This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
A340-600 G-VBLU (Soul Sister)
Premium Economy (well for about 10 mins anyway [8D] see below)
My trip from home started on the 26th with the BD591 MAN>LHR flight. Already changed this flight to the day before as I had a tight connection at LHR with my original booking. Nothing much to say about the BD flight a standard domestic BMI flight. Id booked a room at the Sheraton Skyline only a few days before but it was very reasonably priced at 65 inc. tax.
Woke up quite early, checked out and caught the first hotel hoppa bus to T3 (05:20). I didnt want to take any chances getting caught in any check-in or security lines. I was as VS check-in by 05:30 so had to wait half an hour or so before it opened, during this time I collected my money order from Travelex.
Upper Class check-in was fantastic. I had a very nice chatty member of staff check me in. In fewer than 5 mins I was making my way to fast track (yes a fast track sticker was put on my Premium Economy boarding card without asking)
Fast track was an absolute breeze at 06:15 with no line or in fact anyone in front of me at all. The only problem I had was actually finding the entrance as the normal security line now winds its way in front of fast track.
As the Clubhouse doesnt open until 07:00 I window shopped in T3 for a while. Before long I was making my way up those stairs to the Clubhouse. Having only just opened it was very quite. The service was as fantastic as ever. My coffee and breakfast order arrived within minutes.
Just chilled and relaxed until my hair cut appointment at 09:15. I was keeping my eye on Expert Flyer as my flight had been pretty full for several months now. No calls for my name made in the Clubhouse so it didnt look much chance of an op-up. By the time I left the Clubhouse was getting busy.
Before long the VS005 flight was called so I made my way to gate 40 where G-VBLU was waiting. Getting past the boarding pass collection area was easy but the line after that to the A/C was very long and as per usual with LHR no visible signs of priority boarding in operation.
Finally got on board and made my way to seat 20A. Even though we had G-VBLU down on here as having the new PE seats, she doesnt yet. Oh well still better than economy. I was just getting comfortable when a girl asked me if I would swap with her OH as she was in 20D and her OH was in 18A. No problem at all as I wasnt going to turn down the chance to sit in a bulk head row. Again just as I was getting comfortable and making my way though my glass of champagne when another pax got on and she also had a boarding card with 20A on it. It took a while for the crew to work out that I was now in fact in 18A and the girl sat in 20A wasnt in fact me, anyway the crew asked for my boarding card and it was taken away and then came those famous immortal words every V-Flyer loves to hear Mr Mitchell, weve had to upgrade you on todays flight [oo][y][8D]
Collected my things and made my way to seat 2K which would be my home for the next 9.5 hours. All 3 cabins where virtually full.
The IFBT came round and took my order. Oh how nice to be sat at the front of the bus again. We pushed back at around 11:40 and rotated at approx. 12:10. Not long to wait for the seat belt sign to be turned off and V:Port to be started, although after about 30 mins there was a system-wide crash and the entire IFE system had to be re-booted which took well over an hour to complete. My UCS seat is in good condition with everything working as it should (apart from V:Port of course).
I had the crab cakes for starters followed by the fish bake with apple and blackberry for desert, all of which were very good indeed. Just as I was finished desert V:Port sprung back to like to I started watching Snakes on a Plane again. Warning if you are a nervous flyer its probably not a good idea to watch this film whilst you are flying. During this time ice cream was served, although I lost my plastic spoon as I was opening the tub (which I never did find!) At this point the J cabin was in darkness with most pax sleeping or at least dozing.
I was then called for my scalp and shoulder massage which I have to say was excellent. Made a few trips to the bar during the flight which was not too busy whilst I was there. Also slept for an hour or so.
Afternoon tea was served about 2 hours before landing so I made my way back to my seat. Choice of sandwiches or a scone and jam followed by coffee or tea.
Before long we started our decent into MIA and it was time to prepare for landing. I have to say that Upper Class flights go much quicker than economy flights. Dont you just love J pax who think that the seat belt sign doesnt apply to them? There was one pax who paid no attention to it at all, sorting out their bags and then making a trip to the washroom.
Landed at 16:45 local time and we where soon on our way to immigration. For the second time I was sent to secondary immigration where I had to wait over an hour to get seen this time. It turns out my name (or at least someone with the same name as me) is on a list. By the time I left immigration the VS baggage area was deserted with just my bag left to collect so no idea if baggage priority worked (doubt it did as yet again for the seventh flight in a row no J tag was attached to my bag). How difficult is this to do Virgin? Although I really have now given up on expecting baggage priority when flying VS as a Au card holder. Its clearly beyond their capabilities.
Made my way to the pre-arranged transfer and I was soon at the National hotel, Miami Beach. Weather is great BTW [8D]. Hotel also offers free (yes free) high speed internet access either wired or wireless in all the rooms.
The on-board service was fantstic and I was addressed as Mr Mitchell the entire flight [y]
Regards
Regards
James Mitchell
James Mitchell
