This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
So with the clocks going forward I set my alarm for 0430
checked out and was across at the check in desks by 0515 - had a little wait as due to the clock change the flight was not departing until 9am rather than 8am so check in opened later, which I knew but wanted to be early. I was the first in-line so was processed quickly at 0530 when the desks opened - the check in lady was friendly, confirmed my seat choice and said she was sure she didn't need to tell me where to find the CH.... 
I was in the CH by 0545 having made a quick stop at Hudson News and was welcomed warmly. The breakfast buffet was just coming to life and enjoyed a coffee and some juice to cover off the wait. Once up and running at 0615, I had some sausages, bacon and some toast - all good and washed down with more coffee and juice. The buffet included porridge, eggs, smoked salmon, bakery items, yogurt, fruit and lots more really. I like the EWR CH its smaller than the others and is before security but the staff are really attentive.
Decided to leave the CH at just before 8am to get through security and a little delay of 15mins was airside by 0815 and had only a couple of minutes to wait until the boarding call. I was greeted by name at the gate and was on my way down the airbridge.
The CSS was at the L1 door and greeted me by name (
) and was directed to my seat. I have never been in 16G before and it is right behind the bar in the middle section I was concerned I might be distrubed by the noise - wasn't as it happens though no overhead lockers or air-vents. Would I choose again, probably but it wouldn't be my first choice. Once seated I was offered OJ, Bucks fizz or champagne and the champagne could be heard been opened shortly afterwards and was with me quickly in the new glass and this was again topped up without asking. The bottle of water and amenity kit was in their usual places.
Push back was at 0851 with a total count of 244 passengers and 15 crew. A flight time of 6hrs49mins was promised as "we don't have head winds but we don't have tail winds either"
The taxi was really long though as had to wait in line - 21 aircraft ahead of us as one of the EWR runways was closed for some urgent repairs. So finally took off at 0934 (1334 GMT) - 34mins late and time we would never make up!
Once the seat belt signs were off hot towels were offered and the orders for breakfast were taken - the CC member looking after my section referred to me by name and did so throughout the flight
Breakfast consisted of cereals, bagel with cream cheese, bacon butty, pastries, smoothies and fruit - with the usual coffee, tea and juices.
Tables were laid for breakfast at 1010 with the food arriving shortly afterwards. Suitably refilled it was time to chill out with the IFE for an hour or so and then went to the bar - enjoying some more champagne whilst I read the newspaper and chatted with the CC. They really do like the new service and did say that feedback has been really positive onboard which I fully agree with.
I enjoyed a good couple of hours at the bar - demolising a packet of kettle crisps along the way before returning to my seat with another glass of champagne and started to watch a film. At 1730 the CSS came along with the menu and asked if I knew how the new service would work - she talked about the cheese trolley and that I could mix and match items with those from the graze section - she was super friendly.
The graze options on this flight were Bourbon cured pork belly with an apple salad, Caesar salad or a philly steak sandwich.
Drink orders were also taken at the same time as lunch orders -I also believe my order was taken quite early and out of sequence so maybe just maybe it was a sign that AU members might get asked first!!! Tables laid for lunch at 1800. Everything was once again laid by hand - good to see the back of the tray that use to sit on the table and it looks really smart including the new glassware and the litle salt and pepper cocktail shaker
Proceedings started with a little palate pleaser which was the same as the outbound - sun-dried tomato, mozzarella and olive with a little mayo dip, it was tasty. This was soon cleared away. My starter choice was Cream of leek soup which was piping hot and went well with the warm bread - the other choice was Salmon rillette.
Wine and water were regularly topped up and bread was offered three times throughout the meal. For my main choice, I went for the braised short rib of beef which was lovely. The other choices were pan-roasted chicken breast with truffled mushrooms or spinach lasagne.
Dessert was New York cheesecake (which I enjoyed) or Warm Apple, marmalade and Whiskey bread pudding with custard. The cheese trolley came around and I was one of the last to be served - different route to the outbound so maybe they do alternate but it didn't take long at all and I really liked this once again - good selection of cheese including a tasty one from the Azores and finished off with a glass (or two) of port.
With tables cleared I enjoyed a little music as I dozed and then it was time to think about landing. The cabin was secured. Hot towels and lovehearts were offered and with no holding this time we touched down at 2030 and was on the gate shortly afterwards at 2035 - 35mins late and knew I would now not make my 2135 train from Kings Cross.
Immigration was quick and the cases were not far behind but missed the 2053 Heathrow express and with the strike had to wait for the 2123 train - this also ruled out the 2200 train and made it to Kings Cross by 2205 so thankfully, in time for the last train to Yorkshire at 2235.
The journey northbound was eventful due to an incident on the track so didn't depart Kings Cross until 2300 and arrived into Doncaster at 0100 and the 30min journey back to Horbury - so arrived home about 0145 and with work the next day.....
In summary - another great UC experience with a friendly, attentive crew and I was referred to by name throughout. I really like the new service - get on board and try it for yourself soon
Jon
