V-Flyer

1st TR for me.

Booked this a good few months ago for our delayed honeymoon, originally in H class (the VH code for Premium Economy). By a lucky windfall of miles I found I could upgrade to UC from an S fare, and I must admit VH were extremely helpful in sorting this out for me. It also helped that VS only took 20K of miles instead of 40K for the two of us- didn't correct them. The big day dawned.....

Getting to LHR

Through Groupon I picked up some cheap HEX tickets- it would be our first time as we live in Bloomsbury and Kings Cross is a two minute walk. No tube this time though with safari bags and beach suitcases to take. Just a quick taxi to Paddington.... er, no. Whole of the Euston Road being closed because of a crash meant a very circuitous and delayed route- lucky we had left very early. The HEX itself was actually very pleasant and comfortable- better than expected. It's expensive though.

Check-in

Strolled up to the UC desk. Why are we going here said the wife, before it dawned on her. Adoration, praise, glory. None of those I received as her exact woreds were "I wish you'd told me I'd have worn something better". I muttered something about women under my breath so she couldn't hear.

Clubhouse

Wow. First time for us in there. A beautiful space. Perched ourselves on some very comfortable seats. Served immediately- tried the redhead, the mojito, the champagne and a combination. Super. Very attentive staff indeed. The prawn curry bowl was delicious, as was my wife's vegetarian thingamybob. Whilst she went for her facial I had another drink and played with the PC tablets- very nice. Why people leave themselves logged on facebook on a public computer is a mystery. Flight called and a short walk to the gate via Boots to buy an alarm clock and Heat magazine.

Flight

Welcomed on board and escorted to our seats. It was pretty full- on V-flyer recommendations we had requested the side facing the dividing wall- quite a nice little space. Our lovely stewardess brought us drinks, settled us in and made sure we knew exactly how to use the seat. Offered to show me how to make the bed but then just said she'd do it anyway unless I really wanted to do it myself- passed on that. The A343 did look a little tired- nothing specific but just not the same as the A346 we flew back on (TR to come)- but it was still fab.

In the air the great service continued. Would sir (addressed by name) be having supper with his wife? "No!" trilled a voice over the divider- tables for one then. Had the guinea fowl which was delicious. Followed by a few drinks (medicinal of course) and then changed into a sleep suit and returned to a bed already made. Do they read your mind? Then followed a few hours of snoring.

Woken gently by our stewardess to breakfast- typical fare. Nice. Then changed out and prepared for landing.

FSM and CSS prominent throughout- clearly running a tight ship.

Only problem- the IFE. I think it was Odyssey and it was rubbish- pure pants. Also the titles on the screen didn't match the film and in my slightly befuddled state I got so confused I had to go to the bar. This wasn't a huge drama because it was a night flight but on a day flight this would be awful.

Off the plane very quickly, met by the VH rep who was excellent and fast-tracked us through security (well as good as Nairobi airport fast track is- luckily we had visas so no queuing for those- definitely would recommend getting before flying).

Then off to safari. If anyone is going have a look at the Porini camps- they were absolutely awesome.

Return TR to follow if this one passes collective opinion.

JB

Thanks for an ebullient TR! Most enjoyable.

Thanks for the great 1st TR

Thanks JB, excellent stuff

jbis wrote:Return TR to follow if this one passes collective opinion.
JB

Then you had better get on with it.

Great TR many thanks

alex

Thanks for the Tr JB Hope the Safari was worth waiting for and by the sounds of it, it was

THanks for the TR glad you had a good trip and yes lets have teh return if only for more of Mrs Jbis's words of encouragement !

jbis wrote:1 "I wish you'd told me I'd have worn something better". I muttered something about women under my breath so she couldn't hear.

Awww nice to have an appreciative wife isn't it?

Not 'what a lovly surprise' or 'how did you manage this?' or 'what a wonderful husband you are'...

Great first TR! I always get excited reading reviews of the CH

Thank you for the great first TR.