V-Flyer

This was written both before & after the flight (its pretty obvious) enjoy.

Had checked in online the previous evening, so as with the outbound trip, we just had to collect boarding passes at the airport. After another somewhat fast drive (in a cab) to the airport, we collected boarding passes without too much of a wait. Im unsure if the check-in agent knew 100% what he was doing, as I saw him type the first few letters of my surname then my first initial at least 8 times. (There was a supervisor type figure looking over his shoulder from a few feet back).

We were in the Clubhouse in no time given that it is landside. The JFK Clubhouse has not got the wow factor the LHR one has, but I do like it. It reminds me of T5 at Heathrow mainly due to the huge open view onto the airfield.

Made a brief exit from the Clubhouse to visit duty free. The check-in agent had advised that the duty free shop landside was poor, but they had T10 gin on offer at 2 litres for $51 it would have been rude not to take advantage of this offer [}:)].

The first boarding call for the earlier VS46 to LHR was just being made as I re-entered the Clubhouse. About half the people (as a guess) for the flight left at this point. Two more calls were made which each elicited a trickle of pax to leave, then there was the final call with menaces, which got the stragglers moving. Its quite quiet in here now, but I guess itll fill up in the next hour or so.

An uneventful time followed in the Clubhouse there was there was the occasional cheer from a group of Baseball fans near the bar watching a big match thats on in NY tonight (postponed from last night due to heavy rain).

10mins before the boarding call should have gone out we get a PA announcement there are problems with the baggage handling system, so boarding wont now commence until 23:45[V]. Joy of joys. Looks like well have to have another drink or two in here then sleep should come along quite easily once we finally get airborne. Id guess that the UC crew will have an easy start and middle part of the flight, as just about everyone in the Clubhouse has just ordered more food and drinks. I think there will be a lot of requests for suites to be converted into beds as soon as the seatbelt sign pings.

Wandered down to the security checkpoint at about 23:30 (before the boarding call as we wanted to stretch our legs). The TSA really are a waste of space. Just after wed had our ID check and were in line for screening, the TSA have a shift change. This involves closing 2 of the 3 open screening lines and telling people to merge into one line it was a zoo. Meanwhile, the incoming shift of screeners walk past the ID check person waving their TSA IDs, then go through the metal detectors (setting it off in most cases) and take up their positions without anyone doing a secondary check to establish why the set the detector off. If you want to get a lethal bottle of water airside, get a job with the TSA.

Silent TSA rant over and we were through security and off to gate 30 where Mystic Maiden was waiting. The PE and Y cabins were all but boarded and they were just waiting for the UC pax to arrive. We pushed back at about 00:30 and due to the un-godly hour, we had none of the long taxi/take-off queues that JFK is known for when busy. We were airborne in next to no time and as soon as the seatbelt signs pinged, the crew were up and converting all the snooze zone suites into beds. As we were immediately behind the snooze zone in the forward part of the UC cabin, we hit the bar for our supper trays. Our watches were on UK time and it did not seem right to be having food and a G&T at half five in the morning (not driving when we land). Had a couple of drinks at the bar and a chat with the crew member, who is a big fan of Pam Ann. We exchanged a few Pam Ann jokes about all airlines (including Virgin he did say that if he saw her live hed never own up to being VS crew though!) then we hit the sack. Got a few hours sleep of sorts and woke up about an hour out of LHR. Hadnt ordered any breakfast, but when on the way back from changing out of the sleepsuit, I asked for a coffee and bacon roll and it was delivered pronto.

We started the descent into LHR and entered the hold pattern that is immediately to the South of Heathrow, before being sent out towards London, to double back and do the approach onto 27R. After landing (about 50mins late), we did a short taxi to the South side of T3 to take the gate that the SQ A380 had just left from.

Were straight through immigration and only had carry-on baggage, so off to Revivals. We were allocated showers with no wait (there were 2 other people in Revivals at the time). A very nice bacon sandwich, coffee and juice followed. I enjoyed Revivals nice to freshen up properly after a flight.

So, this flight makes the end of my first round-trip from LHR for the full UC experience (minus CDC). Have I enjoyed it? Yes! Will I be back? Yes, but I will try to get on 747 routes if possible for the slightly wider seat (& A-zone cabin so you dont think its a dormitory like on the Airbus).

James

Thanks for the TR. Not good about the delay, but at least you were in the CH, with the option of good food and drink and not stuck in the horrible main terminal. Plus with your late departure it saved you from the stupidly long taxi ride around the airfield, so every cloud and all that.

Thanks,
Neil

Thank you for the TR.I am glad you had a good trip.[y]

Thank you for taking the time to post this report pleased all went ok albeit the delay[:)]

Sounds a good trip,I miss the JFK CH its one of my favorite lounges.

Kraken

Thanks for the TR[y]

JFK has good and bad, and your experience highlights this precisely; the pot luck at check in, the good Clubhouse, the feeling of being in a huge aircraft hanger with associated noise in the Terminal, the often good Duty Free finds and the disastrous TSA.

Whilst not wishing to re-ignite the 747 / Airbus debate, I too prefer the suites on the 747

Thanks once again

buns

Thanks for the TR, shame about the delay but the CH is always a nice way to spend a delay in.

Dominic

Thanks for the TR, very pleased you enjoyed the UC experience. Now you can have fun looking out for the sales!

Thanks for the TR. I have yet to notice the difference in the width of the suites - always thought this was an urban myth but obviously not in your case so I need to take mor notice on my next flights next month. Although being on the larger side of being svelt (well I was in my 20 and 30's !) all suites feel snug to me . . . .

Glad on the whole UC lived up to your expectations.

Regards,

HG

quote:Originally posted by hackneyguy
I have yet to notice the difference in the width of the suites - always thought this was an urban myth


Not at all, it's very noticeable!

Thanks for the TR. Shame about the late departure [:#].

quote:Originally posted by slinky09
quote:Originally posted by hackneyguy
I have yet to notice the difference in the width of the suites - always thought this was an urban myth


Not at all, it's very noticeable!



Ohhhhhhh, taking our first UC A346 flight tomorrow, and from what I have read I have a feeling I am going to be yearning for 12A/K on the LHR fleet by the end of it.

quote:Originally posted by slinky09
quote:Originally posted by hackneyguy
I have yet to notice the difference in the width of the suites - always thought this was an urban myth


Not at all, it's very noticeable!


OT: I would be interesting in seeing the official dimensions of the suites - it may well be a deciding factor of where I fly depending on the aircraft. I like my width [:I]

HG

quote:Originally posted by Kraken


Made a brief exit from the Clubhouse to visit duty free. The check-in agent had advised that the duty free shop landside was poor, but they had T10 gin on offer at 2 litres for $51 it would have been rude not to take advantage of this offer [}:)].



A V-Flyer buying T10 - who would have thought it?!! [}:)]

Thank you for the TR.[y]