This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
A major highlight of the homeward journey for me began with my time at the London Clubhouse. The CH, as you now know, was just voted by our V-Flyer members as Clubhouse of the Year for 2009, a repeat honor for this luxurious frequent flyer refuge. Pete Shaw, our Publisher, asked that I present the award on behalf of V-Flyer and it was my honor to do so. Duty Manager Jane Godfrey and veteran Concierge Paula Preis were on hand and gratefully acknowledged the receipt of the Clubhouse of the Year Award.
My outbound trip from New York having scored so highly I must say I was wondering whether a longer journey to LAX would be as satisfying. Now it was time to find out. My Clubhouse award duties concluded I spent some time on the Internet in the Clubhouses quiet media and reading room. A friendly member of staff approached soon after Id plunked down my baggage and took a drink order (sorry, just had a boring Diet Coke).
Soon hunger pangs presented so having sent several goodbye messages to my V-Flyer friends I strolled over to the caf where an exceptionally pleasant and efficient server I hadnt seen before brought me a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc; the wine was a great accompaniment to a buffet bar make my own salad where Id chosen chilled romaine topped with marinated green beans, peppers and English cucumber as well as a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. I know; you can almost taste the marriage of the flavors.
My server approached with a basket of fresh breads and butter and while there inquired if Id enjoy another course. Tomato soup with fresh basil and cream was soon delivered, its fragrance a perfect match to my wine.
Both liquids soon disappeared along with the remaining bits of salad and bread and although I admitted to being able to eat more I opted instead to appear a little early for my Cowshed spa appointment, a facial, which was expertly delivered by a friendly attendant who chatted amiably while performing a small miracle on my tired old face. I nearly forgot to leave her a gratuity but fortunately remembered; she certainly earned it.
Todays flight would be called soon I figured so bidding adieu to the Clubhouse team I took the short stroll to Gate 16 where our aircraft awaited. Boarding commenced on time. At the aircraft door crew were waiting with greetings and smiles. I headed to 3-K and got settled in. Very quickly the Cabin Services Supervisor for Upper came by to introduce himself (this always impresses me; it is an outstanding form of courtesy). As it turned out I remembered flying with him before. He offered me a pre-flight drink which was delivered promptly and I enjoyed it while boarding continued. Unfortunately the entire A/Cs pax load boarded through Door 1-L due to a faulty airbridge at Door 2-L. This meant much jostling past the Upper suites as Y was nearly full. But the boarding didnt really take all that long and after enduring a 15-minute gate hold we were underway.
Virtually all members of cabin crew with whom I interacted performed very, very well on this trip. An 11-hour flight can either be a disaster or a pleasure; for me, theres no middling experience, as the length of the journey means pax are looking for a little extra diversion. Of course VS, when operating on all cylinders, delivers far more than diversions, and the cabin crew did just that on this flight.
Like the outbound trip from JFK the new Spring menu was in evidence. For my first meal I enjoyed an excellent pea soup followed by chicken. After amusing myself with Quantam of Solace, a so-so James Bond film with a short scene filmed at the bar on a Virgin Atlantic Airbus, I slept a bit.
Why was I hungry again? Oh well, musnt keep the stomach waiting. For my afternoon tea I enjoyed a second bowl of the pea soup along with two sandwiches and another Diet Coke. By now we were over the North American continent but still with more than 5 hours remaining in our 11-hour journey; so, it was back to V-Port where I selected the remake of the 1951 horror classic The Day the Earth Stood Still. The reprise stars Keanu Reeves as the representative of an advanced civilization determined to wipe out the human race for its lack of stewardship of Mother Earth. Two hours later I was scratching my head, thinking mindless entertainment is truly boring, with a capital B.
Seeing a pattern emerging, somewhere over the northern edge of the US border I ordered a bit more to eat. This time a wonderfully fragrant cheese platter arrived courtesy of a smiling member of crew. After consuming it I wandered back to the bar where the CSS soon appeared and chatted me up as I enjoyed another Diet Coke. A friendly couple joined us, he from New Zealand and she from London (both now living in LA). The talk turned to Andy Murray and tennis. I excused myself and went back to my seat for an hours nap, my third of this trip. When I awoke we had but an hour remaining and in no time it seemed, we were landing and being pulled to our gate in Terminal 2.
Two Homeland Security officers were hand-checking passports in the air bridge as we disembarked. Fortunately mine was not the one they sought. Yet I couldnt help but wonder about the identity of the scofflaw (or worse?) with whom the 250 or so of us had been co-habitating in an enclosed metal tube for the past eleven hours or so.
Virgin really came through on this homebound leg of my trip. From check-in to the Clubhouse and for a most enjoyable flight the people of Virgin Atlantic put the passenger first. Their dedication and hospitality made a huge difference in the enjoyment of my day, a happy frame of memories of what a great travel experience is all about.
Chuck-
