This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
LHR - MIA
The morning arrived and as earlier reported we opted to use the DTCI to maximise the whole experience.
A nice S Class Merc arrived a few minutes before the time booked, just as we were coming out the lift actually, so was perfectly timed. The journey was uneventful with a very chatty driver who was starting to get a little stressed about the extra traffic the Olympics was going to bring.
In about 10 mins we were at the DTCI, the first barrier opened, we drove forward to the poles and waited and waited. It turned out another car had sneaked in behind us and shut the system down due to potential security issues.
A couple of staff wondered down the hill and after a reset, we were on our way again. It really is very well organised (you can’t blame the car behind us) and literally in about 3 mins, we were standing in the shopping centre.
I was tempted to spend some money, but the Clubhouse beckoned and for the first time we were traversing the stairs. Welcomed by name and quickly given directions it was soon time to sample the delights or was it.
A coffee to wake up, was brought very quickly then it started to go a bit wonky. We were sitting next to the bar at the windows in “plane” view of everyone or so I thought. After picking up the menu, looking at it, putting it back, and then repeating a few times, I was beginning to wonder if there was a work to rule on.
Eventually someone came to take the order for food …….. Just food. Yup, before I could order a drink (of any kind) she was off, even though it was obvious the cups where empty. Breakfast arrived as I was on the phone and again she beatled of again without asking if any liquid was required. Eventually I managed to catch someones eye and champagne was ordered and promptly delivered.
After a bad start things got a little better and I am pretty sure that 2 or 3 times the glass was refilled when my back was turned.
Sometimes the anticipation is better than the actual event. The Clubhouse wasn’t busy with maybe 60 people but the service was patchy at best. Personally I think that Gatwick gives it a pretty close run for the money.
More than one person couldn’t understand the announcements and so it was decided that a slow walk down to the gate was in order, after all priority boarding was in action, wasn’t it ?
No signs at the gate and people being sent to the back of the queue. Mmmm, not the best.
Once on board, thing got much better and it turned into one of the best flights we’ve had in a long time. Welcomed by name, boarding through your own bridge it was soon time for more champagne. Suite was clean and in good order, champagne was chilled and in the new glasses and Vport worked well from the beginning.
The bar was well populated by customers most of the flight and the new menu worked very well. The soup was hot and spicy, the curry was very nice and the cheese (trolley) was good as well. It was a bit style over substance but added to the whole experience.
Afternoon tea was welcomed and was served on your own little red and white tiered cake stand. Don’t know if this is a new thing or not as there was a bit of giggling going on trying to put them together, but again although a bit style over substance it was better than a plate being put down in front of you.
Being able to stop and start the IFE was a big bonus and more than helped the flight “fly” past. The new one must be even better.
All too soon, we had the call that landing wasn’t too far away although I could easily have done another couple of hours without getting board or weary.
Next we had Miami immigration. This, by all accounts, might be fun. We were directed in the smaller hall on the left which still took around an hour to get through. Apologises were offered (an Iberian flight had arrived before us). That was the easy part. Baggage reclaim was like a third world although I believe a new International Arrivals hall is being opened shortly. Don’t know if VS are using it ?
Eventually we were through and the hunt began for the hotel bus stances. Getting grumpy with the heat, after 10 mins of wandering round Miami Airport, it was decided a taxi would be better to take us to the Hilton on Blue Lagoon Drive.
The address conjures up something that the end result isn’t, but it was on points and the aircon worked so it was good enough until the trip back to the airport in the morning for the AA flight up to Orlando.
To sum up - Gatwick vs. Heathrow
Checkin- although we have never had any problems at Gatwick, checkin has always been very quick along with security, the whole drive through experience at Heathrow beats it.
Clubhouses - we’ve always liked Gatwick, the service, the people etc etc. The Heathrow Clubhouse is the flagship yes, but on that experience, for us anyways, its beaten by Gatwick
Flight - comparing like with like, (ie the “old” suites) the Heathrow fleet beats the Gatwick fleet only on Vport. When the whole “am I on a refitted plane” thing ends, it will then be a different story. The cabin crew, in the majority that we have experienced, are no different, so the new refurbed Gatwick planes will, I believe, be a better experience than the Heathrow fleet.
So, Gatwick vs. Heathrow. (or LGW-MCO vs. LHR-MIA) , tough decision. Its all down to the costs. Having paid a very reasonable price for Upper Class in the sale, was it still worth the extra hastle of an overnight in MIA and another visit to MIA for a flight up the next day. Tough one. In this case, probably yes because of the savings - £700 per ticket, otherwise …. No.
Thanks for reading
David
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