This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Checked in on line - no problem, allocated 7A as previously selected.
At 3pm a downpour started so decided to leave a bit earlier for the airport, ditch the car and make use of the lounge. Apart from an afternoon, well it ran into the evening, at a friends villa drinking wine by the pool, I'd hardly touched a drop so this seemed a good idea.
On arrival on the Virgin check in desks I was amazed at the queues. The bag drop off and EC check in areas were snaking. Fortunately there was no one in the UC line but also no one at the desk. I was next to be called to the PE desk, so no complaints, but the gentleman in the PE queue through a wobbly[V] He was cut off in his prime and politely told that UC always take priority. The young lady who checked me in was very friendly and professional, asked me if I knew my way to the lounge, gave me a pass and wished me a pleasant flight. No queues at security, so through within a couple of minutes.
The lounge was pretty quiet, there were plenty of papers and magazines available and ordered my first G&T. I did lose count after 3. The flight was called a little late at 5.45 pm, due to late arrival. Unfortuantely when I, and others, got to the gate they were still not boarding and waited another 10 minutes or so.
Once onboard, nicely welcomed with champagne but it went a little downhill from there. No papers given out, everyone seemed to be helping themselves and it was a bit of a scrum, and I had to ask to have my jacket and small case taken away. The crew weren't rude or unhelpful but I did get the feeling they needed guidance and there was no FSM to be seen. I did catch sight of him once, sat in the empty downstairs PE section but he never came into the UC cabin.
We sat for 40 minutes plus in a VERY hot cabin, which the pilot aplogised for,but no further drinks were served and I drank the whole bottle of water provided. Eventually we were in the air by 7pm. Meal service was prompt and I was much happier with the selection for the return. I chose the beef salad starter and chicken as a main course, I really enjoyed the beef but the chicken was a little dry. Nicely washed down with the Shiraz.
I fell asleep pretty quickly after the meal but only managed around an hour before I was woken by my neighbours. The gentleman in 6A snored constantly with a little help from his wife in 6K who complimented him with her snorting every few seconds. Whatever I did seemed to make no difference and I gave up on the sleep and watched some comedy and listened to some music.
Breakfast was served and I chose the salmon frittata (sp?) which was OK but hated the sausage and bacon that came with it. Was glad to receive two mugs of coffee, so many times I've asked for a mug and ended up with a cup.
Landed around 10 minutes late but was off the plane very quickly as no-one in downstairs in PE and the front EC section only had a few people in. Immigration was empty and I had no luggage to collect, and after a short walk to the upper level drop off area I was collected and on my way home.
The flight was OK, I've had better service but probably a bit grumpy because of the lack of sleep.
