VS085 MAN-LAS 22 SEP 13 (Upper Class)
Posted: 01 Oct 2013, 21:06This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
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were contemplating a week’s jaunt somewhere, so yours truly went off G hunting to see if we could get it to work.Limited results MAN/ LAX/ SFO and was about to write off the idea, then on a whim one evening, started playing around with some flight ideas for Christmas and just happened to check MAN flights, behold 2xG’s were staring me in the face
Now the usual dilemma of whether to hold and source a return, knowing full well inbound option was non-existent last time I looked. Came out of the booking and tried to look into return..nothing. On an off chance thought of YVR…yep 2xG. Now this looks possible, quick check on any direct LAS-YVR’s, yep.
Back to the MAN flight-Gone!
So await half an hour, bingo, back on. BOOK! And return via YVR! 
We have always avoided the MAN party bus, following various horror stories and had weighed up the increased convenience of a direct from MAN and friends also travelling rather than via LHR-LAX etc and CH use, but to be honest was still a slight bit wary of the experience awaiting us. Internals with Westjet sorted and could start to relax back a bit. Turned out 2 other couples for the gathering were also on the MAN flight, so we had coverage in each class..
Decided to head to the Radisson for the night which took a lot of hassle out and did the direct train from Leeds to MAN for the first time- a fairly easy transfer experience. First stay at the Radisson, in a business room, nice place.
So leisurely wake up and stroll across to check-in to meet up with the others. Check-in fairly quiet and painless experience, got fast track/ guest lounge access for our companions in PE. All of us had arranged to meet in the Escape Lounge- Escape2 to be precise and time passed quickly, chatting and acquainting each other as some of us hadn’t met before. Boarding called, clearly separated and nice to actually turn left for one of the first times, which mrs NH liked as most of the Asia bound flights, which we've generally flown in upper on the 600’s where this doesn’t happen. Cabin full, seats 8-9K, new IFE, although noted table taped shut on seat opposite – Overheard pax was made aware prior to boarding.
Took the bubbles, squeezed glass onto little tray table, then whilst sorting stuff out, proceeded to knock in over all over my jeans
Stupid design of glass for such a little table and that reading light, CC agreed saying I had been one of many in similar situation. Luckily had something to change into- although sleep suit was offered- stuff then taken and hung up to dry..So spent remaining flight in back-up slacks..
Menu’s handed out, salmon starter and beef fillet looked like the pick, although seemed strange to have a breakfast option on the menu…
Settled into flight, prep for service started and decided to sit with Mrs. NH for lunch, they do seem wider these seats on the 747 than the 600.
Now I’m no Rick Stein, but I can tell a yorkie bite sized bit of mackerel is nothing like smoked salmon, bemused, we query, whilst hearing them continuing to serve it as salmon to other pax.. Duly noted CC scuttled back to speak to FSM, who came across, stating we (all) appear to have the wrong menu’s and the food is completely different. Now the mackerel was ok, tiny. No major issue in the change and stated as much, no fuss made, but the presentation was truly awful, see picture.
The “Beef Fillet” appeared, this was now a sort of light coloured beef casserole type thing. Mrs NH’s chicken was now a breaded thing- given she was trying to avoid wheat this wasn’t great- more over if she’d been medically avoiding could have been much bigger issue. Pud was a nice chocolate slice and cheese board as expected. A bit of poor communication from CC to Pax in terms of the menu, as appeared to be no attempt to explain to people the error, just sort of hoping it would pass unnoticed. We emphasised we weren’t making an issue, seemed to be a rolling of CC’s eye’s and comments about MAN catering issues again... So guess this wasn’t the first time.
FSM and our male CC, were actually great and stood and chatted for quiet a while about various travelling exploits/ wheat intolerances! Etc.
On the back of the above and the fact the bar was not being used, FSM stated we would be ok to invite our friends up for a drink, we ensured that this would be a gesture and low key, we duly had drink / top-up and chat before they returned- a nice touch for our friend on his birthday..
Had a kip for a few hours- beds definitely wider and mattress did appear softer than last trip on a 600.
Afternoon tea, brought no surprises and remaining flight passed uneventfully before a steady arrival into LAS- they did shut the bar a good few hours prior but to be honest this didn’t upset anyone. Did a dash off to immigration expecting the worse, but surprisingly well staffed and even a smile. Luggage off quickly and met up with rest of the gang before we split into 2 taxi’s and the Bellagio for three nights.. highlights including a messy night in the bar atop the Strat and a grand meal for 10 at Mix, in The Hotel..(where they've redefined the concept of mark-up on wine
)NH
but a good crew and a friendly FSM 
