This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
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We have had a fantastic time in the land of the mouse but the 3 1/2 weeks seemed to go so quick that I darned near forgot to book our return transport to the airport.
Checked in just before midnight on 16th as I was out with some friends at local bars so didn't manage to get a low sequence #. We were on the late flight out (20:25) so ee got picked up by our driver at 17:30 and after a quick trip we were at Upper Class check in for around 17:55. We were a bit confused this time as the UC check in desks seem to have been moved to the opposite side of the floor, it is now in a quiet niche just opposite the main check in desks. All went smoothly but I was slightly worried when the check in man just told us to leave our bags next to him and he would do the rest as I normally like to see them go off on their merry way down the luggae belt.
We were given our invites to the Delta lounge and asked if we needed directions. We said we didn;t need any and thanked our check in guy and went on our way to security. The line was non-existant which was such a blessing. We went in the family lane and a very friendly official checked our documents and then let us through to the screening lane. We were informed that kids under 11 now no longer need to remove their shoes which again was a great help as getting shoes on and off our toddle can be a right pain in the butt. Again, within minutes we had all our items in the plastic trays and the five of us were through the scanners and getting things together awaiting getting on the monorail.
The kids have been rather fussy with their eating on this trip and have decided they don't like a lot of things they used to scoff down and thus did not want a meal on the flight so we decided to ditch going to the Delta lounge and just ended up in BK instead to get them fed. We spent about 30 mins there and then a quick browse round before walking down to gate 87. It was jam packed but within a few minutes of us getting there we got on the plane via priority boarding. We made our way to the nose of the plane and quickly took to our seats. The while of UC was full and it was a mix of single business travellers and couples. This is where the fun began....
Within about an hour of taking off the guy in the seat next to my wife seemed to be getting a bit aggitated and quickly we realised he must have had quite a few drikies before getting on the plane. He was ordering quite a few drinks and was starting to get a bit loud towards the CC. By the time it got to desert he was plastered and he was telling the CC in a very loud and aggressive manner that the food was a disgrace and telling them that they should eat it. He then proceeded to knock his drinks off his table and continue giving abuse to the CC. At this point the CC decided that this person would not be allowed any more alcohol on the flight which set him off even worse, he was demanding names of all CC etc so he could complain in writing. Everyone was keeping their heads down as I dont think anyone wanted to be dragged in to it. Unfortunately for us he decided to take a bit of a dislike to us and when I was trying to get our toddler to sleep she decided to have a bit of a scream. This was fine for all other passengers as no-one had decided to try to get to sleep as of yet. It lasted a couple of minutes and I was trying to get her to calm down and you could tell she was fightling sleeping. It was at this point our lovely co-passenger started up again. He called the CC over and began telling them he had paid £4000 for the flight and he didn't appreciate the fact he was having to put up with the "Psychotic" children, bearing in mind of my two others, one was already asleep and had been since 15 mins in to the flight and the other was very quietly watching films. The CC explained that if he had paid £4000 then just imagine what we had paid as there was 5 of us so we had just as much rights if not more to be there. I lost my rag at this point and quite firmly told the guy that he best keep his drunken oppinions to himself if he knew what was good for him at which he piped down and only grumbled quietly for a while. I could not have gotten any more aggressive as we are in the middle of arranging our visas to emigrate and I didn't fancy getting arrested on the plane. The baby went to sleep a minute or two later and silence.....
The guy started asking for drinks again and was told no on a couple of occasions. The CC lady came over to my wife and took her aside (she thought we were about to get told off) but to her suprise they were apologising and she let my wife know that the guy would be being met by Greater Manchester Police as they have to show a zero tollerance to abuse on flights. She was also told about another passenger on the flight that nearly had one of the CC by the throat which nearly caused the pilot to land in a different country to get the guys arrested. And finally she said that if I had decided to knock the guy out then they would not have seen a thing
Pretty soon after the guy fell asleep. In the morning when all woke up one of the ladies who was travelling alone in the seat next to my daughter cam over and told us that we should be very proud of our children as they were outstandingly well behaved, polite children which really touched us and was a great contrast to the imbacile next to my wife. He had sobered up a bit and was all polite, yes please, no thank you to the CC.
We landed about 25 mins ahead of schedule and an announcement came over the intercom that we all needed to keep our seatbelts on at the request of GM Police who would be boarding the plane. The officers came on and went to get the guy who had nearly had the CC by the throat and the guy sitting next to my wife was noseying down wonderring what was going on. Then the officers came for him and as he was taken off the plane all the other UC passengers near clapped and were all agreeing what a silly person he had been and how our toddler did not cause any discomfor to them etc.
I must say that the CC were an absolute credit to VA as usual. They were very attentive even whilst putting up with the abuse. Having such great CC looking after you makes it a pleasure to fly and I would like to offer my grattitude to them all.
Until next time....
[Quick Edit]
The reason I marked down the seat was that my daughters seat was broken, the table was jammed and the bed would not convert unless done manually which the excellent FSM did for us and told us she would kick the techs bumas it is her husband.
) were suitably attended to on arrival at Manchester.
