VS030 BGI-LGW 23 JUN 14 (Upper Class)
Posted: 26 Jun 2014, 17:32This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
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So after little more than 24 hours in the Hilton Barbados, I was using my I Pad to do on-line check in for my return flight
My first attempt failed with the request to go to the airport, but i persevered and the second attempt was successful and I managed SEQ2 - so in my book I must have had SEQ1 
The next day, I left the hotel just after 1:30 and the cab had me pulling into the Airport by 2pm. A little early I know, but I have always been one to not leave getting to the Airport late as I have those perpetual dreams on missing my flight. Check in was empty, which reflected the quiet nature of the Island at this time of year. After one last soak of the sun, I made my way through a deserted Immigration and security and without stopping at the Duty free shops, made my way upstairs to the "Airline Executive Lounge".
I presented my Virgin Lounge Invitation and was ushered down the corridor to the furthest entrance (as those travelling with BA would appear to have their own separate facility). Unlike my previous visit some 5 years earlier, the Lounge was almost empty, so finding a suitable seat was easy.
There are two main areas - one reminiscent of a cafeteria and one were there are comfortable leather armchairs and I chose the latter. i would add there is also a kiddie playroom. On offer was a limited amount of sandwiches and pastries and self serve bar. I wiled away the time logged in to the wifi and reading the Times on line. There was a small increase in numbers as the time for the Virgin flight approached but never to the extent that the place became crowded at all.
About an hour before departure, the flight was called and i made my way downstairs to Gate 12 (which is virtually the closest gate) and after my ticket being checked i was walking out across the Tarmac to the stairs leading to Door L1.
"Diamond Girl" was there glistening in the sunshine, so my return would be on the very same plane that had taken me to Barbados. This was not the only element of familiarity as I boarded the aircraft i was greeted by the same FSM and Crew that had been on my outbound flight - I knew this was going to be a good flight
As I settled in to 9K, the Crew and I spoke of our preceding two days in Barbados as I sipped on the glass of champagne proffered as I took my seat. I knew the loads on the flight would be light, so I was not surprised to learn that there was a hope to push back early. This however was not as early as had been hoped as we had to wait for two passengers and therefore pushback was only 10 minutes ahead of schedule. Unfortunately only sleep suits were being issued on the flight
Soon airborne, menus and bottles of water and hot towels were distributed - there was no need to order my pre-dinner drink as the crew remembered my preference of Gentlemen Jack and diet pepsi (for those who care about such things, i was given to understand that Pepsi will soon be replaced by Coke). I will at this point mention about Seat 9K. Yes it affords a great deal of privacy but as the suite adjoins the drinks cabinet for the bar there is the disruption of bottles being taken and out and returned - the noise of those at the bar is not a problem to me as headphones eliminate most of this - and the fact that as you are the first suite encounter, the ottoman is often knocked as passengers walk by.
The superb crew more than made up for any deficiencies in the seating and service throughout was exemplary
Dinner was good and as the choices were different to those on my recent return from Orlando, I will set them out here:Starters
Flaked, marinated salmon
Cream of asparagus soup (v)
Mains
Fillet of steak with portobello mushroom crust
Caribbean seasoned chicken breast
Spinach and ricotta cannelloni (v)
Pudding
Apple stuffed ravioli
Sweet sushi
I suspect that even though i was at the rear of the cabin, my Au status was acknowledged as I was able to get the soup (a dangerous option some might say - and I do not mean spillage
) and the beef followed the apple stuffed ravioli.After the meal I settled down to listen to the tunes on my I Phone. I am one of those who prefer to sleep in the reclined position, rather than changing the seat into a flat bed. I achieved a good three hours before the activity of breakfast preparation obviously stirred my sub conscious. I do like the new idea of VS to offer the cooked items individually and the presentation of scrambled egg, sausage mushroom and hash brown (there other items as well) was very good indeed.
Not much else to say other than landing was 20 minutes ahead of schedule and as I prepared to disembark, I thanked the crew once more and we discussed the shortcomings of the bar surface which did not seam to be wearing well, as well as looking forward to the introduction of the 787.
All in all, a brilliant journey made all the better by a fabulous crew - a missive will be on its way to Crawley Towers in the very near future
Thanks for reading
buns
I'm sure we'd find most of the cracks and flaws that could develop.... or perhaps just make a mess. Either way, a good research opportunity. 