VS046 JFK-LHR 25 APR 15 (Upper Class)

This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin

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So here's my ( somewhat long ) trip report from my stay in NYC and my return flight. Hope you enjoy.

This trip to NYC was my 7th time in the city, but this time, I was on my own and I had decided before I went that rather than planning things, I would just take each day as it came and go with the flow. The only exception was that I had a ticket to see George Ezra in concert on the Wednesday night.

I had such a mix of weather whilst I was there, the evening I had arrived had been the hottest day of the year in NYC, but by the Monday, it was pouring with rain and foggy and by the end of the week, the temp had dropped to 4 degrees with a bitter north wind.

This didn't stop me getting out and about and just walking around this fantastic city. I walked miles each day soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the city. As I had been 6 times before, I didn't need to do the tourist things, though I did venture to Central Park a couple of times, took a walk round Brooklyn Heights via walking the Brooklyn Bridge ( both ways) and then walked back up to 42nd Street. The concert was excellent, if a little tiring standing for over 2 hours, but well worth it.

I always try to do something that I haven't done before and this trip was a visit to Coney Island. I could have chosen a better day as it was overcast and windy and pretty much everything was closed, but it was great to see and to set foot on the beach.

Before I knew it, it was my last night in the City and time to check in for my flight the following evening. I used the Mac's in the hotel reception and managed to get Seq 3, not quite Seq 1 or 2 but not to shabby. I then headed to the hotel bar to enjoy some final glasses of champagne, well it was my birthday :-)

Day of departure

Once again I was up early and out having my last breakfast at a local diner before heading back to the hotel to relax before checked out. I checked out the hotel at 12pm ( couldn't get a late checkout) stashed my case with concierge and decided to take a walk up to Central Park to kill a few hours before heading up to the airport. It was a lovely sunny day and the stroll around the park was nice and relaxing. I picked up my case from the Hotel at about half 2 ish and headed for the subway to catch the E train up to the Jamaica to get the Air-train to the airport. About an hour after leaving the city, I was walking into T4 and towards the check in.

I headed to the Hand Baggage only desk and after a short wait, I was issued with my boarding pass and wished a pleasant flight. I headed to Security and a fairly long line. The TSA agent working this side was very cheery and engaged well with everyone in the line. I was surprised when told not to remove jackets and to leave liquids and laptops etc in bags. ( when did this change?) which made for a very speedy security. No full body scan on this occasion and I was soon through and heading to the Clubhouse.

Arrived at the clubhouse to a warm greeting and I was asked if I had been before, which I said I had. I was informed that an announcement would be made about 7pm for the flight. I made my way inside and found a seat overlooking gate A5, which had a 787 “Birthday Girl” on stand but she wasn't to be the lady flying me back across the pond this evening.

I was approached my one of the staff, whom I remembered from previous visits and Champagne was soon in hand. I was asked if I wanted anything to eat and said I'd order something a little later. The clubhouse was fairly empty and I headed on over to the Spa and managed to book in for a massage. I headed back to my seat and after another glass of champagne, ordered from the tapas menu of Roast Potatoes and Spanish Omelette, which arrived, two small roast potatoes and a small triangle of omelette, needless to say, I ordered another round.

A couple sat opposite me and proceeded to work their way through the food menu, with what seemed like an endless stream of food arriving. I couldn't help by wonder if they would be eating on the flight after the feast they had consumed.

It was soon time to head for the massage, which was very good and relaxing. A couple more glasses of champagne were consumed before it was time to head down to the gate to board “Champagne Belle”. This was the first time I'd been on a A330, so was intrigued to see what the Dream Suite would be like.

I was greeted with a warm welcome and directed to my seat 3A. Walking to my seat, I immediately noticed how narrow the aisle's are on these and can see how the cheese trolly doesn't fit. Some of the partition windows had been changed to a frosted design, but mine was still the original mostly see through design.

As I got to my seat, I was greeted by the crew member serving my side and offered a sleep suite which I accepted. I was asked if I wanted a drink and ordered some champagne. I had stowed my case and just as I sat down, the crew member was back with my champagne. The amenity kit and menu were waiting on the seat.

The menu for the flight was:

Starters
Mesclun Salad,
Warm Breads

Mains
Seared Beef Fillet,
Pan Roasted Chicken
Vegetable Thai Red Curry

Pudding
Mango Cheesecake

Cheese and Port

I had decided not to bother with dinner as I had eaten in the clubhouse and I didn't fancy the curry and just wanted to try and get some sleep.

I took a little time to assess the suite and cabin and it wasn't as bad as I had thought it might be, the seat was comfortable and I much prefer the location of the drinks tray and the light. I do feel that the foot stall is a little too small and I don't think this would be comfortable for someone to sit on for dinner. The lighting in the cabin was good and overall not a bad environment, but I guess I'm just used to the 747.

We pushed back at 7:20pm and were airborne at 7:45pm. The seatbelt sign was switched off shortly after and the crew sprung into action. Champagne was ordered and swiftly delivered along with some crisps. I was asked if I would be eating this evening and said that I wouldn't. I was asked if I wanted to be woken for breakfast and said yes I would.

As I had an empty glass I was asked if I wanted a top up which was delivered along with some more crisps.

I tried to convert the seat to bed mode, but was having some difficulty, which the Crew member saw and soon was there to help, it took her some forcing with her knee, but she soon had it sorted and I bedded down to try and get some sleep. I think I managed about 2-3 hours of somewhat broken sleep.

I woke up about 1:40 mins out from London and went and changed out of the sleep suit. I tried to convert the bed back to seat mode, this wasn't happening and the crew member had to do this manually for me. The crew member asked what I wanted for breakfast. I ordered the full english, minus the meat, which was nice if a little small and a cup of tea.

We were soon making our approach into Heathrow and we landed at 7:24am, so a little ahead of schedule.

I was soon off the plane and heading to immigration, which was empty, I joined the E-Passport line and so wish that I hadn't bothered as it was taking ages, so much so, that the officers in the normal line shouted over to us at the E-gates saying they could help and a good few moved across.

I eventually got through and headed to the revivals lounge where I had a nice refreshing shower before having a little extra breakfast. I had booked the coach back down to Gatwick for 11am but was ready to go earlier, so was grateful when I was able to get on an earlier coach.

All in all, I had an excellent trip to NYC and had yet another excellent flight with Virgin. The crew were visible and nothing was too much trouble. Excellent all round.

Glad to hear you had a good trip and a belated Happy Birthday!

Sounds like you had a great time all round. One day we'll travel to NYC with just hand luggage

You can just about use the ottoman when dining on the 330, but you (well, me) are wedged so fast that the 330 could loop the loop and you'd still be in place. More of a deterrent to eating together is the narrowness of the aisles, which leads to even the most careful crew bashing into you.

Again delighted that positive reports of service are being made.

Thanks for posting a most enjoyable TR to read , strangely enough I will be going to NYC in dec for my 7th time , a great city without a doubt , I think I will follow your lead and go with the flow on that trip , lovely to hear George Ezra is doing so well , he grew up in a little know village called bengeo which is part of Hertford where I live and my kids go to the same schools he did , i was sitting out side my local a few weeks ago and he strolled past !