Driving into terminal 3 we saw the first signs that the new Upper Class wing wasn't open yet with the gates at the ramp being closed. This was confirmed when we saw the dedicated lift that we were looking forward to use being roped off. Oh well, guess these things needed to be tested properly since being open. Still, the terminal is looking much more finished since I was last there in August so can't be long before the whole thing is complete.
We waited a very short time to see the checkin staff. Requested seats upstairs and this led to some confusion with the member of staff. It turned out the plane had been changed to the new all UC upstairs config. The member of staff was also a bit unsure wether we needed to pay for the , now downstairs, exit row seats. Tha would have been a new one for me in Premium. Eventually sorted and booked into seats 28 A and C.
As usual queues for non fast track security were horrendous. I was panicking that as we were both in Premium and only I was Gold Mat would be turned away. Fortunately I just flased my card and the guy on the door let us both through. I'm not sure if this is the usual procedure or not. Virgin's own fast track will be so useful when it opens as it'll also clear a lot of pax from here, meaning less time for other airlines premium pax.
On arrival at the Clubhouse we noticed how quiet it was. I started off with my usual smoked salmon and scrambled eggs (although now without the pancetta) and Mat opted for the heffer option of full english. As we now had loads of hours to kill I went for my hair cut and Mat had his nails buffed (oh please [:)]) both followed by a soak in the Jacuzzi. I think we're the only people who ever use this. Mat got all excited when he heard an announcement for Anthony Head to come to the concierge desk. Was it THE Anthony head? Me, I couldn't care less [:D]
Had a very nice orange cosmo (at 11 am, I feel like a lush!), did some work on the laptop, waited, with no joy for an op up and made our way over to gate 36 for the flight. There was no mention of priority boarding for us, but for a couple of other flights to IAD and LAX it was mentioned that you should go to the front of the queue.
As usual, once we got to the gate the process was just a big mix of J, W and Y pax all mixed up, with very little chance of pushing to the front. Joy of Joys when Mat had his boarding pass scanned he got the beep of joy and so did I. We had both been op upped to seats 15 and 16 A in the nose. I was looking forward to trying out the new config of the 747, but obvioulsy not that much... I was all the more please as this now completed my trilogy of op up styles; at checkin, in the clubhouse and now at the gate. A quartet if you count paying with miles, then not having them deducted, like what happended from SFO the once.
Seat was a bit battered, but did have some new modifications, including a new car style seat belt and (most welcome) protector for the seat and table buttons. The buttons are now recessed, making it much harder to keep releasing the table. Mat still managed to do it several times.
Nothing particularly exciting or outstanding happened on the flight, but the staff that were looking after us, especially one crew member were excellent. As the only gold in our section I was constantly addressed as Mr Morris throughout the flight, when others were just a sir. Yeah, this did make me feel special and proved that when they get it right the staff at VS are great. All the other crew were polite too, offering plently of drinks and service.
Its still the 'great' British menu, but the food wasn't too bad on this one. We both had the smoked haddock pate to start and then I opted for roast chicken with roast veg and cider gravy and Mat had his favourite square pie. Both of us were impressed with the food; there was a lot of it too. Both had the treacle tart for dessert. WE opted to miss the afternoon tea and ice cream as we wanted to bed down for a bit.
Again only watched one film. I saw 'Knocked Up' and Mat was watching 'Hairspray' which he spent the whole film laughing out load too. Jeez I can't take him anywhere [:D]
Arrived into New York with one with one of the most fantastic sunsets I have ever seen and were then brought back down to earth when we saw the size of the queue at immigration. Fortunately it moved quicker than it first looked.
Decided not to be cheap so avoided the usual subway option and got a cab into the city. Staying for the first time in the Maritime Hotel as we like being down in the Meatpacking / Chelsea area. Small rooms, but very nice and cosy with great toiletries. I recommend.
Overall, an uneventful flight (apart from the op up and quite a lot of turbulance) but very pleased with the quiet professionalism of the staff. Just what I want from VS.
Cheers!
Dean
