This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
The trip involves fly to New York, hop to Chicago, train to San Francisco then drive down the west coast looping round to Vegas, Monument Valley and Yosemite before back via SFO. Here will cover the LHR-JFK-ORD leg.
In the run up to the trip, I'd made plans for hotels, cars, etc. cancelled them, booked them again, re-cancelled them and booked somewhere else more times than I can count so it's been a very fluid plan. Some things hadn't changed and they included making use of the Purple Parking Meet and Greet service at Heathrow, combined with an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn J4/M4. The deal was sweetened even more by getting an email on the Sunday before inviting me to take part in the Drive Thru Check In (DTCI) trial that has been running for 2 years+ (how long can a 'trial' run?). Not wanting to miss the chance I called up and accepted, given them my car details but on the understanding that it would depend on what Purple Parking said. Details all agreed and I called PP. Their reply wasn't a flat out "No" but a "That's up to the driver on the day", which is fair enough.
Some the day before, I was at work and actually booked a calender entry marked "OLCI" so I didn't get dragged off at an inappropriate time. Despite my best efforts and a lot of F5 I only managed to get SEQ6 so I guess there were a few transfers already processed. Not to worry as you will soon see.
The Holiday Inn is a typical airport hotel but has the plus (or minus, depending on your view) of not being right on the A4 so is a bit quieter. A £55 Lastminute.com mystery holel was as much as I needed. A quick drive down the spur road and I was at T3. I found the PP driver and explained about the DTCI and he was more than happy to oblige me. Back round the block we went and soon at the bollards. It seemed the ANPR system wasn't working as I had to buzz them but was soon up there, and even the driver was impressed by it. Car door to boarding card was about 2 minutes as the place was deserted. Apparently I was DTCI No.1, same for the private security channel, so much so that they were surprised to see me as they were huddled round someone's phone. Another first customer of the day, but processed in 30 seconds flat and off to the Clubhouse. I did look at trying to register for IRIS, but apparently the office is closed for refurbishing.
As it was only 6:50, the Clubhouse shutters were still down and the guardian (Dragon didn't quite fit for this morning) was just setting up so spent the time chatting about my trip. Once inside, maintenance facial was booked for 8am and I headed to the usual Party Bus haunt of the Sky Lounge. Those with long memories will remember from last year that the glass table over the pool table was broken and a not unattractive mosaic was the result. I'm please to report that it has now been fixed although the carpet is still in need of replacing. I did wonder if I had the Cloak of Invisibility on for about 10 minutes but as I was sorting myself out, it wasn't a problem. My standard breakfast of Eggs Benedict, twice was ordered along with the most-excellent tea they serve. Delicious as usual.
The treatment was about 15 minutes long but very relaxing and with a face smoother than a baby's bottom it was time for Second Breakfast. The Sky Lounge felt a bit sad and lonely now so I opted for the hanging wicker chair overlooking the apron. Needed to satisfy my sweet tooth I went for the brioche french toast with cinnamon sugar, fruit compote and crème fraische. It probably came in at 2000 calories but who cares as it was fantastic and a glass of bubbly helped it along. I should add that I didn't try eating it in the hanging chair as that promised to get somewhat messy... Throughout the morning the CH was quiet.
One of the things I love about airports is all the different nationalities who work there. On a trip to the toilet, I walked in behind one of the housekeeping team. She opened one of the cubicles and in a very strong French accent, let loose a "Merde!!". Now I don't know much French, but I do know that one. Having not noticed me before, she looked mortified. But I just laughed and smiled at her, which seemed to be a relief for her. I'm not sure what it was in response to and I I don't think I want to.
First boarding call was made at 09:45 so in time-honoured, I had another drink, then eaded off to the gate where G-VWKD Miss behavin' was waiting and I have to say, looking rather grubby on the outside. Priority boarding was well in operation with dual bridged working and I boarded via door L1 although the baggage tags from a certain V-Flyer did prompt a mutter as I walked past the PE/Economy queue. Oh well...
Prior to checking in, I'd kept an eye on the seat map and the J loading seemed quiet, but on boarding it was very full. Given how quiet the CH was, I suspect a few gate Op-Ups were done so a bonus there for some lucky passengers. No FSM on this flight, but one of the CSS was acting up, more on her later...
There was a thread on here recently about the announcements being quiet. No such issues on this trip, quite the opposite in fact. The safety video was shown, and generally ignored. Is it wrong to know the works almost off by heart? I do also take a slightly perverse pleasure in being very obvious about studying the safety card. It does get you some odd looks though. Push-back and take off were pretty quick with (I think) 287 passenger. Crewing was down by 1 and there was an announcement that service might take a little longer than normal, but it wouldn't affect safety.
Take off was to the west and some fine views of Berkshire as we followed the M4. The seatbelt sign when off around J12 and never came on again until approach so a very smooth crossing. In true Party Bus tradition, the first stop after the toilet was the bar for gin. There is a new snack in upper that I've not seen before until today - green olive and a slice chorizo on a cocktail stick. Very tasty and much to my chagrin, very popular too as no chance of a second helping. The other snacks were cheese and chive tortillas. I do miss the wasabi snack, but I guess picking just the peas out was frowned on.. The gin was topped up and lime was available. Previous readers will know I took to getting a supply of limes from the CH as they were not loaded, or were put away so well, the crew couldn't find them. All we need to do now is get the T10 back and I, along with others, will be happy.
