V-Flyer

This was to be the first flight, of 6, taking me and hubby to Hawai'i to celebrate my significant birthday (though too early for the 5-0). I had booked the flights in the previous January, at T-336d, to secure 2 x G's for the return trip to LA. I will say this this took a bit of patience as the return flight upgrades weren't available until a couple of days after booking, but they were safely secured nonetheless.
When I booked the outbound flights, the seat request function was still available and I secured my preferred 747 seating of 12A / 12K.
Now, one of the 'limitations' of the VS system is that once you have more than 4 sectors in your booking, you cannot use 'Manage My Booking' on their website. The website also states that you will not be able to check in online in this instance, but more on this later.
I have to say, though, that the few times I phoned the UC team for assistance during the year, they were always friendly, helpful and fully able to assist.
Thanks to a post from 'magsjk' on 4 Nov, I was aware that we had had an aircraft change for our LA flight and had been switched to a 346. Checking both 'flightstats' and 'orbitz' I knew that UC was completely full for our outbound flight and virtually all of the seats had been secured. So, for the moment, hubby and I were to be sat on opposite sides of the aircraft.
As the holiday approached, I booked a Drive Thru Check In slot. Given that the clubhouse opened at 7am, we booked a 6:45am slot, using my Dad as the Chauffeur in this instance.
I figured that I had nothing to lose by trying On Line Check In, although as I'd thought it would be fruitless, I didn't try the moment that it opened. I was, therefore, pleasantly surprised to be able to complete OLCI, but only secured seq 35 and 36. As expected, I remained unable to change our seats.
Not being seasoned DTCI users, we did miss the entrance on our first approach; but, after a swift circuit of the LHR ring road, we were soon at the door and being greeted. I did notice that our luggage tags stated Kona as our destination, but we weren't actually due in Hawai'i until the following day. Fearful that we may end up in LA luggage-less, the Check-In Agent swiftly replaced the labels and our luggage subsequently disappeared. I also mentioned our on board seat situation, but the Agent was fully aware of this and, as she stated, all she'd been doing since coming onto shift at 5am was moving passengers on the LA flight. It took a bit of work, but after 15 minutes, she'd moved me from 12A to 14K. I, sadly, did not get the name of this Check-In Agent, but she was superb and ensured a good start to our trip.
I did notice that DTCI was busy, and there must've been arrivals every 5 minutes, but it is a very slick operation and certainly makes the occasional traveller feel special.
Once quickly through the private security channel, we made our way to the clubhouse. We've been fortunate to have used this once before, but that was January 2010 and an evening flight to Cape Town, and all I remember is how busy it was then. We'd even struggled to find a table that time. No such problems this time, as a Saturday morning the Clubhouse was quiet and we easily secured a table for breakfast. I had the excellent Eggs Florentine and hubby the full English.
After eating, we decamped to a comfortable seat by the window. The wifi was good, perhaps due to the quietness of the lounge. I logged onto V-flyer to discover that we would be on G-VNAP, Sleeping Beauty, that morning. I had been on this plane almost exactly a year earlier, though that time was in Economy to New York.
The clubhouse soon filled up, the flight to San Fran was delayed and there had also been a cancellation of the VS45 to New York.
All too soon, we were called to board. By the time we reached the gate, most people were already on board and the queues were short. There were two queues this morning, with Upper going through their own door.
Settled into 14K and, whilst not a favoured seat, it was clean and perfectly ok for a day flight. UC was full and apart from a handful of people, everyone else seemed to know each other and it looked like employees from the same company all jetting off to some West Coast conference.
The flight attendant introduced herself, and provided a pre-flight drink. We were advised there were 275 on board in total and a flight time of 11 hours and 1 minute. Then something happened which I've never experienced before, we pushed back early (ok only 5 minutes, but still earlier than scheduled) and we took off just 15 minutes later!
Hubby and I had different flight crew attending to us, which caused some slight confusion as my hostie wanted to ensure both he and I were served together. Although, in reality, it meant that he was offered seconds of everything, so probably not a bad situation in his eyes.
After take-off, we had the usual hot towels, a drink and crisps. I did notice that my name was used as the menus were handed out and orders taken.
I skipped the starter (Salmon or Cider and Onion Soup) and had the Dolcelatte and Pumpkin Pasta for main course; which was very good for plane food. For dessert, I had the much talked about Chocolate and Salted Caramel pudding, which I found a bit rich for my palate. Hubby had the Chicken dish for his main and the Apple pie for his pudding, both of which he enjoyed. I did forfeit the Cheese Trolly, although I noticed that the UC Passengers nearby enjoyed this experience and it does encourage interaction with the air crew on board.
The remainder of the flight was uneventful, though the seat belt signs were illuminated at regular intervals, as the flight was somewhat bumpy. I dozed, listened to my music and played a few iPad games. I did wander to the bar at one point but it was busy, in fact I think it was busy for the duration of the flight. Drinks were in plentiful supply and there was no problem asking for anything else. The Graze menu, particularly the mini burger, was frequently used by fellow pax.
Afternoon tea was served about 2 hours prior to landing. Again the trolly appeared popular with my fellow passengers and the mini cake stands were appreciated. I wasn't tempted to try anything though as the choices weren't to my liking.
We flew over Las Vegas, which caused much excitement – though I'm not entirely sure why!
We landed at LAX about 25 minutes ahead of schedule but, crucially, we beat the Air France A380, which landed shortly after us. Now, the good thing about our seats, we were off the plane with only about 6 people in front of us and headed for an empty immigration hall! This meant that we were out in the LA sun, with our luggage, some 20 minutes from landing. Possibly the best entry into the US we've ever experienced.

Sounds like a great trip with all working to plan.
Have a good holiday - you've got me looking forward to Miami in 83 days
Thanks for the report

thanks for the TR looks like you had a good flight