This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
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) it was time to finish packing at the London NYC and make our way home.Having checked in on line the night before, I was assured of sitting in the A Zone of Tinkerbelle
but am always anxious about the return trip and hoping things would run smoothly. I need not have worried, albeit we were on Z fares, it being my Birthday weekend, I had splashed out on using Tristar (after a disastrous experience with Dial 7 last year) and true to form, they were waiting outside the Hotel 15 minutes ahead of the requested pick up time of 3pm.I would like to say a swift 45 minute journey (well it was 45 minutes but the traffic congestion on the Freeway, meant that it was far from swift and just made me think of all the kerfuffle we have made about Olympic lanes in London
) Anyway, I digress, we were deposited at the opposite end of Terminal 4 we had been used to and walked into a fairly empty check in area. One agent was busy and another desk had a family of our waiting patiently. It transpired that the Agent had gone to photo copy a seat map for them (should have gone to V-Flyer
) and we were then called over. I have to say the check in agents are getting better at JFK, but still she would insist on showing us the Seat Map even though she had acknowledged were were both Au Members (just!!). We were given an invitation to the Clubhouse and given directions to how to get there.Now the Terminal is currently reminiscent of Gatwick with major refurbishment taking pace and the entire central area of the lower floor having a roof installed. I have to say had that been going on with the Clubhouse in its old location i would have been well miffed. Continuing with the Gatwick theme, arriving at security, we were directed to the priority lane, but lust like Gatwick used to do, this is shared with wheelchair passengers (and anyone pushing a baby buggy it seemed) so our progress was anything but swift
Once through we had a quick look at the Duty Free, (as there is nothing really landside) to check prices and as we left I noticed a Credit Card on the floor and immediately returned it to one of the shop assistants in the hope it could be reunited with its owner. Having done my good deed for the day I felt I had earned the right to visit to the new Clubhouse
After taking the stairs we arrived at a spacious landing with 3 lounges - VS being one. Welcomed at Reception and asked if we knew were everything was - as we said we did not we were given directions from the doorway as to where the various aspects were located. As is our want on the return, we made our way to the Brasserie and as the Clubhouse was fairly empty we were invited to take any table. For those who have been regular visitors to the JFK Clubhouse you will recognise when I say we were served by the stalwart who always looks after you and has a way of tempting you to have that extra one
No rush with the service and we chatted as to how much quieter the new Clubhouse was, with no more constant sound of rollers, nor indeed birds flying around. Her warm smile spoke volumes of how much she enjoyed her new surroundings.Mrs Buns had a T&T and I a Redhead
before Mrs Buns went for the Ploughman's and I the Burger (well it would be rude not to ) Both were excellent as was the service throughout. I did opt for the Eton Mess, but the US take on it was meringue balls strawberry ice cream and whipped cream - not quite what i am used to, but nice nevertheless. After the meal I had a quick scout around to find a suitable table that had power sockets. This was just behind the Brasserie and gave a good view of the Spa entrance.Whilst thee Spa was used by some, it was by no means did it appear over subscribed
Resting for the next two hours with E-Mails and watching the US version of Olympic TV coverage (did make me chuckle when it seemed they concentrated on the three Royal visitors in the crowd!!). During this time, I noticed the new Manager who I recognised as the Manger who had opened the refurbished Gatwick Clubhouse and we had a little chat and she told me she would be overseeing the opening on the Newark facility - that this is a job I wouldn't mind having
The Clubhouse slowly stared to fill up but did it did nt. strike me that it was a crowded as the old one used to get. Also Mrs Buns noticed a famous millionaire property developer in the Clubhouse (which she was chuffed about) and noticed some CIPs who were getting a lot of attention.
After a pleasurable visit we left just before the flight was called - as was pointed out when we arrived this of course is now much later than this used to be
At the Gate we were waved forward as we approached the priority land and greeted by name and thanked for flying Virgin
Boarding was via L2 and a rather perfunctory greeting and gestured to the front of the aircraft. Ensconced in 15 & 16K, we were quickly often sleep suits drinks and asked if we had used the suite before. The Cabin soon filled as did the rest of the aircraft and we pushed back before time. The Captain had said of the prospect of delays of getting away from JFK, but du to a nasty weather front approaching from the west, many flights had to stay put that meant our taxi was only about 20-30 minutes.Once in the air, the FSM introduced himself and went through the usual script - he was serving up the post take off drinks, but otherwise I did not see him in the Cabin. After Take Off, the CSS made sure were looked after and referred to Mrs Buns and i by name throughout - I noticed there were only 3 Golds on the K Side and a few on the A Side. A nice Jack Daniels and Diet was served as was the G&T for Mrs B and as soon as we made it known that we would not be having wine a second glass for each of us was presented
Now there is much debate about the beef. All i can say it was tender, flavoursome and i have to rate it as one of the best I have had in recent times (and Mrs Buns said exactly the same, so I cannot be wrong
) So there is my vote firmly cast Watched the "Hoover" Film, which in my view did not live up to the hype I then had a few hours shut eye. I was in the sitting position throughout and as soon as I stirred I was again asked if i wanted breakfast. As we were visiting Revivals I just had some juice and coffee.
The usual delay fro getting into Heathrow came into play and after circling for a little while we broke through the clouds over the Stratford Sports Stadium and Mrs Buns was able to see her office and I mine before finally touching down.
As others have recently remarked, no queues at Immigration (in fact my desk was manned by an enforcement officer who was augmenting the numbers) was busy chatting to a college and did not notice me arrive.
To conclude, a good flight, and excellent CSS and lack lustre FSM and with good food and good service, i will be back
Oh, for those of you wondering, even though the multi millionaire property developer was on out flight and had to wait for his bags longer than we did. Such is the enduring relationship between Mrs Buns and I that she came home with me rather than trying to blag a lift with him
Thanks for reading - sorry for the length
buns
Thanks for your kind comments
