This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
So knowing I've got to fly to India every month between December and July, I worked out I could still retain BA Gold and probably obtain VS Gold.
This was the first flight - how would the lounge turn out - was it as good as described! Would the limo service work etc etc.
Well, up to flight time, not disappointed at all. Limo pick-up on time (Volvo ?) at 16.15, into LHR at 18.15 and in the lounge by 18.40. Very smooth check in, fast track etc etc.
Had booked haircut for 19.00 - despite what little hair I have, excellent job done. Champagne flowing - very nice. Didn't fancy meal but Delicatessen excellent - no scrimping on amount of food supplied.
And probably goes without saying - excellent service from ALL. From reception to the guys who served you food and drink - much better than BA. So 1-0 to Virgin!
Called at 21.00 for 21.45 departures so off we all trekked (Gate 34 - wow - long way to walk!). Got there - no plane - after 20 minutes all advised to go back to lounge as plane at least 20 mins away. Long trek back to lounge. Staff all apologetic and noticed one stroppy argument taking place on phone re 'sending us up when plane not there'.
Anyway about 22.15 got the call - and chaos when we got there. Although showing UC boarding card, it was 'join the queue'. Appeared to be no separate UC/PE boarding??
So, on board and I think 23.20 departure. On board terrific CSD (UC full at 34+1), though everything looked a bit rushed once on board as food, glasses etc appeared to be hastily being boarded. Evidence of previous occupant (UC part opened pack, set of used earplugs and a newspaper!). Once airborne (sat in 1K) colleague and I retired to bar (more champagne..)
Met by CSD and talked difference between BA and VS and general chat. Took food order at bar, but food not ready until 2 hours into flight. By now starting to flag (because it was late and not the champagne...) so had crab cakes for starter, chicken something for main course and that was that.
Bed made up, didn't watch any IFE, fell asleep and woke up 12.30 (Indian time), 1 hour before touchdown. Fruit juices for breakfast after quick wash and change out of PJs and once again best bed (and therefore sleep) in the business.
So score draw methinks 3-3! On the positive side, limo, lounge and service - on the negative side early call for flight that wasn't there, chaos at boarding and slow service for food.
But doing it all again on 11th January!!
