This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Although not a long trip report, hopefully the content will make up for it.
Have just returned from yet another 24 hour return trip to Dubai, due to a project taking place there. I have now done this trip a couple of times and this was my third time. Basically, it means leaving LHR on a Monday night arriving at DXB Tuesday morning, with meetings throughout the Tuesday and then returning Wednesday morning. This means that the crew is all the same, which is quite a nice feeling as, and I quote the FSM, you become part of the crew.
And let me say this straight away, the flight, crew and everything that goes with it, was the best of all times. I would happily admit that I have never been on a better flight in terms of service and crew, even in F class on star alliance.
I also made a point of mentioning this to the FSM prior to de-boarding, and he was quite happy with this feedback, as he said, that when frequent flyers approach him on board, it is usually because of complaints. But he took the time and sat with me for a cup of coffee and truly appreciated the feedback. Un-heard off prior to this flight, form my experience. 10 out of 10…
Anyway, to begin the story…
Arriving at DXB after a 24 hour stay, I was informed that the flight was delayed due to fog in Dubai. The inbound flight had been de-ruted to Abu Dhabi and was awaiting permission to fly into DXB. Once we were on the aircraft at 13.30, the flight deck did announce that the aircraft and flight crew was more than capable of flying in heavy fog, however DXB was unable to cope with the vast number of flights trying to approach on fully auto-pilot. Speaking to the crew, it emerged that that the inbound (VS400) had in fact been de-routed to Abu Dhabi and all passengers and crew had been on the runway awaiting clearance for up to 4 hours, almost running out of time in terms of time allowed for flying. So apparently many logistical issues to be sorted out. In the end, the plane and crew from the VS400 took the 25 mins journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and arrived close to 5 hours late.
However, from a passenger perspective in Dubai, we were kept well informed, vouchers distributed accordingly and no real damage done.
When the aircraft finally arrived, the ground crew made a big effort and the turn-around was done efficiently and quick. This was also mentioned by the flight-deck prior to departure.
Once onboard, the usual pre-departure drinks were served together with a nice chat. As mentioned, the crew was the same as the inbound to DXB the day before and this always makes a good start.
After take-off, the crew went about their duties in a very professional way and at no point was there any negative comments about being delayed. In fact, the crew made every effort to talk to the passengers and make sure there were happy.
Meals and afternoon tea was served in the normal way and I spent the last 2-3 hours in the bar, with coffee and a good book to enjoy the flight.
So all in all, it may seem like just another flight although delayed by 5 hours. However, in my book, it was the best ever long-haul flight that I have taken in my 7 years of flying overseas with my job and a flight that will make me want to come back to virgin again and again, even if it means a stop-over in London, rather than flying directly with SK or LH. The fact that the flight deck comes on the PA thanking the crew and the ground handling crew, just shows what great a company VS is and that it is so much more about people than just business.
Thank you again to a wonderful crew on VS401…
