This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Journey started from home on Fri 28th Aug originally we had planned to drive down late afternoon but when we booked hadnt realised that this was a bank holiday weekend so elected to leave a little earlier than planned in an effort to avoid some of the traffic.
We tried online check in several times before we left home but for some reason it would not allow us to do so despite having done so without problem on every previous flight, instead telling us to see the VS ticket desk at the airport. We were concerned that perhaps the flight was cancelled or there was an aircraft change but there appeared to be no evidence anywhere of this being the case. [?]
We had mixed feelings about this journey before it started as it was our first ever LHR VS flight (in UC or otherwise) and we were looking forward to the LHR experience and the CH as we knew this would be better then LGW but we felt we had been spoiled by the LGW experience in the smaller UC cabin. We knew outbound was a 747 (and so we booked in the nose so would hopefully feel more like the LGW smaller cabin) but it was an Airbus on the inbound which we were particularly not looking forward to.
We were staying at the Sofitel (another first for us although we normally stay at the LGW Sofitel) and off to a great start there. We drove up to the front and were allowed to leave our car there whilst we checked in etc as we then planned to driver over to T3 as we had valet parking booked at T3. We always get good service at the Sofitel (we are A| Club platinum) but we welt positively fawned over here to the point of almost being embarrassed. We had the Manager come over, suite upgrade, free drinks, gifts in our room and were personally escorted to our room by the Manager. [^]
We then drove over to T3 where we dropped the car with the official valet and then strolled into the VS check in area where we went to the ticket desk and asked if they could check that all was ok with our booking as we had been unable to check in online. She confirmed that everything was o.k. with the flight and there were no changes of any sort, our seats were secure and our details all seemed ok so she assumed it must be an IT glitch.
We then had a stroll around the terminal, picked up our currency from the Travelex booth and took the shuttle back to T5 which was very quick and easy. We also took the time to have a stroll around T5 [ii](Mr S is a bit of an anorak when it comes to anything to do with transport and logistics etc so he wanted to check out T5).
Back to the Sofitel and we went to Brasserie Roux for what was a very nice dinner before an early night in the very comfortable Sofitel bed.[|)]
As usual, we woke very early. Used express check out and caught the shuttle to T3 which again was very easy and efficient and we were at T3 by about 6.30am. Straight to UC check in and couple in front of us were just leaving so we were seen immediately and checked in by a very friendly agent. Our seats were 18 and 19A (our preferred seats in the LGW 747 cabin). The agent asked if we had flow from LHR before and proceeded to explain about the security channel and CH etc. She also asked if we wanted to check our bags through CUN we had no idea that we could do this and, as we had always been worried about the time it may take to make our connections on this trip we were very pleased to hear this was possible as we would not therefore have to collect our bags in MIA and re-check them. [^]Boarding cards were quickly issued (and a small point as we are only silver at the moment should make gold in either Feb or May but she did actually make reference to our being silver FC members) and we were off to the lift and through the private channel. Had a peak at the drive through check in area too en-route (didnt get an invite this time). Nobody else was in the channel so we were through and out into the main terminal exceptionally quickly. It was really quite surreal going into the security channel as there must have been about 8 staff in there and just us but you could see the main security lines over to the right which were heaving ok, have to admit to feeling a little smug at this! [^] [^] [^]
Mr S had realised he had left some important medication at home and, as we had a few minutes until the CH opened, we popped into Boots and asked the pharmacist if she could find something similar that we were able to purchase. She was an absolute star and found the nearest thing available without prescription and had it sent over from landside for us to collect later. [y]
So off to the CH found without any problems whatsoever. Warmly welcomed at reception, escorted inside and given a very brief explanation as to what was where etc. Only had a few minutes before my pedicure so just enough time to get a glass of champagne but was not allowed to take this into Cowshed (you are at LGW CH). Pedicure was fine (although polish all peeled straight off in one piece a couple of days into the hols) and the therapist was very difficult to engage in conversation. She did however explain how light loads were on all flights that day which surprised me with it being a bank holiday weekend. The CH was pretty quiet but I had assumed that was due to the early hour.
Pedicure finished, flip flops on and champagne in hand (what a sight!) I met back up with Mr S who had been trying to find somewhere to enable us to check in for our Mexicana flight and print the boarding cards. We sat down and had breakfast he a bacon buttie and me a full English without the eggs and more champagne of course. Both were very nice and service was speedy and efficient but the CH was not that busy.
We asked the concierge if she could check ion for us for our Mexicana flights and print the boarding passes for us. After a little whiles she same to find us and said that she was unable to check in online as the system would not let her. She also pointed out (which we were not told at check in) that we must ensure that when checking in with Mexicana at Miami, we let them have our luggage receipts otherwise we would be cheeked in without bags many thanks to her for letting us know this). We never did find out why we were unable to check in on line for either of these flights but must have been some sort of glitch with our tickets as we were able to check in online for both coming back). [:?]
