengers, 12 crew and 2 flight crew. We pushed back early, taking off about the expected departure time. Unfortunately, some of the consistency did not continue onboard. As you'll see from my outbound TR, it was a very good service. On this flight, it was not quite so good. The Captain made a joke in his introduction about how 'Virgin Atlantic has some of the best cabin crew. Unfortunately, they're not onboard today.' This alas turned out to be quite accurate - although by no means was it a disaster.
On boarding, there seemed to be quite a bit of tension amongst the crew and there was one which seemed quite aggressive towards passengers. It wasn't clear why - perhaps they had been out late taking full advantage of the Black Friday sales.
Breakfast service slow to commence and I was chastised for not filling in the card, despite only wanting a bacon sandwich. Sigh. However, said bacon sandwich was quickly delivered - with a smile! - and it was rather excellent. Nice thick piece of bacon in a tasty roll, not the American style bacon I had been expecting. Top notch.
Crew presence in the cabin was noticed and continued throughout the flight, with regular drinks offered, although this time it felt like just doing the job rather than enjoying doing the job. A trip to the bar for a chat and drink was also had; I do really like that there is this feature onboard the aircraft. Really distinguishes the airline. A movie, a snack in the form of crisps (tastier at 36,0000 feet!) a couple more drinks - the time just flew by and pretty quickly it was time for the dinner service.
To start with, tuna followed by the beef for main as the other options were a salad or curry (and I'm not a big fan of that).
Tuna Starter.JPG (33.99 KiB) Viewed 9258 times
Accompanied by a glass of wine. Not sure the quality or choice of the wine quite rates against the other airline... But that's only a minor point. Tuna was fantastically presented, plenty of wine and water top ups. Tasted really good, a delicate flavour which was great. Yum. Then onto the beef, served with a pearl barley concoction, sweet potato and gravy. It wasn't presented well so was slightly wary but it was amazing. I had the equivalent dish on the way out and was disappointed but this was absolutely fantastic, really tasty. One of the best dishes I've had on an aircraft, BA First included.
Beef Main - Tasty.JPG (29.82 KiB) Viewed 9258 times
Chocolate lava cake with a glass of port for dessert, you could smell the chocolate. Very indulgent and mightily tasty. A good dessert, although felt quite full as a result of it.
Chocolate Lava Cake.JPG (32.55 KiB) Viewed 9258 times
Unfortunately, as the meal service began, so did the turbulence. Not great, but not too awful in the scheme of things - goes with the territory. Turns out I'm not great in turbulence. Really brings home that you're at quite some height in a metal tube. By dessert and the accompanying glass of port (with top up), this had eased off which was good.
Overall, a good Upper experience. Not quite so good as the outbound but it is a really excellent way to fly. Classy, sophisticated and quite special. Comparable to the equivalent BA offering but generally with a little more sparkle and pizazz if that's your thing- the real jewel in the crown is the clubhouse experience which sets things up for onboard. I loved the Upper class experience - BA is also very good but generally just a different style of service.
Early landing into LHR, quickly through security with a "welcome back" - first time I have had this and then a short wait for bags before heading home. What an awesome trip!
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed.
