V-Flyer

Having had a couple of days of meetings and enjoying a little sunshine it was time to head home.

Two enjoyable nights at the JW Marriott in Dubai - now not located in the main tourist area or by the beach but a lovely hotel with a superb rooftop pool and a great Executive lounge with complimentary drinks between 6pm-8pm every night. The staff were so friendly and attentive and to see the hotel decorated up for Christmas certainly started to get me into the holiday mood

I had booked a car with the hotel to take me back to the airport for 0700 and sure enough it was waiting for me with door opened right at 0700. A 10min drive the airport without any traffic (but it was Sunday) I was dropped off outside Area A.

Through security I was greeted warmly at an empty UC check in area. The agent was not overly chatty but it was early and she she smiled and sent me on my way. The walk as those regular Dubai travellers will know is quite a long one - passing through security and passport control on the way. I made myself after a little shopping to the business lounge operated by the Dubai Airport hotel. Now this was quiet this particular Sunday and found a seat at a workstation to post a message on v-flyer and then had a bite to eat. No flight call was made but headed to the gate at 0900 as I knew I would need to pass through a final section of security before boarding.

Waited in the gate area for about 10mins and priority boarding was announced at 0915. Boarding through L1 onto Sweet Dreamer and took my seat quickly. Champagne, apple juice or water was offered (though no refills) - the menu and amenity kit were already on the ottoman - the bottle of water was in its holder and the noise cancelling headphones were in the side pocket.

The crew member looking after my section came along and introduced himself to me and welcomed me back - a nice touch. He was wearing a badge which stated "Service Ambassador" so we chatted about what that meant for a few mins.

Push back was at 0953 and we were airborne at 1010. A flight time of 7hrs34mins was promised. The captain provided detailed information on the route and confirmed a smooth flight was expected (it was really) - the FSM was visible in UC throughout the main meal service but not much after that. A total count on board of 226 passengers and 13 crew -UC and PE were solid but quite some space in Y.

Once in the air - hot towels were offered followed by drink orders been taken. V-port was quickly switched on and the drinks arrived with a choice of nuts, olives or crisps. The crew came around and took lunch orders whislt offering refills of drinks and more crisps, nuts or olives.

Tables were laid for lunch at 1145 and my friends the salt and pepper shakers were very much still putting in an appearance

Wine (a delicous New Zealand Sauvignon blanc) and water were offered followed by warm bread. I enjoyed a warming Potato and leek soup with a creme fraiche swirl with more bread offered. For the main course, I enjoyed braised lamb with dauphinoise potatoes and roasted vegetables - wine and water were regularly topped up

Dessert of Coconut tart with passion fruit and mascarpone cheese was enjoyed followed by the cheese plate of Camembert, Taleggio and Stilton washed down by a hefty glass of port.

Coffee and chocolates rounded things off nicely as I snoozed away......

Throughout the flight I dipped in and out of v-port and the crew were always in the cabin offering drinks and then later in the flight offered chocolate bars from a basket.

About 1.5hrs from Heathrow - the light bite options were offered which included Olive ciabatta with cheese and chutney or Chicken Moussaka or Butter chicken with rice - I was still rather full (unusual for me!) so had a couple of cups of hot tea with some more chocolate.

Because this was a day flight the bar area was quite busy but still managed to grab some fruit on a trip to the washroom and was asked each time I got out of my seat if I needed anything -my bed was made up for me for some sleep. A very attentive and friendly crew.

Lovehearts and more hot towels were offered before touchdown.

Landing at Heathrow was only complicated by having to complete a couple of laps in the hold and touch down at 1345 (1745 Dubai) and on the gate a few mins later. I was waved on my way after yet another great VS experience - well done.

Into Border control and it was empty and my case was waiting for me on the belt - I was out into arrivals at 1415.....

Thanks VS.

Jon

Sounds like another great flight, thanks for the thorough trip reports!
Julie

Sounds like a perfect flight, thanks for posting.

Oooh, I shall be doing this trip in 4 weeks time on a Sunday too so it's nice to know what to expect - except that my flight on this leg will be on a 343 For the longest time I was the only person who had selected a seat in UC and I thought I might be the only person there. Another 3 people have joined me in the cabin but that's all so far!

Interestingly, although there has been an aircraft change my request of 3K has been honoured. The only problem is (if you can call it a problem) is that unlike the 346, the 343 has a seat 1K so in fact I am one seat further back than my original seat. I'm also fascinated by the fact that the other 3 seats requested in the cabin are 2A, D and K. I am wondering if it is a party of three who think they will all be sitting together!!

Great trip by the sounds of it, I often think upper is wasted on the dubai return because its on the early side, but it sure is a great way to end your visit.

Cheers

Alex

I remember that long walk from check in to boarding gate well! Sounds like a typically marvellous flight in the UCS cabin - well done VS

Thank you for such a fine brace of TRs

I know the outbound on the 343 had a few issues, but overall, I detect that it was the CC that made the trip all the more enjoyable

buns

Thank you for the great TR.