VS019 LHR-SFO 13 Jun 08 (Upper)
Posted: 22 Jun 2008, 18:25This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
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Check in was fine, with one desk open and 1 party in front of me. Pleasantly enough we were advised where the lift was and about the security arrangements. I knew this anyway, but for MIL it was all an experience, as I kept saying to her throughout the whole holiday (we flew First/Business on the internals, bypassing miles of queues in check in and security) 'see what you get when travelling UCS', extolling every little virtue trying to convert someone who would probably never fly again to USA was great fun!
As the only ones at security we breezed through (barbed comment from MIL 'all these people, not doing much are they?!' - I was not complaining!). The shoe check was closed, so we glided onwards to the CH excited about seeing her face upon going through the hallowed doors. She stood at the entrance gazing in awe at the majesty of it all (well a bit of an embellishment, but she was reasonably impressed!!) She took it all in, mouth agog as I dragged her to the restaurant. We sat down for 3 full Englishes, 3 champagnes ('of course my dear, I never usually drink at this time in the morning...' she emphasises to the nice young hotess - yeah, yeah, of course mother!).
Breakfast was great as was the champers. It was getting busy so we moved from our chairs to something more comfortable in the main lounge. I went off to my great shave and then swap places while mother and daughter had their facials, both coming back radiant as ever. Being Irish, my MIL can talk for England (possible misnomer, I know!), so being in her element, the beauty therapist must have been wondering what had hit her, but she was 'such a lovely lady, I was telling all about our trip and where I came from....' - bless her!
Usually it would be time for duty free shopping, but to my amazement and dumbfoundment, the ladies declined, saying there was to much to take in - blimey, for my wife to give up a shopping opportunity, it must be good! So the 3 of us spent the next hour trying a cocktail or 2, having a lovely sausage roll, reading the paper and having a wander.
Soon it was time to make our way to the gate which as it happened was the closest to the CH. As is mostly usual, there was no priority boarding line (shame for MIL) and the checker-in didn't really know what was happening in the melee that was around us, despite the call for UC the queue was all over the place. Nevertheless, we joined the queue and soon made our way to the boarding door to turn left into our seats of 15, 16 and 17. Again MIL was silent for a moment (ahhhh!) while getting used to her environment and surroundings. Settling in she was offered a drink - 'just a small glass of champagne my dear - this is my daughter and son - in - law....' (Mother - NO!!).
I have to say, she was spoilt rotten and looked after very well. They knew she was a first timer and they all spent time explaining what was happeing, one even offering a good night kiss if she wanted to kip down during the flight - that made her day! Amenity cloth bag thing awaited me at the end of my seat and I was offered a top up of Polo's, a shiny pen, moisturiser etc. I took a random selection and gave them to the wife for 'filing away'.
Looking at the menu, I have to say I wasn't overally enthralled. I chose the salmon (OK - I am not a mad fish lover) and the beef. Surprisingly this was OK and quite tender with a bit of taste! I had cheese and biscuits which were good and a cognac - Ottards. Didn't like it much - far prefer Remi (or even Courvoisier, if I have to) - I do like my cognacs, usually buying XO and above, so I was disappointed in this. What I did notice and admonish myself for not thinking about it myself, someone else had chicken caesar salad for starter. That perplexed me a bit until I saw this on the 'lighter bites' section of the menu. Of course, under Freedom, you can mix and match. It looked nice, but too late, I had eaten mine.
Anyway, take off was about 30 minutes late as is the norm, but it was a good smooth flight. The IFS came round and spent some quality time with me and others. She enquired about my holiday and we chatted about the Vegas flights and how right we were to get an internal after we finished in Vegas back to SFO as the Vegas flights are a bit to be desired, rowdy and the bar can often be closed half way through the flight. That, I said, is why I chose this option and she agreed. Very chatty and a nice young lady, we spent only 5-ish minutes talking but very enjoyable it was, as she seemed interested in my comments. Unusually she said, there were 100 odd seats free back at EC. On checking she was about right whilst UCS and PE were full.
Drinks were served after take off as we settled in to the IFE. I picked a couple to watch, Jumpers (poor) and No Country for Old Men (interesting, gorey and thought provoking, but a ending that didn't really conclude the film, which I hate). Also got up to $500,000 in Millionaire, with the $1M question on an American topic - how fair is that?!!!
As already mentioned food was served. Disappointed with the wine selection - 3 French (not mad on European), a Chilean and Argentinian mediocre red. Still managed a couple of glasses along the way, over a better than expected dinner. Later on I was surprised to be offered Hagen Daas or Organic? I had to ask him to repeat the question not really ecpecting a choice - I settled for traditional.
Afternoon tea was OK, though being a fussy blighter, I prefer a plain scone with my cream and jam, not a cinnamony one with apple. Sandwiches though were good as was the Cress and Potato soup and the chocolate chip bun thing.
MIL had dozed (phew - the bar was saved from being drank dry!), but woke just in time for tea, checking with her daughter what she recommended 'that's my daughter and son-in-law' Again!!! Bless her!
So, all in all a good overall experience once more for my wife and I and a never to forget one for the MIL. Chatty and excited, she got on well with all the crew, loved the experience and the champagne and telling everyone who would listen that I was her son-in-law!
We landed on schedule making up for lost time and we were one of the first off, having a UCS walkway along side a regualr one - nice touch. The edge was taken off the whole experience though as immigration could not get her fingerprints right and sent her down for secondary checking. She was kept waiting for 45 minutes along with it seemed some 'undesirables' and some rude people and officers, but eventually the FBI type let her go (when the lady came out of a room with a rubber glove on, I said to my MIL that I hoped she had clean knickers on!! She looked a bit worried, but that is my evil streak!), and so we were on our way to the Fairmont for a great (though cool) stay. Three happy people, pleased once more with the Virgin experience!