This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Although the flight wasnt until 20.50hrs we had done everything we wanted to do by lunchtime on the last day and having had to check out of the hotel, we left about 3pm and made our way to the airport and thought wed rather be sat in the CH than just walking around wasting time.
We started by getting a cab from the hotel, which I know should only cost about $65 max, but the cabbie said he wanted $90 flat fare. I told him to do it by the meter but he said they dont use the meter for EWR its a fixed price of $90, (which I know its not you can have meter fare or negotiate a fare, but the cabbie still has to activate the meter.) So I said unless he activated the meter and gave me a receipt I would get out and report him to the taxi licensing committee. Magically he said he would do it for $65 on the meter-funny that.[n] (A cautionary tale for others)
The ride only took about 45 minutes although I had to direct him to the terminal as he couldnt understand the terminal signs! We were dropped off just before 4pm, and went inside.
Surprise - no VS desk or staff anywhere, I asked at info and was told that VS staff normally appear about 5.30 and take the nearest desk to the door, but until then we couldnt check in, the self serve kiosks werent working either. [n]
So we went off to the CH which as most of you know is located landside so a bonus there. We went inside and a female (not VS staff) was at the desk, I explained we were travelling later on the VS flight to LHR but couldnt check in yet. She asked for our tickets and I told her they were electronic and I didnt have a paper ticket. I said if she looked in the system she would see our booking and showed her my passport. She didnt have access she said but we were welcome to stay.[y]
Not having used this CH before I wasnt too sure what to expect, and have to say was a bit disappointed. It looks a bit old, no showers; there was no food available except a few packets of crisps. There were drinks available, even though the selection of alcoholic wasnt that good. Never mind better here than in the burger king.
Just after 5pm VS staff arrived and took over the desk. I went over to say we hadnt checked in and was it possible to check in at the CH as we only had hand luggage. The reply was I dont know [V]
So to prevent any further problems we nipped outside to the self serve kiosks and used them. I asked the VS agent there, how long from the CH was it to the gate she replied dont know [V]
What was going on here I thought to myself. Then another VS agent came over and apologised as they had a lot of new trainees that day (including the CH staff) and that it was only 5-10 mins to the gate from the CH.
Back to the CH for no food and a small selection of drinks.
Mrs Chumba was quite happy here though, being landside and near the doors she could pop outside the terminal when she fancied for a smoke.[y]
About 5.30 things started getting better in the CH, snacks were put out and I could smell food cooking. I guess with only 2 flights a day they just cater for a few hours before each flight.
Waiter service also started about this time, and the drinks selection improved remarkably (although what waiter doesnt know how to make a Mojito-I ask you)[V]
Anyway snacks were now a plentiful and the main buffet meal was served about 6.45, absolutely gorgeous, chargrilled chicken in a sauce, salmon, Caesar salad and lots more. And the chocolate cheesecake for desert was to die for, so they had come up in my estimation.
Boarding was at 8pm but we left about 7.45 for Mrs Chumba to have her last cigarette outside and to have a look round before boarding.Got to the gate and saw the aircraft was Tinkerbelle. I get to sleep on Tinkerbelle i thought [;)] (Ok Tink don't throw anything at me)[:X]
No priority lines here through security but it didnt take too long. Whilst in the queue the crew arrived looking a bit flustered, guess they had got held up somewhere, so a late departure was expected.
Arrived at the gate and was told boarding would be in about 5 minutes. Yeah right I thought no way with all the checks the crew have to do. So 15 minutes later another announcement boarding in 5 minutes
I could see a priority boarding sign, so at least that would help or so I thought. Priority boarding was called, UC and golds only to start. With that most people stood up and walked towards the 2 VS agents, again both new trainees and with no support from anyone else they just let everyone through as they came up. Just as we got onto the airbridge the duty manager came rushing off the plane to say they crew werent ready for boarding. Hello - communication here, try talking to each other. We waited on the airbridge for about 5 minutes then we were let on.(I know everyone has to learn from start but VS need to ensure the new staff are supported, leaving 2 trainee staff to check everyone's boarding cards, they should have had a more experienced staff member with them)
Turned left and into 15k, with Mrs Chumba in 14k. CC came over and apologised for the mix up with boarding and gave us the obligatory champers. She ran through do you know how to use the seat etc, and what did we want for dinner/breakfast wish to sleep etc. I just wanted a drink before bed so she promised to come back and tuck me in when I was ready, I asked for a story as well, and she said no problem so long as Mrs Chumba doesnt mind. (Never got it though).
