VS007 LHR-LAX 3 MAY 13 (Upper Class)

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

Flights had originally been booked on the VS023 in PE for almost 11 months from the last PE reward seat sale (2 for1) and relentlessly every day i had been checking for G’s but nothing ! Then 2 weeks before the flight 2 G’s pop up and they’re on the earlier VS007, so bagged them very quickly, and requested seats 14 & 15 A. Result !

OLCI @ T-24 and only managed to bag seq. 2 & 3 (so very near) and seats as previously requested.

Decided to get to LHR that bit earlier than usual to make the most of the CH, and Mrs Chumba wanted to try to get her hair cut, and i wanted the shave.

We were dropped off on the forecourt @ T3 by taxi at 0745, (had thought of the DTCI, but as we were staying 5 mins from T3 there wouldn't have been time to let VS know the details, and also Mrs Chumba needs to spend time outside having her last cigarette before we go through security).

Anyway straight to UC check in which was empty, bags dropped and off through the private security lane to the CH. Mrs Chumba remained and went back outside to have her last cigarettes. I went ahead to the CH try to secure appointments for us both. Anyway 12 minutes after being dropped off on the forecourt I was at the CH spa reception and managed to bag appointments for us both. Quick call to Mrs Chumba to let her know her appointment time, and off for the first mojito. CH was moderately busy until they called the NY flight then it emptied.

Both of us had our appointments and then breakfast. Sausage sandwich for me and toasted muffin for Mrs Chumba. (even asked if they could add an egg for me which they did) Breakfast finished then the second of the mojitos, bliss

CH remained relatively quiet, couple more mojitos, then we were called for boarding. Went at the first call, as we wanted to get sorted on board and have time for a couple of glasses of bubbly. Arrived at the gate and priority boarding was in place, although it wasn’t needed as there was no one waiting at boarding control and only a few people in the boarding lounge. Here we go i thought, late take off, lots of passengers missing. Anyway boarded and saw that the plane was half full already. They had boarded quickly before we arrived. Made myself comfy, and the first glass of champagne was delivered.

The UCS was not the new type and was in a terrible condition. Chips gouges and large marks all over the plastic surround and pen marks on the seat. Apart from that everything else worked ok. We were advised of the ability to use the IFE gate to gate, but had to use the supplied headphones and that the monitors needed to stay in the stowed position.

One of the crew noticed on my hand luggage my V-Flyer luggage tag “do i look like i fly BA” , and chuckled, she asked where it came from so i told her the story of v-flyer and winning the luggage tag competition. 2nd glass of champers and the FSM announced we were fully boarded and ready to depart early. Total of 250 something pax and 16 excellent crew. UC was 2/3 full with about 7-8 spare suites.

After take off FSM walked round the UC cabin greeting pax, no welcome back or mention by name just a “hello” Drinks round delivered then orders taken for lunch. Wasn't that hungry so just had the cheese and biscuits, which the crew arranged and delivered at the same time as the others had their meals instead of having to wait - nice touch.

Managed a coupe of films and then a few hours sleep, so not aware of what was going on although Mrs Chumba said the crew had been very attentive and had kept her drink topped up.

There was a delivery of ice cream and a bit later the afternoon tea, served from the trolley which is a quaint touch. So i availed myself of several small cakes, sandwiches and a cup of tea.

The rest of the flight passed very quickly, crew were very attentive and a crew member was always visible in the cabin throughout the flight.

As we approached LAX the captain announced that those of use on the port side of the plane (left for those uninitiated) could see the Grand Canyon below. We had a marvelous view of it and what an amazing sight.

Landed about 20 mins early, and priority disembarkation enabled us to get to immigration very quickly, and then stop. We were behind a flight from Mexico, who all seemed to be getting extra attention from the CBP officers, so it took almost an hour to get through.

Once at the podium quick swipe of the passport, no photo or fingerprints, and a welcome to the US. Bags were already awaiting us and no hold up at customs, as we emerged our driver was waiting for us, and within a few mins we were whisked off to our hotel.

Overall, a very enjoyable flight, no issues except the state of the UCS which i guess will be changed shortly. Crew were very attentive, and everything except US immigration went well

A fine start to the Chumba TR marathon Must get my ass over to the CH as it has been a few years now and it continues to sound awesome. Great flight, super CC (although name check would've been good) and reasonable LAX exit

Great TR,thanks for posting ,shame about the state of the suite but overall sounded a good flight,always nice when the CH is quiet,feels even more exclusive then

Thanks for the TR. Good to hear that the crew took the opportunity to point out the GC. We were once told to look out for a glacier collapsing into the sea. Mind you, someone, somewhere is probably writing to VS to complain about their viewing of Les Mis being disturbed by endless crew announcements...

Shame about the state of the seat, but unless you fly an A330 you're not going to have a 'new' UCS. Even then, the one I sat in a month or so back was pretty battered. Were the pen marks red?

Were the pen marks red?

How did you know-did you make them ? There were some red and some black pen marks, some on the seat and some on the suite surround.

Were the pen marks red?

How did you know-did you make them ? There were some red and some black pen marks, some on the seat and some on the suite surround.

No, Watson, I did not make them but instead deduce that that the red marks are in fact the result of result of the female CC nails coming into contact with the suite.

That's 'deduce' as in 'was told that by someone on his site a while back'.

Very good TR, thanks for it ! A question though, how did you manage to move from VS23 to VS7 ? Did you have to pay extra ? I'm in sort of same situation where I'm booked on VS7 in M class, hoping for a G coming up but if it comes on VS23, do I have the choice to change flights for free ?

[honey lamb]

Were the pen marks red?

How did you know-did you make them ? There were some red and some black pen marks, some on the seat and some on the suite surround.

No, Watson, I did not make them but instead deduce that that the red marks are in fact the result of result of the female CC nails coming into contact with the suite.

That's 'deduce' as in 'was told that by someone on his site a while back'.

You're dead right, pjh! I remember remarking on a TR that I could almost tell the brand!

Julmops,

I have just recently changed my VS24 to vs008 one on full reward and one on an M. Virgin charged us £25 for the reward seat change and £100 for the M plus cc charges. ugh Linda

Thank you for your TR. How wonderful to view the Grand Canyon like that.
Pity about the condition of the suite. It must make a poor first impression for newcomers to VS.

Julmops,

I have just recently changed my VS24 to vs008 one on full reward and one on an M. Virgin charged us £25 for the reward seat change and £100 for the M plus cc charges. ugh Linda

Mallin, so I thought ... Being on M, seems I will have to pay if I want to change it but hopefully I won't need it ...

You will definitely have to pay to change an M (barring mistakes). Remember there will need to be an equivalent fare available on the other flight - otherwise you'll be looking at a fare difference as well. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news,,,