This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
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Seat 5K
This TR has a couple of firsts, so it will probably ramble on a bit.
The notable firsts are the first time I have personally paid for a business seat flight, and the first time my wife and I had been to Hong Kong.
We flew out of Heathrow on Friday, however the following Monday we were asked if we wanted to take part in the UC DTCI, which we did, however, first hurdle, is that we appeared to be checked in already, when I went to check in and try and get the Retail Therapy vouchers, OK, I admit it, I do like to get a discount when I plan to spend money ! (However that applies to corporate purchases as well, in case anyone wants to hire a soon to be out of work troubleshooter )
The DTCI was very quiet, and we were the only customers, and all formalities were done in 5 minutes, and away to the Security chanel, after collecting some currency.
I've been through this a few times since the launch, and of late, the staff there appear to spend most of the time chatting and joking to each other, not an entirely professional front in my view.
The lounge was moderately busy, and because I was on a Purple boarding pass, no request to see my Gold Card.
We found a seat by the glass to the left of the bar, I was planning to watch the cricket, but as England had collapsed and the Aussies were in, I sat elsewhere. The treatments we booked were good, my wife had a pedicure, and I had my usual massage, which was actually not as invigorating as past ones.
We had afternoon Tea, and the plane was called at 16:40 for a 17:15 departure, and a quick walk to Gate 32, where we were 2 of the last 6 to arrive, and after a 5 minute wait, a boarding announcement was made, whereby most passengers got up and tried to board, which meant it was a bit of a scrum to get through.
We were met on board the flight at our seats by a very energetic and bouncy Australian girl, who was a delight to fly with, she was very bubbly and had a great sense of humour.
The flight pushed back around 15 minutes late, which was n't a great problem, as I suspected we would make up time in the air.
Dinner was Beef in a Black Bean with Noodles and a Honey cheesecake, both of which were great, one of the best meals I've had on a VS flight.
While Dinner was being eaten, I watched Star Trek, and without VOD, it was a pain, as my screen had a flicker and an annoying audible hum, which was not headphone related. I also noted that my suite was fraying in places where the suede suit edges were in dire need of replacement.
After dinner, I converted my bed, and tried to sleep, for a 12 hour flight, I expected to get around 6 hours sleep, in reality I got 2 to 3.
Yet again I find the bed too hard, I have no problem in getting 5 hours sleep in BA NNCW, Emirates and SA (A380) however, I have only flown Business in the other carriers once each, with VS, it must be around 6 times, and I can never sleep. I will take a thermorest with me in future !
I woke up just before breakfast and decided to have everything apart from a Bacon butty, which was a bit silly, as my toast was cold and soggy by the time I got to it.
We were told we would get to land on time, unless we got advised of a big shortcut, which did happen, and we landed a touch earlier than scheduled, and we dis-embarked just before 1pm.
Hong Kong airport is huge, and it was a very long walk to the Immigration, a long wait as well, however, this did mean that our bags were running around the belt.
We exited the baggage claim, and waited at the MTR ticket queue, which was my mistake, as I should have read the MTR info, from the suggestion that LROM gave me in another thread.
If you pre-purchase the MTR ticket, you can go straight to the train, and collect your pass at the customer service centre.
The MTR set up is fantastic, straight into Hong Kong Central and then a Hotel Bus transfer to the Harbour View Hotel.
The Hotel we chose was mainly due to the fact I am a Marriott Gold Card member still, and was hoping to get access to their club level, which we did. The Hotel was very well situated to the MTR and ferries.
The MTR was very efficient and easy to navigate, and we did not use a Cab the whole weekend.
Hong Kong is a great place, with friendly people, an efficient transport system and a huge airport.
I am just about to go shopping, as I'm in the Hong Kong Clubhouse, having had a shower before the LHR hoardes turn up.
The next TR will appear when I next get a free WIFI signal.
Regards
Mark
