V-Flyer

Better late than never ... a few days to write a fully considered TR never goes amiss.

This was my first time at EWR. I arrived about 19.30 for the 22.25 departure (clocks had gone forward the previous weekend) and terminal B looked pretty quiet.

One person was at UC desk so I was directed to the PE desk. Bags all safely checked and on asking how busy it was I was told UC was full but empty at the back.

Given a hand written invitation card for the CH and directions.

The CH is all of two minutes walk from the desk so not sure why the card was written out. Anyway I received a warm welcome and a (written) invitation to the Revivals lounge and was told dinner would be served from 20.30.

There were a few people in the lounge including a rather loud foursome who eventually quietened down (not sure if the staff had words but they were the really irritating loud sort of people and to be honest rather uncouth in the way they were ordering their drinks etc). Later I noticed that they made a sharp exit when the flight was first called and I didnt see them in UC.

Was about five minutes before someone came and asked me if I wanted a drink. No offer of any nibbles.

Fired up the lappy to make use of the free wi-fi.

Took a few pics of the lounge before it filled up posted on the lounge pages.

Nipped out to have a look at the duty free shop very disappointing selection. A few other pax in the shop felt the same I think.

Service was quicker on my return and I asked for some crisps and nuts to go with my champers.

People were starting to eat dinner (announcement must have been made when I was in duty free) so wandered around to the bar area where it was all set out quite nicely but it could have been better. I know this sort of thing is subjective and its hard to say how it could have been better but it just could have!

I didnt fancy the hot selection so just had some cheese, salmon and some salad with crackers - picture in food gallery!

Had some sort of tiramisu dessert thingy with some more champers and OJ (picture in gallery)

Flight was called and there was a mini rush but being a seasoned UC traveller (this being my 4th UC flight LOL) I waited until the 2nd call. There was a queue of about 8 people for security but only one lane open and the usual fandango of belts, shoes, lap top and toiletries going in the trays. But no seats GRRRRRRR as many others have said a properly organised security area should have seats etc for people to get re-organised at instead of clogging up the end of the x-ray machine belt.

Person in front of me was just sooooo slowwwwwww in collecting his things. Person behind required a more through check and I wondered if this would delay the flight,

After re-dressing (well it seams like it) went through passport control before a short walk to the almost empty gate area before the BP was scanned and onto the plane where because it was a door one boarding I had to turn right!

Seat found in the getting full UC cabin when CC L*** came and asked me if I wanted a drink. Champers and OJ I said. In the same glass? she asked No separate, please and Ill mix them myself much lollage. L*** really was excellent and is a credit to VS.

I nipped to the loo to change and when I returned found I had parked my stuff on the wrong suite but quickly sorted.

Tonty and Beary B Bearenberger settled onto the ottoman and this generated a cuddle (for them) from L***.

Take off was smooth and I could see the top of the Empire State building from the taxi way and on take off I looked out the window and got a fab view of all the lights over the 5 boroughs and long island.

IFE was started but mine (and others apparently) did not respond so they rebooted the system.

More drinks served plus some lovely olives and cheese straws then there was a mini rush as the CC made up beds etc. Unfortunately I was located just in front of the curtain and once closed I thought this would mean I was going to be neglected but far from it. L*** made sure of that!

Dinner order taken I had salad followed by the flat iron beef but it was just awful. The sides just tasted yuk (have never liked spinach but even so) and the beef itself was cold but quickly replaced but by this point I wasnt that hungry so just had about a third of it. This might have been due to having a huge rib and a couple of pints at the Heartland Brewery at the South Street Seaport only a few hours earlier!.

L*** told me that there would be snacks etc left on the bar and bacon sandwiches later too.

At this point I had the bed made up and settled down to try and watch The Reader but gave up after 5 minutes and again watched Doubt with is an excellent film and deserves more than one viewing.

Managed to get some sleep but woke up a couple of times.

Didnt fancy any breakfast - just had some tea and OJ.

The CC were excellent especially L*** - but other than the initial boarding and landing announcements and the goodbyes off the plane with some young chap who I had not seen in UC - there was no sign of the FSM. Not that he was needed the CC were excellent but would have been nice for him just to walk the cabin and say hello even if it wasnt a full meet n greet.

No extras basket either!

We arrived at LHR 20 mines early and after usual taxiing we arrived at the gate. CC held back the PE and Econ Pax. Managed to thank L*** as I disembarked.

A brisk walk to an empty passport control hall soon woke me up and baggage claim was empty too.

Just missed my bags as they disappeared round back into the black hole but quickly re-appeared. Went to grab the case but a stupid woman was in the way but managed to avoid hitting her. Then my two holdalls appeared and even though she could see me getting them off the belt she just would not move. Was sorely tempted to whack her with one or both of them!

Through customs, them up to revivals. Didnt want shower and despite it being almost empty the therapist was already booked up for a few hours. Just had coffee and OJ then later some smoked salmon and scrambled eggs to eat.

Then time to meet my (privately booked) driver and hence to home!

Thanks for the return part of your trip.

Dominic

Tonty

Thanks for the TR[y]

My recollection of the EWR Clubhouse (and this was some time back[:I]) was that it was a rather small affair; therefore, anyone who was not respectful of others would be very noticeable - poor form in my opinion.

Continuing trend of good flight experience (excluding the beef that is [:w]) I note

Tanks once again

buns

Dominic - I aim to please [;)][;)]

Buns - Yes it is quite small and a sort of L shape for us punters to sit but I assume it's large enough to cope with expected number of pax plus a little bit of extra space so we are not all sat next to each other.

Unfortunatly the oafs were sat almost on the pivot point of the two arms. I think the staff (or another pax) did tell them to quieten down and lower their voices but it was their general attitude and lack of respect(especially to the staff) that grated more than anything else.

Tonty [8D][8D]

Thanks for the TR. I thought that the beef was quite nice but I suppose I was quite hungry! I tried to get to Revivals as quickyl as I could but the shoulder massage treatments were fully booked so I had a foot massage instead. I don't think the FSM introduced themselves on either of my flights or maybe I just didn't notice.

Thanks for the great TR![y]