We arrived at LHR around 0915 after being dropped off by my sister at a deserted T3 drop off zone. Made our way past the smokers and into the terminal spotting zone D and the Thai J&F check in desks right at the back. We made our way over with our mountain of luggage, surprising how much chocolate weighs! (you just can't get good chocolate here) At the desk we were dealt with a very nice lady friendly and chatty and we asked about upgrading to first, subject to space. A lady, whom we recognised from Airport (can't remember her name but I think she worked for Aer Lingus then), said there was space and she would go and check the price. Before I had said I already knew the costs she was off. A few moments later she came back and confirmed the $960US per person and said to the agent to check us in and we should come back to collect the boarding passes when we had paid - round at the SAS sales desk.
All paid up we returned to collect our bps and passports - we weren't getting away without paying[}:)]. Headed off to Fastrack and were the only ones there. Rather than snake around the barriers we just undid them and walked through. I was selected for the shoe carnival and was surprised by the number of folks in front who didn't take their shoes off until they were standing at the machine and then faffing with their laces. Didn't they know I was travelling first class.
Anyway went off to the SAS London Lounge. Pleasant enough but the range of drinks and food very limited. Definitely not First Class worthy.
Decided we had enough at 1130 and went for a walk just as the gate was announced (21 I think) so headed up there. I think we went back in time some 30 years during the walk - some updating is urgently required. Went into the gate lounge, well area, and boarding was soon called. Walked into the 747 vai L1 and shown to our luxurious seats. Amazed at all the space just for one little (I am talking figuratively) person. Drinks were quickly offered, Dom Perignon of course. Boarding was over quickly - can't have been a full flight but I couldn't be bothered to through the curtain and see - Pam says something about it smelling funny back there? There were 5 of us in First with 5 empty seats. Were offered an amenity kit, slippers and sleep suit, individually and on a silver platter and always addressed by name, also brought round the menus and wine list.
Took of towards the east on the southern runway and we headed into the grey gloom. Service started almost immediately with more drinks and a crab claw appetiser. This was followed by caviar and trimmings served with a shot of cold vodka, then the starter of prawns and duck liver terrine, salad with choice of dressings, main course I had a chinese roast duck - very nice excepts veggies were overcooked, cheese and fresh fruit and then desert. I was then full. Actually too full which meant I couldn't partake of the bubbles for some considerable time. Oh the glutton. Fell asleep watching Indiana Jones. Oh the sloth. The crew set up a drinks section in front of row 2 and kept ensuring all was chilled, ice bucket was full etc throughout the flight. Self service of bell pushing was acceptable nothing was any trouble.
Before long it was breakfast time and Bangkok was fast approaching. Good choice of breakfast but I still wasn't hungry so just picked. Changed out of my lilac sleep suit ready for landing. On disembarkation we were met at the aircraft door and escorted to our ride and taken to the First Class lounge. A rather nice lounge, very quiet, it was 0530 though. Full table service although I only managed a glass of bubbles. Very nice showers, toilets and general facilities and so many staff wanting to be of service - no innuendo intended.
All too soon it was time to head off for the connecting flight. Only criticism was I would have expected to be informed the flight was boarding. As when we arrived at the gate we walked through and empty gate lounge and straight onto the plane.
I won't do a report of the second leg and it was very similar to the outbound flight.
We both thought the on departure upgrade to first was worth the money in terms of service and the huge amount of personal space on the aircraft. Only wish the flight had been longer. From my seat I had four and a half windows just for me. The table was suitable for two full place settings, we dined together, and the ottoman was large and moveable.
Been back for 3 days now and suffering from the worst bout of jet lag which I am putting down to the lunchtime departure from the UK. And joy of joys I am heading off to Dubai on business on Sunday night.
If you have made it this far - then welcome to Melbourne!
Rob
