VS009 LHR-JFK 3 JUN 11 (Upper Class)
Posted: 06 Jun 2011, 15:28This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
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Across on the tube to Paddington and then the Heathrow Express, was checking in just past midday so some serious time to enjoy the Clubhouse (enjoyed more than I bargained for but more on that later)
The check in agent was pretty average, is it me or have the check in agents at the Upper Class desks been slightly less responsive and welcoming just lately - maybe just me!
Knowing the plane was half-empty I asked about upgrade options, was presented with an £849 figure for UC and £259 for PE - smiled and said would stick with my Economy choice but on leaving the desk the agent smiled and said you never know what might happen!!
Into the Clubhouse, it was rather busy and welcomed warmly as always. I just get now, you know where everything is but ask if you need anything at all. I was made to feel very special when two of the serving team recognised me and said hello and it was great to se me again - might do that to everyone they think they know but it did the trick for me
I settled in to the Crispy Egg and Bacon Salad, not quite what I was expecting but it was tasty, different but I would have again - imagine deep-fried poached egg!!
This was soon followed by the Chicken and Leek Pie, a breast of chicken in a thick gravy with a puff pasty crust sitting on top - tasty. This was all washed down with some Sparkling water and some champagne - the servers did a good job of keeping my glass topped up. I will say I moved into the bistro area to enjoy all this, as I was sat near the pool table at first and was ignored for about 15mins and I did think there looked to be less servers!!??
Suitably filled and watered I went and had a great hair-cut, the whole washing afterwards just makes me think how simple but so effective
I knew from the status updates tool that Mystic Maiden was my chosen craft today, she had been very busy with one thing and another - she was late in from LAX because on the final approach into LHR she had to "go-around" which added another 15mins onto the slight delay already in place and things just developed....
At 1630 it was announced that a short delay would be experienced as the cleaners had just finished - she had arrived at 1535. We were told to expect boarding at around 1700. This time came and went, so I went up to the desk to ask for the latest - the lady called straight to the gate and asked and it was not good news. They said boarding would commence at 1745 as a small technical issue had arisen
At 1745 a further announcement was made that a delay of another hour would be experienced because the issue was taking longer to resolve than they first thought - but to continue to enjoy the Clubhouse. I had just ordered another glass of champagne when at 1805 an announcement was made that boarding was under-way and to make our way to Gate 22 now.
I think we all raced down to Gate 22, their was an air of urgency in the announcement and I arrived - straight to the desk where I got the magic ping....
I nearly skipped and jumped onto the plane
Those from the lounge were clearly the last to board and it turned out those in PE and Economy had been sat on the plane for about an hour....
I was welcomed warmly at the door (L1) by the FSM. The cabin crew member serving my row was stood in my pod so we had a laugh and a joke about that's sod's law and all that and she quickly sprung into action with jacket taken, Champagne offered and "I know you know how to use the suite but anything at all just let me know" After everything was organised, drink orders for after take-off were taken whilst still on stand and hot towels provided. Push back was at 1854 and we were airborne at 1914 - 1hr59mins late. UC was about a third full. The FSM introduced himself as always and we had two CSS's working in UC too.
A flight time of 6hrs 48mins was promised with a few lumps and bumps. Had a great view of Bristol as we headed to the Atlantic crossing.
Drinks and top-ups were offered quickly along with a small plate of crisps or olives. The dinner order was taken whilst on my second G&T - served with lemon as no lime loaded
The cabin crew member admitted it was quite a different menu which I confirmed I knew but I ordered the Feta Cheese and Tomato tart (which came cold - not sure why I thought it would come warm) - but it was tasty and very good actually.
The Guinea Fowl was my main choice, I was not really blown away by the main choices but I went for this and wasn't disappointed. Now Guinea Fowl was new to me but it was tender, dark and a bit like Turkey but more flavour - the summer broth and spelt actually went very well with it. Some people did send it back though as it was not to their taste and they seem to go for the Salmon from what I could see
Wine was served by the FSM and one of the CSS's - the FSM serving the red, the CSS serving the white's and the other CSS serving the water. In fact, a great team actually all working very closely together and glasses regularly topped up with bread offered too.
I finished off with the bread and butter pudding which was served with thick clotted cream rather than creme anglaise but it worked for me
A couple of glasses of port and I was aware into sleep land - waking about an hour from JFK. I was still full, so passed on the sandwiches but had the scone which was warm and lovely with a two cups of tea - the little cakes of an Eclair, mini Whoopie and cupcake made it onto the table somehow and then into my mouth - all delicious
Everyone strapped in - hot towels were offered once more followed by the lovehearts and we touched down at JFK just over an hour late, so good time made.
Said my goodbye's to the crew who were great from start to finish - email already sent to CR. I was through Immigration quickly the officer even asking me to say hello to my family for him!!!
I was outside into the warm New York air around 15mins after landing...A superb flight. Well done everyone concerned.
