This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
With the help of a couple of staff I presented myself at the UC desk to be met by the most unfriendly agent I have come across at JFK, I had a poor experience the last time when passing through JFK
...he then struggled to check me in for my onward Little Red flight which was on a separate ticket but never usually presents a problem.Fifteen minutes of tapping fingers on the desk (not one apology or explanation what the problem was) I was passed back my two boarding passes and not wished a great fight, sorry for the wait or even......where to go next to find security...
A really poor start, if I had only known this would set the scene for this flight!Anyway I found my way quite easily and ended up in the sky priority line which really wasn't priority as it joined up with the general queue....thankfully security was light and I was through rather quickly.
Into the Clubhouse where I had a haircut and then had the pleasure of meeting up with joeyc and we sat and chatted, had several drinks and some items from the tapas menu. Service was good and friendly, though I did miss a couple of my favourite servers who were on a day-off
Boarding was called at 1800 and I left on the first call. I was welcomed at the aircraft door with a friendly smile and directed to my seat. I like 10A as it allows a better view out of the window and you are not facing anyone.
A menu, amenity kit, headset and a bottle of water were already in the seat area. The CSS came along and offered a sleep suit followed by a glass of champagne and finally newspapers.
We pushed off stand at 1833 and performed a slow taxi until take-off at 1910. Whilst taxing, the CC member looking at my section in UC came along and welcomed me back, was friendly and took the drink and menu orders - he was by far the most friendly CC on the flight so I was lucky
After take off hot towels were offered, soon followed by my pre-ordered G&T which was lovely along with some crisps. These east-coast night flights are difficult I am sure for the crew as some people were wanting their beds to be made up, they were trying to serve drinks and on this flight the Vera on demand was not playing game....so had to be reset which took over an hour. Not one apology was offered which seemed odd
Once it did get going, having used Vera touch on my recent flights you realise how clunky Vera on demand is......
The guy before me had ordered beef and so had I, so it was interestingly to see the CC member come back to the guy in front and say they had run out and could he choose something else...
Tables were finally laid for dinner at 2015 and the menu was:
Tomato and leek soup or Salmon rillettes
Fillet of beef - Chive mash, carrots and broccoli
Seared Salmon - rice, Kai-lan and Soy glaze
Vegetable ravioli
Chocolate fondant or cheese plate
(Sorry the photos are a little dark....the lights were out by the time the food arrived)
Choosing a mug of hot chocolate to round things off, I then made a quick visit to the bar to pick up a night-cap and the bar was busy. I then went back to my seat, made up my bed and settled down for three hours.
I was woken by the sound of knives on plates and realised it was after 5am and the crew were well into the breakfast service. Choosing to eat in revivals I just opted for coffee and juice which were topped up too.
The FSM seemed rather lazy, didn't engage with anyone in UC and didn't help in any aspect of the service, he was just up front doing paperwork. The CSS was also not the best, he looked really tired before we even left JFK and was not at all inspiring. My CC score would be worse if it was not for the guy looking after my section, who was clearly doing all he could.
No holding today and we touched down at 0635 after the cabin was secured and a final round of hot towels.
When we reached the gate the captain announced he could not let us leave the aircraft just yet as the police needed to come on board, he reassured us that it was nothing to worry about. The Police did come on briefly and then left, allowing us to disembark and they were all stood in the airbridge- so can only assume the they came on, identified someone and then waited for them to leave the aircraft......
This delayed the arrival at the UK border by around 15mins. I was quickly processed and found myself in revivals taking the last shower cubicle at 0710.
Revivals was as good as ever- a refreshing shower, a good breakfast and friendly service. Just what was needed.
Sadly, not the greatest VS flight I have been on- what seemed bar one exception, a poor FSM and CSS with a crew who just didn't promote the best we know they can and often do.
Jon
Last edited by horburyflyer on 14 Jun 2014, 17:08, edited 1 time in total.
