This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
I arrived outside LHR T3 at 1645 (I took the 3pm Bmi flight from EDI to allow for plenty of time).
BAA staff were only allowing pax to enter the terminal with 3 hours to go prior to departure. As I did not fancy spending 2 hours in the marquee I took the Hex to LHR T4 and walked to the Hilton. The Living well fitness center sells day passes for 10 so I worked out for 45mins then went for a swim before heading back to LHR T3 at 1830. I was allowed into the checkin area then and proceeded to the UC check in.
I was checked in straight away and given a map of the clubhouse. I was advised that there was a 20min delay ( more time to enjoy the clubhouse I joked with the check in agent.
The standard security queue was a little long but Fasttrack was ok ( 5-10mins max) and soon I was in the departure lounge. Given the horror stories I had read it was much better than I had expected so you feel quite good about the speed.
I bought some stuff in Boots then headed to the Clubhouse.-It is absolutely amazing with a beautiful chandelier welcoming you as you walk up the steps. I looked around the lounge and went to the garden rooftop with the Jaguar X type ( and an SQ tail in the background)
There is a deli, a Brassiere , the bar and lots of seating areas for the more casual meal. I ordered a chicken burger ( with chips-french fries), a Strawberry Daiquiri and a Pimms. All were excellent.
At 8pm I had my St Tropez Tanning session, you get taken into the rooom and told to strip- you get a choice of going au naturel or wearing the paper underpants ( which ride up a bit!![:0])
If going for the tanning I would wear an old shirt which can be thrown out later as by the time I got to Delhi the tshirt had orange marks all over it which was still there after a wash.
After the tanning session I went to the bar and had a coffee and several Hemmingway Daiquiris ( mixed by Mark who has flown on several UC flights but has been unable since the liquid ban).
Shortly after 9pm we were called for boarding follwed soon after by Final call. We were boarding from Gate 5.
Little queue at the gate and as I walked up to the gate podium with mu UC bp, the agent opened up the side gate so bypassed some people and soon I was on board and in my seat.
Newspapers, champagne and the amenity kit was soon passed round together with the menu with the sleep suit. Pens for the Immigration forms came round also
On the left hand aisle, Jayne ( the Upper Class purser walked down) and I thought she looked very familar, she came round to my seat and said ' I've flown with you before' which was extremeley impressive since my previous flight was over a year previously.
The IBFT came round and took my order for a treatment ( back massage).
UC was 2/3 full and 170 total pax/crew on board.
We pushed back on time and shortly after 1020 we were airborne on 09R before turning right towards india.
As I had a dinner just previously I just had soup and dessert. Wines were good and there also had an italian sparkling wine which was very nice indeed!!
After dinner tit wss my turn for the IBFT ( nicely timed) and no word was mentioned about my clubhouse treatment.
I did get an Inflight survey from the FSM but it was all in hindi so I could not fill it in so I returned it. I said I was willing to fill in a new ofrm but all had been handed out. I also preorderd duty free.
I retired to the Bar for a few drinks and chatted to Jayne before
getting my suite turned over and sleeping for a good few hours.
Breakfast came round about 90mins before landing. The orange juice was nice with ice in it and had special k, fruit and bread rolls with coffee.
I brushed my teeth prior to starting the descent ( toothbrushes and tooth paste in the bathrooms)
We landed about 1040 ( 50 mins early )and were soon off the aircraft.
I tihnk as VS lands at a unusual time ( for most intl flights at DEL) there was no one in front of us at immigration and was quickly seen ( just a quick look in the passport ,stamps and clear to go).
There are a number of bureau de change in the baggage hall and shortly after changing money into Rupees the bags started to come out with my bag amongst the first five off. I was qucily through customs aand into thr arrivals hall which was quiet ( a few people asking you if you want a taxi) but my driver soon came and met me.
Overall a very good flight ( if VS can only improve the Amenity kit)!
Regards
TBS
