This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
I'd used ONLI 23hrs and 59 mins from departure and was miffed (to say the least) to find that although Mr DL were where we had been since I booked the tickets (4 and 5K) DB and the BF had been moved (from where they had been pre-assigned until literally a minute before OLCI opened).At this point I should point out that DB had pted to travel with her friend in economy [:0] , the deal being that BF paid for her airfare and Mr DL and I covered BFs hotel and food bills. I was rather touched (flabbergasted actually [:0]) that DB opted to sit down the back .Anyway, I digress.
They'd been re-assigned horrible seats (40E and F) from the much nicer seats that Premier had assigned when we booked the seats (38H and K).The only option I had was to move them to 58 H and K with the hope I could move them forward again when we arrived at the airport the next day.
On arrival at LHR the next day we were swiftly checked in by the nicest UC agent we've encountered for a while who was able to move the girls forward again (44 H and K) and offered a cheap upgrade 129 to move them to PE (the flight was overbooked in Y). BF didn't think it worth the expense (DB's face was priceless [:D])so they stayed where they were.Boarding passes in hand up we went in the lift and through the UC wing. BF was agog (the last time she travelled abroad was 10 years ago)and on a charter flight. A quick foray in the Duty Free and we arrived to a just opening CH. BF was completely overwhelmed by this -I managed to book a massage for DB and a manicure for BF (Mr DL and I were already booked in for a hydrating facial and haircut respectively).
Now, I know I've moaned about service levels in the LHR CH before but on this visit the it was fantastic. Attentive, beyond belief and to make the trip even better the roof garden was re-opened that morning(clearance from BAA having being granted apparently).I only had the one mojito [}:)] and Mr DL was also similarly restrained. DB and BF spent most of the time in the Jacuzzi and steam room and after the final call for the flight we left for gate 22.Arriving at the gate it became apparent that we weren't going anywhere quickly and the UC passengers were rounded up and sent back to the CH.
We managed a bowl of Eton Mess each and a nice glass of Sauvignon for Mr DL and I before being re-called to the gate.
Most of the passengers had boarded so there was no queueing and once on board (having said goodbye to DB and BF) we were offered a quick glass of champagne which was duly accepted).My suite was filthy, chipped (badly), and in desperate need of some TLC. Once airborne there was a noticeable delay before the extras basket and drinks and lunch orders were taken.I opted for the usual T10 +T (as today would be the last time I would enjoy a T10+T as it was being removed on the inbound VS 8) and had procured a couple of limes in the CH. The food however was absolutely inedible. I'd opted for the smoked salmon salad (unpleasant), pie (absolutely vile) and cheesecake (tasted nothing like). The cheese was OK but nothing startling (UC food should be more than just passable).Afternoon tea was much of the same (the same sort of sandwiches we had on the way to BGI in March), and as I'm no fan of adulterated sandwiches I passed on these and had a couple of cups of Earl Grey instead.
The cabin crew were attentive but the drop in service level on a full flight is very noticeable (the FSM was very visible and worked like a Trojan [y]).
VS have a fab product on the ground and the crew on my last 4 UC flights have done a stirling job with the product that remains.The trouble is UC is not a cheap option and it's a tough marketplace. For people who know what the service used to offer not that long ago (say 5 years) the short term benefits pre- flight may not be enough to compensate for the shabby offering once you leave the ground (and I'm talking VS product not crew).
Throw in a reduced UC baggage allowance (because that's what it is) to many destinations (routes I use in the main) in addition to all the other subliminal cuts, and passengers will start considering the other options available to them.
Right I'm going to go and enjoy the last hour of the 4th July -fat chance of sleep due to the fireworks (another glass of vino may aid restful sleep though [}:)]).Tomorrow =Vegas. Yeeha [:D][:D]
DL
