V-Flyer

Apologies for the delay in posting the return TR - silly work getting in the way

So after two very enjoyable weeks in Orlando it was time to head back home to England.

OLCI was done the evening before as usual. I didn't bother printing the boarding card as this is always disposed of at Downtown Disney anyway.

I arrived promptly at Downtown Disney the next day (was on a mission as I wanted to head off to Magic Kingdom for my last day!). Was seen pretty quicky as it was empty, plus being Upper got me to the front of the queue as well. Check in was farly efficient apart from the fact that I had a load of Upper luggage tags thrown at me and was told to attach them to the top handle of my suitcases. I got in a bit of a muddle and ended up putting some on the side handle which resulting in me being "told off" by another member of staff - "On the TOP handle please so we can see the label easier". Maybe I am being snobby but when you pay what you do for an Upper Class ticket, I don't think its unreasonable that the check in staff should be a bit more helpful and label your bags for you. (I have never had to apply my own Upper luggage tags before for example!!). Anyway this really was the most minor of inconveniences and I was soon on my way to try and get on some last minute MK rides before it got too busy!!

I got to the airport nice and early in the afternoon, and was through security very efficiently. I thought I would wonder up to the Delta lounge to see what that was like. It was much nicer than on my previous visit in January as it was much emptier! I was able to find a comfy chair and read my book for a couple of hours whilst enjoying a few drinks. It's no clubhouse but it did serve its purpose!

I went down to the gate before boarding was called and sat there for a bit whilst they pre-boarded. Upper was called a short while after and I just about managed to beat my way through the crowds of people hovering to get to the priority boarding line!! I can see a little bit why people do hover though....with the Glasgow, Manchester and BA flights all boarding at the same time it was impossible to hear the announcements clearly!

I boarded the plane and was soon turning left into the haven of the Upper Class cabin! As I was busy sorting my stuff out I was aware of the CSS introducing herself to the other members of the cabin along with asking them if they would mind moving seats to accomodate a couple. Unfortunately there were no takers as a lot of people had already been asked to move once.

Eventually she got to me... and asked me if I was travelling on my own and would I mind moving to 8A. Given that the other half of the couple was in 12A I couldn't really see how this would help....plus I had specially picked this seat months before so I'm afraid I politely declined. No matter and a champagne was soon in hand! Incidentally I am not quite sure why this couple were so desperate to be next to each other as they only had a drink together at the bar after take off, no dinner and then bedded down for the rest of the flight!!

Take off was on time and soon the cabin crew were released to take drinks orders. I think karma played a part in what happened next as despite me ordering a drink......it never materialised!! 20 min later I was aware of everyone else around me munching on crisps with a drink in hand but not me!! This is what happens when you don't move seats !! I went up to the galley and found a member of the cabin crew to say I had been forgotton. She then promptly appeared with my drink and some crisps! Not sure what happened there!

The rest of the service was flawless with the FSM helping out with the dinner service in our cabin. I had the tomato and leek soup to start followed by the ravioli and then some cheese and bicuits for pudding. The food was delicious and immaculately presented. The portions are massive though for me....once again I found myself stuggling to eat it all!

Soon after dinner had finished, I asked for a MUG of tea (thanks for the tip everyone ) which I very much enjoyed before settling down for the night. Unfortunately we weren't one of the lucky flights to get the onsies and I didn't fancy the kerfuffle of trying to change in and out of a sleep suit!!

The bed was just as comfy as on the way out and made for a very restful few hours. The cabin temperature was perfect (I know some of you have said it has been too hot in the past).

A couple of hours before landing I stuck my head up and was immediately offered a glass of juice. This was proper Tropicana Orange Juice - none of that concentrated stuff - yummy!! Whilst I made my bed up into a chair, I also asked for another MUG of tea

I had a croissant and some fruit for breakfast which made a lovely change for me having been only used to the ghastly cooked attempt in PE or the slightly better but rather bland muffin in economy.

Soon the cabin was being made up for landing and we descended into a warm summer morning in Gatwick. Immigration was fairly quick (apart from being stuck behind a gentleman trying to use the E-Gates for about 10 min - if it hasn't let you in after the first 15 trys, what makes you think it will let you in after the next attempt?!?!). Luggage was also off quickly and I was soon on the bus heading home!

So my second ever Upper Class flight - very exciting! I have to admit the service didn't seem quite as amazing as on the outward trip but then I find that common on nearly every return US flight I have been on....

I loved the Upper experience though - if VS have some more sales like they did this year, I will definitely be back!

Many thanks for your TR

oldboy

Enjoyed that thanks.

Thanks for an enjoyable TR

Good to hear that dropping off your bags at Downtown Disney did not result in your bags coming off last - as it has been for us in the past - but not good to learn about the reception

Well done for holding your ground on the seating

Thanks once again

buns

My wife and I were on this flight. 6AK. Interesting to read another pax's perspective. Regarding the couple (8A and 12A), who wanted to "sit" together... I too noticed them being quite "friendly" at the bar while we were eating dinner (I was using the foot stool). He then went to bed in 12A and she tried to join him... I guess they found the VS lie flat seats were not designed for two and she ultimately returned to 8A.

This was our first VS UC trip since 2005 and we found the service and food to be excellent. And I appreciated the FSM recognizing my Diamond Status on Delta.

He then went to bed in 12A and she tried to join him...

Haha - I didn't notice that!! I thought the idea of Upper Class was the luxury of more space to yourself....