VS400 LHR-DXB 10 JAN 14 (Upper Class)

[buns]

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

Like proverbial Number 11 bus, where there is nothing for ages and then 3 come along at once, it is with a degree of apology that I present yet another Trip Report to Dubai - hot on the heels of two fabulous journeys by Honey Lamb and Jacki.

(Yes, I know they have flown with Emirates, but it is inevitable that fellow V Flyers will "compare and contrast" with both the F and J offerings aboard the 380 against the limitations of the VS 330).

So to the formal prologue:-

Mrs Buns had made the household decision that we would once again aim to re-qualify for Au (perhaps for the last time) and with a consequence of both lack lustre weather during our trip to Florida in November and not being able to get away over Christmas, the choice of availing ourselves of a relatively cheap Upper fare to Dubai with the sales, it was Hobsons choice

The pressure on Mrs Buns at work had been relentless both over Christmas and in the run up to the trip, so much so that we even toyed with her staying behind whilst I went and re-qualified. Thankfully, things paned out and so it was to be that we were to get away

I had previously arranged for Tristar to take us to Heathrow and with that the use of the Upper Class wing Tristar duly arrived at the appointed hour and i was taken aback a little that it was a lovely Mercedes People Carrier and wondered for a moment that we sharing the ride No problem - we had the vehicle to ourselves and a stop free journey around the M25 (a miracle for a friday afternoon) resulting in our arriving within 45 minutes of leaving home. What with the continuing roadwork at Heathrow, there is now a very sharp turn as you enter the slip road up to the DTCI.

DTCI was just like it is on the adverts, as we arrived, the bags were taken and boarding passes issued and we were directed to the private security channel in a matter on seconds. As would be expected on a Friday afternoon, there was nobody in front of us and we were through very quickly and was able to present ourselves at the doors of the Clubhouse within 5 minutes of arrival at the airport

We were informed that there would be a slight delay in boarding and as a consequence the following 5 hours would be spent in the Clubhouse (how was I to know that the M25 would be empty and check in would be so easy???).

We settled down in the Eames chairs right by the entrance and Mrs B made her way to the Spa. Here I have to say that I am mighty impressed. Not only did the reception desk recall Mrs B from previous visits, but added that she did not normally travel to Dubai With it being so quiet, Mrs B was able to book both a massage and a Hot Hands treatment - these took an hour and so it was not until 5pm that Mrs B returned - feeling suitably pampered which was worth its wait in gold after recent weeks

I quickly went down into the Terminal to buy some Duty Free and by 5:30 we went to the Brasserie to take advantage of some "blotting paper" to offset the future drinking. By this time the Clubhouse was becoming quite full and we were lucky to grab one of the last tables. Had the obligatory Burger with Mrs Buns having some fizz and myself just a diet coke All very enjoyable and seeing demand for tables was high., as soon as we had finished we made our way up the grey Goose Bar for an after dinner drinks and the ability for me to learn a few more barman tips

The rest of the time we found a couple of chairs just by the kiddies area and relaxed before the flight was called.

Welcomed by name as we boarded and directed to our seats. Now this will be the third time on this aircraft type and 8 & 9A have become our preferred choice as they are not overlooked and are just a tad wider. Even so, there is nowhere to put your stuff, let alone a bottle of water, and VS will never be able to persuade me that this is good for their passengers.

[Here of course committed V Flyers will be comparing to what Emirates offer in both F & J Cabins].

Didn't manage to topple the champagne glass and soon it was time to push back and a relatively short taxi we were up in the air. Drinks orders taken quickly served - menu being:

Startes
Smoked Salmon and Dill Mousse
Organic Italian Tomato and Basil Soup

Mains
Seared Fillet of British Beef
Smoked Chicken Kofta Makhani
Cream and Cheese Polenta Cake

Desserts
Clementine Sponge Pudding
Dark Chocolate and Cream Slice

Even though we we seated at the back of the cabin (which was 90% full) we had our first choices and throughout the service from a lovely Yorkshire lass was spot on Addressed by name throughout the flight, I was very impressed with the Crew Member and was all that I admire about travelling with VS - engaging, yet not aloof.

Watched Despicable Me2 before getting a few hours shut eye. Although in close proximity of the bar, this evening it was not crowded so with the headphones on, I was not disturbed.

All too quickly the smell of breakfast awoke me and this time both Mrs Buns and I opted for the Belgian Waffle - very good I have to say

Fast track Cards were handed out (although they proved to be of no use as Immigration was empty and Fast Track was actually closed.

Deplaned from Door 1L and we were outside the airport meeting our complimentary car from the Hilton Dubai Creek 45 minutes after landing

All in all, whilst the A330 UC seats seriously devalue the VS product, the experience was redeemed by the staff in the Clubhouse and the on-board Cabin Crew

Thanks for ready (and BTW I have re-qualified )

buns

Excellent report Buns, thank you and I am glad that you and Mrs B managed to get away. Judging by her photos on FB a good time was had by you both.

And AU for another year, is it an addiction? Is there any treatment?

Thank you for an informative and enjoyable TR. Glad the crew were of a high standard even though the seats were lacking the luxury of the Emirates offerings.
Enjoy your stay and hope Mrs B has a well deserved pampered rest.

A very enjoyable read - thank you

oldboy

Thank you for the TR. Very nice to hear you had a good crew on board. We will be on the same flight next Tuesday all be it in PE, but will still have access to the Clubhouse thanks to Mr D's goldcard. We have chosen to stay at the Hilton Resort & Spa in RAK. Congats on qualifying for Au again.

