V-Flyer

The day had finally arrived - my first ever trip in the Upper Class cabin! Virgin had some great sales on the MCO route recently courtesy of matching BA Clubworld so really it seemed rude not to take advantge.

OLCI was done promptly 24 hours before - SEQ1, woohoo! Interestingly my seat that I had requested so carefully 60 days before (10A) had been moved so I was now in 11A. But one seat difference I knew really wasnt going to matter in a cabin that most of you seem to think has no bad seats!

I arrived at Gatwick just before 0800. The Upper Class Check-in seemed really busy but I was soon seen by someone. I have only marked this aspect down slightly as the welcome I received wasn't as friendly as that in the past plus I also had to ask for a US customs form (I would much rather be filling this in on the ground that on the flight!)

I was quickly through security and soon in to the calm of the Clubhouse. As some of you may have read in my previous TRs, I have been fortunate enough to have been in here twice before courtesy of a Gold Card I won. The clubhouse seemed quite busy already but I did find a seat. Unfortunately I wasn't there early enough to be able to book a treatment, I think the Antigua flight had used all the early slots! No matter though, I was very quickly served and tucking into some brekkie.

I left before the fight was called to purchase some duty free on my way to the gate. Boarding was efficient and Upper Class was called quickly after those who required assistance/extra time.

My first ever time turning left felt great. It was such a joy to leave behind the hundreds of seats and walk into the light airy cabin of only 14 at the front! I was warmly welcomed by the FSM who explained the seat operations to me. The CSS then also came up and introduced herself before offering me a glass of champagne. She did offer me a bucks fizz if I would prefer but I politely declined. I may not drink a lot but I refuse to have good champagne watered down by fruit juice!!

Push back was a little late but the Captain assured us we would make up that time en route. So after a quick taxi to the runway we were soon airbourne.

My first impressions of the seat were great. OK there were a few marks/scratches around the seat but nothing major. To be honest I was just so impressed by how comfy the seat was! I didn't realise you could adjust the recline and lumber support, so it was easy to get really comfortable.

Drinks and crisps were served after the crew had been released. It's great to have your drink bought directly to you rather than listening out for the clatter of the trolley coming down the aisle!

Orders were then taken for lunch. The menu that mysteriously fell into my bag says the options were:

Starters
Pea and mint soup (v)
Tomato, mozzarella and olive salad (v)
Crayfish, avocado and tomato tian

Mains
Fillet of beef
Chicken katsu
Grilled tiger prawn salad
Spinich and ricotta ravioli (v)

Pudding
Warm sticky toffee pudding
Lemon tart and vanilla bean ice cream

I had the salad, followed by the pasta and then the sticky toffee pud. All were delicious and immaculately presented. I wanted to leave some room for the cheese n biccies but that was never going to happen once I took a bite of the pudding - yummy!

After lunch I was comfortable, full, and enjoying the entertainment. As comfy as I was I still wanted to try the flat bed (well you have to really). So this was made up by my ever helpful CSS and I was able to really relax! In fact I fancied a cup of tea, so I asked and soon one appeared (ok me being a commoner most of the time I would have rather had a proper mug rather than a teacup and saucer, however I made do). It was very nice too. It really is great being able to order what you want!

About two hours before landing I had the joys of afternoon tea to look forward to. This was something else....being served everything on a stand - wow! Scones were lovely and warm and the sandwiches weren't the least bit stale like they usually are further back down the plane.

Soon we were making ready to land. As promised, we had made the time up and touched down around 1500. Incidentally the noise the landing gear made as it opened up was very loud in the front. You never notice it further back!! Good job I am not a nervous passenger and I knew what the sound was!!

I was slightly worried to see two VS 747s already ahead of us (Manchester and Glasgow, maybe) as well as a Thomas Cook flight however most of the queue had died down in the immigration hall and so with the help of the new machines I was through in about 15min which I think is very impressive on a busy Saturday afternoon.

So the final verdict on Upper Class? I loved it......it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The thing that I was most impressed with is how good I felt getting off the plane. Usually (even in PE) my back gets quite sore and stiff, my legs are stiff etc. and I really feel like I have been travelling most of the day but here I got off feeling as fresh as a daisy (probably helped by not going crazy on the booze too!) with no aching at all.

Here's hoping the return flight is as good.

Thanks for reading.

Thanks for the TR, we're heading out to MIA later in the year for our first UC trip so really enjoyed reading yours!

Great TR Amo. That first time in UC is always special. Unfortunately it set a precedent in our family and now even extends to our son's friend. On the plus side he loves it so much he realises he has to work hard on his exams in order to have a career which will fund it when we no longer will!

Rex, I'm sure you will love it.

Thanks to TR's like this we can all either help anticipate a first flight, enjoy a second or remember the last.

Have a great time in MCO.

Thanks for the TR. Unlike some other of life's first experiences, the first UC is usually fulfilling and of a gratifying duration.

As to the proper receptacle for tea, weren't mugs available in UC at one time? I know there were on a flight back from NYC last year.

Thanks for the TR, really great to read of someone's first impressions, it brings back memories of my own, I just love travelling and turning left now. So it's going to be an expensive few years ahead I think lol.

You can get mugs in UC, at least whenever I ask for hot chocolate it always arrives in a mug. I think if you ask for 'cup' of tea, that's what you'll get.

Mmm, I wonder if that works with champagne... "can I please have a mug of champagne?"
What do you think Marshy and Pjh?

Thanks for the TR, pleased to hear you enjoyed the experience.

oldboy

Great TR So pleased you enjoyed the wonderful UC experience Lets hope your holiday and flight home maintains the standard

A mug Bretty? How very uncouth. The bottle, on the other hand, displays both determination and confidence. Two straws perhaps....

How fantastic reading your TR, such a breath of fresh air knowing you thoroughly enjoyed everything. I tried UC about 17 years ago as a big treat, got hooked and will not fly any other way, I like that you can fly casual or smart and nobody minds, any flight for me is a new shoes moment so I have a new pair of LVs just waiting for my next flight lol
Lots of folk have had a downer on UCS of late ( me too sometimes ) but I would not swap it for EC.
Looking forward to your return TR thanks for making me look forward to my Oct flight more.
Enjoy MK if that is where you are going.
Chris

Will you get a onesie on the return?

Thanks for the TR

It's great to see the return of the Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Thanks for a great TR.

I was on the VS073 to MCO on Friday and thought this menu was delicious and one of the best yet....the Chicken Katsu really tasty and fantastic to see the return of the sticky toffee pudding which was divine

With only 4 people in UC with a total of 59 on board.......a good flight as you would imagine!!

Jon

marshy11 wrote:A mug Bretty? How very uncouth. The bottle, on the other hand, displays both determination and confidence. Two straws perhaps....

Uncouth? Moi? how very dare you?

I do like your style with the bottle though Marshy

Enjoyed your TR. I'm just back on the 16, if I remember I will post TR. Just waiting to board

Thanks for the TR

Glad you enjoyed your first UC experience You have of course superred me into action

buns

Bretty, I wouldn't call you uncouth, just the mug!