This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
An opportunity to grab a couple of Upper Class Reward seats out to Orlando could not be missed, so Mrs Buns and I made ourselves ready for another visit to our favourite hotel, the Sirata, on St. Pete Beach[8D] As we had used miles, we thought we would go the whole hog and get some CDC transfers at either end. We might only live some 20 minutes from Gatwick, but the 120 miles or so at the other end would certainly make up for that[}:)][}:)] At the appointed hour, unusually, the Tristar Car had not arrived, so a call to Flying Club established that for some reason Tristar had been told I lived in the next road[:(!] (note to self - make sure that Flying Club have got right address) I also elicited that the driver had been given my mobile number as the contact point, which would be fine if the phone actually worked inside the house[n] (second note to self, make sure FC have the right contact numbers[:I])
Anyway, having given ourselves plenty of time, the muddle was quickly resolved and we were on our way with a passing comment from the driver that there was a delay on our flight.
The old drive-through check in at Gatwick has long closed so I was keen to see how it was now achieved. The car takes you up to the first floor business parking area and you are met by VS staff who check you in and hand you your boarding passes and take care of the rest. It may not have the 'Wow' factor of Heathrow but is just as pleasant. What was not pleasant was to be told the flight would be delayed by three hours[:0] 'We tried to ring you but you did not answer your mobile' (Third note to self - Make Sure VS have the correct contact details[:(!][:(!]) Never mind we thought, we were meeting someone in the V Room and we could also try both places with what would be close on 6 hours to kill.
Passage through the Terminal was pretty seamless, but the Fasttrack line was nothing more than a mere deception and we followed through a number of couples who had not removed coats, laptops, metals items etc.[:(!] Airside were the ubiquitous spirits stalls and well, I couldn't refuse a Jack Daniels could I[:w]
We were met at the V Room by the regular Concierge of the Gatwick Clubhouse, who welcomed us with her usual warm greeting and an additional 'Do you know your flight is delayed??'. She added that as we had upgraded with miles, FC had overlooked trying to contact me[n] Nevertheless we had already resigned ourselves to making the most of our situation and accepted the offer to be shown the facilities and be taken to our acquaintance from V-Flyer who was already ensconced there waiting for the earlier flight. It was like a mini V-Flyer reunion meeting up with Francesca and time just flew by before her flight was called.
Here I must make a special mention of the V-Room. Having an enforced extended stay allowed me to make some observations. Firstly, the staff there are exceptional; every member of staff I encountered was committed to their work - engaging in conversation, eye contact and truly pleased to be doing what they were doing. Such levels of dedication are not normally found in Gatwick and I would dare to venture such service levels would put some Clubhouses to shame.
Secondly, whilst the menu is limited, portions were generous and the self serve suits the atmosphere. The bartender was very engaging and made sure we were topped up throughout[:w] Finally the place was very full with large group making their way off to Cuba (one of who recognised me from my workplace[:0]) and yet there was no real difficulty in getting anything we needed.
Anyway back to the TR - I discovered that the reason for the delay was the inbound flight had gone technical and VS were frantically sourcing a replacement - as by magic Tinkerbelle came to the rescue (the plane, not our esteemed V-Flyer member) and for some this would be a silver lining as the plane was of LHR stock with more than the 14 UC seats. Eventually, the flight was called and we said our farewells to the staff in the V Room who had stayed on and provided soup and sandwiches[y][y] and made our way to Gate 17 to find boarding already underway. At the aircraft door I was directed to my original seat allocation of 8A, now upstairs in the bubble of course and found the entire UC cabin full. The flight crew were doing their best to meet the demands of the situation and unlike Clayts recent experience, most of the passengers were making the most of their new surroundings[}:)]
There was a quick push back and airborne within minutes and soon the Crew got to work. The FSM did not come round with the usual basket but I put this down to the late change of aircraft. Drinks were offered and I opted for the Jack Daniels and Mrs Buns the Bombay Sapphire - orders for meals were taken and Mrs Buns opted for the Beef Olive which got the seal of approval and I took the veggie option which was equally enjoyed[:D] After Lunch (which of course by now was early evening in the UK) I popped down to the Bar and had a quick chat with the FSM. I remarked how well the staff were doing in the upstairs UC Cabin and he informed me that there were acting up for the first time due to the change of configuration and this I thought warranted a Heroes Form which I duly completed.
The excellent service continued and I watched the excellent film 'UP' which has a very tender opening which is every bit as good as Disney films of old. I then took the opportunity to get some sleep to make up for the delay[:w][:w][:w]
Arrival at MCO was on time - well as expected, three hours behind schedule and nine hours after leaving Gatwick[n] and we were one of the first to disembark and were through customs and Immigration in a flash as our bags came out first[y][y] and we were on the transit to the main terminal in 15 minutes - so quick in fact that we beat the Myers Driver to the meeting point.
I was never so glad for a CDC - the opportunity to have an hour and half of driving undertaken by someone else so I could sleep was never more welcomed[oo] I just felt sorry for those who had to pick up a car at 2 am UK time[V]
All in all, a VS experience that is up there with some of the best - the V Room that rivalled many a Clubhouse, engaging crew who had all the hallmarks of why flying with VS can be good, and a plane upgrade to boot. The only downside was the failings of Flying Club, but I won't make that mistake again will I[}:)]
buns
