This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
From lovely Honeylamb, knew the flight was going to be quiet. Arrived at the check in area to be asked if I was travelling Economy or Premium Economy - when I said Upper Class no words were spoken but I was pointed in the direction of the Upper Class line. On reaching the front, a couple ahead of me at the desk were upgrading from economy to PE so this took a few moments to process, the check in agent looked towards me and apologised and advised me it would not be much longer!
After waiting no more than 5mins I reached the desk where the agent reaffirmed her apologies and thanked me for waiting. She was very friendly and polite and made me feel very valued indeed. A friendly cherrio and I was on my way to say cherrio to my folks over a coffee at Bollin River downstairs in arrivals.
With the goodbyes taken care of I was through the fastlane in no time and picking up my travel money from Thomas Cook - the terminal was very quiet with only another 4 flights after my own this was a very quiet Saturday at T2.
I arrived in the Escape lounge at 1130am and it was busy with the Qatar, PIA and Virgin flights - but managed to find a spare table before using the PC. The escape lounge is good, a small selection of snacks and new additions with salads and soup. The staff were generally friendly. The flight was called at 1220 so little time to really use the facilties.
Priority boarding was in use through Gate 202 and was welcomed warmly onto the aircraft. The crew were quick to take my jacket, offer a glass of champagne and had a few words with everyone. Now I knew only 8 people were booked into Upper Class, so was surprised to find 13 seats taken - it turned out a family of 5 which included an off-duty crew member were upgraded at the gate.
A second glass of champagne was offered before push back at 1320 and take off at 1341. A total of 269 passengers on board meant economy must be quiet and it was as people were told to stay in their allocated seats for take off and landing but could move about at other times. The second PE cabin downstairs was empty as was the small economy section behind that - that helped leaving the aircraft in Orlando.
Upper Class was served by three members of cabin crew so throghout the service was attentive. The FSM made a couple of appearances though did not help with any elemet of the service, not that he was needed! I was asked by him to complete a survey, though I was the only one awake at the time so not sure it was really seat specific as he said!!!
A gin and tonic was served as ordered on the ground with lime after take off and the usual small plate of crisps - no refills were offered which was strange on a 8hr45mins flight and within 50mins of take off the tables were laid for the meal service.
Lunch of soup, beef wellington and warm sticky toffee pudding were washed down by regular refills of wine and water - so who needed another gin and tonic! - coffee and liquers were offered after lunch too, the coffee now comes served with a ltitle box of chocolates- a nice touch.
The crew regularly checked on everyone and drinks were served on request, a few people did gather at the bar and the champagne seemed to be flowing. About 4hrs into the flight, ice cream was served and more drinks. The in flight entertainment being nova was not the best though the larger screen in Upper Class helps.
Feeling peckish I asked about 5hrs in for some crisps and these were duly served in a bowl, lovely kettle crisps too and I was offered the cheese plate too but passed on this. The bar too also had the fruit bowl and two bowls of chocolate and pretzels - so no real need to feel peckish!
Afternoon tea of sandwiches, scones and jam and carrot cake were served from a trolley in the cabin which worked well and more scones and cake were offered too with regular refills of tea/coffee.
Landed at 1717 at Orlando and at the gate at 1724 just behind the VS015 from Gatwick which caused a delay getting through immigration.
The crew were friendly and attentive and were very jolly - great service actually. Well done.
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