This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
It was interesting to arrive this early and observe all the landside guys sorting things out before the VS crowds arrive, I particularly enjoyed watching one of the security chaps spend about 30 mins arranging the security cordons only to have another come along and change them all[:D]. A desk opened at about 11.30 (All classes) and out of nowhere about 10 PAX arrived, was comfortable to wait till 12.30 to check in (Clubhouse opens)[y].
I was the first to check in at the UC desk so no problems and to my surprise no passport phone call made (see previous TRs), boarding pass and CH invitation issued with efficiently[y].
I love the CH here at SFO, nice ambience and just a great place to relax (V-Flyer award proudly displayed behind the bar)[oo] got my big red seat next to the window and ordered the apple martini which was great. Was advised by one of the staff that the inbound aircraft was delayed by an hour due to weather but he thought that they might make time up in flight. Oh well keep those martinis coming then!![:p] Decided to have the Frequent Flyer Sandwich which was scrumptious, followed by another martini![:D] By about 1500 the place was buzzing, I cant remember it being this busy on previous trips, most of the bar stools were occupied along with the other seating. Flight was called at 16.20 so of to security, only 2 PAX in front, was asked to step into the particle analyser [B)](chamber that blows air at your clothes to check for exposure to explosives) and that was it on the way to the gate.
Used the US-VISIT machine to confirm my departure and headed down the escalator, boarding was just starting. If only they could arrange the boarding like this in the UK, 2 doors Priority PAX to the left all others to the right [y](OK they use 2 docking arms which makes the difference).
Took my seat again 5K on V-BIG and the usual routine of coat taken, drink gladly accepted scrooge pack. WAIT sorry shoe BAG deposited in side pocked (for later inspection)[:0] ninja suit requested and a look at the menu! FA and FSM came around and introduced themselves and all was well[y]
Ok I am not going to go to much into the new amenity kit only to say that its a little bigger than the ninja suit bag made out of the same material with the contents of the old scrooge pack inside, I dont remember seeing a toothbrush but apparently there is one. Shortly before take-off the FA came around with a basket of Cow-Shed products, Lip balm, creams etc, packets of Polos and chrome pens (minus the red fin) an at your seat help yourself affair. [:?]
Order taken for food and breakfast followed by the IFBT making the rounds (again not requested on this flight). I went for the Beef Salad starter (chunks of rectangular cut beef with a Dijon mustard dressing) Chicken main which was OK but the sauce had a skin, the choices as a whole were all rather tasteless,[n] ice cream was nice though![:)]
Informed the FA that I was ready for bed and could I have a cup of Hot Chocolate, went to change into the ninja suit and returned to a made bed and drink waiting. NICE.[y]watched a movie and went to sleep, smooth flight with no disturbances. Breakfast was delivered, weetabix followed by a bacon roll and fresh coffee all was great. Again the on-board team were great, especially our FA who was well just fantastic.[y][oo]
Held in the normal holding pattern over LHR for about 10 mins[:#], on landing the captain advised that the gate was not free and we were directed to some remote taxiway for about 35 mins[xx(], the captain gave us regular updates. Plane just about to pull back. Plane delayed now as they have to unload a PAX.. Plane still on stand as they cant find PAX luggage[:(] Finally get to the gate. This is were things got a little disappointing, rather than let upstairs and the downstairs UCS and PE depart first it was a free for all, coming down the stairs we had to filter into a line of PAX at the bottom, 1 PAX upstairs followed by 5 downstairs, I thought there was a regulation about letting PAX on the upper deck off first![:#]
I am puzzled as to why we had to wait for this specific gate as I looked out of the window 3 gates to the right and 2 to the left were free!! Anyway off to immigration and the luggage hall. Shot through IRIS with out problem arriving at the luggage hall, say 15 mins from plane to hall, another 10 mins passed and no luggage, then an announcement to apologise to those just of VS020, they are having problems opening the hold[:0]. Another 15mins passed another announcement that our luggage is en-route. Finally after another 5 mins our bags arrive, so its off to revivals.
Had a shower and OJ, read the paper for an hour and said my goodbyes. No airport van service at LHR so made use of the Virgin Air-links bus to Watford Junction train station for onward connection.
To sum up I must admit I saw this whole trip from the perspective of a holiday maker, not a business man. Things that would have annoyed me if I was on business (Priority boarding at LHR, Passport watch list problems, waiting around) would have seen me writing this in a different way and voicing concerns as to their service delivery, but the VA product is sound, what lets it down is some of the ancillary support services on the ground.
Neil
