This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Arrived in the clubhouse by 0730 and treatment booked for 0900 with no problems whatsoever - the staff again were brilliant, really caring and wanting to ensure my start of my holidays was as relaxing as possible. They suggested I went to have some breakfast and then get back for 0830 to enjoy a steam and sauna. The Clubhouse breakfast (full english) was delicious and piping hot, bucks fizz delicious and a very calm clubhouse! Back to the Cowshed for 0830 to experience the sauna and steam - OMG how brilliant was that - really impressive - then continued with a full back massage which really got the the tension out!
Boarding on time, and would have pushed back at 10.55 if 3 pax had been on time. Impressed that UC now has its own boarding gate like on most of the US flights back home, with PE and E boarding from the bar door. Settled into seat, and very attentive cabin crew made sure champagne was in my hand within 30 seconds - and really chatty (which I enjoy). Another champagne pre takeoff was offered and accepted, and I think one more too!
A very quick take off meant we were in the air within 15 minutes and en route to IAD. Settled back into UC and pre-lunch drink service under way - love the gins they make! Quickly followed by the new lunch menu which was superb. Cider and Onion Soup, Chicken with Gnocchi, Spinach and a Mushroom Sauce, Hot Chocolate Pudding with Salt Caramel Sauce (to die for). The cheese trolley is a nice touch and the onion chutney is a must. Really impressed by the quality, look and appeal of the food in UC and loving the new salt and pepper cocktail shakers!
A little stroll to the UC bar with another chat with the Senior Cabin Team and loads of helpful recommendations for IAD and BOS. A glass or two of the delicious sauvignon blanc later and back to catch up on a couple of films. What I really appreciated was there was no request for blinds down on the flight in UC so lots of daylight streaming in.
Tried the light snack of mini sausages and mustard mash (very tasty) and caught up with more of the inflight entertainment. Only disappointment was that the new UC amenity kits had not made their way on board, so no pens to fill out the custom form!
90 mins before landing, the afternoon tea was served, really liked the fact that you get your own little cake tray, though it did look as if the crew hated using them - more because they kept falling apart - again, the quality of the food was superb.
All too soon we were landing at IAD. Prompt disembarkation and fond farewells to the crew and a quick run to the moon buggies (thanks to all for the top tips on where to stand). Cleared immigration and customs within 30 minutes (an absolute dream) and for once beat the cabin crew to the arrivals hall.
A superb flight, really impressed with the service from ground to air, and the quality of food and drink - really feels Virgin Atlantic has stepped up its game. Here's hoping the day flight back from Newark next week is just as good.
I know I'm not allowed to name the Senior Cabin Crew in UC, but I do hope you read this - you were simply superb and made the start to my and my partner's holiday an absolute delight. Thank you!
Nevertheless Mrs B managed to get a treatment
