This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Future hubby (will now refer to as FH) decided to take a quick pre-wedding, pre-Christmas trip to NYC. It also would give us the opportunity to pick up some his & his wedding rings from Tiffany while we were at it, and gave us a reasonable excuse for going
Needless to say I was super excited about flying UC, unlike FH who has a phobia of flying regardless
. I was curious to see if it would ease his experience in any way though...Journey started on a morning train from Devon to London Paddington. It's worth pointing out I was impressed with the new FGW First carriages - very swanky and much 'cleaner' feeling than the old ones.
Having arranged our own transport with LHR Cars, we called the DTCI wing after I received a text from our driver giving the registration details. The process seemed very easy. On arriving at Paddington the driver text to say he was waiting outside the Hilton just around the corner. Queue excitement about using the DTCI for the first time, as we got into the Mercedes.
Have to say LHR Cars were great the driver was friendly and professional. He knew the drill with DTCI as we approached and waited at the traffic lights. As we pulled in and saw the VS staff waiting the excitement increased. Bags were swiftly taken and within seconds boarding passes in hand. The whole process was so quick FH didn't even realise I'd already got them as he adjusted his bag! We were the only people here and it was a lovely experience as we wandered down the hall to the private security lane. I was taken by surprise a little as the lady there asked us how we were with a huge smile. Not a usual occurance with regular security.
FH triggered the detectors and had the full pat down as usual. We then walked to the Clubhouse. I must admit I was surprised how far the walk is from this area - I had it in my head that it was closer and didn't require walking through the shopping area so much. No bother though - we'd be doing a lot of eating in the CH so appreciated the exercise!
We got to the CH up the famous steps, and another friendly greeting at the top. The lovely lady gave us a brief lowdown of where everything was.
First stop the spa to book our treatments. I booked a head massage and FH booked a trim.
As it was my first time in the CH like a giddy child I wanted to explore! We went upstairs briefly which I've heard isn't always open, and had a quick game of Frogger together on one of the gaming tables downstairs...
Initial impressions of CH: fabulous. Flight was at 20:05 and it was around 5pm so plenty of time to play. We took a seat in the dining area and eyed up the menu. Again staff were fabulous, friendly and attentive. I had butternut squash soup to begin, and a delicious roasted vegetable smallish main. I didn't want to over-indulge as I planned on eating on board, but I was very impressed with the vegetarian options. FH had a burger, and a lovely chocolate brownie dessert, which I had a few spoonfuls of! I rounded it off with a cup of herbal tea (I was full of cold so not really feeling the alcohol at this point!).
The spa arranged our treatments around the same time, so we headed over around 6pm to the waiting area. I watched FH having his hair chopped while waiting a bit and was offered a drink by the superhuman staff. I was called in for my head massage, which was divine. Had a little bit of a headache at this point from my cold so it was very welcome.
The flight was delayed by about half an hour (I think), but all I can say to that is 'face, bothered?'. The time flew by in the luxury of the lounge and before we knew it we were called for boarding.
Felt a little bit odd walking in front of all the paxs queuing (does anyone else feel that?!) who had obviously been waiting for some time. We were greeted (not by name though this time) and shown to our seats. Champagne quickly in hand, not to be refused and took up the offer of a sleepsuit. A gentleman came over to both of us and showed FH how the seats worked. I struggled to get the left armrest down. Does anyone else think they could do without this completely?
I missed out on hot towels as I had to nip to the loo. Departure was just after 20:30. My seat was very comfortable, and I love how you can recline on takeoff. I find that they recline to just the right level before you'd actually want a proper lay flat position.
As a vegetarian I noticed that there were several V options on the standard menu. I asked one of the CC before meal service if I could choose these as I had pre-selected a veggie meal online. I was told it was the same anyway. My only slight criticism of the whole flight is that there were 2 V options on the menu, and it was sheer luck they brought me the soup rather than the mushroom option, but I wasn't given the choice. If I had wanted the mushroom one it could have been a bit awkward. Note to self: don't pre-select veggie meals when flying UC!
Soup was great, followed by a briliant curry, then toffee pudding, topped off with the cheese selection (told you I was holding out in the CH!).
Can't really speak for inflight entertainment as i'm one of those people that never bothers with it - perhaps the excitement of UC is too much to miss! I did watch a quick documentary about cats though, as you do, after dinner...
Quick chamomile tea while FH made his bed, and then just as I was getting up for the loo CC lady offered to make my bed up. I thought this was very observant.
Came back to made bed. Very snug and comfortable. Chilled for about an hour but couldn't really sleep, probably from tje excitement, so decided to go and park myself at the bar.
Lady sat there promptly left as I arrived (was it something I said?) So I chatted with CC who gave me some tips on NYC while FH was fast asleep. Really can't beat having a bar at 35kft.
FH was awake and reported that he was still terrified of flying. Overall he did really appreciate the service, food and comfort though. Phew!
Bit more chilling in bed, followed by the whir of everyone's bed motors as we approached JFK. We caught up on ourselves and landed ahead of schedule. Cabin crew gave a friendly goodbye, then followed the atrocities of US Immigration. First in line but also first to be 'greeted' by the rudest man of all time... Perhaps they need a few lessons from VS?
Overall a fantastic experience and flight. Part 2 to come soon!
They certainly did deliver. Only problem is how addictive UC is! Already keep eyeing up Dreamliner routes...
Also delighted that your shopping trip was successful and congratluations 
Unnatural, like making coffee in a microwave...
) helps that fear of flying
