VS200 LHR-HKG 24 May 07 (Upper)
Posted: 20 Jun 2007, 12:01This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
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Anyway reach LHR at around 5pm and walked the long way to T3, on passing the VS Check in area it was empty with no one checking in, and all 3 classes were empty. I managed to find the OH with no problem and both of us getting very excited that we were on our way home!
We arrived at the very quiet check in area, and made our way to the UC check in, we were asked if we were flying UC and our documents checked, and we were shown to a free check in lady, who was just an angel we had a real giggle with her, and she was asking if it was business or pleasure, and what we will be doing when we get home we explained that it was V-Monkeys mums 60th Birthday, and wish her a very happy birthday! What a great start to the flight, we wished her a nice public holiday weekend. I did ask about our seats and she mentioned that she could see the notes in the booking, but there wasnt anything she could do, oh well these things happen and she was so nice, I left the check in area, with a big smile, and felt that she was just what VS are all about. (I forgot to ask for our vouchers, as we had prepaid the APD!)
We headed for the fast track which wasnt all that fast, with just one x-ray machine operating after about 10mins, we were ushered to the front of the normal (Y) line and it was just a sea of people, it was so busy, we got to the passport inspection and we were waved pass the shoe screening! YAY! It was straight to the CH! I never get tired of the CH we were greeted by a lovely lady, and she asked us if we had been in the CH before we both smiled, and said yes, she wished a pleasant stay and good flight!
The CH was fairly quiet, so we sat down and we ordered a drink and cooling G+T for me, and beer for V-Monkey. I went up to ask about a shower and they were all full, and was told to come back in 30mins or so which I did, and they were still full and was asked to come back in another 30mins! I just wanted to get out of my monkey suit and change in to some more comfortable clothes, finally I went up and one was free so had a quick shower, and changed it was great to feel half human again! We went to the restaurant, and ordered some food I have the famous CH Burger, which didnt disappoint! V-Monkey had some chicken pie it looked very nice, and he said it was lovely.
It was nearly time for my shave treatment, so I headed over, and sat and waited where I got chatting to an American guy who lives in Brisbane, who works for VS Blue, he was heading home. Had a lovely treatment, and was told that SRB was due in as he was flying to JNB, apparently he had his hair cut and doesnt like massages!
Apparently he came in for about 5mins, but didnt see him. I headed for the bar, as V-Monkey wanted to get grandma some Harrods biscuits and some other bits and pieces. The American guy joined me at the bar, and we had a good chat about VS and VS Blue. He was waiting to see if his colleague was getting on with his family, and was stuck at check in. The weather was amazing and had a lovely sunset over LHR, I went up to the garden and took some photos and watch the planes taking off in to the sunset! Went back down and the 3 of us had a few more drinks, the bar staff are so friendly, and I really like sitting up at the bar.[y]
All too soon we were called for our flight, and were advised to go to the front of the line well I dont need to be asked twice, we headed to gate 33 (I think) it was a fair walk but we werent in any rush, as we left on the first call in the CH. We arrived at the gate, and it was a mess, with people lining up, and there were 2 lines, no signs for priority boarding and as advised I politely made my way to the front, there were a few people from the CH unsure what to do, so told them to follow me through, as it really is a part of flying UC.
So I was very polite, and firm, asking people to move, well the tuts and people moaning, asking where the hell I thought I was going I politely said to the front of the line! They just tutted some more, and mumbled something, I gave them a sickly smiled and carried on! We got to the front, and was greeted by a friendly agent and headed for the aircraft. I didnt see the name of the plane, but it did have the new PE seats on it! Looking at the crowds at the gate, it looked to be a very full flight we were greeted at the door, and told where our seats were, we settled in and seemed to had lost our VS Blue friend, anyway, champers were offered, and gratefully received, the shoe bag was already on the ottoman along with the menus for dinner and breakfast. We were settled, and waited for the doors to close, and we waited some more the pilot came on to advise that we are just loaded one more palate of cargo, and then we would be off. In the mean time, I found out that our VS Blue friend got down graded to PE and his colleague didnt make it, as they were 10 over sold. Well 45mins had passed and we were still waiting, no extra drinks were offered, and just waited the pilot came on again to advise that they had to off load a family of 4 as one of their children was ill, and their bags were in 3 different containers and had to be off loaded! GRRRRR We finally were on our way, and it seemed to be that we were the last flight out of LHR, as it was very quiet and once we reached the runway we were off, the pilot advised that we would make time up, due to good tail winds. The service seemed to be a little slow, and felt that the FA could of taken drinks and food orders while we were on the ground, I wasnt overly fussed as I didnt want to sleep.[}:)]
V-Monkey was in his ninja suit, and a sleep within 10mins of seat belt sign was off. My FA that was looking after our section was very nice, as were all the FA. For dinner I had the spring rolls to start which were OK, not crispy, it seemed that they had been microwaved! Then had the 7 spiced chook, which was just lovely, as it was tasty, tender, and very moist. Our friend in PE, said to come and get him so we could have a few drinks at the bar, which I did it was great, as V-Monkey slept most of the flight! Had a great chat with the crew, and there was a lovely Aussie CSS, and it was her first time being a supervisor she was just amazing, you would never have known it was her first time, she was always smiling and making sure everyone in UC had what they needed and were comfortable.[^][^]
We chatted and she was born in Freo. I wrote a hero form for her as she was just incredible. No intros from the FSM, they did announce that it was a special birthday for her, she did the wine, and was pleasant. The IFBT came around with the extras, and asked if I wanted a massage, I had the arm and hand massage which was great, and she was very friendly and chatty.
When I was at the bar, one of the male FA who had a very raspy voice due to watching the soccer the night before, he was a good laugh, I have to say this was one of the best flights I have had with VS. I had a few hours of sleep, woke up just before breakfast was being served. I asked my Aussie FA for some water, and she gave me a 2 litre bottle, and some polos (was she trying to tell me something???) It came in handy as it was VERY humid in HKG. [xx(]
I managed a few hours sleep, as I couldnt keep my eyes open! This may have been something to do with the G+Ts I had, the FA with the raspy voice, he knew how to pour a mean G+T!!!! I put my head down (cabin temp was nice and cool for a change!) and woke for breakfast, I had 2 bacon rolls and coffee.
We landed early and taxied to gate 36, there was a separate air bridge for UC, so there was no waiting and we were straight off. When we left the aircraft, we received hugs and kisses from my Aussie FA and the IFBT! It wasnt like being on a flight, it was like flying with friends they were just so genuinely lovely people, and they said how lovely it was for us going home for the special birthday. I really hope I fly with the same crew, as it was just the best flight ever.
Once at HKG, we caught the train to go through immigration, and we must have landed in just before a UA flight as the immigration hall was just heaving and there is no priority for J/F Class, it took about 30-40mins, once at the luggage belt, our bags were waiting for us! Off to IC desk for our limo transfer to the hotel. Just to let you know it was 33degrees and 97% humidity! Very steamy! [8D]
I will post my other TRs shortly. Hope I didnt go on too much!