V-Flyer

Arrived at LHR at 10.00 and straight to the desk as I had to have my name corrected to match my passport - all my fault but 30 lighter!

Is it just me but is the UC check-in area a bit basic? Its stuck right at the end and there wasnt even any carpet on the floor or nice guide ropes and a couple of people from PE cut across us.

Staff were efficient asking all the usual questions and did I know the way to the CH etc. The name correction meant my ticket was cancelled then reissued so my seats had been released but luckily I was offered my chosen seat (9A).

Exit from the lift (again a bit basic!) was blocked by a party coming from the CDC area people being shown around by someone from VS (they appeared in the CH later). Had to ask twice for them to excuse me![n]

After collecting my $$ from Travelex, the private security channel awaited and it was empty so quickly through that (almost left the new laptop though!), avoided shoe hell and a quick run round duty free but no purchases made.

Got to the lounge at about 10.40 and sat in the Gallery near the spa,

I ordered champers, coffee, OJ and the full English (no beans or tomato). Followed by another champers (or was it two?). [y]

Then I went for a walk round the CH to investigate the sweets which were quickly found, photographed and samples taken for analysis. [y]

11.30 came and it was time for my facial. Dropped my shoes off before hand for them to be polished and John gave me a pair of spa slippers,

Facial was very relaxing and included a head massage [:D]

Collected shoes (shining like new) and John is obviously very well thought off by the staff as I had a quick chat with him. I rather get the impression that a lot of people dont even bother to say hello or thank you.

I fancied a change of seat so went to the Sky Lounge. Waited 5 mins for sometime to ask if I wanted anything but no one came [n] but I moved anyway as the sky lounge just felt a strange place to be in.

Found a sofa downstairs in the observation desk where I had more OJ, coffee and a Vesper Martini. V nice but one was enough. Ordered a glass of champers then went to the deli as the main menu did not appeal.

Had a selection of cold meats, salmon and cheese.

Oh and more champers! [y]

There were a couple of kids in the CH (I thought no under 12s were allowed [:?]) but they were well behaved no shouting (unlike man on phone at the bar) but one dancing on the seats.

Flight was called and as I knew it was a long walk to the gate I went on the first call and I was glad I did as I got past halfway when I realised I had dropped my coat [:0] so had to go back to find it, hoping I had dropped it nearby but had to go all the way back to the CH Id dropped it at the bottom of the stairs where it was waiting for me at the concierge desk. [:)]

I needed the champers by the time I got on the plane! [y]

Didnt notice any priority boarding but by this time I was one of the last on so it didnt really matter.

UC was almost full counted 6 empty seats, No idea what it was like down the back (did I care? [}:)])

Tonty and Beary B Bearenberger occupied the ottoman until I had to hold them for take off. Seat was usual UC but just a tad too narrow for me and always have the problem of where to put my elbows (which is why I scored it as good).

Take off was smooth and the services started promptly and the bears resumed their places on the ottoman (safely belted in)

The CSM came down with the goodies to say hello but no personalised greeting. Only saw her on and off during the flight. She reminded me of Sarah Palin though! (Could she see Russia I wondered [:?])

Drinks (more champers) and some nibbles were offered and the entertainment started.[y]

I watched Quantum of Solace first cant beat a bit of crash, bang wallop and unnecessary violence plus its easy to catch up when youre disturbed as lunch is being served. There were a fair few [B)] administered by Mr Bond!

Lunch I had

Seasonal Leaf Salad good but a tad too much blue cheese for my liking

Baked Cod was OK. Was the least worst option as far as I was concerned which is why I scored the food as 'good'.

Berry Pavlova was a bit rubbery and the meringue pieces on the plate reminded me of that white stuff they pack things in!

Wasnt offered cheese but was pretty full anyway.

All washed down by a nice viognier (2 glasses)[8D]

After the crash bang of James Bond I settled down to watch Doubt which was excellent and needed two viewings (2nd on the return) to take in all the nuances.

Afternoon tea was fine I had the Chicken Caesar and the Spicy Pastrami sandwiches. Asked for a couple of each (I was expecting quarters) but was told they were large but I could have seconds of I wanted but no need as they were large! The lemon cake was fine. All washed down with a nice cuppa.

I also watched A matter of loaf and death and Man on Wire before we started the descent.

I didnt feel the need to go to the bar.

Overall CC were efficient and very good but not memorable in terms of remembering their names or them doing anything particularly outstanding.

Landing was fine then a long taxi to the gate.

CC held the PE and Econ Pax back as UC deplaned [y]

Immigration not too bad 20 mins wait for me but I could see the hoards assembling behind me (from VS045 plus another international arrival)

No mention of ESTA by the nice INS lady and only had to do right hand finger prints and no picture taken or any of the usual why are you here questions but I had seen those from the eastern european flight in front of me getting the full monty. I assume I must be on their database!

Baggage was on the belt as I entered the claim hall so they were quickly nabbed before making my way into the big apple




(edited because I put the wrong date on!)

Thanks for the long awaited TR, glad it went well and they did their job well, shame not outstanding but better than awful.....[y]

Look forward to reading the return.

Dominic

Thanks Tontybear - but you didn't mention if you sampled the Champagne during the trip?

There's no lower age limit on CH entry, only if you'd paid for it separately through VH.
They'd of been flying with said guardians & have their own seat in UC or on lap if young enough. Hence the Kids area in the CH..

Did you mention having any champagne!

Champagne?

Not a drop touched my lips !

[:p][:p][:p][:p]

quote:Originally posted by tontybear
Champagne?

Not a drop touched my lips !

[:p][:p][:p][:p]


Does that mean they were pouring it out of the bottle down your throat? It doesn't touch your lips then?? [:o)]

Thanks for the great TR! Didn't see any mention of champagne![}:)][}:)]

My cod on Monday was yummy (much better than it sounded or looked). Ceaser chicken sanwich was nice too (and the lemon ricotta cake!).
Glad you had a good flight.
DL

I didn't like the cod, a bit too dry for me.