This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
After a late shuttle down to Gatwick from Edinburgh and onward to the Hilton for a pit stop, there was the customary message now at 7.00am, this time by text stating a delay of around an hour and a half. I tend not to get too fussed by delays, because there si not really a lot you can do about them (other than change to a carrier with a better record) and the sanctity of the clubhouse helps to mitigate the problem.
Check in was good, although someone from the p/e queue was checked in at an upper desk before me, but again that was only a few extra minutes. Boarding pass in hand, but no clubhouse invitation, we proceeded to a very very quick fastrak security queue.
I wonder given the works being done upstairs and around the clubhouse if a dedicated security channel could also be done at Gatwick the security upstairs can been seen through the door in the corridor leading to the clubhouse now, so who knows.
A fabulous welcome was awaiting me at the clubhouse reception, I suppose I had only been there a couple of months ago, but it was really nice to be recognised again (see VS, something for nothing) and welcomed back to the haven of Gatwicks Clubhouse. I am sure there are many many more frequent fliers than me but it was really nice to be recognised. It will close on 1st August but forgot to ask for how long. It was also interesting to hear that the opportunity is nearly always available to allow an odd extra guest in with you which is nice is you are travelling with more than 2 people.
As reported in the Heathrow Clubhouse, the portions seem to be a little smaller in the food department, but the service is, as ever great. There is also a new 25th anniversary clubhouse club sandwich which you must try if you have the chance.
The morning passed very quickly, probably due to the fact of a few issues at work. Good job I hand charged my phone battery before we left the Hilton and all to soon, we were on our way to the gate.
I had been listening to the announcements during the morning and it was made very clear that priority boarding was in force and those eligible were to make their way to the clearly signed entrance.
It was and we did.[:D]
There was a strange announcement before we actually boarded in the p/e and golds were to board first but not upper at the moment. Turns out that the engineers were in the front cabin replacing a screen.
The champagne didnt seem to be a free flowing as in the past and the nice kettle crisps / olives have been replaced with bloody awful pretzels (no flavour) or the even worse rice crisp things yuk !
Crew were good although again not overly quick with filling up the empty glasses, but the food was actually very nice. I had the soup, which was unlike any VS soup I have ever had before not gloopy, the cod which was nice (a very small criticism was it was a touch on the dry side and the portions of the veg were slightly on the small side) and the berry pavlova with meringue yes meringue with meringue which was wonderful if a little messy.
Must have fallen asleep as I missed the ice cream but again afternoon tea was very nice although a bit rushed as plates were cleared away about 20 mins before landing.
Flight was very smooth dont think the seat belt signs were on for anything bar take off and landing and we arrived into a quiet immigration hall with a chatty official.
A couple of points which I had forgotten about were the new green forms which threw a few of us especially with the printing error on them !! thought the US didnt make mistakes and we were welcomed on board by name at the door see costs nothing !!
Onward to the Hilton GV on International Drive and checked in within an hour of landing - pretty good [y]
All I all, another good flight, but the interiors of these planes are really needing a bit of money spent on them
thanks
David
