This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Check-in was completely empty so after being asked the usual security questions I walked up to the UC desk. The very friendly agent explained to me that I had been given a snooze zone seat. That was fine as I was planning to get as much sleep as possible. My luggage was tagged UC and I was given an invite to the CH. I noticed that he wrote 'Z' on the invite. I wondered what difference that would make [?] Dropped my case off to the TSA man and then I was on my way to the CH[:D]
The CH was very empty when I arrived, so I sat down to have some lunch. I thought I'd go for the specials, they weren't! I opted for the Chicken Noodle soup which was ok, then the Turkey Club sandwich. The Turkey was a bit rubbery and the bacon was like cardboard[:$] To finish I had the Columbian fruit plate, Yuck! Note to self: Next time you watch a TV programme telling you that the 'Specials' menu consists of left overs that the Chef is trying to get rid of, you better believe it![:0] This was of course washed down with a glass of champagne so it wasn't all bad. Spent a bit of time surfing the net and then relaxed with a newspaper waiting for the flight to be called.
The VS4 was called at 5.45pm. I was sent through the Fast Track Lane to what can only be described as feeding time at the Zoo! The queues to go through security were backing up, causing confusion. To top it all we were being barked instructions like we were imbeciles [:(!] I felt pretty disgusted at the way us pax were being treated even though I know this is what happens at JFK.
Having survived security, I walked to Gate B30. There was a clear sign for priority boarding, but most pax had already boarded so I was straight onto the aircraft, sorry, didn't see the name. Settled into my seat, 7A which is the last suite of the Snooze Zone. I settled down into my seat looking forward to a drink. After more than 5 minutes of being ignored by every CC member that walked pass me, I had to eventually ask for a glass of champagne and a sleep
suit[:(!] I belong to the pre-flight sleep suit gang, so decided to change while the aircraft was stationary. I headed to the toliet on the opposite side of the cabin at the front which meant walking pass
the IFBT station and pass the cockpit door. Here I encountered the FSM who practically ordered me to the toilet at the rear of UC, while failing to crack a smile the whole time. Have to admit that this FSM did scare me a little [:(]
Back in my seat,the IFBT came by and I asked for the pressure point hand treatment but asked not to be woken for treatment. The IFBT then explained to me that if I was asleep and didn't get a treatment I would not be entitled to a priority card. Fair enough.
The Captain gave us a flying time of 6 hours and 19 minutes. We taxied for just under an hour and were airborne about 7.30pm I think. Hot towels were dispensed and I was asked by my CC member what would I like to drink and would I like to order breakfast. She had already asked me this pre take off, maybe she forgot. It wasn't until she came back and asked me for the third time, that I got a little annoyed. I was sure that she was writing this down anyway. In the end I had my drink and my suite was converted into the bed for some zzzzzzzz's. It appeared that sleep was going to be a good idea anyway as the crew weren't on top form this evening.
I drifted off to sleep with the dulcet tones of The Michael Palin Diaries in my ears. I had 3 full hours of sleep and felt very relaxed when I woke [y] Breakfast was served and I had fruit, yoghurt and a croissant, very nice indeed.
We landed at 6.45am and I was in my taxi at 7.30am on my way back to West Sussex. I was through immigration within a matter of minutes and straight to the baggage claim. Priority baggage worked well.....if you were in Economy! In the end the wait wasn't to bad and I was on my way as I had decided to forgo Revivals.
So, all in all an ok travel experience. The VS ground staff at JFK were most helpful and professional, long may it continue. The same can not be said of their TSA colleagues. The crew were average in my opinion, which is a shame. The FSM didn't make any introductions, perhaps this is not the case on night flights? This feels like a bit of a whingey TR and I'm not a whinger. It was all just a bit disappointing, apart from the suite which was very comfortable.
As an aside, MrG flew over on the VS26 in UC the following Saturday. He rated this flight as one of the best he had ever taken with VS due to the excellent CC, led by a fantastic FSM who even had the time
to thank him for his custom and loyalty to VS. How about that?[:w]
