V-Flyer

So, our 1st wedding anniversary trip was finally approaching, after what was supposed to be a quick morning at work to tie up loose ends before I go away we were to get to heathrow a bit early to chill at the holiday inn, turns out it was pretty much a whole day at work! Either way we still managed to get to the holiday inn at a reasonable time, and journey time from home, sunny somerset was around 2 hours. (M25 was kind to us)

Had been lucky enough to bag two G's on the out bound. Not quite so lucky on inbound but TR to follow.

Wanting to use dtci, car was left at hotel and car booked for 6:45. Car was a few mins early, got to dtci around 7 so loads of time to experience clubhouse. Check in was flawless. Big smile, efficient and wished a good trip. A quick stop a duty free for the wife and we were soon in the clubhouse. Treatments booked, a massage for me, and a hair treatment for mrs s. went over for a clubhouse breakfast, no black pudding but otherwise delicious. Retired over to the swivel chairs overlooking the apron. Again service was flawless. Drink wasn't empty. This was the second time we've been to the clubhouse and its something very special.

Flight was called at 10:50 or so. Went just after 1st call, we were probably a bit too eager but after all it was our first uc trip.

So being our first uc experience I have no frame of reference to the uc suite new or old, being the a330 we had the new. I know this hasn't been particularly well received but I can only take it for what it was, my first time, and being the twice a year leisure traveller my expectations may be different to the business traveller.

So first impressions, wow. Looks great. Settled into 2d, seat felt roomy but I can see where some of the niggles have come from. The aisles are just stupid, clearly more seats that should have been put in, have been, that to be honest though was my only niggle Cc came over to introduce herself , explained how the seat worked and said if we needed anything to just ask. No name check on boarding but name was use throughout the flight, drink was offered and champagne gladly accepted. Light load on flight today 195 including crew. Flight time advised on 9 hours 20 mins.

On the menu today,
Starter
Dill & caper-infused potted salmon
Organic leek & potato soup

Mains
Herb-crumbed fillet of beef
Free-range chicken breast
Hot-smoked Scottish salmon
Fennel risotto

Dessert
Cherry sponge pudding
Rich chocolate marquise
Cheese & port

I had the salmon and then the beef, both were delicious, mrs had soup and beef, she said the soup was good, but the beef was slightly pink for her, she likes her beef like old boots!

Settled in to watch a film, identity thief, was ok. Went to the bar for a drink or two. Loved the bar, had a brief chat to the crew about various things, miami, flight loads etc. I must say that an observation is that both the clubhouse and cabin had a noticeable number of our american friends in, clearly delta is having an impact.

Took the opportunity to have a burger then before long afternoon tea was severed. Had sandwiches and a scone, not cake stands in sight!

Then it was time for descent, pretty quickly we were on the ground and the 'joy' of miami airport followed. Having been lucky enough to travel to the states a few times I'm all too aware of immigration, today wasn't too bad. Just over an hour. Immigration officer was typical no personality type chap, and that was it really, off to car hire centre to begin our trip!

In conclusion an absolutely superb flight from start to finish, flawless service and in my opinion a great product. Would not hesitate to travel on the 330 again. Whether I can afford uc is a different story, not looking forward to the econ flight home.

Nick

Thanks for the TR
Interesting how you viewed the UCDS as I guess like you said being the first time you had no frame of reference. Did you manage to get any sleep?
But sounds like a good flight. Looking forward to hearing about the return in Y :-0

Thank you for your TR. It seems you were not disappointed with your first UC experience. Have a great time in Miami and I look foward to your return TR. Congratulations on your first wedding anniversary.

Thank you, I do love TR's.

Thank you for your TR. It is always interesting reading the comments of a first timer and I am so glad they were positive. It is all too easy to take travelling UC for granted .
Have a good holiday.

Thanks for a splendid TR

I am glad that the Anniversary started off well and your sense of enjoyment comes through loud and clear

Nice to see a TR where the first impressions of the 330 puts it al into perspective

Thanks once again

buns

gfonk wrote:Thanks for the TR
Interesting how you viewed the UCDS as I guess like you said being the first time you had no frame of reference. Did you manage to get any sleep?
But sounds like a good flight. Looking forward to hearing about the return in Y :-0

Didn't manage to get any sleep, to be honest didn't want to 'waste the experience' others did convert into a bed but I though the recline was perfect for a day flight.

Nickd19 wrote:Didn't manage to get any sleep, to be honest didn't want to 'waste the experience' others did convert into a bed but I though the recline was perfect for a day flight.

That makes sense I guess.
I did try to sleep on the day flight but only managed about 2hrs

Happy anniversary

I noticed that the menu has changed from previous TRs and as I am flying on Thursday, I hope it is the same as yours

Great to hear that your UC experience was excellent A fine TR, thanks for posting, oh and Happy Anniversary

Really enjoyed that, thank you. will be my first try of a new UCS in a couple of weeks. As long as the bar is open and the IFE is working I will be happy.

Thanks for a great TR. And again, great to hear that first time users of new UC like what they get. Even if there are a few too many seats!