VS073 MAN-MCO 14 JAN 12 (Upper Class)

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

The day started out good. I was really excited as it was the first daytime upper class flight we had taken and I wanted to experience everything I could of this flight. We had stayed overnight at the Radisson SAS and asked for a runway view which we got, so we spent most of the morning plane spotting.
I had done online check in the day before and got sequence 17 and 18.
Check in went smooth with one person ahead of us. She was queuing for premium economy but was seen before us. I assumed that she must have been in the upper cabin too but was not there when we boarded. Not that we were bothered or in a rush as we had plenty of time. The desk agent from the premium economy line saw us and had to ask for the invites to the Escape lounge from the Upper agent.
We went through security quickly and had a quick look around duty free before going up to the escape lounge. It was quite busy at the desk when we entered as there was a few people paying for entry.
I was hoping to be advised to go through into the separate lounge but this was not to be and we were advised to go through and find an empty seat in the main room. We had a couple of soft drinks and then took a walk down to the gate just before boarding was announced.
Boarding was on time with upper class passengers called first. Today’s aircraft was ladybird.
We were greeted at the door and told to take a left turn.
We were sat in 7A and K in a full upper cabin. The cabin was not very clean with dust and bits on my suite so I gave it a quick wipe down.
Champagne was offered and accepted. Very nice Lanson, my favourite. Refills were also offered.
Post take off drink orders were taken and I asked for the Otard cognac. I had this on my last flight and really like it as I find it quite smooth. My OH is not someone who likes to try different drinks and he generally just has lager. Today was no exception with Miller.
No seat instructions were given on how to work the seat and the FSM didn’t come into the cabin at all except to help out with the meals.
I have read previously that the cabin crew make the flight and I can agree with this totally. There was nothing wrong with the crew but there was nothing that made them shine either. In comparison the return trip was far better (but that’s for another trip report).
The meal order was taken I assume in fare code order as there was no order going around the cabin. Being on a G fare we were one of the last to be asked and to be honest this has to be fair. We also got what we asked for so can’t complain. I had the prawn cocktail, with a very nice glass of the Blanc Copos Garnacha, followed by the fillet of beef which was quite rare and surprisingly good. For dessert I had the sticky toffee pudding with a glass of whisky, very yummy. Now some of you may remember that I asked if you also got to have the cheese board as well as dessert. Well I’m sad to say that no I didn’t get it, it was an either or ( I also didn’t like to ask for both as I felt a little uncomfortable generally. I don’t know why as I work in the public sector in a public facing role so I’m not normally a shrinking violet). To finish I had a cup of coffee which almost didn’t come with chocolates as the CC was taking them away without giving them to me. Now I did ask for these
The meal table was cleared away and the CC came around asking if we wanted duty free. I had pre ordered mine so gave my receipt. She said she would go get my order. 30 minutes passed by and no duty free so I asked if I had been forgotten. I was curtly told that the CC would get my order but it was at the back of the plane and I would have to wait . So I did! An hour went by and I was just about to ask for my order again when it was brought to me. So glad I didn’t have to ask for it. I can only assume that they went through the aircraft first before returning with the pre ordered duty free.
There was nothing on the entertainment system that I wanted to watch so I watched a film from my iPod.
A little later I pressed my call button to ask for a cup of tea. The CC came into the cabin but went to someone else by mistake as my call light didn’t come on and I couldn’t get her attention so had to call them again. Unfortunately I was forgot for this too and had to ask again for it after another long wait. I did get an apology as the CC did admit to forgetting me. There was no one at the bar during the flight and I noticed on my walks to the loos that the CC did spend a lot of time sat on the jump seats looking at their phones. The CC didn’t come into the cabin really except for meal times. Before anyone asks why I didn’t just go to the galley to ask for a drink, again I felt a little uncomfortable going to ask for things.
I decided to have a rest so turned my seat into a bed , it was lovely to be able to lay down during the flight. I have a back problem so to be able to change positions was really good.
Ice creams were offered in the middle of the flight, either strawberry or vanilla.
Afternoon tea was served about 90 minutes before landing. I was surprised by how good the hot chilli roasted salmon was. The scone was also very nice but again was not offered the choice any of the coffee and walnut cake. This seemed to only be offered if someone didn’t want the scone
The landing was exceptionally smooth and we landed 30 minutes before time. We were among the first off the plane after the small premium and economy cabin.
I know I sound like a moaner but I did enjoy the upper experience as I am quite a foodie and like to try new things. I hope I talked about the good and not so good. The service was a big letdown but having now done the return flight I can see that it was more to do with the crew rather than the product. I would love to fly upper again so I’m now on the lookout for some good fares for my next adventures. Maybe I’ll try to go from a London airport to experience the clubhouse.

Sorry you had such an inatttentive crew there's no excuse. Glad your return trip was better. Tks for the trip report

Thanks virginboy. There was a huge difference between both flights. I will make a start on that trip report soon.

[buns]

Claire

Thanks for the TR

What a disappointing experience for you No excuse for the crew to treat you any differently, just because you has used some Rewards How to they know that you have not spent megga bucks with VS accumulating these miles??

To me it seems like a lack of on-board leadership

Glad to know your return was much better

buns

Thanks for the TR, I find if the FSM makes a point of being hands on from the start it generally follows the crew are on good form too. Sorry you didn't experience this on your flight.

I find if the FSM makes a point of being hands on from the start it generally follows the crew are on good form too.

Absolutley agree and when compared to the return flight this was obvious. I have been on an aircraft previously in upper class with this FSM and the service was the similar then too. As that was a night flight I just thought it was because it was night time rather than below par service. I also didn't have the knowledge of the v-flyer forum too then.

Thanks for the TR Claire. I am on the VS73 a week today and am hoping for a good FSM. The majority of MAN based FSM's I have flown with have been really good (and as a result, the flight was good) - I can think of two that I hope I don't get though.

Thanks for the TR Claire. Sounds like a mixed experience.

Now some of you may remember that I asked if you also got to have the cheese board as well as dessert. Well I’m sad to say that no I didn’t get it, it was an either or ( I also didn’t like to ask for both as I felt a little uncomfortable generally.

You should never feel uncomfortable in UC about asking for desert as well as the cheese. They officially call it the Freedom Menu. In my experience the crew are happy if you want to have both. (And a glass of port )

I look forward to the return TR

Thanks for your fine TR What a shame your CC was not motivated to make this a special experience as it should be When you fly UCS (whether you upgrade or pay full price) you expect a certain level of service, courtesy and initiative from the FSM & CC.....epic fail on this occasion

High hopes for the return

Thank you for the TR, sorry to read about the crew's inattentiveness.