This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
The car arrived slightly early chez Decker and the driver visibly gulped when he saw the stack of bags - this was to be a diving holiday so in addition to our luggage there was a large dive bag. I was taking full advantage of my two carry ons too to ensure that some of my more expensive scuba equipment came with me on board. I was itching to play with my new HydroOptix mask and whizzy new dive torch. Once loaded we ensconced ourselves in the back and where whisked off to Heathrow. This was decadence as we live at the bottom of the M4 so can quite easily get there.
The drive up the ramp to the drive through check in provides a great view of the artfully laid out reception area and disgorging from the car we were met and taken to be checked in on the comfortable seats inside. Once that was done Mrs D went off in search of nicotine and I made my way to the clubhouse, stopping on the way to have a secondary search of my bag in the security channel, a shoe carnival and the purchase of a few magazines for reading en route (Wired, New Statesman and The Week - our subscription copy would arrive too late for us to take it away with us). I arrived at the Clubhouse to stake my place to be met by Mrs D who'd finished her smoke and beaten me to the Clubhouse.
We sat in the bistro and I dithered on ordering - I had a treatment in 30 minutes. However the excellent waitron convinced me this was plenty of time so we both opted for the Pollock, Chips and mushy peas (with vinegar naturally [;)]) washed down with a London Pride for me and an apple juice for Mrs D. Then onto my excellent facial - the eyebrow tidy really showed up some recalcitrant buggers who just didn't want to come out - oucheroonie! Back to the computer room for a quick V-Flyer and my final stab at the excellent MDVipond musical quiz... I still don't know if my final posting was right [:o].
Returning to Mrs D we watched one of the waitresses take order after order which were delivered to the wrong people. Obviously accurate directions were not her fort_ so we felt sorry for the delivery people! Being served was a real effort - we had to flag down a waitron as opposed to normally where service is offered. As the first call was made for our flight we managed to order a Kangaroo for me and a latt_ for Mrs D. Naturally this arrived as the second call was made so a quick 'down in one' ensued followed by a rapid march to gate 34 where we were instructed as we left to 'go to the head of the queue with our boarding passes out'.
Upon arrival at the head of the queue the member of staff assigned to checking told us to 'wait over there' indicating a tensa barrier. We did and watched him process about 6 other people before turning his attention to us. As these weren't 6 linked people it seemed a little strange but we were soon able to join the lengthy airbridge queue.
Now when I'd checked availability before leaving for the airport there were nearly 20 seats free in Upper, so imagine my mild surprise to find Upper rammed to the gills. All was soon explained as various crew members greeted various family and friend travellers. I've given this some thought and I reckon that this is an EXCELLENT incentive for staff members. I know if I'd been able to get upgrades for my folks because of my job my mum and dad would have dined out on the story for months. My only worry was whether I'd get my food choice and whether service would suffer. There was no issue on the first point - as we boarded a crew member was guarding R2 where more catering was being loaded to cope with the increased load, thus ensuring a cool draft through the aircraft. There was further no issue with the second point, after initial greetings the crew were professionalism itself - once again aided by a stunningly good male FSM.
We pushed back 30 minutes late and in a break from the usual paperwork reason we were informed that this was due to some necessary spare parts for Mauritius not having been loaded. So to fill the time we were shown several videos - Fear of Flying, how to avoid DVT, how to stay comfortable in the air etc. 60 minutes late we finally rotated.
The bouncy FSM came around and introduced himself to all of the pax and juggled the manifest as he tried to establish statuses. It soon became apparent that my arm rest had 'gone tech' must to the amusement of the male FA I told this too. It wouldn't stay down. Eventually he forced it to work in a limited fashion, albeit with much delving into the depths of the seat. In addition the sink in the LHS rear toilet was out of commission so the sink was covered and a large bowl of Virgin Vie towelettes were left out.
As the FA taking dinner orders came around it soon became apparent that she really knew her wines - making recommendations based upon the expressed preferences of the pax in front. This was impressive and led to an interesting chat about wines later at the bar. I had to try the Tanqueray 10 with lime and very refreshing it was too. Opted for nuts over kettle chips.
The FSM continued busy around the cabin and really must enter the hallowed ranks of those perennial V-Flyer favourites such as our wondrous SouthernBelle or N*** ******.
I made myself comfortable at the bar and spent large amounts of time chatting to the crew and a VS employee who used to work for our very own Juliet on Premier Team but who has since left to work in Staff Travel. She was a bundle of fun and kept dragging herself back to the bar to rejoin the fray. Eventually Mrs D decided that I needed my beauty sleep and so came to the bar to collect me. Decanting me into bed we then slept for the next few hours before landing in MRU and getting through a very easy immigration and customs. Outside we were met by our driver who took us on an island tour for 5 or 6 hours before dropping us at the Hilton to commence our holiday proper.
Sorry that the end of the TR became a little lacking in detail - I largely attribute this to an attempt to show a fellow bar patron how single malts OUGHT to be drunk...
Still nice to know it was right - thank you 