V-Flyer

VS11 - London to Boston – Upper Class

Seats 1A and 2A

Aircraft A340-300 V-HOL

The morning started off with a BMI flight from Belfast to Heathrow. We thought they would have checked us in for both legs but for some reason they could only do it for the first leg. It departed in time at 9:30 and arrived at 10:50, Terminal 1. Once off we got out bags and proceeded to make our way to Terminal 3. As advised we hadn’t planned to use flight connections, but considering they couldn’t check us in, we had no option than to go landside. We have only been in Heathrow once many years ago so were a bit worried about the maze below but in the end it was easy enough and made it to check in. This all went smoothly enough and we were given directions to the private security and Clubhouse. We had a brief problem with one of our boarding cards going missing when going through the security scanner, I had thrown all the document into the black trays since my hands were full and it disappeared by the time it got to the other side. But it was stuck to the bottom of the backpack! We then made our way through the terminal and found the Clubhouse. Time from landing to getting to the Clubhouse was about 45 mins.

At the Clubhouse we were greeted by a friendly gentleman who asked if we had been in before, then he told us where everything was. We were impressed by how it all looked. We have been in the Virgin Holiday Lounge at Gatwick and can say this looked much better. We started off with something to eat - both of us had the clubhouse burger and I also had the Creme Brulee. We both said that this was one of the nicest meals of our whole trip. Mind you that burger is hard to eat. We then went to more comfy seats in front of the bar and had a cocktail and some wine. We were in the Clubhouse for about 2 and a half to 3 hours and think it was one of the most relaxing starts to a holiday we have ever had. We got called on time and when we went to the gate there were no other passengers so I guess they were already on. We were directed to our seats and I think we were one of the first on in Upper Class.

Once onboard a female crew member introduced herself and asked if it was our first time in Upper Class. She then showed both of us how everything worked and asked if we wanted a drink. As we had had a few in the Clubhouse, we decided to wait a while. Out seats were comfy and clean, however you can see where they’re getting a little worn but nothing too grubby. I was also surprised at how little room there was around the bar area. We took off on time and were told we should arrive a little early. We had dinner about an hour later, and the crew member suggested we dine together. This was certainty different and made the experience that bit more special. We had the Beef Wellington and Sticky Toffee pudding and again both of these were very tasty. I hadn’t bothered much with the IFE for the first 2 hours but after dinner we got comfy and watched a movie. Since it was the odyssey system I wasn’t holding out much hope, but even though it wasn’t perfect it was still very watchable. The bigger screens and better headphones certainly helped. A few drinks and an Ice cream later we were getting to the final 2 hours of the flight. I decided to use the toilet, for some reason I was expecting more so was a little disappointed when it was the same small size and a few cowshed bottles. Anyway back to my seat and time for a scone, coffee then a cupcake then it was getting time to land. We arrived about 20 minutes ahead of schedule, one of the only times I have wanted my flight to take longer rather than shorter. We got to the gate and everyone started to get ready, 5 minutes later there was an announcement that the ground crew had broke a sensor on the walkway and we couldn’t get off. About 10 – 15 minutes and a few announcements later we were allowed off but were told that there was a gap and to be very careful when getting off. Expecting a gap that we would have to step over, everyone was laughing when it turned out to be no more than an inch big.

So our first experience of upper class went well, the crew from start to finish were all very friendly and the seats were very comfy, just nice to be able to lie back and put your feet up when watching the TV or reading. Only down sides were talking to each other and looking out the window, however both of those were only minor things considering what else was on offer.

I will post our return leg in a few days once I get over my jet lag.

Thanks for the TR, glad you enjoyed your flight and got the full clubhouse experience too. The bar, by the way, feels very spacious after a few!

Look forward to the return TR.

Enjoy Boston!
My first UC experience was on that route too. Glad you enjoyed it.

Thank you for the TR, glad to hear you enjoyed your first UC experience

So pleased you had a great first uc flight, the lhr ch really has a wow factor the first time you visit, infact it will always have that wow factor after 10 times, its so relaxing.
Looking forward to your return Tr.

cheers

alex

Sounds like you had a great first UC experience. Like you say, on the east coast trip you end up wishing the flight would take more time. My advice - for your next UC trip plan a jaunt to San Francisco when a 747 is flying the route.

Paul