VS019 LHR-SFO 09 Oct 09 (Upper)
Posted: 11 Oct 2009, 04:09This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
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I checked in online for my bmi and VS flight from EDI to LHR which departed at 06:30 and was scheduled to land at 08:00 giving me 3.5 hours to get to T3.
The bmi flight was pretty much on time and my bags were checked straight through as well so I decided to walk landside to T3 to get some air instead of being stuck airside as I'd arrived at EDI at 05:30 so felt like some air and natural light.
Upon getting to T3 I went to the UC desk and although all the desks had passengers at them I was the only one in the queue so after a couple of minutes I was served. My enquiry was that during OLCI I was told I needed to take my luggage tags to VS to ensure my bags were loaded. The chap who served me said it was already in the system so bmi had obviously done the work properly. I then asked if he could exchange my olci printout for a proper boarding pass (for a momento of the occassion for me) which was done no problem. I was then asked if I knew how to access the fast track security and where the clubhouse was. When he said H for hotel I thought it was a button to press but all would soon be revealed later. When I got up in the lift there were 2 people in front of me in the queue for security so was through in about 1 minute. Upon leaving this part I saw the horror of the normal queue. That would have taken a long time to get through.
I then realised lounges have letters so followed the trail for H. Upon finding it I went up the stairs and was greeted politely and friendly. Off for some breakfast so went and got the Farmhouse breakfast which was very nice. Had some champagne with that.
After that I had a walk about and found myself sitting at the bar. So had a 'virgin red' or something like that which was very nice. Then it was shave time which was a great way to spend 20 minutes.
After that it was champage time again and we were told boarding was delayed as routine maintenance was getting done. Looking back this might have been because there wasn't really a head wind so any time lost for maintenance would be made up on route.
Boarding was done though the A gate for UC pax and I was welcomed by name (and continually referred to by name throughout the flight). Thanks for the tips about 19A folks. That extra shelf came in very useful. A glass of champage was offered and accepted and the crew took a couple of photos for me with my camera as I sat in my seat with champers in hand.
J and PE was completely full and I asked how many op-ups there were and was told only one so good revenue for VS on that flight. Only a few empty seats in Y as well.
It was fantastic in the UC seat. Everything worked and taking off with the seat reclined and feet up on the stool was a joyous occassion. This cabin is very quiet once airborne.
Food was served and I had the soup, beef olives and spotted dick. Yummy.
During the rest of the flight I made use of the inflight power (using my own travel adapter) which worked perfectly so had a chance to watch some heroes (the series, not the staff).
The staff were brilliant. I said it was my first time in UC so they took time to explain all the buttons and if converting my seat to a bed to let them know and they would help me. I didn't sleep on the flight. Enjoyed the experience to much to sleep.
Had quite a few champers and beers throughout the flight and a good chat to the crew at the bar. I forgot I was on a plane at times. Made sure I matched each drink with a glass of water though which was good as I feel fine today.
I cannot fault this flight at all. Well, maybe one, by the time we were about 2 hours from landing the champers and beer were all finished but by then I'd had enough anyway.
The afternoon tea was just what was required as well.
Looking forward to the return leg where after some food and a nightcap I intend to try and sleep.
Fantastic experience from the moment I walked into T3 from leaving the plane at SFO.
I also plan to email my thoughts to VS customer services to ensure they know what a good job they are doing and how great the staff are both on the ground and in the air.