VS043 LGW-LAS 25 FEB 11 (Upper Class)
Posted: 17 Mar 2011, 00:20This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
On the morning of the flight we headed over to the terminal. There was a queue at the Upper check-in (being Gold) due to a broken baggage belt. Eventually they decided to check people in and put the bags out front with security to look after them. As we approached the desk, the baggage belt started working. We asked about upgrading - there were 4 seats available but that on a miles ticket we could only move paying cash. This seemed a bit odd, so we checked at the ticket desk and were pleasantly surprised to find that we could use miles and a small cash fee. Result - two purple boarding cards.
With these in hand, we headed off to the fast track security and after a small amount of shopping it was time for the lounge. We had used the old LGW Clubhouse, but not the new one. It was much more open plan and relatively quiet. Booked in for a facial/shave combo - noticed that most things were charged for. Then it was a nice VS breakfast and then facial/shave before a glass of champagne. A very pleasant experience although I wouldn't head to the bar for a drink as they seemed to prefer serving the waiting staff rather than anyone at the bar.
Boarding was called and we wandered down to the gate; by the time we got there it was empty. Don't remember the reg of the plane. Upper was full - they must have upgraded / sold the remaining two seats. The flight was full in premium but relatively light in Economy. We pushed back on time and it was a short taxi to take off.
The flight afterwards was very good. The movie choices were actually not too bad, although not on demand of course. Menu has been discussed on here before and was plenty surprised that it was tasty and served with good sized portions. The crew were attentive and regular water / wine offerings.
After the films we spent some time chatting to a few people at the bar (regular LGW Upper Fliers). Had forgotten how nice and cosy the Upper Class cabin on the LGW/MAN flight is, with the bar in the centre. Afternoon tea was served to us at the bar - good choices of sandwiches and cakes. We had had a few drinkies by then and the food was very gratefully received.
There were a few interesting things during the flight. There was a mother and son who were in Upper with friends travelling "down the back" who were heading to Vegas for a wedding. The mother "up the front" got up at one during the flight carrying her duvet, which was then promptly put into a yellow clinical waste bag....vomit maybe? She then proceeded to change at her seat in front of the whole cabin! Obviously not a seasoned UC traveller, and slightly amusing for the rest of us.
Soon we were back in our seats and out of the window we could see the Las Vegas and the strip appearing after travelling across the desert.
This flight was a really good VS flight. The food and its presentation was very good. However,the best bit of the flight was the crew who were all great and really looked after us in Upper. A real good impression of what VS cabin crew should be like!!!