I then sat down to read the newspapers whilst he went to register for Iris and pick up his medication. I registered for Iris when it was first being trialled ages ago as back then (when I had a proper career and before I joined Mr S running the business we had set up a few years earlier) I used to fly a lot in Europe and sometimes USA on business. However, since leaving that job a little over 2 years ago I have never been able to use Iris as Mr S has not been registered (and I have opted to accompany him) or the Iris machines at LGW have been out of order/not open on return (which often seems to be the case). He has been trying to register for ages but every time we have flown it has either been early before their offices were open or the offices should have been open but were not so this was his first chance to register. As youve probably guessed by now (and yes I have now seen the recently resurrected post on this) more on this to follow in our return TR.
It only took him about 30 minutes and he was back and we sat at the back of the CH adjacent to the business centre and caught up on some last minute business. Before long we were called for boarding.
Yes, yes, yes [^][^][^] priority boarding we had heard of this, we had read of this existing but believe it or not, had never, ever seen it in operation on any of our LGW flights yes, theres usually a board (which always seems to be at the very front of the queue no good when youre 40ft down the corridor) telling you to go to the front but no separate lines and most of us Brits struggle with pushing in even if we are supposed to). This time a separate line and a separate door to board so through and on board in seconds.
Welcomed on board by a member of the CC and we made our way to our seats. There did indeed seem to be very few people on board and lots of crew but guessed we were probably early on board. Another couple made their way into the two seats next to us but that was it. There were 4 of us in the front cabin, 1 in the rear downstairs UC cabin and apparently 5 more upstairs (although we did not see them). We decided we liked flying from LHR! The seats seemed fine no different to those in LGW a few marks and scuffs etc but they were clean and working ok. Afraid I did not clock which aircraft it was when boarding although I did notice which it was as I we were taking off from Miami on our connecting flight but I then promptly forgot again but will make a note of this in future).
Drinks service commenced immediately, followed by another. The CC introduced herself to us and said that she knew we had flown with VS alot so wouldnt explain anything ref seats etc to us but to ask if we wanted anything. Before long we were taking off on time, seatbelt signs off and we were being served more drinks and asked about dinner. We opted to eat asap so we could try to get some sleep. Snagged a sleep suit for myself no problem. FSM came round with extras basket.
Mr S came and sat with me for dinner. We both had the smoked salmon and spelt salad then he had the steak and mushroom pie and I had the risotto. He had cheesecake and I had the roulade for dessert, washed down with champagne for me and the South African red for him. We followed this with a cheese plate and port. I would like to say that the meal was wonderful because it was however, after probably drinking 2 bottles of champagne that morning (lightweight I know as didnt dare try a mojito too), followed by the port I am not sure that I even remember the dessert, never mind the cheese [:I]but I do know that I enjoyed it and in no time at all I had my bed made up and was out for the count until about 1.5 hours before landing. [|)]
After waking we both went and sat at the empty bar and before long were joined by the other couple in the suites next to us. We ended up all having a great chat with all the crew who prepared an afternoon tea for us all at the bar of a selection of sandwiches and scones etc which were very nice but I was really still full after my dinner.
As you have probably guessed, I didnt even get to switch on the V-port system but Mr S enjoyed the entertainment - its been a while since weve been on a VS flight with this sort of system (frustrating as we have had many premium charter flights with this sort of on-demand system as standard).
Whilst talking with the crew and the other couple at the bar, we got talking about v-flyer. The FSM was very interested to hear about this as she had not heard of the site before and appeared to be really genuinely interested in hearing about customer experiences etc. One of the CC (hi MH if youre reading this I promised not to blow his cover!!) knew all about the site and also posts on here and we ended up discussing, amongst many other things, the personal touches such as referring to customers by name etc particularly for Au. The FSM explained that over more recent years the personal touches for Au have become more difficult because of the vast number of Au card holders there are now they were unaware of the VS marketing ploys which gave away Au status for e.g. having a particular credit card or accelerated Au status e.g. HH only requiring 30TPs etc.
Anyway, this was, without doubt, the best flight we have taken so far with VS the crew were great, professional and yet friendly, efficient and very interested in hearing about their customers experiences of course, this was an exceptionally light load but thank you to all the crew who made this flight so enjoyable for us emails have duly been sent to VS Customer Services.
Seat was made up for me during afternoon tea and we were soon landing and at the gate. Said thank-yous and goodbyes to crew and we were first off and into the joys that awaited at Miami..
We were dreading this and, having had such a wonderful flight and morning in CH and everything having thus far gone so perfectly we just knew it was going to go awry somewhere.
A long walk to immigration and we were directed to an upstairs immigration area which was completely empty we were through within 2 minutes couldnt believe it. Even the officer had a sense of humour and a laugh with us about having 5 children. Straight past baggage reclaim, through customs and into arrivals and then back into departures for our check-in for our Mexicana flight we found our way around quite easily although of course the airport was not that busy.
In summary a great first LHR UC experience and I would like to think that it would have been just as good in terms of service etc if the flight were full. Whether we would do this route again (we fly to CUN 2-3 times/year) as opposed to premium charter direct would depend on how the connections and returns flights went but, at this stage we were very optimistic. [oo][oo]
(Next TR posted in other airlines).
