V-Flyer

We were up by 3.45am and got dressed making sure we had all important documents ie passport, flight tickets and money, anything we had forgotten could always be bought [:D] MIL and SFIL arrived at about 4.20am and soon the car was loaded and we were off. Traffic was good so we were at the airport by 5.50am [:)] Check in opened at 6.00am so we were first in the queue and had to wait a few minutes whilst the desks were got ready. Tickets were soon issued for the seats I had pre booked which meant we were right at the back of the cabin by the stairwell and could recline without hindering someone else. It was then time to get the TC's from Travelex so MIL and SFIL went off to get a drink, some 20 minutes later we met up with them and had a farewell chat before heading through passport control and onto the Virgin Clubhouse. We didn't stop in the departure lounge as thought we could pop back later after our carryon had been stored in the Clubhouse. Well we found the Clubhouse and what can I say wow the staircase up was impressive and I then handed over our voucher to the attendant at the door and we were quickly in. Our carryon was then handed into the storage desk, which was so different to Gatwick where you just have lockers to use. The new Clubhouse hasn't been open long and WOW it is huge and very very nice.

[img]http://www.disab.co.uk/photopost/data/538/CHmain.JPG[/img]

We had a quick nose around and decided to have a wander before ordering any food. There are so many seating areas including a formal dining area, the bar, a library, a chill out area, a deli bar, games area, huge TV screen and loungers along with a roof top terrace and a Beauty/relaxation area.

We decided to sit in the chill out area and ordered breakfast which was a full English breakfast with tea and an orange juice for Hubbie. Soon after ordering the drinks arrived followed by the brekkie.

[img]http://www.disab.co.uk/photopost/data/538/CHbrekkie.JPG[/img]

[img]http://www.disab.co.uk/photopost/data/538/CHchill.JPG[/img]

Mmmmm it was yummy :[D] After this we took a stroll around the lounge, checking out all the different area and then out onto the roof terrace. And then over to the Beauty/relaxation area which is called the 'Cowshed'. A very pleasant assistant showed us around and we took a look at the Spa.

[img]http://www.disab.co.uk/photopost/data/538/CHspa.JPG[/img]

We then took a brochure away to look at, soon after Hubbie had a 'Floaty Cow' massage booked in for 8.30am and I had the facial 'Fresh as a Daisy' booked in for 9.30am. As we had a few minutes to spare we went to the internet bar and logged on whilst deciding what else to order. Nathan soon disappeared for his massage and returned 15 minutes later looking very relaxed [:D] We then ordered more food a bacon muffin for Hubbie and a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel for myself which I ate after my treatment as it was nearing 9.30am. Mmmmmm what a fab 30 minutes I had prior to the flight very relaxing [:)] After this I ate my bagel and we made our way to the gate as boarding had been called. Upon arriving at gate 19 the queue was rather large but as we had PE tickets we were able to us the Priority queue and we were soon onboard and settling in with champagne for me and orange juice for Hubbie. I must say and Hubbie agrees the Heathrow planes are so much nicer than the Gatwick the seats were more comfortable and the entertainment system was the on demand V-Port system.

[img]http://www.disab.co.uk/photopost/data/500/VAseatsPE.JPG[/img]

Take off was nearly on time at 11.25am. The crew were soon round with the drinks trolley I had vodka and diet tonic and Hubbie stuck with coke. It was then time for the main meal which was a small salad then I had the chicken and pasta with mushroom and broccoli, which was quite tasty and the pudding was a chocolate mousse, very very yummy, all washed down with white wine. Soon after liquers were offered and I had a Baileys. The flight was smooth and the time passed, having the on demand entertainment system helped with loads of movies and games to choose from. Later in the flight we had a doze as the head rests were very supportive. Soon we were nearing the end of our flight and as we came into land we got a great view over SF, as it is usually shrouded in fog and not alot can be seen.

[img]http://www.disab.co.uk/photopost/data/538/SFGGair.JPG[/img]

[img]http://www.disab.co.uk/photopost/data/538/GGPair.JPG[/img]

We landed at 1.30pm ontime. Once off the aircraft we headed straight for Immigration which had a huge line [:(] Eventually we were through and the luggage was only just starting to arrive, surprisingly ours all arrived very quickly so we soon scooted off to collect the car via the airport monorail. As we were doing a fair few miles we upgraded to a Jeep Cherokee [:D]

At last we were heading to SF at 2.30pm [:)] Back in our favourite city once again [:D]

Claire [;)]

Thank you for a excellent TR, and pictures Claire. [y]

Thanks for the TR. Particularly like the shots of SF from the aeroplane.

Paul

Great TR Claire, I like the 2 SF shots especially also. I seem to get on the wrong side of the a/c for the Golden Gate shot. Mental note to book the n/s seating for my trip in Jan..... [:D]

Must say I am really pleased how well we could see SF and also being able to get the piccies was a big bonus[:)]

Claire [;)]

Nice TR - my favourite city as well, enjoy!

Good TR Claire, thanks a lot[y] NIce pics of San Fran too. Just a quick question was your access to the CLubhouse bought through VH or does one of you have an Au FF Card?? If through VH would you say it was worth it?

Neil[:)]

Got to also agree that the pictures of SF are great
Nice being able to spot things like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, Oakland Bridge, Aquarium Bay/Fisherman's Wharf etc. To be honest, never seen shots of the area like that.

Always think the best trip reports are those that come with loads of pictures so you can really see what the poster is talking about

Totally awsome TR, thanks so much, your photo's are lovely.

I am defo booking my next UCS via Heathrow now, looks like Vegas is on the cards next year via SFO

Originally posted by easygoingeezer
Totally awsome TR, thanks so much, your photo's are lovely.

I am defo booking my next UCS via Heathrow now, looks like Vegas is on the cards next year via SFO

Just about to book exactly the same, rather go via SFO ex lHR then direct ex LGW.

Neil[:)]

Claire what a great report.i am on VS019 next fri to SFO with a group of 6 an I will be in premium,looks great.I hope i am fortunate enough to get the views that you had.WOW. now i really cant wait......

Superb report Claire with some really excellent piccies[y] Mine never turn out any good.
Great to see SFO and I was even able to spot a few landmarks as well, which brought back happy memories of my trip their last year.

I don't seem to recall the flight out of SFO at all[:I][:w]

Iain

Claire

Thanks for an excellent TR - well complemented by the photos[y][y]

I take it the Clubhouse was a hit then[:w][:w]

Originally posted by iforres1
.
Great to see SFO and I was even able to spot a few landmarks as well, which brought back happy memories of my trip their last year.

I don't seem to recall the flight out of SFO at all[:I][:w]

Iain

Now I wonder what flight you are talking about[}:)]

buns

Originally posted by Attitude23
Good TR Claire, thanks a lot[y] NIce pics of San Fran too. Just a quick question was your access to the CLubhouse bought through VH or does one of you have an Au FF Card?? If through VH would you say it was worth it?

Neil[:)]

Neil,
Yes booked via VH and it was worth it to us for the lovely peaceful pre flight atmosphere, treatments and food, not to mention it was our wedding anniversary that day [8D]

Claire [;)]

Originally posted by Claire L
Neil,
Yes booked via VH and it was worth it to us for the lovely peaceful pre flight atmosphere, treatments and food, not to mention it was our wedding anniversary that day [8D]

Claire [;)]

Thanks Claire[y], I am thinking of doing the same next year if we can't afford UCS (still hoping)so its good to hear peoples thoughts on the cost if it was worth it or not.
Neil[:)]

Superb TR Claire and some excellent pictures - really good!! [y][y][y]

Great pics! Thanks.