After the early morning gym visit that DW insists upon before flying, we were soon fighting traffic down to SFO.
We had pre-booked parking at airportparkingreservations.com, a very useful site to know about.
After unloading all the luggage (travelling light on safari, so only 2 duffels, a backpack, camera backpack, my video camera bag, a shoulder bag and a set of wheels, we boarded the bus for the airport. Today's driver was presumably off his meds, as we screamed along, taking every bump and corner at max speed.
Check in was a breeze and soon we were off to the First Class lounge located conveniently close to the gates.
Imagine Red Carpet club, with nicer furniture, real food, free booze and at something less than 150% capacity and you'll have an idea of the difference. A very serene, quiet place to relax, with some excellent sushi.
VS wins 2-0
Onboard we were on the 777, so it was the old suite, not the new version. The seat is very comfortable, though you do have to be upright for takeoff and landing, so a point to Virgin there. In full recline the design leaves a hard spot near the small of your back which makes the bed less comfortable than VS. There is far more storage space available, though no Ottoman and oversized table. Lastly the IFE is tiny, the only benefit of first being the personal video system.
VS wins this round 3-1
The Purser greeted us by name, the staff were very attentive, and when I told the Purser that my IFE started up slowly after PA interruptions, I said it wasn't a big deal to me, and she said it was to her and would make sure it was fixed before another passenger was disappointed.
UA wins this round 2-0
Drinks were served quickly and plentifully, an excellent Champagne was followed by a cheeky Sancerre from Pascal Jolivet. With dinner I enjoyed an excellent claret, the second wine of Ch. de Pez. A treat!
Dinner service was prompt,and while I dont remember the menu, I do remember everything being delicious.
UA wins 3-0
After a good sleep, I watched Body of Lies - terrific movie. Then I tucked into the best breakfast omelette I've ever had on a plane.
UA wins 1-0 (the VS bacon butty has disappointed me of late)
On nearing LHR, I tuned into Channel 9 to listen to ATC - I wish VS would allow that. I was a bit shocked to learn we were running on fumes and if we couldn't land within a set time would have to divert to Birmingham! (The horror - imagine if Colonel Kurtz was from Dudley and you'll get the picture). As it was ATC was very helpful and we landed a few moments late at LHR.
Overall an excellent flight with UA beating VS 7-5.
