V-Flyer

So, after a stressful time at work over the last few weeks, I decided to take advantage of the 4 day sale a few weeks ago and book some time in the sunshine state. After starting out looking at lots of options, including miles only tickets, it became clear that this was going to take a little more thought.

With what seems to be coming the normal, lots of outbound options, very little inbound choice. Being a typical stubborn man, it was a case of trying to find a solution without making a phone call to flying club, but in the end, I decided that if I wanted a week of peace, it was actually going to take a call.

After getting a great agent who tried a whole load of options, she mentioned about a "combi fare"

Apparently you can now book a one way miles fare with a one way cash fare subject to a few ifs and buts. So I ended up upper outbound LGW to MCO on miles followed by MIA to LHR in premium inbound on cash. Total cost was around £670 inc all taxes. Not bad

As an aside , what is this issue with getting inbound fares in upper these days. Loads of choice in outbound, nothing coming home

Unlike previous trips and the fact that I was myself this time, I decided I would travel down from Edinburgh the morning of the flight rather than staying in the Hilton the night before. This meant an extremely early rise of around three in the morning to be in Edinburgh for around five for checkin to the BA flight down to LGW.

With cheap parking in front of the terminal and a quick checkin and trip through security, after a few mins wait, there was time for a coffee or two courtesy of BA's lounge opposite gate 10. Managed seat 2b which was essentially the front row of 3 seats made into 2

After the short flight into a cool Gatwick I was soon checking in at the "new" upper desks. These have changed since May and are now at the left hand side as you walk into the huge virgin check in area.

I have marked ground staff down due to the fact that while it all looked very nice and relaxed, there is absolutely no structure to the whole experience. No tensa barriers telling you where to go, nobody there to greet you, check tickets to tell you where to go and then when you do get checked in, they have to manually handle your bags over to a desk against the wall in line with the economy desks

Maybe it's new and just needs a little tweaking.

Anyway fast track security brought me right out at the clubhouse door and after a little stop for a new pair of shure se 535's to replace a worn out pair, it was in to the haven of the Gatwick Clubhouse. I was asked if I wanted to change flights to the earlier 027 and could have been tempted if it had been an A330 just to try out the new dream suite.

It was however another 747 so saw no need to reduce my Clubhouse time. I wasn't in any hurray. ( the last few time on the 015 have seen us arriving into an empty immigration hall )

As usual, service, food and champagne was second to none and very much enjoyed

All too soon, it was time to eh, walk down to the gate for boarding and I went straight on after a small wait on the jetty. My favourite seat 10k was waiting. No idea why this has become my seat of choice but as I've said before there are really no bad seats in upper on the Gatwick fleet.

Champagne offered and accepted and that's what started nine hours of basically eating and drinking.

Never have I eat so much on a flight It was like they where trying to empty the cupboards. Soup followed by the chicken, then chocolate pudding, then cheese and biscuits then after a small digestion time, some light bites where sampled before afternoon tea was served

Every single dish was very, very nice

The staff where 1st class including a very busy FSM who was leading a very competent crew. Top marks go to one who was very patient with a couple of customers who had a poor grasp of English and where heading to see family in Florida.

I didn't have a wander through the plane but given the speed and angle that we left runway at Gatwick, it was obvious that it wasn't fully laden.

All to soon, after a few films it was time to get ready for landing. ( if you get the chance to watch "The Heat" it's very very funny )

The landing was one of the smoothest ever felt and many commented on it and indeed the captain thanked everyone for their applause.

Quick of the plane after making our way through a fleet of wheelchairs, it was into a relatively empty immigration hall and with bags waiting it was quickly onto Dollar Express and a new Dodge Charger, then a short 12 minute drive to the Hilton GV next to the outlets.

In conclusion, when the staff are on song, especially after the refits to the Gatwick fleet, if you are travelling in Upper, Virgin take some beating.

Many thanks for another great flight

David

Cheers for the TR David, good to hear about a solid UC experience. A shame about the confusing ground layout of LGW, you can't win them all - LHR does spoil us in that regard though

Good on the CH offering an early flight is needs be .... I have only ever had that out of JFK before - LHR tend to throw up admin costs and other misc charges when I have asked Fingers crossed it rolls out across the network.

Hope you have a good break away from it all

Thank you for the TR, I love the LGW Clubhouse, already looking forward to my next visit in March.