VS019 LHR-SFO 7 MAR 12 (Upper Class)

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
After overnighting at Hilton Heathrow Terminal 5 (now my favourite LHR hotel) we made our way to terminal 3 to be met by purple parking and taken round to the Upper Class Wing. The agreement with Purple Parking works very well. This was only the second time I'd used this facility and the first for my wife. Very impressed by the speed, service and friendliness of the staff.
Into the Clubhouse in a little under 15 mins. It's still in a different league to all other lounges. The experience remains as excellent as ever and the boarding call always seems to come too soon!
Managed to get two reward fares a couple of months before so glad to get great seats (15/16A) in the front section. It's a year since I'd flown UC but the general approach and friendliness of the crew was definitely more noticeable. Very friendly and chatty, keen to know what we thought of the new service. The food was significantly better, presentation, quality and taste.
Although I understand the views of some on this site regarding the slow decline of the VS service I'm sure that this along with the new UC suite will keep VS up there with the best - have faith you cynics out there! This was my 4th UC flight in 4 years and without doubt the best to date.
Into SFO 30 mins ahead of time and keen to use the Clubhouse as we had a 4 hour wait for Virgin America flight to San Diego (further report to follow). Unfortunately not possible as the lounge closes an hour before VS 20 leaves for LHR despite having VX boarding cards. Despite this SFO a great airport and plenty to do while waiting.
All in all great flight, very impressed with crew and new service and we were looking forward to first flight with Virgin America.....

