This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
I'd flown PE a couple of times (Econ a few more times) but thought it was time to enjoy UC.
A friend of mine who works for VS said as I was in K class it would have to be (to get me out of the K class restrictions into the appropriate fare type) and then miles for the PE to UC upgrade but he couldnt tell me how much so advised me to ask when I got to T3 the next day to do this.
[Note VS really need to give all the fare options when booking - well to FC members anyway - so we know what the different fare types cost and if they allow or not upgrades. I think this would stop some of the aggro at check-in]
I was met at T3 by a member of staff who, after I told her what I wanted to do, directed me to the right desk.
I was quickly called to the desk and explained I just wanted to see how much the upgrade would be.
Expecting a 'NO' I didn't get my hopes too high but she tapped away at her keyboard and mentioned a rather large figures (500+) plus a rather larger number of miles (40,000).
I gulped and with a 'Is that return?' ~ she nodded ~ followed by a 'what the heck I'm on holiday' ~ she laughed ~ she tapped some more before her terminal crashed but it was soon back up and after more typing I handed over my Virgin Amex (so at least I'd get double points!) and tapped in my magic pin number.
Minutes later (and lighter) I had an UC booking and was relieved of my case.
A note on the member of staff here. She had been due to go on her break but instead started dealing with me so she missed her allotted time. When we had finished I made a point of thanking her and said I hoped she would get her cuppa at which a supervisor appeared and said she would make sure of it! (I also emailed customer relations about her)
I had to go up to the departures level to pick up my pre-ordered currency so just used the general escalator up and the stairs back down as I wanted to use the lift to get to the private security channel.
Turns out the entry is about 20 yards from the Travelex office and it's an ordinary lift (bit grubby too) - I was expecting something a bit more special which is why I had done the whole escalator and stairs bit to pick up my $$
Not too impressed by the BAA staff on private duty though. One chap was leaning over the machine (is it wrong to hope that his gentlemens bits got fried from the rays) and generally chatting to his friends but the other staff were quick and efficient and friendly (TSA - please note!)
I almost had to climb over a family who were blocking the exit and then skipped past 'shoe hell' (on a previous trip I asked if I had to have mine checked and was told it was voluntary).
I had a quick wander round duty free but gave myself a firm NO to spending any more money other than on a couple of magazines before heading to the CH.
After the welcome from the staff on the entry desk I headed straight to the spa to book a shave (I'd checked to see what was one offer before hand but obviously couldn't book beforehand).
I had to wait 30 mins but some breakfast would be nice so I found a spot in the cocktail bar area and a waitress promptly appeared and took my order - coffee, OJ, smoked salmon bagel and I somehow remembered to order a glass of champers!
The drinks were quickly brought over and she then tidied up the seats near me where various items had been left by the previous occupants.
The bagel arrived about 5 minutes later and v nice it was too and rapidly followed by a second champers. I declined a third glass as it was time for my shave.
The shave was ok, I enjoyed the exfoliation/massage and hot towels more but she did a good job with me almost falling asleep. Some how a packet of slippers managed to find their way into my bag - handy for on the plane and hotel room.
It was about 9.30 now and the CH seamed to be a little less busy than when I entered.
I had almost an hour before the flight would be called so I picked a spot at the end of the Gallery to have a proper relax and a look out over taxi and gate area.
I reclined in my easy chair then remembered that Tonty has been trapped in my small case so he was soon retrieved and started to relax on the chair opposite me.
It was about 9.30 now and the CH seamed to be a little less busy than when I entered.
The bagel was just the starter. It was time for the full English (no beans or tomato), more coffee and OJ and I thought I'd try the mojito but I didnt really like it (hope thats not a v-flyer black mark against me) so stuck to 'plain!' champers from then on.
I had a quick walk round the CH after Id been to the loo (very clean) and picked up a paper and a couple of bottles of water.
A read of the paper and a couple (!) more glasses of champers (and a coffee too) and it was time to stagger to the plane.
The long walk from the CH to the gate soon sobered me up. Staff at the gate were friendly and efficient and the priority line was working well (though I was not there when boarding started to can't comment on how this was in general) then it was onto the plane where I was escorted to my seat and asked if I would like a drink. So (for medicinal grounds only) it was a glass of champers and a separate glass of OJ.
Tonty was soon strapped under the belt on the ottoman and this generated a visit from a few of the crew and several tickles for Tonty. (He gets more attention than me!)
The FSM started to come down the aisle with the basket of goodies and stopped at every seat there must have been a couple of regulars on board because he did the we should stop meeting like this routine.
When he got to me he introduced himself and welcomed me on board by name, mentioned I was a member of FC and thanked me for flying UC on VS etc. All info taken from the flight manifest but a nice touch I thought. It made me feel a bit special.
Take off was pretty smooth and then drinks were served.
I don't remember what I had for lunch but there were no complaints from me whatever it was (I wasn't expecting to do a full review two months later - next time I'll be more prepared!)
Unfortunately it was the old style IFE so no pausing etc but never mind. The plot of Mamma Mia and Sex and the City are pretty straight forward even for a champers addled brain. (Readers of my already posted return TR will note I watched them on the way back too!)
I don't remember any mid flight food runs but I did pop to the bar to stretch my legs. Had a quick drink and an apple when I was there.
Had a good chat with one of the staff who was really friendly before returning to my seat for more of the film and general resting. (another honourable mention to customer services about him)
Afternoon tea came ready plated I think, I dont remember getting a particular choice but it was well presented etc.
During the flight the cabin crew were attentive but not intrusive. I think they could tell who was on business (so not allowed to enjoy themselves!) and those like me (and Tonty) on holiday.
As this was my first experience of UC I wasnt sure exactly what I would get but I had an inkling from the website and was not disappointed!
I'd flown business on UA a couple of times (once using miles the other a 'pity upgrade') but UC was far superior to that.
The problem is that I'm now used to UC but the piggy bank isnt!
Landing was pretty smooth and I think we used the new runway that had only been officially opened that morning only found this out in the paper the next day.
I was one of the first off and a brisk walk to immigration. Queue not too bad about 10 waiting to be allocated and probably 30 at the desks but being dealt with quickly. Queue for US citizens was longer.
BUT I hit immigration hell after I was allocated to the desk where someone was being given the 3rd degree (and who was taken away a few minutes later).
Luckily the agent at the next desk took pity on me and called me (no arguments from me or anyone else!) over to be dealt with. Agent was really friendly and did all the usual questions without being rude or condescending ~ TSA please talk to INS about customer service!
By the time I passed through immigration the queue was pretty long I think a few international flights had arrived closed together.
My case was already taken off the carousel and was waiting for me (so priority luggage labels do work!)
Customs was no hassle then it was into arrivals.
I had a look to see if President-elect Obama (as he then was) was waiting to greet me but no such luck (suppose he had more important things to do than greet me but Tonty was a little put out ~ hes a big fan) so I was now at the mercy of ground transportation!
In summary - [y] [y] [y] [y] to all at VS for a fantastic trip and Mr INS agent too !
Huzzah for International Jet-setting !
