V-Flyer

Although been with flying club 7 years this was our first G upgrade. Also the first visit to Heathrow Clubhouse.
We used Drive Through Check In, mother was our chauffeur…. It was super slick and within 5 minutes we were through into duty free. It really is an effortless process.

A browse and a few purchases later we were in the Clubhouse. Now, as it was the first visit to Heathrow Clubhouse I wanted time to take it all in, as such we arrived 5hrs prior to departure. We arrived around 1600hrs. It was very quiet. We sat in the gallery area (and subsequently did not move for the whole 5hrs). Red Heads, Mojito, Dim Sum and Clubhouse Burger all sampled. I had a haircut and Mrs Harps had a manicure. I had a slow wander around and took in all that was on offer. At about 1800hrs or so it busied up but the place never seemed full. The staff were attentive and friendly and the wi-fi was on and stable during our visit.

Whilst relaxing we were approached by a flying-club agent who was pushing the Amex white and black cards. This was clearly the marketing machine out touting for business. I was persuaded by the 30,000 miles offer if I took out the black card. I signed up, ( I currently have the white card at the). Mrs Harps took out the white and gets 12000 miles.

The clubhouse is like a time vortex and the next thing was boarding being called. Where did those 5hrs go?? We were on African Queen (A340-300), seats 3 & 4 K. I chose those after reviews on here. Champers awaiting. 234 (I think) on board with 15 crew. Whilst waiting for pushback the crew came round and took our food order and pre dinner drink request. I had the soup, tortellini and chocolate and caramel pudding, all very tasty, also there was no cheese trolley, we were asked what we wanted and it was brought to us. I noticed there is no runner on the tables.


menu vs603 by Itstheharps, on Flickr

Another crew member was going round offering the Galaxy Tab due to the poor IFE on board. At this point the guy next to me took the opportunity to have a right whinge about the plane. He complained that it was changed from the -600, he complained about the condition of the suites, he complained about the IFE and he complained that as a gold card holder Virgin are doing nothing to keep his loyalty.

This guy was way over the top and spoke very loudly…. Another passenger told him to complain quieter. I am all for complaining to crew about things they have the power to help you with but when it comes to aircraft allocation and suite condition the crew have no influence and so perhaps he would have been better venting in an e-mail to crawley towers.
The crew handled the matter patiently and throughout the flight they were attentive, friendly and efficient.

After food, drinks etc my bed was made up and the time was about midnight. I lay down and watched the Batman film. I finally dropped off to sleep about 3am. The galaxy tab is better than the on board IFE so I was glad of the option.
We landed a few minutes early.


view incoming by Itstheharps, on Flickr

Cape Town airport has been updated, which I guess was for the World Cup, and no word of a lie we were through customs, got our bags and driving away in our hire car about 45 minutes after wheels touched down.

I have scored the IFE based on what the aircraft has built in. Also attached is a picture of the inside of the light above my seat. There was literally a thick coating of dust. This aircraft is in desperate need of a deep, deep clean. Other parts of the suite were dirty too.


light by Itstheharps, on Flickr

All in all a very pleasant and comfortable trip and the cabin crew were excellent.

Smashing TR and a shame about the grubbiness, and I agree about Mr DYKWIA ... not a lot the crew could do by then.

BTW what was the movie choice on the tablet?

Great TR!!! I love South Africa

Thanks for the great TR

Congrats on getting the G and I am amazed that this is the first time in the Clubhouse Glad you had a great time in there and I am sure those extra miles will come in handy

Shame about your neighbour - obviously got out of the wrong side of the bed and having a go when the crew are handing out tablets (and I must make the joke - "you'll need a pretty big glass of water") is not on

Thanks once again

buns

Great tr! Fab pic of table mountain. Glad you had a good flight shame about your neighbour

Thanks for the TR -- very enjoyable.

I wonder when the menus will change. That chicken and gnocchi has been around for a while now!

Thanks for the TR. Liked the menu and the view pictures, but the other one fair put me off my lunch.

Still have an inkling to go to RSA en famille (as MrsPJH was born there) blowing the mileage in the process, but wouldn't be terribly happy with an A343....

Enjoyable TR!

Slinky - The movie choice was good in as much as there were at least 15 movies loaded, however as I will cover on my return TR I had exactly the same choice on the return and had watched what I wanted outbound.....

Pjh - Get out there, Cape Town is brilliant, great weather, great views and lots to do. The wine route of stellenbosch is only a half hour drive away - we hit the wineries big time.....

I am lucky that I have family there and visit regularly but it never fails to disappoint...