V-Flyer

So a few days of sun and relaxing finally arrived....a very wet drive down from Horbury to Heathrow took just over 4hrs though we stopped a couple of times and the weather was poor so we needed to take it steady. Car dropped off at the long-stay by the BA hangers and then a shuttle bus to the terminal....all straight-forward really. Walked into Zone A at just before 1700 and it was quiet though both desks were busy at the UC section....an offer to go and check in at the PE desks was turned down and the UC desks became free. At the next desk was a celebrity checking in for her flight to CPT. The chap trying to manage the queues was not overly friendly but the desk staff member was - all business taken care of and it was up into the lift.

Security took a little while as a random thorough check needed to be completed on one bag. Then it was through the busy T3 departure lounge and up to the Clubhouse. Welcomed warmly and we were in with spa treatment booked.

I had managed to book a table, with 5 people travelling, the week before when I had been in the Clubhouse and were shown to table and settled in well. The Clubhouse was rather quiet.

Drink orders taken and disptached - the English Sparkling wine as delicious as ever A variety of food was enjoyed by us all with more drinks regularly offered, the service was superb as always. The CH was really busy by 1830.

I had booked in for a shave which was so relaxing and good. A couple of Gold-card's later and it was time to think about boarding with boarding actually announced at 2015.

"Dancing Queen" was waiting patiently for us having arrived from Delhi a couple of hours earlier. Through L1 to be greeted by a friendly FSM who used names to direct you to your seat. The suite was in good shape and tidy. A menu, amenity kit and bottle of water were in place as usual on these night flights.

A crew member popped along to take jackets, offer champagne and then came back with newspapers and sleep suits. Drink and supper orders were taken on the ground.

A flight time of 6hrs26mins was advised with 238 passengers on board. Both UC and PE were solid with space in Y.

Push back at 2112 and departed at 2130 skipping the long queue ahead

Hot towels quickly offered followed by drinks and crisps. Refills of drinks were proactively offered so no skimping on this flight. The menu was dine express and consisted of:

Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup with Pesto
Beetroot cured Salmon

Slow braised shin of beef with carrots and new potatoes
Grilled breast of chicken with gnocchi, spinach and truffle cream
Dolcealatte cheese and butternut squash tortellini

I enjoyed the soup with was served with two round of warm rolls. I enjoyed again the Grilled chicken breast which is relly tasty - wine and water were offered throghout dinner.

I finished off with the warm chocolate and salted caramel pudding. I was offered a cheese plate but delcined as I was rather full The other dessert choice was Bramley apple and granola crumble slice with creme anglaise.

Having used VERA touch on my recent flights I did find VERA on demand a bit clunky but it worked fine and no issues at all. Through the night with the bed down, I was comfortable and slept on and off for a couple of hours.

I woke to an amazing sun-rise over Iraq and that is not something you can say everyday

I was offered breakfast but stuck with a muffin and coffee passing on the chicken sausage roll which by all accounts was rather good

The bar was stocked with smoothies, juices, muffins and water and I helped myself as I visisted the washrooms.

Hot towels and lovehearts were offered before touchdown.

We made land-fall just south of Dubai passing over Sharjah and turning to approach from the South west - touching down at 0755 local.

A good comfortable flight with a friendly crew who got the job done well on this quick overnight flight.....I even have a black set of salt and pepper shakers sitting proudly at home too...

Immigration was quick though the Fast-track line was not open but then it was out into the warm Dubai morning to grab a taxi and begin our break.

Thanks for the TR looks like you had a good flight

Sounds like a good flight all in all,hope the break was just as good.
Blacky

Pleased you had a good flight. Interestingly, whenever I have been directed to check in at the PE desk as the UC was busy I have always been very impressed with the service.

Nice pair of TRs Enjoy your time in Dubai!