V-Flyer

Decided to forego return N class ticket down the back as it had been a demanding week. I was certainly willing to take another go at trying to net a few Y seats to stretch out on but all flights looked solidly full for the Sunday night.
When I called the US FC gold line they couldn't have been more helpful. After exploring options for Sunday (unlikely to be able to get an upgrade with miles or money) was booked into Saturday on miles.
Rebooked shuttle as well (this time on Delta Connections)which arrived early. Absolutely beautiful slow sunset over Long Island Sound as we came in over the marshes but had to wait quite a while on the apron for a stand (with the captain giving us updates literally every two minutes), pax disembarking to follow yellow line and covered shelter as it snaked down tarmac to T2, although originally scheduled to arrive T3 at JFK.
Waited interminably for bag to come off--as did three other flights at the same carousel--whilst subjected to televised basketball game on loudly enough to be heard across the Sound in Connecticut. Am not much of a basketball enthusiast and wondered what it says about a baggage reclaim that has to have televised sports to keep the pax occupied during a routinely delayed process (many planes' bags were sorted into piles on the runway tarmac on end of taxi -in).

Saw GBIG Tinkerbelle (our aircraft) and GWOW at stands-GWOW seems to have some patchy missing paint on her tail.

Bag retrieved and trundled out to trek for airtrain to T4, arrived and trotted to far end of terminal to UCS VS check-in. Three desks empty but my arrival did nothing to stem the conversation (and several hearty rounds of laughter) between the three agents. I was quizzed about my one way ticket in rather the same disbelieving way immigration did when I arrived at Heathrow (despite the fact that I had a return booking from another ticket on my account), somewhat grudgingly and non personably given my purple pass and went right on up to the clubhouse.
The decor of the JFK CH is not appealing to me (although everyone else seems to like it) as it seems choppy, poor use of space, and I find the white lattice-like 'rooms' unfriendly rather than moderne. Caught the eye of a passing staff person (who told me hey honey coming right up) for a glass of fizz. Eyed the green salad being eaten by the woman next to me which I had thought to order as well, but it looked suspiciously like (and apparently was after checking with her) a tired outtathebag creation, so passed, forgetting unfortunately that evening LHR bound JFK VS are good night flights, and spare on food options.

Flight called, through security in a whiz and down to gate for boarding. The crew on this flight could not have been more attentive. Amenities shoe bag on seat, ninja suits handed out, IFBT pass by with goody bag and treatment sign ups, glass of fizz at elbow. Late taxi to take off but assured we would make up time in air.
Snooze zones (not I) down for the count after quick bites and drinks were understandably served first. When I realized that I had missed dinner (again) FA reassured me that she would take care of making sure I had a good meal, and promptly did so as she put together a combination of the slim items on offer for night flights which originate in clubhouse terminals; I had pasta with red pepper sauce with the grilled prawns lifted from the other offering which included cold green salad, well topped with parmesan shavings. I couldn't eat it all,had no room for cheese and opted for an early night. FA insisted on turning my bed down for me, I crawled in, slpet very soundly, woke an hour before arrival, was instantly offered juice and tea.

We circled a bit before being allowed in, easy landing, exited to very thoughtful goodby and take care of yourself from FA who did such a good job of taking care of ME and headed off to immigration, where they were equally as attentive but not in that 'we're on your side' kind of way, which is of course their job. Revivals for a quick egg breakfast and a media collection stop and then to HEX.

So--what have I learned from an outward in Y and back in UCS? No comparison in any way could possibly make Y an appealing choice unless desparate. I was able to exit my return UCS flight in good shape, cheerier than I had been all week, headed for a nice long train ride with the Sunday paper. Of course I was also debited a hefty share of miles, but miles well spent, and plenty of time to put them back, thanks to the very generous gold bonus mileage. [;)]

cheers,
RR

RR

Thanks for an excellent TR[y][y]

The reception at the desks at JFK reflects my experience[n] (s'pose that is outsourcing for you) yet the actions of the FA on discovering you had not had a meal is, to my mind, in true VS tradition and why I remain loyal.

thanks onve again

buns

Excellent TR RR, Thank you. [y]

Great TR, thank you. [y]

DMB

Thanks for the TR, which only proves what we know about VS crews - when they are great, they are among the best in the sky!

Excellent bit of initiative from the crew member who made an individual meal 'just for you' by combining the bits you wanted from different dishes.

I share your sentiments about the JFK Clubhouse, I wasn't that impressed by it on my last visit (which must be about 18 months ago). I really dislike the open-plan style, with all the noise from the terminal, and it was disappointing to hear about the 'industrial' nature of the food on offer there.

Mike

Good TR - always interesting to see the comparison of the service between Y and UC.[y]