This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
As this was my first Upper Class flight, I had high expectations and assumed that nothing could live up to them.
I WAS WRONG!!!
Everything was absolutely superb [^]
My journey with VS began at JNB. I arrived at the Virgin Checkin, but found that there was no Upper Class checkin desk, only Premium Economy, but as there wasn't a queue, this was not a problem at all.
At Checkin, I was given the invitation to the Clubhouse and asked if I had been there before. When I said I hadn't, another member of staff was called over and asked to escort me to the Clubhouse personally. He took me straight through security and passport control, meaning I was airside in only 3/4 minutes as opposed the the 30 minutes it usually takes from Johannesburg.
The service at the Johannesburg Clubhouse couldn't have been better. The Clubhouse Hostess was superb, and ensured all my needs were met. As it was my first Upper experience, I decided to go all out with dinner and a cocktail in the Clubhouse, knowing full well that I would indulge onboard too [:I]
The Fillet Steak was perfectly cooked and delicious and a definate must for any meat-eaters travelling from JNB. I finished this off with a rather yummy cocktail/dessert thingy called the African Brew (with Amarula, chocolate Ice-cream and fresh banana)
The only hiccup at the Clubhouse was when I got locked in the loo [:I]. The lock was broken, so when I tried to unlock the door, the lock kept turning, but the door wouldn't open. I was let out within a minute or two and I didn't have to bang on the door either. Thankfully no embarrassing scene created.
Onboard I was truly impressed with the service. Whilst awaiting take-off I was offered a IFBT (which I accepted and enjoyed later on in the flight) and champagne. Take-off was on-time and uneventful.
My meal order was taken a little into the flight and more drinks were offered. About 30/45 minutes into the flight, the FSM came to introduce herself which was appreciated.
For the rest of the flight, my assigned Cabin Attendent took care of me perfectly, always offering before being asked.
I enjoyed the starter (Chicken and Sweetcorn soup) as well as the Zevenwacht Cheddar for dessert. The chicken main wasn't something to rave about.
After dinner, I sat at the bar drinking some Port, having a chat to the FSM who was very engaging and made you feel right at home.
Breakfast consisted of the obligatory Bacon Roll (which was good, but not a good as I was expecting) and a rather poor cup of tea.
Before landing, I was given the FastPass for passport control, but as I had registered for IRIS, this was not necessary. This was the first time I used IRIS and worked perfectly. Passport Control took a whole 30 seconds. My bag was also one of the first on the belt, so I didn't need to hang around for long at all and made my way to the revivals lounge.
Upon arrival at Revivals, I found that there were no treatments booked yet, so I arranged for a shave after a quick shower. Both were excellent and a great way to start the day after a long flight.
I relaxed in the lounge for a bit with a Latte and the Pancakes. The pancakes were a bit dry, and the cream they served with them was a bit sour (possibly creme fraiche) which didn't really go. Apparently it is new on the menu (I suggested they should stick to a sweeter cream).
And that brings my Trip Report to it's conclusion. Virgin Atlantic lived up to my every expectation and more. I think I will have to treat myself for these flights home for Christmas every year as I just can't see myself being satisfied in the back every again.[:I]
