This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Mr & Mrs DL were flying in a couple days before we left and we promised a large wave from our house as they flew past, which we duly did in colourful style. Not sure that they saw us though[:)]
The loaction of our friends house is directly on the approach approx 1.5 miles before the runway approach lights so for a plane spotting geek like myself it could not be better.
The last full day of the holidays saw grey skies and heavy rain showers which was definatley a sign that it was time to go.
VS had advised prior to our journey that the flight departure time had changed to 21.40hrs as it was now a combined flight originating from UVF and was indeed to be VHOT, so Vport on board[y]
We did not have check in chill out as we were on a non package tour but in honesty, on this occasion, it was better not to have it. We arrived at the airport at 19.45 to be met with an entirely empty check in zone with only 1 other pax to be seen. Check in proceedure was quick and all necessary documents issued.
Security was easy and friendly with no need to taste any baby products[y] BGI has had a makeover in the past 2 years and it is now quite a pleasant little terminal with the usual scattering of duty free shops. We took the elevator up to the business lounge which was ok and cool but with some tired looking sarnies and muffins available, the chillers were full of an assortment of beers and juices and an open bar was available for hard spirits. Nothing spectacular but a calming area to be in with cold beers[:D]
Boredom took over so we went back down the main departures area and just hung about the waiting area. VHOT arrived and within 20 mins we started to board. Priorty boarding was in place and we were on in no time. As mentioned this flight originated from UVF and was fairly full. CC mentioned that the freelander may have to go in the hold as there was already quite a few pushchairs on board but they would try and find space.
For the first time we were upstairs in the bubble and we took our allocated seats. Fizz was brought round and whilst settling the kids in the cabin crew informed us that space had been found for the Freelander, which was very welcome and very much appreciated.
Looking after our section of the cabin was a very pretty member of crew who I seemed to recall from another flight. I am useless for names but a pretty face I do not forget. The crew member was indeed an IFBT who transferred to cabin crew and from whom I had previously had a manicure on my flight to LAS 18 months before.
I had requested from the crew before departure if they could prepare him who must be obeyed meal as soon as they could as he was starting to flag. Not a problem. Indeed it was not required as the poor wee fella was in the land of nod as soon as the wheels left the ground and slept the whole 7hrs. Iforr jnr 2 also soon gave in after his nightime milk and also slept the whole journey.
VPORT was switchd on after baout 30 mins and I was determined to watch 007 even though sleep was calling. It was nearly 11pm before food was ready and I was not really that hungry but as lamb was on the menu I opted for that. It was ok but again nothing spectacular.
Mrs F bedded down beside iforr jnr 2 again on watch duty and I soon followed after seeing through to the end Quantum of Solace.
I cant say I slept that well as I was always aware of the 2 boys, listening for any movement or screams but I must have managed a couple of hours of light sleep.
About 1.5hrs before landing the crew started to rouse pax for breakfast for those who had asked and after a bacon roll and a couple of cups of tea I was feeling quite civilised. Him who must be obeyed was still fast asleep and only when we had to chage the bed back to seat mode did he wake up.
The whole kids in Upper I know is an emotive subject but having the ability for them to sleep undisturbed through the entire flight is a god send to parents and for that for us anyway is worth the expense (at the moment)[}:)]
We landed into a sunny Gatwick, through immigration without fuss and were quickly collecting the luggage off the belt. Lots of customs officers about but we sailed through without hinderance and we were in the taxi and home within 1.5hrs of landing.
Great flight, excellent crew but it was also nice to be home if only for a few days before heading back to Serbia.
Iain
