VS003 LHR-JFK 24 JUL 10 (Upper Class)

[buns]

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

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Cabin Crew

I should of course start by offering an apology for the delay in getting round to the TR It has been a busy couple of weeks in the Buns' household recently - but never fear you can now be subjected to my meaningless ramblings.

This was to be a short break for Mrs Buns and I so we decided we would get the break off to an early start on a summer's morning and with the Tristar Car booked for 6am Sure enough, the driver was positioned outside our home 15 minutes before the scheduled pick up time. We left on time and the driver remembered us from when he had taken us to Heathrow for our trip to Bay 2 Breakers back in May So all in all, a very pleasant journey in a very nice Mercedes.

Even though we were travelling on Z's, I had taken the liberty of contacting FC the day before and they had kindly agreed that we could use the DTCI - our driver was already aware of this and so on arrival at T3, we were up to the Drive Thru Gate 45 minutes after leaving home, which I think caught the team there a little by surprise No matter, a very pleasurable experience - especially when the the team noticed my V-Flyer Luggage Tags (with the slogan "Do I look like I fly Economy" and commented "Nice Tags"

Formalities completed, we quickly moved on to the private security channel and notwithstanding that one has to virtually undress oneself, it was a breeze in comparison to a teaming security scrum for the rest of the Terminal as of course our journey did coincide with the start of the school holidays.

Even at that time of the morning T3 seemed ready to burst with the number of people in the Departures Lounge, so we quickly made our way to the Clubhouse.

Now I know many of you gain a sense of satisfaction to gain SEQ1 - however, to be greeted by "Welcome to the Clubhouse Mr & Mrs Buns, you are the first to arrive" is in my book, just slightly preferable

Capitalising on this achievement, we made a bee line for the Spa Reception and I booked a hair cut and for Mrs Buns, I treated her to one of the paid treatments - "Hot Stone Hand and Arm". Having booked both for 8am, we retired to the Brasserie for some brekkie - and some obligatory Champs of course The portions were small, but knowing we would have a full 3 hours at our disposal, we knew we would be back for more, sometime later.

Slowly the Clubhouse started to fill, so at 8 we partook of our treatments and my haircut was well executed (and in Mrs Buns' view, well overdue) and I was finished in 20 minutes - I had declined to have my hair washed so it was just a trim so to speak. Mrs Buns' treatment was a good 40 minutes Whilst waiting in the meantime, I had little to do, but keep myself amused with some more champs

Breakfast Round 2 then followed, with Mrs Buns opting for the bacon sarnie and very kindly the server obtained some smoked salmon and scrambled eggs for me - even though this is no longer on the menu. Indeed the Clubhouse Menu has now changed somewhat and no longer is the Burger available, instead there is now baked chicken lasagne, chicken tikka masala and holt salt beef sandwiches on offer.

I do have to say that even though the Clubhouse became very full towards the end of our visit - especially with a large number of families with children and young adults marvelling at the surroundings - service throughout was faultless.

Eventually, time passed and the call for our flight was made. Bidding farewell, we made our way to the Gate and Mrs Buns' maintained her celeb spotting record with seeing Dennis Stone (the older photographer from Airport).

By the time we had got to the Gate, boarding was already well underway and we breezed through and boarded the aircraft through the L1 Door to be greeted on board (not by name or recognition of status though) and directed to our seats.

At first, I jumped to the conclusion that this was not to be a good flight - how wrong could I be. There were 2 FSMs working the flight and the entire crew worked hard throughout the flight. The FSM initial announcement covered some very fascinating technical detail (no doubt for the many children on board) such as take off weight and sped and to me, this just make the whole flying experience all the more relaxed.

A fairly swift departure (well by Heathrow Standards anyway) and service commenced promptly. All the cabins seemed to be full to overflowing - well you know what I mean - and the crew were co-ordinated and efficient throughout.

I opted for the virgin mary soup - with the shot of vodka of course followed by the lamb and then the cheesecake. Mrs Buns opted for the salmon salad and ham hock and was equally impressed.

By this time the wines and champs were declined but a few JDs and cokes helped the rest I needed, having been up so early that morning.

I was awake by the time afternoon tea arrived and this was well presented and efficiently served - I did want to sample the cake stand, but was a little taken aback by the size of the cakes on offer. All too quickly the shut down of the cabin followed and a smooth landing at JFK was then enhanced with getting through Immigration and Customs out to our waiting limo in under 30 minutes

We arrived in New York to a heatwave, so such a quick passage was very welcome

All in all, a trip, which may not rate as one of the greatest, was nevertheless one that maintains my loyalty to the VS Brand

Thanks for the TR Buns. I can't believe they've done away with the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs and the CH burger . Bizzare .
Glad to hear the service in the CH was good despite being busy.
DL

The salt beef sandwich is good though dear Lady D.

Thanks Buns for the impressive TR. Another good one to notch up .

[Neil]

Thanks for the TR Buns, a very good read.

Glad you both had an excellent VS experience and hope you had a great trip.

Neil

[honey lamb]

As always, a lovely detailed TR. Many thanks, buns.

Now hurry up with the return one please

Excellent TR and good on you sneaking in an extra champers (having a hair cut soooo takes it out of you and somehow only a champers can restore that state!)

If Mrs B didn't know about it then she does now!

Sounds like a good 'un. Our experience of the CH recently was much the same - it got very busy (at the point we left breakfast there was nary a seat to be had anywhere in the CH) yet the service remained excellent.

Thanks Buns, another great TR And the return.........

Thanks for the TR and it does sound as if you had a terrific flight .

[Darren Wheeler]

I do recall someone else reporting that the CH Burger had disappeared from the menu, but when they asked about it, one was produced for them.

Nice to see you maintaining the tradition of V-flyers being to the CH for opening. I suppose a full CH shouldn't be knocked as it's a sign the Upper loads are increasing and more AU cards being issued.

Great TR and what a good flight all round, btw what was wrong that you were taken aback by the cake stand cakes?

cheers

alex

[buns]

btw what was wrong that you were taken aback by the cake stand cakes?

cheers

alex

The cakestand was nice but the cakes were so weeney I am still a growing lad don't you know - in all the wrong places mind

buns

Great TR and what a good flight all round, btw what was wrong that you were taken aback by the cake stand cakes?

cheers

alex

It was the size of the cakes and nothing to do with the stand (unless Buns suffers from cake-stand-phobia)

I think they are small cakes and Buns was expecting big ones though why size would stop you eating cake I don't know ! I mean cake is cake !

[honey lamb]

The cakes are minute. One bite and they're gone!

[Darren Wheeler]

I have that problem with most cakes

You're either fast or you're hungry..

Thank you for the great TR.