This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Although I had managed to secure a miles upgrade for the journey out to New York, no matter how often I checked, there was no Rewards seats becoming available, so I thought I would hedge my position (ere, I am sounding like one of those City types
) and take the offer of exit row seats at £50 a pop, which was to prove a good move.Anyway, after a lovely day in New York, Mrs Buns and I were up at 5, left the Hotel at 5:30 and were in the Terminal by 5:45. A hive of activity in the VS Check In area, we were quickly seen by a very efficient agent, who politely asked if we would be willing to go on the flight later that evening and would receive either free flights or 40,000 miles - it is the first time I have ever actually received that offer and told me that those exit seats had been a good move after all. Allocated 31A & C,which confirmed what I had suspected on Expertflyer, and given directions to the Clubhouse.
We were in the Clubhouse, before 6am (but were not the first
) and the staff there could not do enough for all the passengers, running here, there and everywhere to deliver teas, coffees, juices and collecting the dirty crockery as well as asking if you wanted top ups 
The place quickly filled up and we were grateful we had got a good spot early enough and were able to use our Virgin Mifi as again the convoluted log in for the Clubhouse WiFi is not user friendly. By the time we left, the place was virtually standing room only and being in Economy, we thought we best start to make tracks to the Gate.This proved to be a good move as whilst there were two lanes open, one had been monopolised by a family that had enough carry on luggage to fill a container and the other which were giving two passengers some additional scrutiny. Anyway, we got to the Gate just before boarding started and following the pre-boarding, we were, thanks to our Au Status, able to go down the jetway after being thanked by name when the boarding card was checked
On board, we made our way to 31A &C and somewhat surprised the FA, but I was anxious to get settled as soon as possible given that above the seats the bins are taken up by the safety equipment. We had a good chat with the FA whilst boarding continued as an ecclectic mix of passengers took their seats and posed a barage of questions - there was a slight delay, but this would be more than made up on our return flight and sure enough with over 300 passengers on board, we pushed back and after a very quick taxi, we were airborne.
After the Crew were given the OK to do thier duties, there was plenty of leg room and an ideal position to people watch as your vision is not obscured by a seat in front. It was obvious that there quite a few passengers who would be connecting to flights to India later on Sunday evening and I just thought how one can travel on two flights, one after another. Shortly after take off we were offered hot rolls - either cheese & ham or cheese & egg and a hot drink.
After this service had been cleared away, the CSS appeared from behind the curtain with a tray of a dozen or so champagne glasses and said "Mr and Mrs Buns, I do like to look after my Gold customers, would you like a glass of champagne?" Well, even being a seasoned traveller - like me - I was taken aback and thanked her profusely
It was clear that we were not alone and a number of faces from the Clubhouse were with us in Economy and I mussed how many had tried to blag an upgrade that morning 
An early start did help with having a nap and listening to the I Pod, rather than trying the IFE and having a screen in the way. Plently of passengers used the PE loos, but there was little congregating in the area in front of us.
About 2 hours out of Heathrow, the main meal offering was served. Mrs Buns and I opted for the Beef Stew, which was surprisingly good, at the same time making the first drinks run (which was to the chagrin of a chap nearby who had wanted one from the moment we took off
)It was then a quick succesion of the normal activites of preparing to land and we were on the ground more than half an hour ahead of schedule. Disembarkation was fairly quick and the Immigration Hall prety clear, so we had our bags and out of the airport in half an hour.
So, would I do this again? The answer is yes, I found that there was hardly any jetlag, and the hotel being across the road from the Terminal being great bonuses. Of course, those little actions of recognition of our Au Status has cemented the trip as being a very postive experience
Thanks for reading
buns
and good to read about the CSS recognising your status 
it would save a pretty penny.
