This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Dr G and I left home at 2pm to catch the train from Wiltshire to LGW, changing at Reading. The train from Reading was an experience in itself, stopping at no fewer than 15, mainly tiny, stations along the way. It seemed absolutely endless. Arrived at LGW just before 5pm and checked in at the Hilton - I really don't like this hotel, much prefer the Sofitel, but had decided it would be easier given the performance with the coach transfer at the moment. The room was ok - with a stunning view of a wall - ho hum! We got a picnic from Simply Food, watched a bit of TV, made a few calls and after a quick drink in the very expensive bar, retired for a fairly decent night's sleep.
I had checked in on-line but not been able to print out my boarding pass so went to the UC desk, avoiding the enormous queue at Economy [:0] I said tearful farewell to Dr G who was returing home to work his last couple of weeks before retirement from General Practice. Fast Track hadn't yet opened but the queue at security although long was fast moving and after the shoe nonsense I was through in about 10 minutes. A quick detour to Boots for sun cream as requested by son and girlfriend - which now I think of it I didn't get the money for - and I made my way to the Vroom.
Having heard many horror tales of this haven for VH families, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but it was actually not bad at all. The hostess stamped my boarding card for free alcohol and pointed out the various areas and foods/drinks available. I avoided the family area and parked myself in the adult only zone and collected the obligatory bacon roll with an OJ, swiftly followed by a Buck's Fizz. I chatted for a while to the friendly bar tender who offered, nay insisted, on topping me up not once but several times[:D]
After what seemed like hours, and very probably was, the flight was called and I strolled down to Gate 13. There was a seperate queue for Prioity boarding and they called those in UC and PE to board as I entered. I was greeted warmly, though not by name and within seconds I was offered a drink - and had an OJ. The FSM came around with the basket of extras but I didn't see him again for the duration of the flight. The aircraft was completely full, but luckily there were no crying children up front - indeed there were no children at all.
We pushed back at 11.25 and left the ground at 11.40. Another drink followed - champagne this time - quickly followed by lunch. I chose the pumpkin soup which was excellent, followed by some sort of chocolate torte/cheesecake thing wich was also pretty good. I then converted my seat and lay down to watch my Sister's Keeper which made me shed a tear. I managed a couple of hour's sleep and then woke to ice cream - so frozen it took a good 20 minutes to soften enough to eat. When tea was served I chose a cheese and pepper sandwich which was ok and dainty compared to the huge wedges we'd been given on our last LHR flight.
The crew were extremely efficient and professional throughout, and while not terribly chatty were approachable and obliging.
We arrived at around 3.40 local time and were off first. Immigration took about 10 minutes and I was checked in at Disney's Magical Express within half an hour of landing - shame they took so long to get me to the Beach Club, but that's another story!
All in all a very good flight.
Gill
