This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Just as I was entering the Clubhouse they were calling both the Washington and Miami flights which left it with fewer than 30 people. First stop was the Cowshed to book a treatment, only 2 appointment left for a back and shoulder massage this afternoon (2.15 or 3.00) and no haircuts which left me wondering who had booked them given the number of people actually in there[?]. I decided on the 2.15 and went and sat in the seats that overlook the hair salon (Table 49) and waited for a server to come over and offer me a drink. 25 minutes later[V] one appeared (only to clear the tables) and must have seen me sitting there looking bored and ask if I would like a drink. To her credit she did return with my drink in under a minute and asked me if I wanted anything to eat which I declined.
Lunch was a small snack from the Deli which was rather nice, I then returned to my original seat where I was offered a drink within 5 minutes. Next the shoe shine man come around and relieved me of my shoes (never seen him walking around looking for business before), I then decided to have a wonder around and take a few photos as the Clubhouse was still fairly empty.
The Cowshed treatment was to the usual high standard, had a quick chat to the girl on reception who told me that the new appointment system was working well and a majority of guests were getting treatments. When I asked about whether or not they were going down the LGW route by charging for some treatments she just smiled and said nothing had yet been decided[:?]
The flight was called at 3.15 and after some advice on here I waited for the final boarding call and then took a slow walk to gate 20. The entrance was split into two lines one for Economy and the other for PE, UC and GC holders. Once the boarding cards had been collected the two lines merged into one with a single senior security guy randomly picking people for secondary screening. Obviously he liked the look of me and ushered me straight through where two air bridges were in place for a speedy entrance.[y]
I was welcomed onboard at the door by the FSM but not by name, however, I thought it was a nice touch he was greeting everyone as they boarded. Got to my seat (17K) and was meet by a charming crew member who introduced herself, offered me a drink and asked if there was anything I required.
Just as things were looking good the captain came on and announced that we were going to be delayed by a few minute as there was a problem with the auxiliary power unit. 30 minutes later he then announced that the part required was not available and they were going to take it off of another aircraft that was in the hanger for maintenance. The IFE was then switched on and a couple of the rear doors were opened to allow fresh air onboard as without the power unit there was no air conditioning. 10 minutes later the whole aircraft was plunged into darkness[:0] later we found out the reason for this was that the ground power supply has also packed up. About 10 minutes passed and the power returned which was greeted by a cheer from some passengers but unfortunately it was only short lived and we yet again found ourselves sitting in the dark. Finally after 2 hours the Captain announced that the problem had been fixed and that we would shortly be departing.
From push back to take off we never stopped, it was one of the quickest journeys from stand to 9R I had ever experienced and before long we were heading out towards Manchester, Belfast and onto Iceland.
Because of the delay all drinks and dinner orders had been taken on the ground, once airborne the crew sprung into action and dinner was served on the hour mark. I opted for the Leak and potato soup followed by the sausage and mash which were both very good. Passed on both the desert and cheese and biscuits instead opting for a short snooze instead.
After waking up I went for a quick stroll around the aircraft. Spoke to one of the Senior Cabin Crew members at the bar who was saying that the flight was totally full and that there were 2 staff members travelling in jump seats.
The afternoon tea service was next, prawn cocktail sandwiches, scones with cream and jam and a glass of that rather nasty Virgin Cola ( I totally forgot to steal a couple of bottles of real coke from the Clubhouse).
Next came the announcement that the 1 hour rule was still in place, so away with any personal belongings, pillows, blankets,etc and the switch off of the IFE[n]. The aircraft finally landed just after 9pm,luckily I was one of the first off and took a quick walk to immigration which was almost empty. Priory Baggage also worked well. Neither the immigration officer or the customs guy asked me any questions and so I was on the Alamo shuttle bus in under 20 minutes of departing the aircraft [:)]
Overall despite arriving over 1.5 hours late it was a great flight with top mark to both the crew and the food.
-Steve
