V-Flyer

If you've seen my forum post from the SFO CH then you'll likely know about a little bit of a run-around at check-in. Upon reaching the desk, I asked if 28A was currently available and was told "no, the flight is full" to which I replied "don't you assign those seats here at the airport" at which point the agent drops this little gem: "you have to understand Sir, we only give these seats to our top frequent fliers!" With a slightly bemused look on my face I responded "but I'm an Au card holder"....."oh" she says "I should've looked, of course we can give you 28A"....yeah, too right you should have looked, but hey ho, this pales in comparison to when I was told the price I'd paid online for a PE upgrade was too little back in Feb...how exactly?

Anyway, after that I made my way up to the SFO CH, as per usual I received a very warm "welcome back" and made my way to my fave red seat. I watched in joy as Cosmic Girl rolled on by in the SF sunshine shortly after I took my seat, C who was my server in the lounge was both attentive and personable and the clubhouse burger in conjunction with a glass of champers was most enjoyable.

Boarding was straight forward and without delay, timed it just about perfectly by leaving the CH a little earlier than everyone else. Taking a seat on Cosmic Girl was like the moment you see that girl you broke up with as a teenager all those years ago and never should've, it was great to see her and easy to get on with with plenty to catch up on, except she didn't reply much.

Left the gate on time and slowly made out way for a 28R departure from SFO, we made our way to the coast and then with some wonderful r/h turns began the progress eastbound. Naturally this afforded some great views. The turbulence forecast was spot on, we picked up some light chop as we hurtled above southern Saskatchewan, nothing to write home about but enough to send the bar flys scattering back to their suites....as soon as the seatbelt sign was off, the flys were back with a vengeance.

Dinner was extremely prompt, and was ok, again, nothing to write home about but I take it easy on plane food after watching Heston's efforts with BA. My one gripe (it's minor), stems back to earlier in the flight when I asked for some more sparking wine and was told in no uncertain terms that there was none left, I know the champers is reserve for UC but would it not have been a nice gesture for a tiny pour from the champers bottle in UC in recognition of being Au. On that note, I got zero recognition for being Au, not one word. That said, the cabin crew were delightful.

From Saskatchewan on, I read my book and watched a couple of films....oh yes, I forgot, my TV monitor wouldn't stay upright (was still watchable) but had a mass of yellow and black mega tape on it, this was added to shortly after take off by R who was the FSM. It didn't work.

It seemed no time at all, though not according to my stomach, that brekkie was being prepared. It was edible but nothing much more than that, I did very much appreciate them bringing the fruit round as usual. The spiel came from the FO about our approach, expecting a hold and the possibility of sharing the air with some spitfire's because of Jubilee celebrations at Windsor....the hold happened but didn't see any of those magnificent aircraft! Shortly after, we made our approach out of the hold for 27L offering a superb view of Twickenham as we came on in, interestingly not long after LHR switched to operating from the 9's.

Had a good chat with the FSM and one of the cabin crew on our descent, they both added how much they disliked the A333's which is no surprise given it's lack of crew rest area.

De-planing was a breeze being in 28A, though an extremely self-important and stuffy UC pax insisted that she be first off...it was ludicrous beyond belief. I'm pleased to say that immigration took approx 3 minutes and the bags not much longer, all in all v good.

Well, I'm desperately trying to stay awake! Hope you've enjoyed my first ever TR and I do hope I've not forgotten anything.

Thanks for your your inaugural TR

Must admit that it is unusual for the Ground Staff at SFO not to be on the ball, so glad that you persevered

Were you offred for the bad monitor??

Thanks once again

buns

Thanks Buns. Not given anything for the monitor other than an attempt at adding more tape, truthfully I was able to watch it without much of a problem.

Mrs Buns has read your TR and is now saying we ought to go back to SFO - more expense then

buns

Ut oh. At least you'll have a lovely time

A fine first TR, thanks for posting Simon A real shame about the Agent not recognising your Au status, in fact that was the theme or your flight
A good crew does make or break your flight and it looks like yours looked after you well
Hey, Buns, my wife and I are going to SFO in August....I could make room in my case
Can't wait, love that city

Thanks! I'm looking forward to doing the return TR.