As promised, time for a bit about the cabin crew. Although there was no FSM, the CSS who was acting up was excellent. The best description I can give is Amazonian in stature (I felt short) and a huge personality. If she wanted to, I think she would make a great FSM and will be doing the usual feedback when I return home. I cannot speak for the other cabins, but she was back and forth the whole flight and the only time I saw her stop was to remove some chewing gum that had fond it's way onto the sole of her shoe. How it got there is anyone's guess but I do hope it was from the terminal - either way, some people are dirty pigs. The rest of the crew were very capable and well motivated (possibly through fear of our Amazon..) While at the bar, one passenger wanted his lunch early, more on him later.....
For myself, not wanting to face meat pies and cherry tomatoes in gravy
I went for:Oak smoked Scottish salmon fillet with Tabouleh, tomato and herb dressing, pea shoots and shiso cress - The salmon was salmon, nothing special but the star was the dressing, nice tang to it with what seemed like a hint of mint.
Fresh macaroni, sauteed wild mushrooms and baby spinach bound in mascarpone sauce with a cashew nut, feta and breadcrumb top - Normally I avoid the vegi option but this had been recommended and it was excellent. Nice and creamy with no hint of any dry bits that normally haunt airline pasta. Nice chunks of mushroom to get your teeth into and a crunchy topping to add some substance. Overall, I can't recommend this enough.
New York style baked chocolate marble cheesecake with cherry compote - Chocolate. Cheesecake. Nuff said
For the wine, I normally have a robust red but given my food choice, I went for Spinsanti Pinot Gris - Argentina - Light, crisp and to my know-nothing palette, a good pairing. I did notice that the first 2 bottles that came out had ice in the bottle. Not sure if that's was right, but the 3rd bottle mine came from didn't. Afternoon tea for me was limited to a scone with jam and cream as I the sandwiches didn't appeal to me.
Nothing on V-Port really caught my attention but the system seemed to behave and there was no full reboot.
While at the bar on the middle stool, reading, Mr Early-lunch returned and when I needed to pop to the toilet, he decided that he wanted to sit there and 'moved' me. On my return, not peep. No "oh I'm sorry, I though you had gone" or anything. Silence. I did think of saying something, but decided to be the bigger man and let it go as he was clearly very important. I did get a puzzled look from the crew, but just rolled my eyes and got an understanding smile back. Even more on him later.
Soon time for securing came as we descended following the southern coast of Long Island. Turning in to JFK on finals, the port side got a great view of the Manhattan skyline in clear skies and brilliant sun. On landing, our Amazon did the final announcements, thanking the crew for their hard work (and I did hear her do it personally too). I think when she reached the bit about the local time, the crew in the jumpseat R1 was distracting her as there was a wobble in her voice, then the announcement suddenly stopped. Looking up the aisle I could see her corpsing. There was also an announcement about the order in which the aircraft would disembark and that with 287 passenger it would take some time.
The doors were open pretty quick and I was off 8th. As I steadily made my way to immigration as an Englishman should, Mr stool-swapper went charging past, obviously in a big hurry (only to be seen later wandering around the terminal looking lost). The immigration hall was deserted and my processing took seconds. No asking about my visit, not questions of any sort. In fact, if it wasn't for the asking for fingers for the scanner, it was done in silence - another first. Priority baggage worked with mine being 11th off. Upstairs for the Airtrain to T5 for my Jetblue flight to ORD.
Compared to the calm of T4, T5 was jumping. Long queues for check-in and security. Luckily I had plenty of time to wait, but still didn't hang around. Using the self-service kisoks save the queue and as Jetblue give your first checked bag for free, I was at bag drop with only 5 in front of me. Tagging took seconds, but they take self-service to a new level by you putting your own bag on the belt.
As mentioned the line for security was long but moved at a steady pace. Shoes off, laptop out and barked at for standing too close to the metal detector.
The terminal has free WiFi throughout and is very welcome too. Come on BAA, it can't be that hard!!!
Boarding was efficient and we soon pushed off for the long taxi and wait to take off. It felt longer but was probably 20 minutes. Jetblue have live TV and that helps you to lose track of time. After take off we looped around and had another great view on Manhattan, this time from the north.
A bit bumpy at times but nothing dramatic. The passenger next to me keep nodding off, but in that eye-lids getting too heavy, head nods forward, waking you up action that everyone else finds very amusing but is very disconcerting when you wake up.
Landed, walked to the baggage reclaim and had a 15 minute wait. My bag appeared and even though I was well away from it, I could tell it had been through the grinder. The carry strap had been undone from the centre retainer, the compression straps unclipped and the top expansion part unzipped and left open. Its a clamshell bag so nothing unusual, but who ever did the inspection had no idea on how to open it. Nothing missing, but there wasn't a notice of search in it either. This seems to becoming a common complaint.
Booked a shuttle bus to the city centre and am staying at the Hotel Felix on W Huron. Got it via Priceline and it seems very pleasant. Not a chain or a boutique but trying had to be chic, and so far doing rather well at it. Was woke up at 6 this morning by what sounded like the entire Chicago Fire Department going pass my window. Hopefully not dealing with any cow-related incidents.
Overall, and truly excellent experience with VS with some extra touches making the trip special. A healthy topup of miles that will make the Japan trip that much closer.
Jetblue tries hard to be different and for the most part succeeds, but when it comes to US internal flights, the competition (in my experience) tends to be so bad that being better is not difficult.
Off to explore Chicago after breakfast. Popped out for a cuppa at 6 and already very humid out. Should be an interesting day.
Thanks
Darren
Darren
and i think i may have made someone very nervous when i followed the safety card through as encouraged by the crew/script on one of my last FlyBe flights 
