V-Flyer

So after securing 2x G fares for my mum and I (pretty much 336 days in advance), it was finally time to escape England's cold hold, and go to get some Caribbean sun.

We were flying Saturday morning and thanks to the advise of many V-Flyers (thanks guys and gals), I had already pre-booked seats 4a&5a outbound, and was planning on arriving at the clubhouse for 7am. I live in London so it was the Gatwick Express for me, and my mum was staying at Gatwick the night before. After ringing Virgin, I was told she couldn't use the twilight check in to dump the golf clubs and her case the night before, as all passengers had to do this together - wrong! She arrived at gatwick to chance it anyway, and they happily took her bags because we had checked in online already.

When I got to Gatwick at 6.45am, I saw the Upper checkin area felt nice and private, almost like a separate room with wooden panels - I really loved it. The man who took my bags and issued my boarding pass wasn't so great... He barely spoke to me, took my bag and grunted, didn't explain where the clubhouse was, and generally lacked the Virgin pasaz! Luckily the friendly check in agent who has spoken to my mum the night before had already given directions so we knew where to go.

Substantially lighter, we headed to the clubhouse which I've never been to before. It wasn't as special as LHR (but nothing is)! Wasn't busy at all, and was a really great place to start a holiday. We were welcomed brilliantly, the flight was on time at 10.10am, we were told boarding was at 9.30am, shown around the area, I booked a shave for me and massage for mum, then sat down to a full English and a champagne! We chilled out a bit had our treatments, a bit more food, a few RedHeads, and before you know it, it was time to board the A330-300 - Diamond Girl. There were 4 free seats in UC and 7 in Y with PE fully loaded, yet when we got to the gate at 9.30am, all passengers were already on board! We found our suite and ordered more champagne!

Now I must say, i actually really like the new UC suite! There are several flaws... But it feels nice to be in a suite that isn't suffering from such wear and tear which some of the old style ones are! Granted, the 33 seat cabin does feel slightly less spacious, but it didn't bother me at all, it still felt intimate. I really liked the extra recline of the seat too - ultimate relaxation. I think all of the criticism posted by some is well over played and exaggerated, and a little unjust. I didn't expect much after some of the reviews, but was very pleasantly surprised.

I thought that the Perspex screen was too high and it was really difficult to talk over and the ottoman was poorly designed... I'm 6'4" and could barely fit both feet on it definitely not large enough to sit on! That and the inflight entertainment system were my only grumbles (the touch screen was slow and unresponsive)! Everything else was great!

With a flight time of just under 9 hours, there was plenty of time for more drinks before the dinner service. Crab or soup, followed by steak, chicken or pasta, with chocolate cheesecake or bread and butter pudding for dessert! I chose the crab which was amazing, the steak which was tender, and the chocolate cheesecake which was out of this world (my return journey wasn't so great)! I also had the pork ribs and the burger off the graze menu a couple of hours later... After which I was stuffed!

The service from the FSM was great as usual, and the crew were attentive, however I went over to the bar several times, but they didn't man it very often and I did feel a bit in the way when there!

After several more drinks, 2 hours before landing high tea was served. I hated it last time I flew as it was stale and synthetic, but the chicken sandwiches and cakes were all delicious this time around. Time for one more drink and then we prepared for landing.

A quick circle of Antigua and we touched down 45 mins ahead of schedule. We were first off the plane, and made it thorough customs and baggage collection in 15 mins. The BA flight landed just after ours and I was told by a Y passenger at our resort that they waited over an hour and a half to get through customs so I think we were lucky. They have so many bell boys who ounce on the luggage of the J passengers for a tip, but it didn't care because it was 33 degrees and the sun was shining! The perfect way to start a holiday!

Thanks for the TR. makes me feel a little better about having the 330 to St Lucia in the summer.

Shame about the lack of attention at the bar. Should really be better than that, particularly when you're off on your hols.

Have to say that thought a little snug, I did manage to perch on MrsPJH's ottoman and dine a deux when we flew back from JFK on a 330...

So pleased that you enjoyed the experience.
I tend to agree with your comments on the "new UC suite", all the negative comments made feel a bit apprehensive before a trip to Boston. However I was not too disappointed and like you appreciated the newness of the seating area. Nothing can compare with the intimacy of the front cabin in a 747 though.
Although initially I admired the Perspex, and subtle lighting , screen there was one major negative! Mr and Mrs Angry were in the suite immediately in front of me, that is after complaining about their initial central ones and a kind gentleman agreeing to move. Nothing the CC did could placate them, talk about "thunder face", even the Captain came to tell them to simmer down!
Anyway back to the Perspex, see through, screen. Whilst I enjoyed my dinner Mrs Angry had decided to join hubby on the ottoman, although they refused all offers of food or drink, and proceeded to stare at my table and plate as I ate! This was rather off putting to say the least so I elected to retire to the bar for my cheese!
The crew were very professional and although clearly frustrated by the couple only raised their eyebrows and smiled knowingly.
To summarise, the see through screen looks great , but has a down side in practice.