This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Check in was up and running and I had only a short wait before I called across to the next available UC desk where I was greeted with a smile and some "friendly small talk" - my seat choice was confirmed and provided with details of where to find the new Clubhouse....
WOW what a difference with no shopping to do (not in my opinion much could be done at T4 JFK!)security was a breeze and what a difference that you no longer have to think about what time to leave the CH to get through what was always a bit of a chore at JFK - anyway, through and just passed Gate A5 up the stairs to the Clubhosue - I was welcomed back but as this was my first visit to the new CH, I was then shown around the lounge and everything explained. I took a seat by the windows that overlooked Gate A5 as I knew that was the gate my flight would be departing from - lots of different types of seating but plenty by the windows for those that like to look at the activity going on around the airport...my server who remembered me from my visits to the old CH was simply outstanding - starting off with a red-head and some spicy nuts I then moved onto the champagne - my glass was proactively refilled without asking until I had to say no more
I decided to eat well in the CH so enjoyed the seared beef and Yorkshire pudding and watercress - it was lovely and I enjoyed it but it was a rather small portion, though to be fair my server did offer another one if I liked as she did warn me it was a small size!!
Anyway - I went for Chinese chicken with rice which was delicious, a range of flavours and a lovely mix of sweet and sour served with a side of Vegetable wontons - delicious
Dessert I decided to pass on cheese as I thought I might have that on-board so went for the trifle which was sweet and tasty but rather small - but actually thinking about it, was just enough.
I did some work, read a little and then had a couple more drinks before I went exploring. The spa was busy and the new bar very impressive. Another server who recognised me from a previous trip came over and gave me a hug - great service as always at JFK and the new CH is simply fab - can't wait for my next trip.
So eventually "Lady Penelope" arrived on stand at 1655 after actually landing at 1605 but a Kuwait 777 was parked at A5 so she had to wait until that had pulled off - it was interesting and good to see the aircraft been prepared for its return flight.
I also managed a really good look at G-VRAY who was parked at Gate A7 until she departed at 1815. My flight was called at 1840 and the gate was a 5min walk - no problems at all and straight onboard, it was clear Y and W passengers were already on board and I was welcomed at the door by the same FSM as my outbound flight (not by name though) and turned left and found my seat in the A-zone.
Knowing it would the same crew as my outbound I knew they would be simply fantastic and they were throughout. I was getting organised in my seat when a glass of champagne was offered followed by a newspaper and a sleep suit.
The menu was already on the ottoman with the amenity kit and a bottle of water in its holder - boarding was completed pretty quickly and we pulled off stand at 1910. Thankfuly JFK was kind to us and we departed at 1944, especially as my last trips to JFK involved a trip around the airport and a ground delay of around 1hr so things were good this particular Sunday evening
Once airborne and seat belts were off, hot towels were offered and drink and dinner orders were taken - the seat belt signs had to be switched back on 10mins into the flight because of some pretty hefty "bumps" but we were in clear air again 10mins later and the service was back on track. My strong and large G&T arrived with some crisps and was refilled too when it needed to be
At 2030 tables were laid for supper with wine and water also offered along with warm bread - again good to see the CSS and FSM playing a significant role in the service delivery.
As this is a designated supper flight - I chose the beef as my main course (no starters on supper services) which was tender and delicious. A good choice in my book. I went for New York cheesecake and was not disappointed. I was offered the cheese but declined and Coffee and liquers were also offered, enjoying a piping hot coffee in a mug - wonderful
Tables cleared it was time to think about turning the seat into a bed which was done without any fuss and then before settling down, went to the bar to enjoy another G&T and to complete the x-plane survey I had been asked to fill it. Had a lovely chat with a couple of members of the crew who were so friendly and welcoming - I told them I loved the new UC service and they both said the passenger reaction was so positive - so very good to hear
Turned in the for night and it was lumps and bumps all night but slept for a couple of hours. I woke around 6am and was offered a mug of coffee which was just what was needed. I went to the washroom and my bed was turned back into seat whilst I was gone
Breakfast was offered and though I had my mind on revivals I did take an apple and a bottle of juice though was offered bagels, a bacon roll and cererals - again very personalised service from a truly dedicated and great crew. I have already written to VS to pass on my thanks to the crew concerned and to congratulate them on the changes to the UC service.
A few twists and turns in the holding pattern for 20mins had us touching down at 0730 but not before the FSM pointed out a few landmarks on the approach for "first time visitors"
Arrived at Gate 18 at 0740 and disembarked quickly - bit of a walk to Border control and that is nothing new but I was processed really quickly deciding to give the e-gates a miss this time but the queues for non-EU passport holders were horrendous
Bag was just appearing as I made it to the belt and I was in the shower in revivals by 0810 - not bad at all. After a shower and a spa shave, time for some brekkie which was good and revivals was so quiet. Packed up and headed for the 0933 HEX which was packed and then across London to Kings Cross. A relaxing 1hr55min journey back to Yorkshire with sandwiches, cake and alcohol offered on the journey north - nibbled at some of the sandwiches and cake and gave alcohol a wide berth!!
So the end of yet another fantastic VS experience....a superb crew who delivered excellence in every way and I really like the new UC service, revivals as good as ever and the new JFK CH an amazing place to start your flight.....
Now getting organised for Barbados in two days time for a total "fly and flop experience" so hopefully those flights in UC will be as good as my last few flights, you can be guaranteed I will file TRs....so keep your eyes peeled
Thanks for reading.
Jon
Last edited by horburyflyer on 02 May 2012, 11:38, edited 2 times in total.
