This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
I travelled down to Gatwick the day before with East Coast and the Gatwick Express, quite an uneventful journey except for a taxi ride across London on a barmy summer's evening with the Olympics around the corner so everything was so much busier and it took about an hour to get across town - the underground certainly seemed tempting as we limped across London - but safely at Gatwick checking into the Courtyard at around 830pm. A warm welcome as always. I really like the Courtyard, not as close as the Hilton but the staff are friendly and the rooms very comfortable indeed.
So a relaxing start to the day of departure, just time to finish off a few work emails and calls and then made my way down to the check-in - it was packed and you could tell summer had arrived - just a few minutes wait and then called over to be checked in by a really friendly member of staff - her computer crashed during the check in process so it did take longer than normal, but we chatted to fill the wait and it was not long at all before I was up the escalator and through the Premium security area - which is simply fantastic.
Welcomed like an old friend at the Clubhouse which as always was outstanding- superb from start to finish
Left the CH on the first call but either walked really slowly or got distracted as I reached the gate to a huge smile and a member of staff saying "Mr Horburyflyer we have been waiting for you to join us"
Boarding was still ongoing so joined the queue in the airbridge choosing not the push myself to the front as had been suggested 
Welcomed at the door by name and guided to the left - I was the last person in UC to board but with around 400 passengers behind me, no major rush at all. I found someone in my original seat of 9A but was happy to move to 9K where the guy should have been sitting....
Glass of champagne offered and accepted and nicely chilled followed by newspapers and magazines and sleep suits were offered too.......
Push back only a few minutes late and then waited in line for take off for around 30minutes with the captain keeping us posted with our position in traffic...just knew this was going to be a great flight from how happy the crew were
Once airborne at 1341 a flight time of 8hrs25mins was confirmed and the FSM introduced herself. She confirmed we were on "English Rose" for those that were interested and confirmed the registration number too - a total count of 449 passengers and 14 crew (one down). She introduced her team and then with the seatbelt signs off, service began.
The FSM came along (to my new seat) and sat down and introduced herself and welcomed me back. She was lovely and clearly enjoyed her job and loved people. The switching of the seats had not confused her either, so good communication between the crew there.
Hot towels dispatched and then menus offered - now the only blip was that the UC chicken dish had not been loaded and they were offering the PE dish - thumbs down to Gate Gourmet
A large and strong G&T arrived with a choice of crisps or pretzels - both were refreshed without asking.
My meal choices were the Roasted Tomato and Basil soup with Pesto which was delicious, served with two rounds of warm bread. My main course of beef was a hefty portion and was superb, enjoyed every last bit
Dessert of warm chocolate and salted caramel pudding was divine and then the cheese trolley, which I really like...the generous port measures were welcome too
Now as the food was starting to come out - a first for me, the FSM announced a drawing competition for those who wished to draw their favourite cabin crew member on the flight and the captain would judge them, witht the winners securing a visit to the flightdeck on landing....now this went down well with paper and pens handed out...the competition was on. Now clearly for the kids but it helped create a great atmosphere on board and could you ever see that happening on BA
A lesiurely meal out of the way it was time to settle down, my bed was made up and I switched on the in flight entertainment. Now the refit programme is underway so nothing more to add to what has already been said many times over - but it can't come soon enough. Nova did behave itself but the picture was poor and the choice so so limited...anyway, not long now.
We took a rather southerly route flying over the top of Bermuda which looked great from 40,000ft.
Drinks were offered throughout and ice-cream too which was delicious. About an hour and half before touchdown, afternoon tea was served and I do like this served from the trolley - the sandwiches were fresh and the cakes and scones lovely.
All strapped in and secure - just time to announce the winners of the drawing competition and the pictures were displayed as we left the aircraft.... we touched down at 1705 just behind the Air France flight from Paris. We parked on Gate 87 a few minutes later. We were asked to clap and cheer the cabin crew for working so hard with one member down - well deserved in my opinion and everyone in UC was cheering
Immigration was a nightmare (my worst MCO experience to date)
-thankfully one of the first off but it still took over an hour to get through - yes arriving just after the Paris flight did not help, but not all desks were open but at least the bags were on the belt when I finally got through.
It was then into the Florida heat for six days of rest and sunbathing....
So in summary, a superb flight lead by a fantastic FSM (email already sent to CS) - a great personal welcome by the FSM and referred to by name throughout by all crew members. Nova and the lack of UC catering the only blips I guess if I was really looking...otherwise, up there as one of the best.....
