This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Even though we were on the earlier flight back from MCO, the usual Buns family routine was adopted of Mrs buns being dropped off at the upper level whilst I return the Hire car back to Dollar in the bowels of the airport. This saves lugging the cases back up to the departure level (and invariably Mrs Buns does a bit of people watching too[}:)]).
As it was only 3pm, there was no-one in the UC queue and the usual security lady was there who always opens up the encounter with 'Are you flying upper class?' I can only assume that she is not phased when told no. Check in was a breeze with our seat assignments and lounge invites being issued in quick time. As we were so early, the regular practice of of a porter taking UC Pax bags to the Monster X Ray machine located on the concourse opposite the check in desks had yet to commence. What the Check in agent informed me was that soon those Monsters would be re-located within the airport and the conveyor belts brought back into operation. This will not only be a relief to Econ & PE pax who have to take their own bags to the screening area, but the hard pressed check in staff who will be handling up to 5 flights a day during the summer[:0][:0][:0]
Bidding our friendly and efficient check in agent farewell, Mrs Buns & I made our way to McCoy's Restaurant in the Hyatt to savour our last meal in the US. As I have previously stated, this affords a peaceful environment (and if you are lucky a view across the airfield) before confronting the TSA challenge. That said, security, was extremely efficient and well organized and it took us no more than 5 minutes to get through (notwithstanding the family in front of us tried to get through a large bottle of steak sauce[V][V])
The Delta Crown Room may not be a Clubhouse, but it is a haven of peace and quiet compared to the main concourse, where impromptu skipping competitions where taking place and children eagerly experimenting with not only heely's but the latest craze of a having a ball at the end of a piece of elastic secured to the wrist - Mrs buns & managed to get to the Delta Crown Room without the need of medical attention[:w]
For those unfamiliar with the lounge, there are drinks and nibbles available but no food (and you cannot bring your own food in with you). There is an Outback Steakhouse on the concourse, but as it directly outside here that the skipping competition was taking place you will understand why McCoy's is a better option. One of the games that Mrs Buns play to muse ourself whilst waiting for the flight to be called is 'Spot the BA pax' as the lounge is also used by the BA flight from MCO. This is becoming increasingly difficult as the blazers and cravats are not that much in evidence these days[}:)]
Our flight was called a little earlier than anticipated and we made out way to Gate 85 where Jersey Girl was waiting for us. The Priority board was working extremely well and we boarded almost immediately after arriving at the Gate.
Welcomed aboard by name, we were directed to our seats of 8 & 9K. Menus and shoe-bags already on the seats and drinks quickly offered. Blagged a sleep suit and quickly changed and got myself comfortable for the journey home.
Push back was on time and the crew were very prompt in commencing their duties. The menu was:
Starters
Classic Italian Salad
Summer Tomato Bisque
Mains
Sauteed Chicken Breast
Flat Iron Steak
Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables
Top marks for the senior working the cabin, who noticed that the demand for the steaks was high and came to Mrs Buns and myself and one other pax to ensure Aus got first choice [y][y][y]
Mrs Buns & I opted for the steak and I can report this was a good choice. The cabin crew were excellent and I felt sufficiently moved to mention this to the FSM 'E'. Upon finding out that they were all acting up I filled out an On Board Heroes form. E was one of the best FSMs I have encountered and speaking later to the crew about V-Flyer it was clear E led by example and hence the excellent service.
As with the outbound flight, UC was full, no one was in PE downstairs and only 170 in Economy.
a combination of food, port and a lack of IFE choice (there is only so many times you can listen to Elton John's greatest hits) led inevitably to the bed being made up and taking the chance for fours hours kip.
Awoke just before the breakfast service commenced and had a quick freshen up before the rush. I had opted for the scrambled egg and chives (sausage, bacon and potato rosti was there too[:w]). Hot towels were handed out just prior to landing.
Landed only 5 minutes late and we were through the airport in 45 minutes (we were lucky as our bags were first off the carousel) and our Tristar driver waiting to whisk us off home.
All in all an excellent flight; The FSM was a strong influence that convinces me that this is the key to having a good flight experience[y][y]
buns
