This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
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So we had been looking forward to this trip for months ( booked in January 2011) and lets just say there were a couple of issues. We were due to leave Guernsey on Friday, but with the volcanic ash that was around in the week prior to our trip, we decided to move our flight out of Guernsey to Thursday. This was decided on the Wednesday, so a bit of frantic rearranging flights and organising a hotel in Gatwick overnight.
Making our way to Guernsey Airport, whilst waiting at traffic lights, we were bumped by the jeep behind us. (issue no 1)
Luckily no damage done and we were soon at the airport. Left Guernsey and making our way to the UK. Now in Holiday mode.Arrived into Gatwick late afternoon on the Thursday and headed to the Gatwick Hilton for an overnight stay. Had booked the National Express from Gatwick to Heathrow on the Friday lunchtime. Left the hotel and headed to North Terminal to catch the coach. Turned up slightly early and waited for the coach, and waited and waited. Eventually went to the desk to be told that the coach we were booked on had broken down but we could catch the later one. Finally on the coach. Took best part of an hour and a half to get to Heathrow due to traffic. Arrived at Heathrow Central bus terminus and decided to just go and check out T3 departures so we knew where we needed to go in the morning, before heading to T4 and the Hilton for an overnight stay.
Had noticed whilst going to T3 that due to the train drivers strike, there was no inter-terminal trains and that busses were being laid on to the other terminals. Made our way back to the Central Bus Terminal and jump on the bus that was at the designated stop. Needless to say, this wasn't the right bus and we realised this once we had gone past the junction for T4. ( issue no 2) Got off the bus and decided ( well I decided), we could walk to T4. Not realising just how far it was. Some 2 hours later we got to the Hilton at T4. Rather parched and tired. And me rather apologetic to my traveling companions
Checked in and made our way to the Executive Lounge to avail a much needed drink and look forward to our Virgin flight the following afternoon.
Day of Virgin Flight Having checked out of the hotel, we headed to catch the bus to T4, We checked which stand we need and the time of the next bus, which was late and we waited and waited, (issue no 3)
this was beginning to eat into our time in the clubhouse, so we decided to grab a taxi instead. Arrived at T3 and headed for the Upper Class check In area. Passports checked and boarding passes issued along with the Clubhouse invite. We were directed to the lift up to the private fast track security channel and before we knew it we were in departures. From Check in desk to departures in approximately 10 mins. Happy with that.Made our way to the clubhouse and greeted with a smile and asked if we have visited before, upon being told that we hadn't we were promptly ushered in and the clubhouse was explained. We stashed our cases with the concierge and found some seats in the Gallery. Having just sat down, a server appeared and asked if we would like a drink. Having read the menu, I noticed that there was no Champagne Mojito listed, but having read other reports on here, I was aware that they could mix one for me. So I asked and was initially told that they didn't do them, but I insisted they they were available. Orders were placed and promptly delivered including my Champagne Mojito. Ok was it as nice as other V-flyers had described? It was nice, very strong and slight over kill on the lime, think I had a whole lime in mine, just cut into quarters. Only had the one and then it was Champagne after that. Had a look around the Clubhouse, popped upstairs to the roof garden for a look. Noticed that G-VROC was on stand across they way, but alas she wasn't our lady for the day, watched her push back and taxi away. Food was ordered by my fellow travellers and I have been informed that the Clubhouse burger is indeed very nice and worth having. Overall, very impressed with the LHR Clubhouse and the service received.
Time to make our way down to the gate. Made our way to the gate 21 and priority boarding was in place and we were soon on our way to board Cosmic Girl. Had chosen seats on the Upper Deck. Warm welcome and the door and directed upstairs. Found our seats and the CC placed our cases into the wardrobe out of the way. Welcome drink of champagne gladly received and settled into the seat.
Were advise of a flying time of 7 hrs 5 mins, no idea how many on board. Can't remember if we took off on time or not, but think there was a slight delay. Once we were airborne and the seat belt signs were switched off, another champagne was ordered. Kicked back to enjoy the flight.
Food was ordered and delivered, I plumped for the soup, watercress and potato if I remember correctly, which was very nice. Followed that with the veggie option Macaroni with wild mushroom and a feta and cashew nut topping, was rather nice too. Finished off with the sponge pudding. I don't normally do puddings, but it was nice also.
After food, decided to head down to the bar for a refreshment. It was rather busy so took the champagne back upstairs to check out the IFE. Choose a film and settled down as the Ice Cream was delivered.
Rest of the flight was uneventful and before we knew it we were landing at JFK
Got to Immigration and it took us about an Hour and a half to get through, and then we were on our way to the JFK Airtrain to head into Manhattan and our hotel.
Overall, an excellent flight, with great Cabin Crew who were visable and I had some good banter with them. It was a smooth crossing with no issues. Virgin delivered a great service again.
Regards
Kyle
Last edited by totallylost on 07 Apr 2013, 19:53, edited 2 times in total.
A Purple Boarding Pass and a glass of Champagne thank you very much :-)
