V-Flyer

This is a continuation of my Little Red trip report.

We left with me just getting to the gate and being told to get on board. I can't describe the relief once I stepped on the plane! We were greeted by the cabin crew and signalled to turn left towards our seats.

I'd chosen 7A and 7D because I thought seats across the aisle would be the best option for a couple (and number 7 was Cantona's number - that was my hubbie's input in to the trip!) I'd thought with the privacy dividers between seats would mean there was no point sitting next to each other.

Someone was sitting in my seat when we got to the 7th row. I flagged down a staff member who suggested we sit in 2D and 3D, which were free. We made our way, finding the cupboard open at the front to put our coats and bags in. We were offered a champagne before we'd even sat down which brought a smile to our faces. We chinked them together and sat down. It turned out to be a better combination for a couple, as with the seat fully upright you can talk to the person next to you.

I must have looked a mess, and it wasn't the start to our Upper Class journey we'd hoped for but we just reassured each other we'd get to take pics, board with leisure, on the return.

As it turns out we were delayed leaving due to the fog too, and we weren't last on the plane. Once seated, drink in hand a celeb came aboard and went in our empty 7D seat.

The chief cabin crew lady then visited his seat, handed him a menu and chatted to him for a minute or so. We didn't have menus, and not wanting to miss out I made hubby flag her down to get a menu. She sat on my stool, and apologised that she'd missed us. I said that we were late so no problem.

We were given the menu, shown how to recline the seat and informed we could take off reclined. I took advantage to all this freedom - popped my head set on, got my film loaded up and reclined, all before take off!

Our glasses were collected, and the cabin readied for take off as we waited for a take off slot. The guy in 7A got up and went to use the toilet, so an announcement was made for every one to remain in their seats.

Not long after take off orders were taken for lunch as well as drinks orders. I decided to try a Moscow Mule. I ordered the minestrone soup and chicken main course.

We had a little walk to the bar and ordered a couple of Bucks Fizz's for ourselves. It was a bit busy at the bar so we went back to our seats, with hubby taking advantage of my foot stool. Lunch was now being served, so he decided to dine with me. My table was set with a table cloth (with faux runner design), bread boards and cutlery. The stewardess suggested that we'd only need one salt and pepper set, however I asked if we could have two and cheekily asked if it was allowed to take them. She replied 'no' but informed us that the sick bag would be a good idea to stop them spilling in my bag

We were offered a selection of warm rolls, and the starters were soon brought out. We were also offered wine from the wine carrier but asked for a top up of our existing drink, which were quickly done.

The soup was lovely, as was the chicken. I didn't fancy any of the desserts, but was assured there would be sweet snacks at the bar later. Near the end of our meal I started to need the loo, which is when I discovered it was quite difficult to get out with the table up. I got my hubby to move to his table, moved all the bits and bobs to his table and went to the bathroom.

I don't know what I expected from the bathroom, but it wasn't much different from a normal airline one. It did have proper soap and hand cream dispensers, rather than the built in ones.

I returned to my seat and continued watching my film (Wolf on Wall Street)

I went to the bar after a little bit to grab something sweet. The bar was still in use so the items hadn't been put out, but the lady quickly got it out for me and I picked a little sweetie mix. I'd not long returned to my seat when we were all offered ice cream.

After my film I put some of the songs on. The headphones were fantastic at keeping out the plane noise. I put on a particular song and played it twice, taking in my surroundings and how I felt at that moment. This means that I can put myself right back in that seat every time I play that song here, at home, and the smile instantly returns to my face.

I then finally nodded off for a bit, with the seat fully reclined. I managed about an hour, waking up not long before afternoon tea.

The woman next to me had skipped the main meal, in order to sleep more, and had woke up. She asked about getting a main meal, but I heard the crew tell her they were unable to serve it now (health and safety due to the time since take off) but could bring her afternoon tea now. We were all served afternoon tea shortly after. The crew did a fantastic job serving it, as we hit some turbulence at the same time. The reason I mention the lady beside me, is because the celeb did the same thing - however he was brought a full meal! It didn't effect me, but goes to show that even in Upper Class, you are not all equal

The cabin was prepared for landing, as I popped Miranda on tv to watch while we landed.

The landing was smooth and we then seemed to taxi for ages before finding the gate. Upper Class were all allowed off first, while the rest were held back.

We made our way to immigration, and were eventually through after about an hour.

Overall the flight was every thing I'd imagined, and hoped for. The start wasn't great, but we quickly relaxed. The food, constant drink service, seat, Vera service were all fantastic.

It was easy to forget you were on a plane at times, and the journey flew by.

People keep asking if I would pay for it... I definitely want to fly Upper Class again, and have told every one to do it, but not sure I could ever justify paying full price for it.

I'm hopeful that v-flyer will mean I can find ways to do it again!

There is always a way to avoid paying full price

Glad your first UC experience was so memorable - enjoy NYC and make sure you arrive at JFK nice and early to take advantage of the excellent hospitality in the Clubhouse.

Another great TR with plenty of detail ,sounds like you had a great time in UC .
There's not many people on here that would or do pay for a full fare in UC ,just build the miles up or look for the sale Z fares

Sounds like you had a fantastic flight, I hope the return is just as great.
Not very fair the celeb got his meal and your neighbour didn't, but maybe he requested it for when he woke up so it was ready for him?

Glad to see you had such a good UC experience

However, the blighter in 7A (who nicked your seat and stood up before take off) should have been put in his place (perhaps he was a Zeleb who you did not recognise ) Thank you for providing such detail in your TR as I was able to follow your adventure and picture every detail in my mind's eye.

Hope you had a fab stay in NYC

Thanks once again

buns

Another great, very detailed, trip report.

I must admit the lack of seats together does put me of UC a little (that and not bein able to afford it!) One day perhaps...

I'm also surprised by the toilets, I would have expected something less ordinary! I suppose it doesn't matter how rich some are our bodies function just the same.

Nice TR. I would not have been happy at all had I been asked to give up my reserved seat for a 'celeb'. Very poor form from VS.

Loved your TR. Especially the 'song' reference, what a lovely idea and it really shows you wanted to savour every single moment.

I agree with others, you shouldn't have been moved, the squatter should have been!

Would love to see some pics if you want to share them on here, I'm sure you've lots…..

Have a great time shopping, sight seeing and being in the Big Apple.

Fantastic TR ! That's my style, loads of details is the way forward !
I'm still cherishing every flight in business class I can have as I'm not a frequent flyer as such ...
Happy to see you had such a good time !

Will post pictures soon - the seat move actually worked in our favour, as it was better being next to each other than across an aisle, in fact I picked new seats once we landed in New York for our return flight.

The staff were good as marking up the change, as they referred to my husband as Mr Shaw whenever they asked him for a drink or his menu choice (Peter Shaw funnily enough, but not the site creator) but never used mine, maybe because it doesn't have a title on their printout and weren't sure what to use... (I have kept my maiden name)