VS017 LHR-EWR 31 Jul 09 (Upper)
Posted: 05 Aug 2009, 09:50This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
A few days before the flight we had been offered the drive through check in trial; [y] I took it up, thinking nice surprise and lots of brownie points.
As we arrived outside T3 Mrs Chumba asked why we were here as she thought BA went from T5, but I told her we had to pick up the purple parking meet and greet driver from here, so she went with that. We picked the driver up and went round the block, and into the DTCI area, as we drove up into the drop off area Mrs Chumbas face lit up as she realised where she was. We were met by one of the agents, who took our bags (hand luggage only), and the purple parking driver went off in the car.
We were taken into the check in area and given a seat whilst security questions were asked and boarding passes issued- all very civil indeed. Mrs Chumba still didnt know where she was going until the agent said here are your boarding passes to Newark. Big smiles from Mrs Chumba.
Only problem here which isnt down to VS is that there is no smoking anywhere around the DTCI not even outside, so Mrs Chumba had a quick trip down in the lift and outside T3 for her last cigarette before popping back up the way we would have come anyway. But no issues.
Through the private security channel in seconds and into T3, glad to see the shoe carnival has been removed, a few minutes in duty free and into the CH. At this point I told Mrs Chumba that she had an appointment for a haircut and I was having a shave. We went over and sat down and ordered the first of many drinks, Mojito for me and glass of champers for Mrs Chumba. We ordered dinner, I had the obligatory CH burger and Mrs Chumba had the steak and ale pie, which she said was absolutely gorgeous. Another round of drinks and then off to have the treatments.
Ive had professional shaves before but never in the CH so was unsure as to what to expect, and with some previous reports regarding the shaves went in with an open mind. The whole treatment was wonderful, I almost fell asleep it was so relaxing and she even got those little areas I always seem to miss. An excellent shave.
I left Mrs Chumba there and went to the bar, Round 3 ding ding! Another Mojito. I had a walk round and saw the V-flyer awards along with others in the cabinet, nice touch.
About half an hour later Mrs Chumbas haircut was finished. She said it was the best she had ever had, even her normal salon dont always get it quite right. So lots of kudos for the CH team there.
Anyway round 4, more drinks and a little trip up to the roof garden as it was open for some fresh air (if you can call it that with the smell of avgas ahhhh !)
Back downstairs via the sweetie area and a handful grabbed for the flight, which was just being called.
Off to gate 50 something which was a bit of a walk. We arrived and went straight up to the priority boarding queue which was empty and into the holding area. At this point we were told that boarding was being halted, no explanation why but all asked to sit down. I could see the aircraft had 2 air bridges one at L1 and one at L2. The L1 one was being removed.[n] Oh no we have to board with the Ys !!!
Few minutes later boarding was recommenced but with no staff to control it.[V] The doors were just opened, no priority boarding and a free for all, with everyone vying for that extra few inches of floor space nearer the plane. We sat back and just waited for it to finish, although we were wasting champers drinking time.[:(]
Eventually we boarded and found our seats 10 & 11 a (port side as recommended by Tinkerbelle they had the feeling of privacy as the middle seats faced the other way.). We were welcomed on board by the CC who introduced himself and gave us the obligatory champers. The we heard it, the screech of a crying child !!!!!!!!!. I turned around to see a large (in all senses) American family of 3 adults and 4 children coming our way. All the children were shouting and the youngest was crying, with neither of the parents even seeming bothered. [V]
They sat near to us, and the seats immediately became trampolines for the youngest. A stern look from one of the CC soon sorted them out though. Another glass of champers helped calm the nerves. FSM came on the tannoy saying there would be a slight delay whilst the numbers were sorted out as there appeared to be some missing pax. A Head count didnt even sort it out, and there were some perplexed faces on the CC, then boing that eureka moment. They realised that the actual number was right but there were too many people in UC.
A quick check of boarding cards and the problem identified itself.
The large American family had decided on their own that they would all sit in UC even though only 2 of the adults actually had UC tickets, the rest (including the children) were in Y. So again the stern look at them made them realise the error of their ways, and off they went, we all waved bye bye to them as they left[;)].
Eventually we managed to take off but now had a 40ish min delay, and with a late arrival in EWR anyway it now made it even later.
Shortly after takeoff our CC came back and took drink and food orders. Having eaten in the CH we werent bothered with the food but a quick drink, oh well ok then. But no Mojito mix on board, so had to settle for a glass of port.
CC were very visible and there were only 3 of them for the UC cabin, but they did a sterling job and were very attentive. Unlike the FSM who after his initial announcement seemed to disappear, and was not seen or heard by anyone until near the end. Although the crew didnt need any supervision at all. He didnt even come round and introduce himself to the golds or the regulars.
I chatted with the guy next to me who was on his way home as he does every other Friday night and he commented the FSM had seemed to disappear and normally they at least say hi, and welcome back, but not this time.
Didnt even use the AVOD or my portable media player which I usually take, having been up since 5.30 wanted to get some shut eye. At that exact moment the CC asked if I needed the bed making up. Must be something VS teach them how to read minds because he was spot on!
Bed made up and off to night nights with another glass of port first as the CC said it would help me sleep, so only because he told me to.
Mrs Chumba read for a while and then off to sleep she went as well, didnt use the sleep suits, as I couldnt be bothered to get changed although Mrs Chumba did.
After a few hours I awoke and went to the bar for a drink, it was quite obvious that the stools were being sat on by off duty crew, its amazing what you pick up when you listen to other peoples conversation. Bit naughty really when 2 of them were actually in PE, but had snuck through the curtain to join their friend who was in UC.
I took my drink and went back to my seat, and read for a bit, before we started our descent into EWR.
As we approached we had a great view of Manhattan (thanks to Tinkerbelle for the advice) and landed quite quickly, although the taxi seemed to take ages. Once at the gate very quickly off and a quick walk to Immigration hoping it wasnt too busy. Luckily it wasnt and it only took about 10 mins to get through, actually had a smile from the agent when he asked what I do for a leaving which always helps speed through.
With no bags to collect we were outside in the taxi queue within about 20 mins of landing, so quite a quick transition.
Now off to new York to party !