VS045 LHR-JFK 31 MAR 11 (Upper Class)

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

As a relatively seasoned traveller on Virgin Atlantic over the last 15 years I had started to see that some of the Virgin flair had been missing over the last few years across all cabins. The flights got you there but with ad hoc service and sloppy crews etc. However after my flight yesterday my faith has been restored with a perfect flight to JFK.
I arrived at LHR in plenty of time to enjoy the clubhouse. The check in was quick, efficient, polite and pleasant. Moved on to the private security which again was a pleasure. The clubhouse was quiet and the service was top notch. Had the english breakfast and enjoyed every last bit of it. Had some work to do in the office space and then relaxed in front of the huge screens.
Moved down to the gate where priority lines where in place without any issues. A very short wait before being called on board the lovely Tubular Belle.
Welcomed on board by name, and then met at my seat by another member of crew that did not see my boarding card that knew my name too ! A glass of Champers and we were on our way.
The FSM & Upper Class Supervisor where very visible delivering service and chatting to passengers. A nice glass of the Pinot after takeoff was lovely and topped up by several different crew that all knew my name and wine choice.
The meal was served quickly and was delicious. I had the potato soup, Pork and the sponge pudding.
As my wine glass had been topped up several times I was ready for a nap, so slept for a few hours before waking up to find that a duvet had been placed over me by the crew as I had not converted the seat to bed.
I watched a few films and was treated to ice cream and regular juice runs all delivered with smiles, jokes, conversation and just a brilliant service.
The afternoon tea service again was a delight and before I knew it we were in final preparation for landing. Crew did a final round with love heart sweets and then we had a smooth landing.
The two hour wait in line for immigration was not so great but never mind !
I was very very impressed with the service yesterday. Yes the plane did look look a little bit worn, but the crew and the service they delivered made the flight a dream. I hope that every flight I take in the future will be like this as this, I believe is what gives VS the edge over the other airlines. I will of course be informing VS of the excellent crew on the flight too.

[Neil]

Welcome to V-Flyer and thanks for the TR

Glad you had a good flight and lets hope the upturn in service you received continues.

Thanks,
Neil

Thanks for the TR and yes give positive feedback to VS. Sweethearts eh? So inexpensive but such a nice touch. Service industries often forget that small touches like this can make such a difference to the customer experience.

Hey Tigger, thanks for a great trip report. I'll be taking the VS045 UC next month and I'm hoping that my trip will be a good as yours. It's always good to hear when the level of service up to scratch and that it's restored your faith in the VS product :-)

Thanks for the report. Shame about immigration -now a private UC immigration channel - that would be nice

[honey lamb]

Thanks for the report. Shame about immigration -now a private UC immigration channel - that would be nice

Or like we have in Ireland, pre-clearance of immigration and customs before you leave

Hi Tigger & welcome.

Great TR

As you say, even if the plane is looking a little tired, then fab crew made up for it.

Bummer about a 2 hour wait for immigration.

R-P

As my wine glass had been topped up several times I was ready for a nap, so slept for a few hours before waking up to find that a duvet had been placed over me by the crew as I had not converted the seat to bed.

I know at least two other V-Flyers who have experienced the post vino "tuck in" service....

Thanks for the TR - sounds like a great flight.

Glad that you had a great flight to New York. Unfortunately the only downside to the VS45 is that it arrives in JFK at the same time as everyone else so the immigration queues can be huge.

[honey lamb]

As my wine glass had been topped up several times I was ready for a nap, so slept for a few hours before waking up to find that a duvet had been placed over me by the crew as I had not converted the seat to bed.

I know at least two other V-Flyers who have experienced the post vino "tuck in" service....

Thanks for the TR - sounds like a great flight.

Only two?

Thank you for the great first TR.

Thank you for all your replies.
Yes a private immigration line would be amazing, but only a dream i imagine !
I think that there was another passenger that had post wine tuck in too !
Its my return flight tomorrow, hoping for an excellent flight !

Thanks for the great TR. I completed this flight the day before and can agree with you on the immigration queues!!

Luke

Can anyone give me a ball park idea of how long the immigration queue usually is off the VS45?

We're on this flight on Saturday, and have 3hours 50mins connection time to a flight to Boston.

Can anyone give me a ball park idea of how long the immigration queue usually is off the VS45?

We're on this flight on Saturday, and have 3hours 50mins connection time to a flight to Boston.

Usually 45 mins to an hour suffices, two hours is exceptional. However, even if it is exceptional, you'll make your connection easily.

Can anyone give me a ball park idea of how long the immigration queue usually is off the VS45?

We're on this flight on Saturday, and have 3hours 50mins connection time to a flight to Boston.

Just let the VS crew know you have a connection. I was handed a priority pass which allowed me to pass through immigration with no wait, using the crew lane.

Tip - I wasn't asked to prove I had a connecting flight, just said - I have an AA flight connection to LAS within 3 hours and got the pass!

There is a "Quick Connect" line now at JFK (it is not the crew lane). You will have to contact the ground staff outside the aircraft door for details about access to the line and your connecting flight must be within the next three hours.

Thanks folks, I'll tell the crew about our connection. We're in PE on an A340 so hopefully will be off the aircraft and walking at a brisk pace to get through!

Thanks folks, I'll tell the crew about our connection.

Don't tell the crew, tell the ground staff outside the aircraft door - they are the ones that have the vouchers for the Quick Connect queue.

Thanks folks, I'll tell the crew about our connection.

Don't tell the crew, tell the ground staff outside the aircraft door - they are the ones that have the vouchers for the Quick Connect queue.

Ah - it was the actual CC who gave me ours for this flight, perhaps because of the problems we had had.