V-Flyer

After a lovely weekend in Washington where I got very sunburnt walking round it was time to return home. Took a cab from my hotel to the airport and arrived at around 1600 for out flight at 1840.

Walked over to the UCS check-in which I was glad of being able to use as the Y and PE lines were very busy. Gave the agent my passports and e-tickets and she tried to send me to the PE line. I had to show me and Natalies FC AU cards twice before she would let me remain there! She also wouldn't let me move seats to row 18 stating that they were exclusively for mothers with babies! This was annoying as I had no problem at LHR on the way here and there was not a single mother with child in this row at all on the aircraft. Had my boarding cards issued and had to ask where the Clubhouse was as she had forgotten that we were able to use it! [V]

Looked at the horrendously long security line and decided to chance the priority line. The agent there took some convincing but the AU card and a bit of pleading won him over in the end! Not sure if you are actually allowed to use this line but it was most welcome! [:w] This line makes such a difference as you are straight through to the scanners. Got stuck behind people who didn't seem to know what they were doing and had all sorts of liquids etc in their bags. Surprising that after all this time people still are oblivious to this rule! After security we started the very long trek to gate B32 where our plane was and where the CH is opposite the gate. This is an excellent idea as once the flight is called you can see how far they are with boarding before you leave saving lots of queuing time! [y] The CH here is small and functional with a nice view of the aircraft on stands albeit the opposite side to where our plane was parked. Showers and wi-fi are available as are a couple of computers. We decided to sit at the bar as Wimbledon was on so had an hour watching Andy Murray do his best to make the match as hard as possible for himself! Had a Club sandwich which was pretty average and a few beers at the bar before the flight was called.

Boarded G-VAIR Maiden Tokyo through the priority boarding lane which was clearly signposted and strictly enforced. No beep this time so I would have to be content with PE for this trip. We were in 20 H/K on this trip and the seats were pretty comfortable. Been a while since I have travelled PE and they do seem to be quite roomy. Plane was very full again with only a couple of spare seats in UCS. Boarding was completed very quickly and we managed to get away around 20 minutes early. This was good as the captain announced a long flight time of 7 hours 17 mins due to not getting the usual tail winds. Very short queue for take off and soon up in the air. Drinks run was done shortly after the seat belt signs were off and I opted for a beer which I promptly poured all over myself! [:0] Were handed a menu card which consisted of the usual chicken or beef dish when the FSM came up to us and asked if we would do him a favour. Apparently there had been a bit of a disagreement in Y and he needed to reseat people so we were moved into 14/15 D in UCS. [y] Couldn't believe our luck and once again glad of my AU card. 2 flights since qualifying and 2 op-ups! [oo] Once seated in our suites three different CC members made sure we knew how the seat worked, took drinks and food orders and got us duvets and sleep suits. I decided to have another beer as it would be my last one as was working once I had landed and the cheese and biscuits. These were delivered promptly and were very good. After that I changed into my sleep suit and when I returned my suite had been converted for me. Watched Traitor in bed which was a really good film and recommended and then tried to get some sleep. For some reason I just couldn't drift off and just dozed for about 3 hours before deciding to get up and change. Converted my suite and decided to have breakfast. Had a bacon roll which was good and a coffee and orange juice.

Flight was very smooth all the way with only a couple of spots of very mild turbulence and the seat belt sign stayed off until around 20 minutes out. Landed spot on time at 0705 after only a very brief circle and had a very long taxi to gate 20. Waited ages for the airbridge to be connected but I was first off the plane. Arrived at the immigration hall and it was packed. Luckily the 2 IRIS booths were completely empty though and it worked perfectly so I was very glad I had taken the time to register on the way out. Only had to wait about 5 minutes for the bags to be off and ours were about eighth on the conveyor. Managed to be in revivals for about 0740 which I thought was quite impressive. Had a bit of a wait in Revivals as they couldn't find us on the list and I had to dig the FC cards out but managed to get a massage booked. Had a lovely long shower and got my work clothes ironed before having a lovely smoothie before my massage. This was excellent and got rid of all my knots and really woke me up. Had a quick ham and cheese croissant and a pot of Assam before heading of to the HEX and work at Euston.

A lovely trip to Washington especially with the two upgrades. Flight back was ok, CC were attentive, IFE worked without a hitch and the food was decent. Always find it a bit more difficult to find much to write about night flights as they are usually so uneventful. Next trip is to MBJ in July and the JFK in August both in UCS. Hopefully the flights there will be as good as this trip as I certainly don't seem to have noticed the service suffering too much with losing a member of CC and I still think that the Upper Class product when done properly is pretty good.

Thank you for the great TR,(Again)! Don't think I've heard of two op-ups in a return trip before[:?] well done you lucky so and so![^][^]

Wow ! How lucky you both are to get the upped both ways [:D] I know it was pure chance but does seem to make a difference having that Gold FC card - glad to see loyality does pay [y]

Thanks for sharing,

Hackneyguy

When are you flying next and can I tag along!

Lovely trip reports, and awesome luck on the upgrades, nice one!

Thanks,
Sarah

I think you've single handedly skewed the VFlyer - Upgrade ratio!! Congratulations!

WOW 2 op-ups on the same trip, well done! Glad you had a good trip.

Dominic

What an excellent finish to your weekend away[y][y]

The luck on getting a second Op-Up[:0] (Could you PM me the 6 Lotto numbers for this week please[}:)]) and once again, your reports of excellent service is something that VS should be only too keen to see.

You did remark on the new PE Seats and I have to agree that it is not surprising that some business passengers are opting for the new PE Cabin against the UC product on hte basis of cost[:?]

buns