This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
We opted for the airport Limousine Bus again as it's so easy. From our hotel (Grand Hyatt) it's also a very cost effective option.
This time we were travelling alone as my sister and her partner left a couple of days before us. I contracted a really, really bad cold a few days before the flight and was feeling pretty ropy for most of this trip, so please note most of it I went through in a bit of a haze! We arrived at the airport just before check in opened at about 9:30 and waited for about 15 minutes. When it came time to check in, all the ground crew lined up to greet everyone at the start of the day. We were checked in with ultra efficiency and provided with our invites to the CH. We went through fast track security in no time at all, they were really polite (of course, it is Japan!) and told me I could keep my scarf and other accessories on as I was about to remove them. We then went to the clubhouse.
If you haven't been to the Clubhouse at NRT (sadly we're all running out of time to visit it), I think to say it's small but perfectly formed is an adequate description. The staff are incredibly helpful and attentive. We were the first two people to arrive and were shown to a lovely windowseat overlooking the runway. At this point it was announced that our flight was delayed by about an hour; no problem for us as we weren't in a rush to be anywhere and let's be honest, there are far worse places to wait an extra hour than a VS Clubhouse
We were given an option of a light non alcoholic fruit cocktail or orange juice immediately, and then handed menus. I went for eggs again which were really good, similar quality to those in the LHR CH. The CH soon filled up and there were quite a few families travelling with children; some were better chaperoned than others About an hour before the flight I got a bit peckish, but there wasn't much from the table selection that was suitable for me (I don't eat meat or poultry, but do eat fish). One of the staff members must have been psychic as after looking at me mulling over the options for a few seconds and realising I wasn't finding what I was looking for, she asked if they could make me something and I decided on a salmon bagel (minus the cream cheese). It arrived quickly and was very tasty.
As the CH was so full, we decided to exit before they announced boarding and this meant we missed the mini rush. We boarded and took our seats. As with the outbound flight the CC were great, very attentive. At times my OH almost found them over accommodating, I guess we're just not used to it as we're quite self sufficient! On both flights the FSM were around and about helping with service. I had a chat with a member of the CC who really liked my coat! We then settled in for take off. There was a baby in the bassinet seat with a lone dad who was struggling, the baby cried and cried throughout taxi and take off and he got quite exasperated, but CC were very helpful and I think most PAX were pretty understanding--my OH overheard him mention to the CC that the baby had had an ear infection or similar so no wonder he was crying, bless him! Once we were in the air he settled and was quiet for the rest of the flight.
This time we were on the A340-600. The seats were more worn on this than on the previous plane, but again we had no functionality issues and everything was very comfortable! The load was a little over 100 people and UC was about 50% full. No iPads this time which my OH was a bit disappointed about due to the poor resolution on the screen, but that didn't stop him from watching three films during the flight. The food this time wasn't too great, it was on a par with an average offering in PE; that is to say not bad, but not great. My husband got a salad as a starter that wasn't his thing, and I went for soup again; it was a chickpea and curry soup and was quite bland. I then went for the pasta dish, a rainbow gnocchi with blue cheese. It wasn't bad but the gnocchi was overcooked and quite mushy (I prefer pasta firmer). It also came with a mystery honey mustard dressing that wasn't in the description and I didn't think would taste good with blue cheese. My husband ordered chicken and complained to me afterwards that the dish was terribly dry and was missing the honey mustard dressing it was supposed to come with... ahem. It transpired they'd given me the dressing and we hadn't realised about the mix up! Never mind. I skipped dessert as I wasn't feeling too well, and also opted not to have my seat converted as lying down with my nose blocked wasn't great, but the seat was very comfortable upright but reclined that I managed to sleep on and off.
The flight was very uneventful after they dimmed the lights, and it was a very smooth journey (I'm a bit nervous when it comes to turbulence, but both the outbound and inbound trips were great in that regard).
We arrived in LHR feeling much more refreshed than we usually do after a long haul flight. Immigration was quick as we got off the plane very quickly and were some of the first to reach the gates. Our bags were again very quick to arrive and we were out of the airport in no time at all.
In summary I have to say we were really delighted with UC. Even where certain things weren't amazing such as the food on the inbound leg, the seats and comfort more than made up for it. For us, that's the most important aspect of luxury travel. We still think that for the money PE is a fantastic product and will happily fly in that class, but where possible we'll keep an eye out for the upgrades--we already have one booked for April and I'm looking at two more trips for later in the year where the lie flat bad will be nice! Thanks to all V-Flyers for your input and help, our journey was a really special part of our trip all thanks to you
