VS019 LHR-SFO 8 Nov 08 (Upper)

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

A well deserved holiday to San Fran and Vegas, yet another great flight with Virgin;

Check in
All 3 desks free when we arrived at 06:45. My Friend was traveling in economy so joined me to check in at the UC desks, the girl checking him in literally burst out laughing and added 'oh, you're traveling in economy'. We thought it was hilarious and the predictable banter took off from there, she looked slightly embarrassed when she realized the context of what she'd said and gave my friend an exit row free of charge - no op up but would do!!

Private security
Superb as usual, only 1 person in front of us, no delay! I work at the airport so have no need to navigate the scrums around the T3 shopping areas so I headed straight to the clubhouse.!!

Clubhouse
Around 10 people waiting to get in from around 06:50 when we got there, all got in quickly enough when the shutters opened and we could get on with the champagne and mojito's!! It's my 3rd time in the lounge as a passenger (Im occasionally in the with work) and I love the place. Food superb as usual, a lovely massage, lots of drinks to get us in the mood...

Boarding and Flight
Got to the gate to find the expected large line, my friend and I departed company so I could barge my way to the front - The security guard waved me through as soon as he saw the boarding pass, but I still don't understand why they can't dedicate a boarding lane at LHR?? Once through the check I was straight down the upper class air bridge (finally we have dual loading at LHR) and into my seat 17A. The massage station had gone to make the A-Zone feel amazing, loads of space and a very good ambience. I can now confirm that the seats downstairs are definitely wider than the top deck (although crew will never admit it) - I am now converted to the A-Zone and is 100% the place to be on the 747!!! My seat had a Tenser barrier which may have got in the way if I had wanted to sleep (i've had this on a Gatwick flight before) and I will be moving one forward when possible on future flights. Flight was very good with superb service and good food all the way through!

After landing we unloaded via the front air bridge (again, double loading is the way forward), I was the first off and entered a literally empty immigration hall - I wish JFK and Miami could be like that!! Upper bags were on the belts first but the belt broke down so despite being able to see our bags we couldn't get them. After lots of abuse from my economy friend about so called upper class bag priority we eventually got everything and got into San-Fran to carry on the partying....

All in all a very good flight, converting my to the A-Zone!! Bring on Florida in Feb!!!

Lovely TR, thanks.
I have yet to experience a virgin flight from LHR, my first one is in February and I can't wait[:D]

Mojito's at 06:50 hrs - very impressive! Thanks for the TR, sounds like it was a fun trip.

Thanks for the great TR![y]

Sounds like a great trip!

Was the check-in lady taking the p*ss when she was laughing about your friend travelling in Y or just confused by him checking in at UC?

Can you explain the Tenser barrier in 17A?

quote:Originally posted by napamatt
Can you explain the Tenser barrier in 17A?


This is a red 'tensa-barrier' type spring-loaded tape reel, padded in the same beige leather covering as the side of the suite, attached to the side wall of the aircraft.

I'm told that this is pulled across during maintenance to protect staff when an inspection hatch is opened in the floor of the A-zone to access either an electrical bay or the landing gear wheel well which is located below the A-zone.

Mike

Great TR! Thanks for posting!

GJ

I think the check in girl was speaking aloud and didn't mean to come across so shocked!! - we thought it was hilarious but others may not have been so impressed.. The tensa barrier is fine in seat config but as a bed it can get in the way a little bit. I would go for the seat 16A as my favourite seat on the 747, I personally don't like the right hand side of the plane - can't sleep as well for some reason.