VS029 LGW-BGI 13 AUG 13 (Upper Class)

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

No queue at the new check-in desks at Gatwick and the process was like a whirlwind and almost too speedy! Enjoyed a good breakfast in the clubhouse with boarding, civilized and on time. After a disappointing experience a couple of weeks ago I was hoping to better enjoy the new upper class on a day flight and I did to some extent, happily watching a couple of good films. There were no children screaming uncontrollably this time, which was a bonus and the cabin temperature was very comfortable. However, I made up my mind that this would be my last Upper Class flight (unless I am upgraded!) as the level of service and comfort leaves much to be desired. Regarding the service; there seems to be little emphasis on dignity or grace in the way Virgin train their crews. Careering down the aisles being “jolly” and gossiping with each other, whilst delivering indifferent service is hardly appropriate when customers have paid thousands of pounds for a calm and comfortable experience. Twice, flight attendants accidentally knocked my foot which rested well within the boundaries of the ottoman, without even acknowledging it. Having said that, the aisles are so very narrow with the new seating configuration that it’s easily done. Even so, if I had been working the flight I would have apologized. The other impression I get from the service is that the overriding objective is to get everything finished and put away as quickly (and noisily!) as possible. I can understand there are pressures to do this but on an 8 hour flight, it’s not fair or really necessary to rush everything, making it feel like a race - especially in a premium cabin. Even the toilets were locked more than half an hour before landing. As for comfort; I find the new seat poorly designed and less comfortable than the old one. So, in future, if I fly Virgin it will be Premium Economy because at least you get roughly what you pay for, with it more or less living up to what is promised. Upper Class doesn’t, I’m sorry to say.

[buns]

Thanks for the TR

I am going to presume that you were on the A330 and I for one concur that the cabin environment is not conducive to offering a premium product and that PE is a fine substitute.

As for the comments about the cabin crew approach, yet again the spectre of consistency raises its head

buns

I have to say I like the CCs liveliness
I find them quite approachable and have had some good banter with them.

I have to say I like the CCs liveliness
I find them quite approachable and have had some good banter with them.

I concur, Gfonk, I find the 'liveliness a positive thing as well but not the indifferent service This is why I love this Forum as everyone expresses their opinions of what they see/experience.

Thanks for posting