CDC/Wing and Upper Class Q's

Hi there, Long time Reader, seldom poster here!

I'm lucky enough to get to use the Upper Class Wing and Chauffeur Service for the first time next month .

I've flown UC a few times from LGW but this will be my first time at Heathrow so I'm a very excited boy!

I just have a couple of questions:

1) When I booked the car service they just wanted my pickup location and time. Is that all that happens? They said there's nothing like an email confirmation and I won't hear anything else now. Is that correct? Don't they call be the day before or anything?

2) My flight is at 9.50pm (Off the Delhi to make use of my OH's hotel whilst he's busy working for a couple of weeks out there ii) ) . I've booked the car for 4:30 and, traffic being kind, will be at the UC wing by 5:30/6. Is this just ridiculously early? I'm just very excited to get to use the lounge and I also like a mooch around the duty free before I leave (Can't fly anywhere without a bottle of Bombay Sapphire!)

3) I've been trying to look at the A330 reviews and trying to work out the best seats. It's pretty open at the moment and I've chosen 1A for now. Row 4 is currently blocked out so Have a good a good seat or does anyone have any good recommendations? I'm not fussed on noise, more space than anything else.

Many thanks

2) 3 hours is a good time for CH, especially on a night flight

hit duty free quick for anything you want, then head for the CH (look for lounge H on the signs to find it)

have plenty of bubbly and a full meal, then when you board you can don the sleepsuit, have a nightcap or two at the bar, then zzz all the way to breakfast

3) on A330 i'd go for a window seat *always*, centre rows have no o/h locker and the beds seem shorter too

row 1 puts you near the forward galley etc., personally i 'd go for anything in 2-6 - well away from the bar and the galley/toilets to the rear of UC

btw i'd choose K rather than A as it puts the controls, armrest, drink shelf etc. on the righthand side, but really depends which you prefer

OK

I've flown the 300 to DEL many times but not used a car so can't comment on that.

You can never arrive at the CH too early! When you get there go to the treatment area and decide if you want anything on offer- get booked in if you do. Then go and get your Bombay Sapphire (but why not try Tanqueray 10 as you are shopping in DF.

Then this is what I do. Get your favourite tipple, and eat from the Deli bar. Take in some TV and take the air on the roof.

Board at the earliest opportunity. Time for three champagnes then while taking in the mayhem/demanding pax. Decide whether you need to eat and if so do so. Then sleep until breakfast (or through it if it's not important). I always have breakfast so as to be aware when I have to sort out a failed pick up at DEL but that may not be a problem for you. Whatever you do, don't expect to wake up well at c. 5.00 a.m. UK time. Don't think there is a way to be fresh as a daisy on this flight.

A330- It depends. 1A is okay as no one in front but the front cabin lights and galley can disturb. If you want a window not 9A. To be frank not much to choose between 2-8A though the latter has slightly more room. I'd stay on the A side and not the K as if you want to peek out at breakfast you are not dazzled by the sunlight and won't disturb other pax. Port out starboard home still holds on this route.

Hope this helps

Tugpilot