This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Initially this flight was booked in PE but we decided to change to UC and after a few weeks of monitoring we managed to get a reasonable deal. However the only fares left included the chauffeur service.
Driver was booked for 0900 and he was waiting when we checked out of the hotel, in Blackfriars, and loaded our bags into the car and confirmed with VS HQ the number of bags we were checking in.
50 minutes later after a drive across London and passing the sights - Victoria Embankment, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Harrods, the V&A, Natural History Museum etc (the things you miss when you live overseas) we arrived at DTCI. What an amazing experience, just got out of the car confirmed the bags were ours and boarding passes issued and off to security. It must have been a busy time as there was a queue but we were through quickly.
Off to the hallowed hall that is the LHR Clubhouse and up the stairs we went. As it was our first time we were shown around. We went straight to the Spa to book appointments, me a hair cut and the OH a massage. Then to the dining area where we had breakfast with cocktails.
It was then time to head for our treatments. I have to say the hair cut was great as was the lovely young lady cutting it. We have a very nice chat.
Met up again with the OH and we partook of a couple more cocktails. The upstairs lounge was empty and it was a bit cold to be outside so we sat down by the bar. We decided to head out to the plane on the first call and on arrival at the gate went straight on board to through door L1. Greeted warmly and directed to our seats 18 and 19K.
As we were getting settled in drinks were offered and accepted. We took some obligatory photos and chatted while the other pax boarded. I had a chat with supervisor looking after UC.
Take off was smooth and the service began. We dined together at 19K. I had the smoked salmon, fillet of beef and cherry sponge - all excellent. In fact when discussing this with the supervisor later she said they had received a number of comments on how good the beef was.
After lunch we retired to the bar for a hour or two. A very popular place with standing room only at times. Lots of people were headed for the Black Friday sales it appeared.
Had afternoon tea back at 19K and the cake stand is nice touch - didn't manage to eat everything as had stocked up on crisps at the bar! But what I did have was very nice.
All too soon the Boston came into view and we tracked down the coast to JFK. Landed on time and made our way to immigration. We were held at the bottom of the ramp entering the hall. This was because the hall was stuffed with passengers and they were doing the same to passengers from the other side. Batches were let forward from each queue in turn. Out turn came in 10 minutes.
We made it into the snaking barriers section and overall it took the best part of an hour from leaving the plane to getting into the baggage hall. Why does it have to be so hot in these places? It is bad enough waiting but being cooked as well is not pleasant. It would appear there were more visitors than US citizens arriving causing an imbalance in the desks. Our agent was nice and friendly though.
Baggage was on the carousel - there was ample time for it to get there. So we headed out and to the limo desk. Car was waiting and within 30 minutes we were at out hotel on W44th St.
The crew had told us that a number of the stores were opening at 2000 that evening and staying open all night. This was very valuable information as we were wide awake at 0400 so decided to head to Macy's for the Black Friday sales. I have to say it was the most pleasant shopping experience I have ever had in Macy's. No queues for the Visitor Discount Card. No queues for fitting rooms and no queues for tills. We got 30-40% off the things we bought.
I have to say it was like we were flying with a different airline than on our LAX-LHR sector. As I said in that TR it is the crew that make or break the passenger experience and the team on this flight were on top form, indeed I tweeted VS to tell them so, all the CC in UC were excellent. Consistency is what is needed. Apart from the Bar I see no other real differentiator so service expectations need to be met and exceeded - as indeed they were on this flight.
I write this sat in the IAD Clubhouse waiting for my flight to LAX with VX. A very nice little Clubhouse with excellent and attentive service.
Rob
