This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Have flown with Virgin twice some years ago in PE and the old Club Orlando, also flown BA and DL club, but quite a while ago and also had the pleasure of flying Concorde in 1995.
Although l was determined to remain quite laid back about this trip, l have to admit to becoming a tad nervous when reading about the UC downgrades, but we had no need to worry...thankfully.
So we had booked Tristar to transfer us from our hotel to LHR. I tied up the booking with Virgin for DTCI and everything was authorised some eight weeks before travel.
Our car arrived at 6.15am on the dot. M25 was in a mess due to an earlier accident, but our driver was very relaxed an assured us he would get us to T3 in plenty of time to enjoy the CH......l was now becoming very excited
Mr CL was also, but tried not to show it!
Arrived at T3, straight through the barriers and found VS staff there to greet us. They were all so lovely and very efficient. Our cases were whisked away and our boarding passes issued.
I had successfully done OLCI at -24 but only managed Seq 19 &20, which didn't bother me at all, l was just relieved to have got that job out of the way...
We were the only two pax in the UC wing so literally sped through security within minutes. T3 was very quiet although there was a bit of a flurry when Barbara Windsor swept through......we didn't see her....too busy in duty free stocking up
So once purchases were made we navigated our way to the infamous CH.....found it quite easily and sent Mr CL up in the lift with the carry on stuff whist l glided up that staircase.....now isn't this the way to travel l am thinking
Lounge dragons were on good form and l think we were amongst the first in there at 7am. Having got ourselves very nicely seated we were immediately attended to and ordered the Lanson...one of my favourites.
I really wanted to try the redhead, but thought it best not to mix things up at such an early hour.....coward that l am!
But, the Lanson flowed very freely and we were both more than happy.
We both ordered a bacon sandwich and very nice it was too.
I did notice at this point an influx of folk appearing and speedily heading for the
cowshed......we had both decided not to have any treatments....to much to nose at and take in.
The CH didn't disappoint, we had a good look around and really liked it. Very relaxing and service was as we had expected.
Time seemed to speed by and in no time at all our flight was being called at gate 19.
Lounge dragon made me giggle when she announced that it was a good ten minute trek, so best look sharp!
So we left the sanctuary and headed for our gate. It was very well organised with PE and UC lanes working very well with very few people actually there!
There was a very elderly lady in front of us who held us up a bit, but she was so sweet, travelling solo and a bit slow bless her, so it was no problem.
Our turn came to go through and the agent was again really lovely.....when she had done with our docs etc....she wished me a happy birthday trip....nice touch l thought.
Right then.....here we go...our first UC experience awaits....on board...
Down the bridge we went....dedicated bridge to UC and PE.
Greeted with big smiles as we entered the aircraft ...........then we turned right....well l thought we would turn left....but no worries, we were directed to our seats and began to sort ourselves out and settle in.
There was a really great feel to this aircraft, the ambience was perfect and so relaxing from the start.
The crew were very attentive and within minutes l was enjoying a glass of sparkly with Mr CL on the ottoman.
Another drink offered and accepted and we were then asked to take our seats for departure.
Well how fabulous was this....being able to recline and put the old feet up while awaiting our slot.....l was well and truly in my element
LHR was it's normally busy self and it took a good twenty minutes before our driver spun us around and got us airborne......whew....you may gain from this that l am not a good flyer!
Once up the crew got to work very quickly, yet more drinks offered and would we like to order lunch now or later. We decided to order now.
We both chose the prawn starter, with beef to follow.
I liked the relaxed way it was all done, no rush, just a gentle but top class service.
Wine was flowing in abundance throughout and l loved every moment.
The food was very good, served well and was in fact very acceptable.
This was the first day of the new service/ menu and the crew seemed to be excited and very much at ease with it all.
I was at this point delighted to see Wilbur &Orville still on board, so had a quick word with the FSM about dropping the little guys into my bag.....no problem.
We were told that they would not be there after Nov 7th......but in fact they were there on our return flight....will explain that on the return TR.
Mr CL then chose the toffee pud, l opted for the cheese with a good cup of coffee and
a brandy.
By the time we finished lunch the bar service was in full flow, with the crew always there to chat and serve.
By this time we had both changed into our lounge wear and ready for a sleep.
Within a second the cc were there to make up the beds.
We both settled down very quickly....me to sleep and listen to some music on my iPod...Mr CL to watch a movie or two.
After a good rest, l woke up to be asked if l would like a cup of tea.....which appeared within seconds.....
Within the next few minutes we were asked if we would like afternoon tea served....it was lovely, very fresh sandwiches,warm scone with jam and cream, a plate of cakes and more than enough cups of tea to wash it all down.
Another rest was in order after all that, so we chilled.
I found the suites to be very comfortable and indeed did get a good rest, we felt private and the service throughout was wonderful.
The FSM was forever in the cabin and there was never a time when you had to wait or look for the CC. They all did a splendid job.
I did wander to the bar for a wee while after resting and enjoyed a bloody mary....don't ask me why...it's a drink l never have, but just wanted at that moment.
Unfortunately there were a couple of guys at the bar who had obviously been there a long time and were decidedly boring....so having enjoyed sitting there for a few minute l took my BM back to my seat together with a vodka and coke for Mr CL.....being the good wife that l am!
During the afternoon the FSM sat with us for a while and asked how we had enjoyed everything. She was lovely and enjoyed her job.
The flight went by very quickly and we were soon on descent into SFO.
CC were strict about deplaning and UC were off first, followed by PE, then economy.
Result being that we were through immigration within twenty minutes of landing.
I had pre booked Pleasant Limo to pick us up and take us to our hotel in Burlingame....from aircraft to hotel was no more than 45 minutes.
So to sum up. A very good first UC experience in every way.
As you guys repeatedly state...when Virgin get it right they excel....and on this occasion they didn't disappoint.
My apologies for any typos or bad grammar/ paragraphing....
Your guidance and assistance on this forum helped me tremendously with planning this trip.
Many thanks to you all.
I will endeavour to report on our VX flight and also our VS flight home from LAS when l feel a bit less tired.