Thanks for posting buns , a most enjoyable fri night read ,well done for retaining AU ,

Thank you for another Great TR and well done for re-qualifying - very pleased Mrs B managed to get away too.

Wonderful TR, many thanks for posting. Sounds like the start of a wonderful trip...

MrsB

Great TR

I'm itching for my upcoming trips now

Nice TR, thx. Still not sure what the attraction of Dubai is though

Another great TR buns - glad you both had a good flight.

Hope you enjoyed Despicable Me 2

Thanks for the TR buns
Was a great read
I want to do Dubai one day too
It's on the list

[honey lamb]

Thank you for an informative and enjoyable TR. Glad the crew were of a high standard even though the seats were lacking the luxury of the Emirates offerings.
Enjoy your stay and hope Mrs B has a well deserved pampered rest.

If you read the first three legs of my Emirates offering, luxury is sadly lacking. I was in a Priority Pass lounge ex-DUB and ex-DUR and the lounges in DXB, while having every luxury are so compartmentalised that you really don't get the benefit of the experience you have in the LHR Clubhouse. Indeed any VS CH, to my mind is far more pleasant than the lounges in DXB. In the Business Lounge you are instructed to go to the lounge nearest your gate. There you will find seating areas of differing sizes to the extent you may think you are the only person in J on your flight. If your flight is from the far end of the lounge area, which covers the whole floor, you will pass different dining areas such as, buffet, fine dining (deserted every time I passed) and self service as well as bar areas.

Yes, the crew were of a high standard but it was quite impersonal. On VS it was nice when crew remembered you and welcomed you on board and though I couldn't fault the crew on all my EK flights, I still missed the friendliness of the VS crew.

And as for luxury with regard to the cabins, my take on what were essentially medium-haul offerings, it was more like a PE than a UC offering.

[buns]

Thank you for all your kind comments

Mrs Buns is also touched by your kindness

HWVlover
Yes it would seem an addiction at times - especailly as we have accumulated so many miles which prove to be difficult to redeem

Daffodil
We have friends who are repeat visitors to the Hilton RAK and say it offers everything with two teenage girls in tow

pjh
As you will see from my return TR, there is a good case for a V Flyer jaunt to Dubai

buns

Honey Lamb I did read your reports !
I think what happened is that I am guilty of not comparing like with like .... I read Buns comments about lack of places to store anything straight after swooning at Jacki's tales of showers and a suite in First Class.
Mea Culpa

I really enjoyed reading your review. I have booked 8 and 9 a for a day flight to Miami based on recommendation. We usually fly from Manchester so haven't experienced the A 330. I looked at the plan and the seats look awfully close to the vbar area. Do you this will be an issue based on your experience? Thank you

Thanks for the TR!
Once again, the people can make-or-break a Virgin flight!

Thanks for the TR!
Once again, the people can make-or-break a Virgin flight!

Thanks for the TR Buns and fully agree with Billy

Thanks for a great TR, amazing how great service can overcome the slight downer of being on the UCDS, well done to all crew involved

Fantastic TR Buns, thanks for sharing.

We love Dubai and your TR nicely timed as just booked again for Dubai in March taking VS400/401. Like you, I do enjoy reasonable time in the CH and all it has to offer

Look forward to seeing the return TR.

Jon

Thanks for the TR buns, hope you both had a great trip.

Mrs Buns having some fizz and myself just a diet coke buns

WHAT????????????

[buns]

I really enjoyed reading your review. I have booked 8 and 9 a for a day flight to Miami based on recommendation. We usually fly from Manchester so haven't experienced the A 330. I looked at the plan and the seats look awfully close to the vbar area. Do you this will be an issue based on your experience? Thank you

8 & 9A are our choice because they are seats that are not directly opposite any other seat and therefore offer a degree of privacy that one gets facing "the wall" on a 340.

On the way back (TR to follow very shortly) there was a couple who spent virtually the entire flight at the bar. Now for me that was not a problem as I use the VS provided noise reduction headphones, whereas Mrs B prefers to use her own.

I found being engrossed in films / tunes with headphones on did not cause me any problem

buns

I really enjoyed reading your review. I have booked 8 and 9 a for a day flight to Miami based on recommendation. We usually fly from Manchester so haven't experienced the A 330. I looked at the plan and the seats look awfully close to the vbar area. Do you this will be an issue based on your experience? Thank you

8 & 9A are our choice because they are seats that are not directly opposite any other seat and therefore offer a degree of privacy that one gets facing "the wall" on a 340.

I am genuinely a bit puzzled by that, because 9A is so close to the bar, and whilst yes you are not overlooked by people in other seats, those sitting or standing at the bar would (or could) be overlooking you. I would feel pretty open to the elements in that seat.

Obviously we're all different and look for different things in a seat, but I do think that many people would find that seat more exposed, and more noisy, than a seat further up the cabin, albeit facing someone else.

Thank you for your opinions. I have no idea why I am stressing about this issue as I am sure it will be a treat flying upper class anyway. I will post my trip reports on our return.

Dubaidog

Have a look here and you can decide for yourself -- you can use the tour to see the exact layout of the cabin.

http://www.virginatlanticplaneview.com/

You can see that 9A is shielded quite well but you can also judge the proximity to the bar. Have a good flight!