V-Flyer

My first every trip report, so please be gentle with me

The London - Delhi route doesn't appear to be a regular feature of the trip reports so I hope that this will shed some light on those who may be about to travel.

I arrived at heathrow a lot earlier than I had planned (5.30pm for a 10pm flight), thanks to the public transport network for once seeming to be all joined up (no limo for me as in a discounted upper class fare and beyond the 70 mile radius in any case).

The Upper Class check in desk was fully staffed, so was issued with my first purple boarding card after 4 years, almost immediately and was directed to the lift and was quickly through security and imigration, arriving at the clubhouse in about 7 minutes!

The Clubhouse was busy but I found a spot just away from the bar and was quickly drinking my first of many glasses of champagne, before tucking into an excellent burger and chips.

Then for a change I had a Mojito and a wonderful chocolate pudding, the host having agreed that it would be 'rude not to have one' [:D]

Before long it was time for me to have my shaggy mane shawn in preparation to the somewhat warmer climes of India, the whole process of which I could not have been happier with, so a big thanks to the young man in Bumble & Bumble who took on this task.

More cocktails followed. I cannot remember how many but I was making a fair attempt at doing the complete list [:I] With about half an hour to go before boarding I availed myself of some sushi and a slice of pork pie (strange combination but neither products would be available in Pune my final destination).

Boarding was called and thankfully was only a 5-10 minute walk to the gate, where priority boarding was clearly marked and in operation (although still a bit of a queue).

Welcomed on board and was soon sitting in 1K with another glass of bubbly. Senior Cabin Crew was very friendly and was ensuring those who wanted sleep suits had them, I declined as being both tall and large neither she nor I was convinced that they would have one large enough.

Take off was(I think)on time. The herringbone seating arrangement does give an odd sensation, but not unpleasently so.

FSM came around shortly after the crew was released and offered the basket of goodies, which I fully availed myself of. This was followed by the excellent Senior Cabin Crew member who looked after me so well throughout the whole flight taking dinner and breakfast orders for those who wanted them.

I had a very tasty Salad with Chorizo to start with and a Mushroom Stroganoff which was nice (but unlike any stroganoff I have ever had in the past) all washed down with a passable glass of red.

I was persuaded by said SCC to have the cheese and biscuits and some port...although I was not really expecting the 2/3 of a tumbler full of port, but forced myself to drink it all as the SCC joked that it would ensure a good nights sleep.

I happened to comment that I really liked the little pepper and salt shakers (like miniture silver aircraft), to which the SCC did say that 'they frequently go missing and she wouldn't tell anyone if they had been mislaid before she collected my tray'......[:w]

She then offered to make up my bed and 'turn me down' (story of my life!)and after a little while I was [|)]

Managed to get a good 5 hours sleep before wandering to the bar for a glass of orange juice...letting the side down I know but couldn't force another glass of bubbly down even if I had tried. Cabin crew behind the bar very friendly and we chatted for a while about nothing in particular.

I must have dozed off again as I was woken up by the SCC gently stroking my arm and offering me breakfast, which has to be at least the 3rd best way of being woken up [}:)] Only disappointment is that there was no bacon rolls on the Delhi route and I am not sure a lamb sausage really hits the spot.

Landing cards were distributed although the current 'Swine Flu' forms were not available until we had landed, which meant that these had to be completed 'on the move'.

We exited the aircraft first and was through to the 'Health Check' area and immigration very quickly. Delhi Airport has improved a lot in 18 months since last here [:)] (but then again it couldn't have gotten an worse) and I guess with the commonwealth games in Delhi next year the investment is long overdue.

Luggage had already been removed from the carousel and was in the priority luggage area (to the right of the carousel) by the time I arrived.

I didn't need any currency this time around, but there are Thomas Cook travel desks inside the arrivals area where you can change money into rupees. A word of warning, from colleagues of mine, to anyone travelling from north of the boarder or from Northern Ireland they do not accept scottish notes or ulster notes.

If you need transportation there is a free shuttle bus to the domestic terminal available or if you are staying in Delhi then pre-paid taxis can also be booked here. If you are being collected then your driver will be waiting just beyond customs.

As with so many of the trip reports the key to a great flight are the Crew and on this flight I cannot praise the SCC who looked after me enough (sorry forgot to ask permission to mention her name but hopefully the right people will read this and feed it back to her)

I hope this helps anyone traveling to India. I'll post my return trip sometime just before Christmas.

Great read, thanks - LHR-DEL is one route I am very familiar with and good to hear other experiences [y]

mjwoodrow

For a first TR, you have provided us all with (as you rightly point out) an insight into a not too frequently reported route[y][y]

Nice to see that you were able to work your way through the Clubhouse offerings and it is when you read of actual experiences, that you can reflect on some of the recent posts about service etc.

I always feel that it is the VS people that make the airline and your flight crew appear to maintain that element of uniqueness - I only hope my next flight is as good as yours

Thanks for such an excellent first TR

buns

Great TR and very reassuring to hear such a positive experience both in the CH and on board.

Thank you for an excellent TR. Well done too on the alcohol consumption, I hope your liver is holding up!!! [y]

quote:Originally posted by mjwoodrow

I was persuaded by said SCC to have the cheese and biscuits and some port...although I was not really expecting the 2/3 of a tumbler full of port, but forced myself to drink it all as the SCC joked that it would ensure a good nights sleep.


Yes damm VS and those short measures !

Glad you had a good trip !

Thank you for the great TR.[y]

Thanks for the splendid TR. [^]

If you mention the flight number, date and fare class to VS, I'm sure your CC plaudits will be relayed. [:)]