This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Mrs buns and I were very fortunate to meet up with two V Flyer couples who are living and working in Dubai. Not only was the hospitality afforded to us something that will stay with us for a long time, but the fascinating insight into life in Dubai was something that a guide book could never capture.
We have made the promise that our next visit will not be 6 years in the coming and I am sure a few other V Flyers would love to join in a little excursion
Secondly, our last night in Dubai was spent at the new Table 9 Restaurant now being run by Darren Velvick (formerly at the Connaught) and it was a privilege to be one of the first to try out a new place and have a splendid chat with the chef
Anyway, back to the TR.
An early morning call at the Hotel, (laced with a little argy bargy with Mrs buns who wanted desperately wanted to pack the towelling animals housekeeping made for us) ensured that we were at a deserted airport before 7:20. Check in was equally empty and we were seen immediately in a professional and courteous way, issued boarding cards and directions of the Lounge.
It is a considerable trek to the Lounge and as others have experienced that security check along the way as well as Immigration was, well say we say, serviceable
Before going in to the Lounge, we stopped off in Duty Free and mrs b picked up two litre bottles of Tanquarry gin (so we know who was going to have my allowance
). The Lounge provides a facility to sit and take some refreshment but it is in effect just a cordon off area of the main terminal and certainly nothing to write home about. Before the flight was called, we made our way to the Gate, and waited for it to open. Here there is yet another check of your bags before you sit down to await boarding.
Priority boarding was in effect and two jet ways used with clear signage for Upper (through L1).
Welcomed aboard by name and directed to our seats. Upon arrival we were greeted by the Cabin Crew member who introduced himself and announced he would be looking after us during our flight.
Now for those of you who read my outbound TR, you will recall that we were both impressed with the crew member looking after us. I have to say this fellow was truly exceptional. He had the knack of reading our minds throughout the flight and his years of experience in the industry showed in looking after people throughout (I might add that we were not the centre of attention and his service was the same to all the passengers he was responsible for). It goes without saying that we were both addressed by name throughout and a missive has gone to Crawley Towers.
Our acceptance of the champagne was accompanied by a little chat about the inappropriate glasses for the limited space available in these dream suites
Refills were offered but declined.Once in the air, our crew member was there asking what our drink orders were and made sure that I was not left wanting for a Gentlemen Jack for a single moment throughout the flight
The meal:
Starters
Potato and leek soup
Crab and tomato tian
Mains
Grilled fillet of beef
Chicken Makhanwala
Mushroom pansotti pasta
Desserts
Carrot and almond cake
Blueberry layer cake
I had the soup (a little thin for my liking) and mrs b the crab, both opting for the fillet. We were both impressed by the tenderness of the beef - so hence the top marks.
Having encountered the driving standards of Dubai (which is akin to being in the Monte Carlo Grand Prix) is will not come as a surprise that I watched both "Rush" and the F1 Documentary
As I mentioned before, the CC looked after us along the way, so there was no need to visit the Bar - albeit that one couple were there for the entire flight, having meals snacks and drinks throughout. The use of noise cancelling headphones ensured that I was obvious to their conversations. They were joined by others but there is a sort of bench rest adjoining the PE Galley.High Tea was served and was the usual fare - but as there is no possibility of using a trolley, the individual service did mean that it was started nearly two hours away from Heathrow.
All too quickly, the flight came to an end and we touched down in Heathrow just a few minutes late. Half hour later we were in an empty Immigration Hall and therefore used the machines, thereafter making our way to the baggage hall were the bags were just coming out.
Our Tristar Driver was waiting for us and a pleasant journey back home to an incredibly wet Surrey Home.
If I could guarantee our Cabin Crew member on every future VS Flight, then I would never want to travel with any other carrier
Thanks for reading
buns
