This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
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Car picked me up promptly at the Drake Hotel at 3pm and we then began the mid-afternoon snaking over bridges, through tunnels, around neighbors' hedgerows, up various folks' chimneys and ... voila, the trip ended at Kennedy. This journey, for those who have taken it, can either be quite straightforward, or a bit like the Evening Bus of Harry Potter fame: one never knows whether one will survive the latter and is quite grateful for the former.
Nonetheless it was uncrowded at JFK's T-4. I approached the UC check-in only to be stopped by a fellow who couldn't find my name on his list of travelers. He asked where I was heading, saw my passport and stamped me, all the while managing a conversation with several other men standing nearby. Things weren't much better at the counter, where the young woman at UC check-in spoke in nearly inaudible voice. She was pleasant, though, and quickly handed over the CH invite.
Security was uncrowded and I was through in no time. At the CH I inquired about a Revivals card and pocketed same. I had about 2-1/2 hours at this point, so I relaxed with a Diet Coke before ordering a ham and brie sandwich (brie not being available, I had swiss instead) and a quite respectable Pinot Grigio. Read several newspapers and magazines, then wandered down to the gate, where boarding was commencing a half hour early. We were to fly on V-XLG (Ruby Tuesday with Odyssey). Stepping on board I was greeted warmly by a young woman and a young man, both dressed smartly. They graciously pointed me toward the 'pointy bit'. My coat was promptly hung and one of the very nice cabin crew came by to offer a drink. Next the IFBT introduced herself (she actually came by twice after that to repeat the introduction, looking a bit puzzled when I reminded her that she'd been by already -- perhaps a new staff member?). Shortly afterward Carlos was hand-delivered by the FSM, a quite young (guess that's mostly everyone these days as I approach the middle of my middle age) and pleasant fellow who offered a genuine welcome. I was actually pleased to see him, as I'd ready of some of our fellow V-Flyers not noticing a FSM on their flights.
A number of delays followed: one bloke decided not to get on board and so his luggage had to be off-loaded; then we had to taxi the long way around as there were 20 aircraft in front of us awaiting takeoff. Our captain offered regular announcements on our status, lacing each with apology. Finally near 50 minutes later we were airborne. I chose not to eat so cannot report on the food service. With my bed turned down and a bit of sleep aid ingested I was off to dreamland for about 4-1/2 hours before arising and having one of my favorite VS treats -- the bacon roll!
The British coastline was upon us and alas, a quick landing was not to be, as the inevitable LHR holding pattern grabbed us and kept us penned in for about a half hour. We finally touched down about 45 minutes late. Quickly off the aircraft I made good use of the offered Fast Track voucher, bypassing a vast diaspora moving slowly in the direction of the EU-UK and 'other' counters. Thanks to fine directions from Preiffer I had my bag in no time and headed through Arrivals and up to Revivals for breakfast and a hot shower.
The Heathrow Express hauled me in to Paddington Station in a mere fifteen minutes and I enjoyed a good cab ride to Temple Place and my hotel.
All in all, Virgin offered me a most pleasurable journey. After the weekend here in the company of my fellow V-Flyers I head home to Los Angeles on Sunday.
Chuck-
