This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Arrived at Heathrow at 1255 after arriving into Kings Cross at 1153 and a taxi across to Paddington to pick up the Heathrow Express - went like clock work though on my own with two cases and hand baggage was a little struggle.
I was greeted straight away at the UC desk with a smile and a very friendly check in agent - my last couple of trips have not got off to the best start - so what a refreshing change. I was handed my purple boarding pass, cases checked in (though no UC tags applied!) and was on my way in the lift and through the private security channel.
Picking up currency on the way, I was in the lounge around 130pm and it was busy. I made my way across to the spa to book in for a shave and then I did find a seat but service was rather non-existent (was ignored for about 10mins), so moved to the serviced table area and was quickly refreshed with a glass of bubbles. I enjoyed the Clubhouse burger and the bread and butter pudding, washed down with a couple more glasses of champagne.
I went over to the spa and had an uplifting shave - really recommend this. A drink or two more and it was time to head down to the gate. The first boarding call came at 1625 for the 1715 departure and this was just right. It was a 10min stroll to the gate and boarding was well underway when I got there. I boarded by L1 for UC and was greeted by the FSM at the door who seemed like she was going to be friendly.
The cabin crew member came across and inroduced herself and offered the usual pre-take off champagne - she then returned around 5mins later and did it all again commenting in "I can't remember anything today" after realising half way through her welcome speech that she had just done it a few moments earlier!
Anyway, boarding was well organised and UC was about a third full. Pushed off the stand at 1711 and was airborne at 1729 with a flight time of 6hrs52mins promised. It was confirmed that 294 passengers with 15 crew were onboard Dancing Queen.
Once airborne - hot towels were offered by the FSM who was visible in UC all through the flight working hard. The CSS did come and visit the guy next to me and introduced herself and said she was delighed he was back board, so maybe he was that special level above gold as I didn't get that welcome and neither did the other three gold members in UC!
Drink orders were taken and a gin/tonic arrived quickly with a choice of nibbles - chorizo sausage with olives, crisps or pretzels - I asked for a selection and three little trays were left with my drink, all very good.
Top up of my G&T was a little slow so went to the bar where the FSM served me with a smile.
Dinner orders were taken next and moments later the tables were laid for dinner. I enjoyed the Soup which was lovely and the selection of warm bread which was offered twice during this course helped it go down well - how long have VA offered a choice of butter or balsamic dressing with the bread - this was my first flight with that choice?!
The main course of Pork was nice but rather bland but it was ok and it was a sizeable portion. This was followed by cheese which was delicious and a glass of port. Wine and water were regularly topped up by the FSM and CSS.
Coffee followed with chocolates.
Tables cleared away I settled down to watch Valentine's Day followed by Little Fockers - the latter I seemed to have drifted of during!!
Regular drink runs and the bar was quiet throughout the flight. No ice cream on this flight either, the CC said it was no longer served on flights leaving the UK after 4pm?!
The service from my CC member was professional and as it should be, no banter, no chatting just requests fulfilled and she did forget a few things for other people around me - the CSS was very quiet and didn't really inspire.
Around 1hr30mins from JFK, an afternoon tea service commenced of sandwiches which were fine and a warm scone with clotted cream and Strawberry jam - very nice indeed.
Tea/coffee were served with little cupcakes but not from the cake-stand as advertised in the menu and now I am starting to think the cake stands never returned as I have not seen them on my last few flights in UC.
Lovehearts and hot towels were offered before landing.
Cabin secure we arrived into JFK 45mins early which was great.
A solid flight with service as it should be, no bells or whistles but no complaints either, now my adventure continues down to Florida later today with JetBlue!!
HF
