This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
The packing was done. Id managed to filter down my wifes initial pile of clothes down to the 3 bags (plus packed spare) we normally take. My wife mentioned that we do have an increased baggage allowance in UC. I pointed out that it was, as the word suggests, an allowance, not an invitation. [:?]
It was a 05:30 start as we live in Kent and needed to beat the rush hour. No CDC as on a z (We had originally booked economy and upgraded to PE with miles, but when the USA UC sale come on I couldnt resist the opportunity.), but we had the perfectly suitable alternative in MMA (My Mate Alan). The M25 was kind and we only hit congestion past the M3, the traffic calming does seem to work and we were not held up until the T3 drop off point. Why do people double park to drop off when there is space further down? [V] Yes, its a longer walk, but thats where the luggage trolleys come in useful!
Having found a parking spot, we said goodbye to MMA and made our way into the Virgin wing and over to the Upper Class check-in. I had done OLCI but wanted to check out the full check-in experience. The desks position does almost seem like it was added as an afterthought. Yep, it needs a bit of carpet too.
10 minutes later the bags are tagged and done and the boarding passes issued. We made our way through the private security channel and past the shoe carnival, not even a need to wave the boarding pass. [^]
Into the Clubhouse and immediately sought out breakfast, The brasserie was full. We could have eaten anywhere, but preferred the specific dining seating. So decided to wait until a table was available and ordered a pot of tea (yes, tea!). It wasnt long before we were called over and a couple of full English (bacon rolls for the kids) were in front of us. They were quickly demolished and washed down with more tea (yes, tea!). The wife and daughter went off to get some pastries for a pudding and it was then I ordered a couple of glasses of Champagne (Well, I didnt want bubbles on an empty stomach)
We moved over to sit near the Spa and wait for our treatments as the kids wanted to sit in the suspended chairs.
We were soon asked if we would like another drink, (Yes, please!)
It was soon time for my shave so we wandered to the Cowshed. Whilst at the desk my wife asked if my daughter, Victoria (9), could have something done. They were sure they could fit her in to have her nails painted after my wifes slot.
A couple of minutes later Im laying back and oil is being massaged to all the bare skin on my face. As I shave my head I get the full works. Im asked if I minded it being a Mach 3 razor as cut-throats are a no-no these days in airports. All in all a very pleasant experience, a nice chat and a good shave.
Out to find the wife and kids and found them in the Kid's TV room, I sent the wife off for her manicure, just as another cold fizzy glass turned up. The kids and I were the only people in the room and I did find it quite bizarre to be standing with a glass of champagne in hand, in a brightly decorated oasis of solitude, in the world's busiest airport, staring out at aeroplanes, about to fly upper class, whilst I am currently unemployed. Oh well!
A little later I took Victoria to have her nails done. James (6) was a bit put out that he hadnt had a treatment but the manicurist kindly gave him a hand massage which he enjoyed.
We did tip the staff, both for the quality of their work and being great with the kids. Their thanks were genuine and gracious.
Whilst Victoria was being painted, I took James out quickly to get a book for the flight, his hand kept slipping out of mine due to the oil. I got back to the Clubhouse just in time for that last drink before the final call.
VSHY, Madame Butterfly, was waiting at gate 36 (I think) so it was a bit of a walk. There was no queue, as such, at the gate although both agents were occupied, one explaining to an elderly gentleman that she needed his boarding pass, not his ticket and the other dealing with a large family group that seemed to have an issue with seating. The agent dealing with the elderly man took a time-out from him to check us through. So the last drink and wait for the final call is the way to do it!.
There was a small queue on the jet way so no need to think about any UC priority there. Id barely stopped walking before a loud Excuse me was uttered behind. I stepped aside for a VA staffer pulling a flight bag to pass followed by a serene and well presented actress of our shores (think Medical and Henry VIII).
We boarded to a cheerful welcome back on board greeting and turned left for the first time (not strictly true, as I once had row 1 on a first choice skiing charter, but you know what I mean)
We quickly settled into 8/9 G/K. The suites were clean and practically scuff free. We had immediate attention from the cabin crew asking us if we wanted to know how the suites worked. Having said yes, the CC demonstrated to the kids and we watched over his shoulder. Having completed the demo he suddenly said OMG, I havent offered you a drink yet. Not a problem, but yes please!
The plane sealed up on time, but push back was about 15-20 minutes late due to airport congestion. We were not to long in taxi and before long the ding of the seat belt sign extinguishing heralded the CC taking drinks orders.
OK, lets have one of these T10 and Ts you guys recommended (Yes, wedge of lime, I know). First impression; its smoother that Bombay Sapphire, but nothing special. Lets give the lime a gentle zest, Ahh thats brought it alive, very nice. BTW there were Crisps, and the offer of more Crisps!! [y]
The IFE came on at this time and the Goodie basket made its appearance. I settled back with my drink and the comedy channel. The kids were already plugged into The Simpsons and my wife was agonising over which film to watch.
A second drink was taken along with our dinner order. They appeared to want to serve all at the same time, but I got the impression you could have delayed. I had the gem lettuce/feta followed by the beef, washed down by one of the Reds on offer. I enjoyed both courses as did my wife who had the same. Victoria and James had a kids meal, which I think was the same as they would have had in Y, but was plated up.
Normally, my two do not like the kids meals but they enjoyed this, appearance, then, is important! They werent too keen on the dessert offered, but the CC stepped in with offers of ice cream, chocolate and fruit. The CC were very attentive and excellent with the kids (little things like sitting on the ottoman to talk at their level and creating chocolate milk from ice in Hot chocolate). [^]
After lunch we converted the kids seats to beds and they settled down to watch a bit of TV before dropping off for a good 3 to 4 hours sleep. I rounded off my lunch with cheese and biscuits (with a port) and selected the film Legend to watch.
The FSM was around but always busy, there were a couple of issues with suites and some form filling seemed to be going on, but there was always a smile and a pleasantry as she passed.
Bar traffic was light throughout the flight. The wife and I had tea at the bar whilst the kids slept. We had the apple scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, very nice. The kids woke up and Victoria went for a bacon roll, I think James had some fruit.
Overall, the flight was very smooth, just a couple of 'seatbelts' for very light turbulence. The IFE behaved, I had a couple of freezes on the imap, but that was it.
A short doze later and we were landing at LAX on schedule. We were off the plane in the first batch and soon in the empty immigration hall. A wait of about 15 minutes for luggage and then off to Dollar for the car..
Why oh why do I always go for the scrum onto the Dollar bus. [:(!] It would be much easier to get a cab. Needless to say once we got there we had the usual queuing, the upgrade hussle etc. but 3 cars later (dont ask! [:(!]) we were off for our overnight stay in Long Beach before moving on to Vegas
Cheers!! (It's at the Venetian BTW)
Return trip and overall UC impressions to follow
