This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
The departure lounge was actually fairly busy so I decided to head straight for the clubhouse in the hope that arriving earlier would make it more likely I could get access. Arriving at the clubhouse I was told they did have availability and it would be a fee of £60 for PE passengers. I had already decided I was happy to spend the money as I think the combination of clubhouse and PE is the best value for money. Others seem to agree, particularly for day flights. I was also tired and wanted to relax away from the busy terminal. The clubhouse was quiet (thankfully), but despite that service was slower than usual and I had to wait a good 30 minutes before I could flag down a member of staff. After that service improved and was generally very good. The upstairs area was also open, which is the first time it's been open when I've been there.
After stuffing myself in the clubhouse we were called to the aircraft. At the gate there was still a long queue of economy passengers but the UC/PE queue was fairly short. The crew member scanned my boarding pass and you guessed it, the computer beeped and upon checking the computer my seat was scribbled out and a new one written down. As the member of crew said nothing and not knowing what seats are in which cabin I asked as my boarding pass was handed back. I was told my seat had been changed to a window. Having specifically requested an aisle I was about to complain when another crew member came over and said I had actually been upgraded to Upper Class. Great! So rather than question it I quickly made my way onto the aircraft via the Upper Class ramp with a very surprised look on my face! For those interested I was originally in 21H PE, and I was moved to 17K UC (the last UC seat on the right hand side of the aircraft next to the bar).
Prior to take off the staff came around with drinks. UC was nearly full with only a couple of empty seats. Unlike before, this time there was no introductions or anything. We also had a problem with storage space as most of the overhead storage was taken up with sleeping bags and someone had already taken up most of the cupboard space. This time my seat (17K) was in better condition than the one I had back in October, although I still think UC has seen better days. I also noticed later in the flight that the entertainment in the seat next to mine was broken.
Following some rather strange announcements from the FSM before and after takeoff, including a remark about Virgin "loving their customers, or rather their money" normal service was underway. The FSM came around with the menus personally and explained the new meal service. The new setup was fine for me and the staff did offer to save meals for passengers if they didn't want anything at that time. I wasn't overly impressed with the menu and felt some things were trying to be a bit fancy just for the sake of it. Still full from the clubhouse and not keen on the menu choices I skipped dinner but I did have the toffee pudding which was excellent!
After watching a couple of films (the choice is always excellent on Virgin although the screen could be better) I sat at the bar for a while and chatted to the crew and FSM. They were very friendly and happy to chat about anything and everything. They continually asked if I wanted anything and nothing seemed too much trouble. In fact whilst I was at the bar they brought ice cream round. I had just taken some medication so couldn't have it but a member of staff very kindly wrapped two up in ice packs in the fridge for me so I could have it later. Very impressed and the rum and raisin was very nice! After another film I was back at the bar chatting to the FSM and a few passengers. It made the flight go very quickly. At the bar there was a selection of fruit, crisps and chocolate bars some of which I understand was a new service and a very good addition in my opinion. Afternoon tea was also very good and the cakes fantastic! I also had the burger from the grazing menu which I recommend.
After stuffing myself with afternoon tea it was soon time to land. We were quickly at the gate and being at the end the row I was one of the first off. Within 20 minutes I was through immigration. Bags were very quick, no idea if my bag had travelled PE or UC. I had been a bit sneaky and left the UC label on from my last flight in hope it might help but I noticed it had both the UC and the PE label on it when it came through. My bag actually came out before Anette Bening's who was waiting next to me (had to drop the celebrity sighting in).
Overall the flight was great, mainly due to the staff. There are little things that could have been better about the aircraft/food and as before I think I would have judged the flight differently if I had paid the full UC price. I have been flying with Virgin for 12 years now usually twice annually (still a red member). My last flight in September was an UC reward flight so was thrilled to be upgraded this time. It's never happened before and I have no idea why it did this time, although I did notice someone was in my PE seat. I had a K class ticket. Fingers crossed the same happens on the way back although I think that's being a bit greedy!
A great result on the op-up and getting into the clubhouse 
