VS011 LHR-BOS 22 OCT 12 (Upper Class)

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

So this was an unplanned last minute business trip to Boston, all very rushed and not executed in usual season traveller style. Was unable to pre select seats as they had reached the limit and when OLCI opened only a few at the back and one at the front were available so bagged 1G on VSUN.

after picking up paperwork from the office made my way via HEX to a not so bad lunch time checking area, was seen within minutes checked in and up to security and through to Club House within 15mins.

Deposited myself behind the bar, Lanson ordered along with the burger which all went down a treat. Was advised that Wi-Fi was down but could get an Ethernet cable from the front desk if I wished. Not to busy for a Monday with lots of free space, service was attentive as usual. No time for treatments or any other pleasures the Club House has to offer. Final call came through for the VS11 leaving from gate 13 so not a bad walk.

Arrived at the gate to find all PE and Economy PAX boarded so it was straight onto my first time on the VS 330.

First impression the bar looks good and the lighting throughout the cabin was pleasing. Found my seat, jacket taken and another glass of Lanson offered and accepted. Time to check the seat out, all clean with no visible wear and tear issues, I found a loose part of the seat under the oterman which the CSS pushed and clipped into its proper place. On reclining I could feel the gear in the seat crunching as it went down, when in the full recline mode though I did find the posture better than the old suite. What I don't like is the plastic windows and the carpet material on the wall, I also was unable to fully relax throughout the flight as was aware of the reduced isle access and a number of PAX kept brushing past my feet, this was reported by a fellow PAX further up who was not happy at all.

Didn't want the pre starter so opted for the beet root cured salmon (lovely) the beef (flavourless and the potato was not cooked through) and to finish the chocolate pudding (spot on), finished off with a double Brandy.

Went to the bar but no room at the inn so it was time to check out VERA, very impressed with the selection and ease of use. Got interrupted by a PAX walking back from the galley who used everyone's screens as hand rests as he returned to his seat, a few raised eyebrows and rolling of eyes from fellow PAX's later I decided to return to the bar, again no room but 3 of the PAX were not in our cabin, mentioned to a busy crew who advised the PE pax to return to their seats. Sorry about that but one is in need of a Gin Kiss and snacks. Had a good chat with a regular on the JFK route who was very sad about the new UCDS, I have to agree that the cabin feels claustrophobic and has lost it's edge. This design may work on larger aircraft with wider bodies but it just doesn't work well in this configuration.

Watched another film then it was time to begin decent, arriving into BOS was smooth and by the numbers arrived into a deserted arrivals hall and was seen within seconds, baggage on the belt and cleared customs in just under 15 minutes.

To conclude then for me personally I found the seat comfortable in day mode, behind the scenes I question the quality of the material used to put this seat together and wonder what the life cycle of the components is. At this time I prefer the older suite and will choose as best as I can to avoid the A330, if there is no option and I have choice BA will get my business reluctantly.

Thanks

Fox

Have got to say Fox, I fully agree with your assessment of the new UCS.. I have flown it a couple of times and whilst for the moment it is here to stay in its current fashion a lot of things that make the cabin, in my view, appear as after thoughts of the design.

I am fairly certain these A333s were not planned to have the new UCS in a 1-2-1 config (it was made for the Dreamliners) they could have put a bit more thought into it rather than cramming as many people in as poss. Perhaps the poor quality construction is a hint that they are not built to last..

Cheers for the TR and thanks for posting

Thanks for the TR - sadly the list of disappointed pax appears to be growing

good to read ahead of my trip on the same flight next weekend, thanks

Thanks for the interesting TR.

I agree that the seat is comfortable but the cabin is very cramped. For me the overall comfort of the modern Airbuses outweighs some of the disadvantages, so I won't be avoiding it, but I think I am in the minority!

Not impressed by the PE pax at the bar.

Not impressed by the PE pax at the bar.

Staffers ? ( in which case they should have moved immediately a revenue UC passenger appeared ).
DL

Nice TR! Thanks for posting