This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
CHeck-in was a bit chaotic, although once we made it to the UC desk we had our boarding passes and bags sorted very efficiently. Given our pre-prepared lounge passes, and then headed to the premium passenger security lane. It was very quiet anyway, and we were through very quickly. Like the idea of the late night IAD departure as it gives you the whole day pretty much in Washington. Walked over to the B gates and the Clubhouse. Needed lounge pass, passport and boarding card to get in - very strict!! Noticed that the lounge is now shared with Qatar who leave for Doha about 20 minutes before the VS one. Lounge was relatively quiet still, although the service was slow and patchy. Had a couple of nice Cosmos and Amaretto Sours, along with the beef salad (thought it would be hot, but was still very tasty) and the creme brulee (which took almost 40 minutes to arrive!).
Boarding was called, and thought that this would mean that the flight was almost all boarded - surprised when we walked over that they were only boarding UC, PE and gold at this time! Straight onto the plane, which was nicely chilled, and settled into the seat with a glass of champagne. Noticed when I went to sit down that the drinks tray wouldn't go down.....due to an apple core, couple of lip balms and some tin foil - not nice to have a poorly prepared seat. However the CC sorted it out, and then cleaned the area very well. Not VS fault directly, but poor cleaning obviously in IAD! Changed into the sleep suit - wow these are definately figure hugging now....they need to think about getting an XL one!!
Take-off on time, and then drinks and dinner orders were taken. Decided to sample the menu to see what it was like. Ordered the hot beef shortribs tray - which also came with the Asian tuna salad. Very tasty and pretty good for a supper tray. Odd that no water was offered with it, although it was very forthcoming when I asked. Sampled the cheese plate, which was bought with port even though I hadn't asked!!
Afterwards whilst watching part of a film, asked for a Baileys. The CC suggested that instead I should have Baileys and Kahlua mix - very good suggestion!! What was disappointing was that the magazine was July for entertainment, but the films and TV were all June (I think) as nothing was correct, and it was all 'old films'. Surprised that this hadn't been commented on to the FSM before to sort out before the 12th July!!
Had a few hours sleep - managed to nick a couple of extra pillows from the spare seats. They seemed to be more foam based than before and not so comfortable. Awoke and had some coffee and fruit before freshening up before landing. The crew on this flight were very attentive and ensured that everything happened efficiently. Very different to the outbound trip to JFK!
Through IRIS which was quick as usual, and then to Belt 6. I was nervous as my bag doesn't have a TSA lock, and unfortunately as it came round I noticed it was wrapped in lovely TSA tape!! They had obviously decided to have some fun and smash the locks open....oh well that means a new suitcase before my next trip.
Off to the Arrivals lounge which was very quiet for a shower and a light early lunch - much nicer than the usual rush off to work after a flight.
Overall a very nice flight, and really appreciated the later flight time and the excellent crew on this flight. Let down by the incorrect outdated entertainment being available on this flight!
