This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Originally this was planned as a New Years trip, however Elton John then announced some new dates so we pushed it back a couple of weeks. We had the choice of flying upper 1 way and Pe the other and although the lure of a bed on the return was strong we decided as it was our first upper experience we would go upper out to get use of the clubhouse.
A lift to Gatwick up an empty yet misty A23 saw us arrive at just before 7am. Upper check in was empty, the service was efficient and calm but that was all it was. Boarding passes and directions to fast track security issued we set off for the clubhouse. Fast track appeared to be closed but there was no queue anyway so straight through.
A nice warm entrance from the reception with a mini tour and instructions to eat and drink as much as possible! Ms Cannons booked a spa treatment for later and breakfast consumed - full English for me, Eggs Benedict for Ms cannons, washed down with champers and beer! Impressions of the Clubhouse were very good. Waiting staff very attentive, and it is great to have a calm area to relax before flying! A short trip into the main terminal for some shopping before returning to CH for more drinks and treatment for Ms C -nails, very good apparently. With only 3 flights on the board today the clubhouse seemed very quiet and spacious, not sure if it gets full on days with more flights, but it's was great for us as I could sample all the seating areas, and my glass was kept full till boarding was announced!
The excitement of being in Upper meant we left on first call, arrived to an empty gate and a full plane but were only the 2nd and 3rd people to arrive into the Upper cabin. My first impression was Wow! What a nice secluded, private space it is. We were in 10&11A. 11a seemed very close to the bar, and I was slightly worried about noise later but needn't have been. The CC were great, welcoming everyone and arranging to move passengers so another couple could have seats side by side and 2 rounds of drink before take off, which was just about on time. Am pleased to say the service remained excellent throughout. Hot towels issued Ms C missed these due to a trip to the loo! Drinks and snacks quickly served and dinner order taken - salmon starter and teriyaki pork for me, gnocchi and beef for Ms C. Both very good. FSM came round and introduced himself to both of us using names - a nice surprise for a lowly red! After Food a group of 3 or 4 utilised the bar, this didn't disturb me at all which was a pleasant surprise, the cheese trolley came round with a huge glass of Port, I enjoyed this whilst listening to "the Tuesday club " podcast and watching skycap. Had one or two glasses of greygoose whilst watching the IFE then converted seat to bed and got 90mins sleep. I found the conversion of the seat nice and straight forward to do by yourself so was happy to get on with it, however the cc look horrified when he realised we were halfway through doing it ourselves and jumped round the bar to finish it for us - no need but a nice touch! Upon waking up the group that had been at the bar went to sleep so I took the opportunity to have a drink there for the experience before afternoon tea.
The tea service is interesting - a bit clunky and unnecessary in my opinion, but the sandwiches and scones were ok. Sitting in 11a I was served Second so watched the crew go through the service charade multiple times. It just all looks a bit awkward, but they did it with a smile!
Some more Ife and a few more drinks before landing, I mainly watched tv episodes as I want really in a film mood, however the choice of films was very good. The touchScreen was actually quite responsive too! Hot towels and sweets for landing Ms C missed them again due to another toilet trip!
Overall Upper lived up to my expectations. the crew were great, making sure the entire cabin was happy and ensuring people know about the sweets and snacks on offer, the cabin and toilets remained clean throughout and all the crew seems to be on their game! A couple of observations - it seems other areas of the plane had the seatbelt signs on during parts of the flight but this didn't occur in Upper - is this usual? And are the toilets between Upper and PE now officially shared? In previous trips in PE on a refurb LGW 747 it was clear PE passengers shouldn't use the front toilets. On both legs it was clear it was ok for PE passengers to use the front toilets. This wasn't an issue for me just an observation!
A quick exit from the front door at Vegas and into a deserted immigration hall ( last time I landed here it took 2 hours so this was amazing!) bags through quickly and we were in a cab on the way to the venetian with 40 mins of landing.
Return trip report in PE to follow.
Cannons
