V-Flyer

We arrived at Manchester airport at approximately 7.30am on Wednesday 2 November, to check-in for VS75 to Orlando. We had checked-in online, as soon as check-in opened the previous day and had luckily retained the PE seats requested 11 months previously. We were greeted by a pleasant check-in agent, who asked if we would be prepared to travel UC on VS73 – a wait of approximately 2 and a half hours. After ascertaining that there was no cost involved, we immediately agreed!

I have no idea why we were selected, although we travel to Florida at least twice a year with Virgin, have Silver status and/or were smartly dressed?!!

We then settled in the Escape Lounge for the next 4 hours – not too difficult with free drinks, snacks, newspapers and wi-fi! At approximately 12 noon we sauntered to the gate to board. My Fiance has flown Upper Class many times, but it was my first time and I was impressed!

I was soon settled into seat 11K with a glass of Champagne. The cabin crew explained about the seat and the CSM came and introduced himself to every passenger. The plane left on time and very soon we were allowed to go and sit at the bar for a drink. The only thing that I disliked about UC was the difficulty in talking to any other passenger, unless you went to sit on their stool or met at the bar!

Very soon lunch was served. We were some of the first passenger to experience the new menu. It appears as though VA have finally realised that food taste is different at altitude, but have they gone too far? We like spicy food, but found that much of the food offered was VERY spicy, and would definitely have been a problem for many people. I started with Spiced carrot and lentil soup (very spicy) whilst my partner had Prawn cocktail. I then had Grilled fillet of beef, which was delicious provided that you do not like your beef rare, whilst my partner had Thai red chicken curry – this had sliced red chillies on top, and was a challenge for a man who regularly eats curry Asian style in Bradford!! The dessert was either Chocolate chilli tart (more spice!) or warm sticky toffee pudding. Altogether we both thoroughly enjoyed the meal and managed to secrete our salt and pepper pots as souvenirs.

After a large glass of Baileys, I decided to convert my seat and have a sleep (I had been awake since 4am!). It was lovely to be able to lie flat, but the bed was a little too hard for me, and a Tempur style mattress topper would have made a huge difference. I did manage some sleep and woke feeling refreshed. After watching a film, it was soon time for tea – sandwiches including hot chilli roasted salmon with lemon mayonnaise!

We landed at Orlando early and disembarked after some PE passengers. We were quickly through immigration and then waited and waited and waited for our cases. By this time most of the Economy passenger had collected their bags and left. We were eventually told that it had been discovered that a container of UC and PE baggage had been left on the plane. We eventually left for the car hire desk about 90 minutes later.

I was very impressed with Upper Class – the flight arrived on time, the cabin crew were brilliant, my seat worked perfectly and the food was delicious. I am now loathe to travel PE and we have been lucky to secure a mileage upgrade to UC in May!

Well, nice to see an upgrade

Your TR just oozes with your enjoyment of experiencing UC for the first time - I suspect, you will be hooked like many a V-Flyer

buns

Oh WOW how lucky were you

Just the thing we always dream might happen but never believed anyone got upgraded to UC just like that....fantastic.

Very jealous indeed

thelaceys

Congratulations - beware the expression "turning left", it seems you may have enjoyed it to much!

As for spicey food, in my experience the VS catering managers seem to go through thematic episodes, there was a time when everything was mushrooms for example, then there were the dreaded cherry tomatoes!

Great TR, thanks for posting!!

Result on the free upgrade!

Thanks for your kind words. We could not believe how lucky we were! I used to think PE was amazing, but on the trip home I just wanted to be in UC!! This free upgrade may be beneficial to VA in the long term!!!!!

Great TR, thanks.

I really liked the spicy nature of what is actually *some* of the menu. For me, it's a trade off for any menu choice that involves either any kind of seafood or gravy. After all, there is a choice, and otherwise we'd be all reduced to boil in the bag fish.

Really enjoyed the trip report -- thanks.

Shame about the bags!

Thank you for the TR and well done on the upgrade.