VS012 BOS-LHR 13 Oct 08 (Upper)
Posted: 14 Oct 2008, 11:16This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Our passports were duly checked by security and another (pre-printed) copy of my e-ticket was given to me (Not sure why - I was already holding the copy of the e-ticket receipt I printed at home plus the e-ticket receipt given to us by the kiosk check-in at LHR... but I digress!)
At the counter, we find we've been 'upgraded' - which was a very pleasant surprise (first ever op-up for me, and even more surprising considering I was travelling with OH and on a 'K' ticket!) - I guess PE was very oversubscribed. 16 and 17K were allocated to us at the desk - fine by me!
No clubhouse access for us, so we headed through security to some duty free purchases and the delights of Starbucks to while away the time. Fortunately, Logan has comfortable seats and the time went quickly.
Boarding started nice and early, and soon we were enjoying some proper fizz at our seats! 'Order taking' felt a bit hurried, but I guess I'm used to just being given meals at the allotted time rather than being asked what I wanted and when! I was surprised that the seats can be in any position for take off and landing. I elected for feet on Ottoman! Soon we were up in the air and my pre-dinner drink arrived swiftly once the 'express' dinners were out of the way and the 'sleep zone' created down the front.
Dinner for me was the Sweet Potato Salad (which got the thumbs up from the OH) and the Beef Fillet, which was surprisingly tender. I declined dessert and cheese but took a tea and then had my seat converted to bed. Very comfortable and a few zzz's were had.
The seatbelt signs came on a bit enthusiastically compared to some flights I've been on but generally the flight was smooth.
The staff were attentive, especially the FSM - although at times I did think they were a bit loud when in the bar area. I was reminded of this when 20 minutes from LHR the FSM was the only person in the rear half of UC and the rest of the FAs were at the bar. He soon snapped them into shape with 'Am I the only one securing the cabin then??'. A few grumbles of 'we were only having fun!' were heard!
Landing was very smooth and after a short taxi to the gate, a long walk to the Iris machines, we had our bags and were through in about 20 minutes!
Even after my first UCS experience I think I'll still be going PE and holding out for the next upgrade! (unless someone else is paying!)