This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
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Cabin Crew
A cab delivered me from the Tower Bridge Hilton (much enjoyed my stay there, by the way an excellent hostelry) to Londons Paddington Station in time for me to dash aboard the Heathrow Express departing at 6:55 a.m. The morning mist was just lifting as the train threaded its way out of Paddingtons cavern and as it picked up speed we were soon whizzing past Ealing and out into the countryside before taking the left turn to Heathrow. Its not cheap by any means but the HEX is another great service for tourists and businesspeople alike.
Check-in at T3 was a rather long affair as there was only one agent handling the queue in Upper. It seemed that everyone who presented himself to her required special handling of one sort or another. Just as my normally relaxed composure (ahem) was stiffening another agent came on duty and the line moved along smartly.
After check-in I went through the multi-stage Fast Track Security which for the uninitiated now includes a shoe removal and examination station (thanks to Richard Reid, the shoe bomber, one imagines) which pops up right at the entrance to the otherwise beckoning shopping arcade. This must be the only mall in the world where one must have ones shoes cleared at the entrance. Anyway it was a small bother, nothing on the scale of the charade performed by the TSA folks back home, and I had my loafers back on the hooves in no time.
The Clubhouse bore its usual charm this morning, without fanfare, I should add. Perhaps that is one reason why Virgin has been so successful with its Clubhouses. There is little fanfare -- no pretense, in fact. Just great food, lovely service, spotless surroundings and a convivial atmosphere that for those of us whove worn out numerous pairs of shoe leather traveling over the years is like finding an ice bath in the desert. Remiscent of a happier, more serene travel era the Virgin Clubhouse at London Heathrow certainly has earned the second time around plaudits from V-Flyer.
I gave over my loafers to the dear older gentleman who cares for many travelers shoes. Breakfast was Eggs Benedict and strong coffee. Then it was time to go.
At gate 7 passengers got their first glimpse of Sweet Dreamer another A346 that joined the fleet in 2005. Onboard I sank into seat 4K and very soon thereafter more coffee appeared as did the IFBT, a very pleasant woman who after learning that Id had neither a treatment nor a priority card on the inbound leg, promised shed see what she could do to get me a treatment (treatment received shortly after we were airborne, and well worth the wait).
Flight 3 is a luncheon flight. With the Upper cabin completely full and many mouths to feed the cabin crew did a great job moving about, delivering crisps, drinks and tray setups not long after we were airborne. From a decidedly short list of three options I chose something that I like very much but others perhaps find a tad pedestrian: bangers and mash. Also on offer was the chicken tikka (which, like the bangers, has been around awhile) or a vegetarian plate with potato topping. A cheese course was available as was dessert; I sampled neither as, following a weekend of sampling food everywhere from the Savoy Grill to M&Ss gourmet shops, I felt nearly the girth of a dirigible.
In fact, after lunch I converted my bed and slept for two hours. Gosh, what a luxury. Having had the privilege of doing this for more than a few times I am thankfully never cynical about what a great comfort a bed in the sky truly is, and how I feel after getting the well needed rest it affords.
Nap over it was time for a snack, which came in the form of the Virgin finger sandwiches and a beverage. This is an area where VS can improve; these sandwiches never taste quite fresh. They should either be improved or retired; at least thats my 2p worth on the subject.
Landing was on time at JFK and our flight was the only one to descend upon the Immigration and Customs Hall. Most folks had their luggage and were on their way within 30 minutes or so which, by New Yorks sometimes slower standards, rated a gold star today.
So, both my trip over to London and now the trip back are over. The trip out was made better thanks to an excellent crew. Todays trip had the same hallmark and a beauty treatment, too. As Arnold Schwarzenegger used to say, Ill be baaaack.
Regards to all,
Chuck-
Whitt's BBQ
