This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Avid readers of V-Flyer will recall I was able to secure a couple of Upper Class reward seats for travel the week before Christmas - something that many would consider an impossible feat - so hence my impression of the journey might be a little biased
On the other hand, there were some experiences that even that could not disguiseThe Start
As is now our usual routine, Mrs Buns & I has booked a Tristar car to pick us up. When compared with the local cab firms, the cost is very reasonable and they can be relaied upon to turn up on time, have a clean car and a driver that does not think they are part of Wacky Races
As always, the car turned up 15 minutes before the stated pick up time, so by 7:40 we we on our way to Gatwick and having the usual conversation with the driver as to why we were leaving so early for a 1pm flight 
20 minutes later we had pulled into Gatwick South and I have to admit I was expecting the obligatory obastacle course that the recent works seem to have made the norm, but now there are a bank of lifts that have replaced that never ending slope up from the drop off point, so within 5 minutes we found ourselves at a deserted check in. I had already checked in on line the day before (only obtaining SEQ 38 & 39
) so cases were quickly tagged and BPs issued (with a smart "Gatwick" fasttrack sticker) and we directed to the upper level for security.Now Mrs Buns and I had been through the upgraded regular chanel back in October, so we half knew what to expect, but with the priority channel now open (and with a separate channel for wheelchairs) the experience was akin to the Private Channel for VS pax at Heathrow
I will digress to say that the new management team at Gatwick seemed to have succeeded in getting down waiting times, the only thing they still need to work on is some staff attitudes - in particular the two blokes talking amongst themselves who chased after us when we entered the priority channel to see if we were eligible 
THIS BIT IS IMPORTANT Once you have passed through security, do not be tempted to take the escalator down, but instead look for a door at the back of the Hall and take that, as this brings you to the corridor that used to lead you to the old Clubhouse entrance and Servisair Lounge and "voila" you end up on the upper level of the e airside lounge right next to the CH entrance
This means that you get to the CH in quicker time than at Heathrow and forego any retail distractions.This is where our trips to Florida really start = once again we were warmly welcomed by the front desk folks (I would never, ever refer to them as dragons) and obtained seats in the Dining Area. I then tried to get in touch with a fellow V-Flyer who was travelling the same day but on the early flight to Barbados, but it seems that things were not to be on this occasion
Nevertheless, we then booked treatments before placing orders for the full breakfast and having a little fizz to wash it down As has been mentioned for Clubhouses elsewhere, the wifi login is now greatly improved with only having to use one word to connect Two members of staff came up for a chat with us and asked about our I Pads and easy were they to use - I suggested that the next time they travelled to the USthat should give some serious consideration to the device. Anyway, the breakfasts were well received and afterwards we adjourned to the quiet business area at the back of the Clubhouse to relax before having our booked treatments. It was at this stage that the Concierge sought me out as there was another passenger with an I Pad that was having difficulty logging into the free wifi. As I mentioned before, it is now much, much simplier and after doing my boy scout bit, I was offered to escort said passenger on their trip to the States 
The proximity of Mrs Buns ensured that there was only one answer I could give Anyway, back to the TR - for once, there were no celebs in the Clubhouse and we were able to have our treatments, have a little more to drink and eat, before bidding farewell to the excellent team there.The Journey
By the time we reached the Gate, the holding room was emptying out and we joined the queue in the Jetway and gradually made our way to the aircaft door were we were greeted with a "Sir" and "Madam" and directed to the front of the aircaft. We were the first to arrive in the cabin, so were able to make sure we secured overhead locker space and watch the fun with the bins above rows 6 & 7
The crew were attentive, with offering pre flight drinks and making sure we catered for. Now this is where the real flight entertainment began; in the boarding queue, we had noticed a family of three children and an adult who on boarding the aircraft turned right, yet the other adult turned left. A short while later it became apparent that the kids were in economy and the adults had managed to get an upgrade - more of this later.Anyway, flight pushed back on time and very quickly we were at the end on the runway in next to no time and up in the air. A fairly full flight of 404 on board and the Cabin Crew were introduced - the Senior working the Upper Class Cabin might have bore a passing resembalence to Patsy from Ab Fab, but the service we received was faultless and moreover, it was quickly apparent that the FSM role was being filled by a Senior acting up. As always, I opted for the JD and diet for the after take off drink and Mrs Buns a G&T (avec Lime
). The menu was as previously described, and the beef was very good indeed - cooked just right - and throughout the servcie to Mrs Buns and myself was top notch and we were addressed by name throughout.Having the NOVA IFE, one was forced to concentrate on the the film whilst consuming the meal, I had chosen "Tinker, Tailor..." a film which does require concentration, and was properly engrossed (even though I still can recall the BBC Production back in the 70's). After the meal I took a short nap before being awoken by the alternative entertainment.
It transpired that the eldest child of the "detached" family had become unwell and insisted on sitting in mum's UC Suite, and was then joined by the other two sibblings
This remained for the rest of the flight, and whilst the two sibblings sat in economy for most of the time, the eldest was firmly ensounced in the Suite Afternoon tea was served and rather than the tea cakes, it was large slices of a walnut cake that was offered.
All too quickly, it was time for the cabin to be closed down and I had once again been chosen to complete the survey - but I have to say, VS, had not let Mrs Buns and I down on this flight, so it was a pleasure to complete.
The Arrival
On landing, we motored up to Gate 83, and we quickly dismbarked to find an very full Immigration Hall
I had forgotten that the 28 was late leaving, so this was in part why it was so full, but also the remnants of the Manchester flight were still to be found. This was a most entertaining experience - it being Christmas, the mass of families arriving to see M.Mouse Esq was of course evident and had I a family, I would have taken this as an sign NOT to visit Orlando at Christmas. In amongst these families, there was (and please forgive me here) a number of large famillies with the woment dressed in velvet track suits, sporting fake tans and hair extensions (we even saw one extension on the floor ) which lead us to beleive that we were extras in the latest part in the Trilogy "My Big Fat Gypsy......."We eventually reached the Immigration Officer, and the entire process was conducted efficiently and with a smile
I noticed the detached family at anothe rbooth and surprise, surprise, the eldest child had by now made a a remarkable recovery Due to the time taken to get through Immigration, our cases had been taken from the carousel and we quickly found them and were through customs in no time and able to call our hotel to pick us up.
All in all, a creditable performance from VS - the Clubhouse and On Board Service was top notch and the UC Product has a lot to be thankful for. Yes, the IFE needs an upgrade, but we all know that is on its way.
Thanks for reading, the return will be out tomorrow
buns
