VS026 JFK-LHR 18 Aug 07 (Upper)
Posted: 13 Sep 2007, 00:15This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
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Check-in was quiet so we proceeded to the desk. The check-in agent was very sullen and insisted on tagging our bags with the 'checked baggage' red and white label. She also failed to tag our bags with UC tags. I did not make a point of this as during my previous 2 flights even though our luggage was correctly labelled, it certainly didn't end up in any 'priority' bin!
So off to the CH and off with that stupid red and white label. I had some fresh fruit while MrG tucked into an American Breakfast. CH service was excellent and the food good on this occasion [y] While relaxing and waiting for the call I noticed a Virgin America aircraft on stand 29, probably going to SFO, I think. We were called at 6.25am and this is where the fun began (doesn't it always?) We were directed to the Fast Track lane and as we walked through I noticed that one of the TSA agents had collapsed on the floor with some of his colleagues standing around him. Thankfully he was conscious and I assume that they were waiting for paramedics to arrive. Meanwhile our Fast Track queue had come to a stop. The regular line seem to be moving quicker than ours. As we came through to go through security, pax for the VS26 were being called and being pushed to the front, so we just followed them. I know it's been said so many times before, but that whole area is a complete disaster![xx(]
We walked along to gate B28 and straight onto Mystic Maiden. Just as we arrived at our seats, 2A and 3A, a very cheery CC member took our drinks order. Through my experience of UC travel, the time between arriving at your seat and being offered a drink, normally indicates if the CC are going to be good. This boded well[:D] As we settled down to wait for our drinks, another CC member asked us if we would like a drink. How's that for service? While I was comfortably settled with my OJ and waiting for push back, my nostrils picked up on a very pungent odour descending through the UC cabin. It turned out to be a chap, sleeping like a baby in 6D who looked like it had been a long time since he last got intimate with a shower or bath[:$]He was sockless also and I hoped that he might use the socks from his Amenity Kit to mask the offending smell (more of which later) Top marks to the crew though who covered him up with a duvet not long after take off and saving the rest off us from having to shove vaseline up our noses[;)]
The UC cabin appeared to be full with at least 5 or 6 children in our section. They all behaved impeccably, some looking like UC veterans. When I was their age I had to put up with stinky old B&I ferries across the Irish sea. Kids are so lucky these days. I was also impressed with the way the CC treated the children, occasionally checking back with the parents to if everything was ok.
We pushed back at 7.15am and were airborne around 7.45am. A short flight time of 5 hrs and 47 minutes which would be taking us over Gander. Hot towels were offered and breakfast orders were taken not long after take off. I skipped breakfast as I wasn't feeling hungry and just had a peppermint tea.
Normally when flying with the lovely MrG he is happy to eat everything on offer then settle down to the IFE for the rest of the flight. I on the other hand like to look out my window at the clouds and settle down with a good book. Even though we fly together there's not a lot of flowing conversation to be had between us. So, I was surprised when he tapped me on the shoulder and mentioned the lack of Amenity Kit in UC. True, there wasn't any to be found on our seats when arriving and the IFBT had not been around with the basket of goodies either. MrG eventually asked our CC member if we could each have a kit. It turned out that none had been loaded for UC. It was an hour into the flight before we realised the lack of kits and I heard other pax asking for them too. I get the impression that the CC were hoping we wouldn't notice or were either too embarrassed to make a polite announcement with an apology[n] Our dedicated CC Hazel (with permission) came to our aid with one of two UC kits that had made it onto the plane and handed it to MrG. Cross words were uttered between MrG and myself as to who would get the socks. I was wearing sandles and he already had socks on. After a bit of huffing and sulking the socks were finally mine[:D]
I spent an hour reading then popped up to the bar for a Cranberry juice. Got chatting to Hazel who has worked for VS for 9 years. We discussed all things VS including food and Amenity kits[:p] I passed her a V-Flyer card and she said she would look in. We were joined by another CC member, a jolly Geordie chap who had been making interesting shapes with the fruit bowl napkins [;)] Turns out that the V-Flyer legend lives on as he worked on an SFO flight a couple of years ago with a large contingent of V-Flyers on it. You certainly all made an impression on him[}:)] Hazel found me a PE kit while I was sitting at the bar which I thanked her for. On returning to my seat I left the PE socks for MrG who was being pampered the IFBT at the time.
Soon the lunch service was under way and I opted for the Tomato Bisque to start with and the Flat Iron Steak for main course. The soup was tasty if a little salty and the steak was passable. The vegetables, baby carrots and Asparagus were rubbery an inedible. I finished with the chocalate pudding with Raspberry Coulis which was very nice. I had one glass of wine with this meal and no top up was offered.
We landed around 6.50am ahead of schedule but at the same time as many other flights, so immigration was busy. Once through we waited in the baggage hall for our luggage. Unsurprisingly our luggage was not deemed 'priority'on this occasion so we had a bit of a wait.
So, flight number 3 of 4 in UC and still no treatment from the IFBT. This time I did receive a priority card so knew my luck would be in on the return flight.
Big let down with the Amenity kits, though sleep suits were aplenty so all was not lost.
Looking back at my notes I realised I made no mention of the FSM. I think that's because I hardly saw her. She did make a quick visit to certain pax (MrG included) but not all. She was working from a list. Perhaps she was picking out the Au's?
Priority Baggage? Shall forever remain a mystery I think.[?]
Finally, I would like to say a big 'thank you' to Hazel for looking after us so well. Thanks for making our flight an enjoyable one [oo]
Oh and the man with the smelly feet, he slept soundly the whole way, oblivious to the lack of socks and amenity kits![:w]