This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
This was the first time this year we had used the regular UC check in. Previously we had checked in either upstairs via the lift or drive through, and I know where I prefer checking in. However, check in was quick, friendly and efficient. In no time at all we were safely in the Clubhouse and ready for breakfast.
It was busy but not heaving and we were quickly served with the full english. After a leisurley breakfast we wandered down to duty free to get a few odds and ends that Miss Avalon in particularly 'needed' and Mr Avalon's single malt selection.
After that it was back to the Clubhouse for coffee and chilling. The flight was slightly late in being called - cant quite remember now how long, but around an hour seems right.
Priority boarding was in place and we were soon settled into our seats. We had one of the friendliest crew ever and she went over and above the call of duty, always smiling and checking that there was nothing anyone needed. I quickly changed into my own pjs and our crew member seemed to be waiting with a hanger when I returned to my seat.
Drinks were served on boarding and then quite quickly again after take off with a choice of crisps or something else. The FSM came round with the basket of goodies and we took what we needed. She chatted with us and was also very visible and interactive. Lunch orders were taken, again as usual the menu did not appeal and I went for the soup and the appetizer salad which was enough. Mr A had the sausages which he declared very good. He eats well in most places so is not a good indicator of airline food.
Watched a film which was very silly, Four Christmases, but was funny.
I was a little tired after all the running of the last couple of days and turned my seat into the bed and settled down for a nap. I was obviously tired because I slept for at least two or three hours and was woken by severe turbulence which seemed to go on forever.
Eventually the seatbelts light was turned and there was a mad rush for the loos, yours truly heading there fit to burst
[:I]
The turbulence seemed to remain with us for quite some time, with the seat belt lights being illuminated for most of the remainder of the flight. However, afternoon tea was served and I was ready for my sandwiches which were very good.
Miss A was complaining that she could hear her father snoring two seats away and I felt sorry for the person on the other side of him. I sit on one side of him and Miss A sits next to me so some other poor passenger gets to listen to the racket and probably feel the vibration. At home he wears a special anti snoring watch which surprisingly enough does work. Apparently it gives him a little shock when he starts to get too noisy and it is enough to do the trick. Since he got it, I have slept much better and so has he as he doesn't get kicked or poked or shouted at to shut up. He has one in our Florida home and one here but does not take one on planes so everyone in his vicinity can enjoy his one man show.
Landing was smooth and all too soon we were in the scrum that is Miami Airport. We were very quickly through Homeland Security for once which was wonderful. I know other people coming in were held up for over an hour as we had been on our last trip coming into JFK.
Our driver was waiting for us and he couldnt wait to tell us that we had just missed a terrible storm and that the weather was not going to be too good! Let me tell you he was right. It was the coldest Christmas we have had in Florida for 16 years but in spite of the weather, it was a lovely holiday - made all the better by the wonderful cabin crew on the outbound journey. They were so good that I did a hero form, I felt it was truly deserved.
Our inbound flight was also excellent and I shall post a trip report later.
It is flights like this one that make the difference. OK the food was ok - no more in my opinion, but the crew, the seat and the general atmosphere on board make this a far more enjoyable journey than it can sometimes be.
Thank you for reading.
