This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
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After a nice week break in Miami, the beach and Coconut Grove, we left the Mayfair and headed back to Hertz feeling quite sad to leave. Even with slightly dodgy weather, we got plenty of sun and shopping and had a great time.
Hertz drop off was easy and off to MIA, concourse-F. VS website is still inaccurate stating to use E instead.
Got to check in desk about 3.5 hours before departure, it was fairly light with just a few Y passengers and just 1 person in the UC line. We were originally in PE so we lined up behind. We asked the lady who was manning the lines if there were any upgrade possibilities and then directed us to the UC check-in. Another lovely lady greeted us and after some checking we were upgraded to UC using some miles and just 38 fuel sur-charge. [^]
We were asked if we wanted to use the lounge, to which I said I might give it a miss, and she smiled and laughed and said she understood. Just as she was handing over the tickets and tagging our luggage with the UC tags, a couple rushed up to PE desk excitedly saying they wanted to upgrade to PE saying two seats had just become available. Wonder who those seats belonged to [:I] We got our lounge pass anyway, and a nice note for revivals as she didn't want us to miss out.
We didn't fancy looking around as it was pretty sparse anyway, so off we went. Security was painless, for me at least. Miss Wok got her carry on searched, we weren't sure what for, but they were very nice about it. A small trot to gate 19 area. We did stop off in the Club America lounge as my other half was curious. Mainly for the rest-rooms and a quick drink. Heard various reports, and it's more or less like a service-air lounge, nothing special at all, and would never pay to use either.
Duty-free is nothing much to speak of like at a lot of US airports, a bit of last minute chocolate spending and we were almost ready to board. They took on families with children and those who needed help first, and then UC/PE/Gold passengers. Was very well observed, there were no mass charge for boarding.
Turned left and went to our seats. Miss Wok was actually in 23G, so we waited for the pax in 22G to ask if they could swap. He was very nice about it did so, almost volunteering before we asked. As we settled in, we had a drink and got familiar with surroundings. We asked if we could have the divider removed and was done so happily. Infact crew remarked how easy it was compared to before, which confused me a little as I thought it was like this for a while now. After ours was gone, a few other people asked the same. Strapped in we took off bang on time. Take off was smooth, accending was a little bumpy. Went through some clouds when a bright flash and loud clap went off outside. Lightning, not sure if it struck the plane or not...
Was over after about 15 mins and the IFE was fired up and we started to get ready for dinner. The IFE decided to have a moment across the entire plane, so it needed a restart. It still was playing up after 10 mins, so we had to wait for it to restart 3 or 4 times and then it was back up. Quite a few children in UC as it was end of half-term for some, but they were all very well behaved, a credit to parents. Only the baby had some problems, but we and no one else seemed to mind.
Food was nice, we both had the salad to start, skipping the Corn-chowder which I wasn't too keen on. Had the flat iron beef fillet for mains, which was nice, maybe a bit too much salt for me. And a nice cheesecake.
After this, got changed into my sleepsuit and my seat was turned down when I go back, very nice touch again. Slept almost the whole flight down and skipped the breakfast. Woke up about 30 mins before descent. Flight was very enjoyable, crew were great, even though I was unconscious for most of it. Very grateful for the flat bed.
Landing was super-smooth, and UC pax let off first. Quickly to immigration, and boy it was packed. Almost full with passengers from flights from somewhere like Mumbai/Delhi. But we looked left, and Iris was empty. Hooray! [:w] Quickly though, with some very perplexed looks from those queuing.
Went to carousel in in a blinding record time, and bags were just coming off. Ours were two in the first 5, wow everything was so slick and quick, Iris definitely helped.
Off to revivals for a much appreciated shower. Had the salmon and scrambled eggs, very nice. And a facial/shave for me. So relaxed, so refreshed! Unfortunately, Miss Wok picked up a sinus/cold thing on the way back and Cowshed refused to do the massage she wanted. She was nice as she could be about it, saying they were bound by airlines rules. She was upset, I was a bit dubious, but we didn't kick up a fuss. Sat around for about another 45 mins, used the internet and had a few more drinks whilst we waited for our lift and there ended our VS journey. Happy on the whole - UC on the return to LHR is the best way to fly if on a VS flight as revivals are more than worth the money/miles.
Thanks for reading again!
