This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Anyway, the prologue, a combination of working hard in the run up to the Olympics, a nasty bout of germs that had laid both Mrs Buns and I low for a while and the need to do something to lift our sprits and whilst at it celebrate my birthday. So a long weekend in NYC was booked and to minimise time off, we chose to take the late flight to Newark thereby being able to get into work beforehand.
After a breeze of a journey around the M25, I pulled into the short term car park at Terminal 3 (having pre-booked it for the weekend at a very good price
) and after waiting for lifts and traversing that subterranean lair worthy of a James Bond film, entered the Terminal where Mrs Buns had arrived only moments before 
We had checked in on line the line before (and despite being poised over the computer at precisely T-24 still only managed to get Seq11
) but we went to the empty check in and quickly had proper boarding passes and up in the lift to that magic "Mr Ben" door - I do hope the couple taking a picture appreciated the ability to see in for a few moments 
The VS advertising hype was true to its word and within minutes Mrs Buns and I had been disgorged into that thermos flask of a terminal (I call it a thermos flask as it is all hot and steamy and when you taste the contents, it is not as good as when you made it) and were at the gates of the Clubhouse
The place was empty, so we both made our way to the Spa and with 4 hours before the flight would be called, we were able to book treatments - and get the same appointment time
- before settling down just a little way away. Not only was the Wifi behaving itself, by the swinging chairs were back with sturdy fluorescent holding them firmly to the ceiling A pacing strategy was called for so whilst Mrs Buns had the Lanson Fizz and I the Redhead, we both had non alcoholic chasers 
A quick pop out to pick up some pre-ordered currency ( a pretty good rate actually, but no miles 
) before one more drink and then going off to our appointments at 5. Thereafter we made our way to the Brasserie for some sustenance and the burger did not fail 
After a visit to the the Grey Goose Lounge where Mrs Buns was taught to make a "Southside" Cocktail (good job I was paying attention as I will be expected to make them in the future) we bade farewell and made our way to Gate 21 where Mystic Maiden was waiting for us.A breeze through the Gate and onto the Aircraft via L1 where we were greeted by the FSM who welcomed us back by name
I knew this was going to be a good flight. Quickly settled into 10 &11A I started to look at the menu that had been put on the ottoman to find it was the one for the return 
The CSS was absolutely charming about it and they were quickly collected throughout the cabin and replaced.Now, I am going to make my only negative comment about this flight - those blessed champagne glasses
Not only do they chink on the light every time you pick them up, but also because the tray is behind your shoulder, when you do pick up a full glass the contents do spill There go that off my chest (which is where most of the champagne ended up)Although a full cabin, loading was quickly accomplished and we were off like a shot and into the wild blue yonder. Service quickly underway and Mrs B having her usual G&T and I the Jack & Diet, all was contentment. The Amuse Bouche was a pea affair (one might have thought VS could have used the mushrooms there too
) and the salmon starter and beef were top notch Once Mrs Buns and I had mentioned we would not want wine with our meal, "seconds" of the G&T and Jack were delivered The dessert was nice and the cheese board came round swiftly with two crew doing the honours. The chutney was very nice, but a bit slippery (got most of it out before i left the aircraft). Watched Ab Fab and Benidorm (Mrs Buns and I being late converts to the latter) before popping up to the Bar where i had a good chat with both the CSS and FSM before completing a Heroes Form. I was truly impressed with the Crew on this flight and they worked well as a Team. "C" the FSM worked like the proverbial football sweeper throughout the flight (I saw her serving in the Economy and PE Cabins) and most engaging, so it is not surprising they Crew worked so well together.We know it was to be a quick flight and soon enough we had touched down at Newark (earlier than scheduled) and departing through L1 we were in an empty Immigration Hall, processed and by the Baggage Carousel in no time. Bags off sharpish and through Customs to meet our waiting Tristar driver. Indeed from landing to Hotel in Manhattan was under the hour
All in all, a Gold Medal performance by VS, this time round, where all the parts fell into place and the personal interaction with Mrs Buns and I were the sort of experiences that make us both want to keep on flying with Virgin
Thanks for reading
buns
I hope your trip to NYC was as good as your fabulous flight out - a fine CC led from the front by a pro-active FSM, an excellent result 