Both the CC in front were busy welcoming people, getting drinks and hanging up jackets etc. the other CC who had the A seats to deal with was by far the funniest I have ever seen. A gentleman in his 40s perfectly groomed and obviously outwardly gay (am I allowed to say gay in these PC times?). He approached every passenger with the line something to drink, juice, water or something effervescent. Well one woman obviously didnt know what he meant and so asked for something which I didnt hear. Quick as you like he replied madam in my many years I have been asked for many things but never that, with a sweep of his head and a turn on his heels he walked off smiling. She just didnt get it; it went straight over her head and had a look of bewilderment on her face. Everyone else new exactly what he meant and he winked at me as he walked off.
He went to one of the other passengers who was obviously a bit upset, and was travelling alone. Within a few minutes of chatting with her, she had a smile on her face and appeared happier. What excellent people skills and a credit to the good staff VS has.
The rest of the pax were quickly on board, and we closed up very quickly. Glad I chose the k seat as from my window whilst we taxied I could actually see in the distance the Empire State building. A nice goodbye to NYC.
The pilot stated that as there were good following winds the flight would be 5hrs 58 mins! What ! I had paid for a flight of 7hrs 15 mins and wanted to enjoy all of it.[ii]
Take off was quick, and shortly after the CC got busy sorting out beds and those that wanted to eat before sleeping, I just had the hot chocolate and got 2 shortbreads instead of the usual 1, always helps to be friendly and chatty with the crew. Mrs Chumba just went for a light snack of cheese and biscuits, well thats what she thought she was getting. What she received was a full plateful of biscuits piled high with at least a pound of various cheeses and a bug bunch of grapes. (Thatll keep her quiet for a while me thinks).
My bed was made up and I chose to get off to sleep quite quickly, I did use the sleep suit as wanted to keep the clothes fresh for the travel home.
Only had a few hours sleep but for some reason the seat/bed felt more comfortable than the OB leg, it felt much wider, not sure if I was imagining it or are they bigger in some areas of the plane? (Im sure someone will tell me).
Anyway as I awoke I could hear Mrs Chumba still snoring happily away beside me. I sat up and within seconds the CC appeared with a glass of orange juice for me. Nice touch.
Even though I was the only one awake CC were still very attentive, checking everyone to see if they needed anything.
About 45 mins before landing breakfast was served, neither of us bothered as we were going to go to revivals.
There were 2 FSMs on the flight and they were both visible for most of the flight, one of them did the extras basket and the other helped in the galley during the flight. Although neither came round to say hi, at least not in the front cabin.
Landing was fine, no being put in a stack for half an hour, no sooner the pilot said we were beginning our descent then we landed.
As we arrived at the gate there was the usual click, click click, as everyone got up despite being told not to. They grabbed their bags and moved down towards the L2 door to be on the start line for the great door opening ceremony. We just got up when we were ready and were stood at the rear of the pack, next to the L1 door. Then I saw a face at the door, the ground crew had brought the airbridge to L1 first and no one knew. I gestured to one of the crew who hastily told the other crew, and they opened this door. This meant we were first off, although within a few yards, the F1 passengers were running past us. Down to Immigration which was a breeze, with no bags to collect we were straight through Customs and within about 15mins of landing where in revivals.
Quick phone call to ask for the car to be brought 90mins earlier than we had booked and we settled back for some breakfast. Now I thought the CH burger was good, but the Cumberland sausage sandwich in revivals is dare I say better (showers from the items being thrown and abuse being hurled) Quick freshen up then outside to collect the car, which arrived within 5 mins.
All in all another excellent flight as was the OB, both crews made the flight very enjoyable, and the emails have already gone off the VS customer service.[:)]
A perfect end to a great weekend.
