This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Sunday was my first experience of the UCS (J2000 only to date) and I was amazed! It was also my first chance to get some points with my new Au status. The limo picked me up at just before 6PM (A Volvo V70 I personally prefer the S80s!) and we fought through reasonably heavy traffic to arrive at LHR drive through check in at around 7:15. Check in was the usual breeze from the back of the car then straight through fast-track. The service in World Duty Free was terrible so I skipped it opting for World of Whisky for my traditional supply of drams and then onto the Clubhouse.
The clubhouse was reasonably quiet which made a change from my previous few visits, and I quickly located a free table. Sushi and a salad later it was time for my treatment in the Cowshed. I traditionally get my hair cut at the Bumble & Bumble salon however opted for the Rhinestone Cowboy treatment. This was extremely relaxing and exactly what I required to recover from a previous late night. Not too sure about the quality of the shave though certainly a few bits of missed stubble afterwards. After this there was sufficient time for some drinks at the bar where I got talking to a member of staff about Phase II of the Clubhouse (apparently it opens March 21 a date for your calendars).
Boarding was called (I forget what time) and I left soon-after. I *always* seem to make the mistake of leaving the CH too early and had to spend a short while at the gate. Boarding commenced with the usual surge of everyone trying to get on and being turned away. I settled into 1K as the various cabin crew introduced themselves and offered drinks, to take coats, sleep suits etc.
After getting airborne drinks followed by dinner service commenced. I was hoping for the revised menu however it was the usual soup or salad starter followed by salmon or lamb and mint suet main course. Oh and there were a couple of curry options however as I will be eating noting *but* curry for the next month I opted for the salad and lamb. The lamb suet was actually pretty good considering what I was expecting (very much looking forward to the revised menu for my next LHR BOM sector in April).
Soon after dinner I was exhausted so requested the turn-down. It was extremely impressive watching the seat fold down. 1 sleep suit later I was in bed and out cold. I woke once during the flight as I was dehydrated so grabbed a couple of waters at the bar where the IFBT offered me my treatment as I was awake second shoulder massage in ~6 hours! I woke up again with the CC offering me breakfast.
My impression of the UCS from first flight is extremely positive (never before have I managed to get a decent nights sleep on a flight). My initial thoughts are:
- The table felt clunky, although very sturdy.
- The cocktail table. Not the most useful of positions!
- I felt as though there wasnt anywhere to put my right arm when in seat mode.
- I love the fact the UCS is certified for reclined use during take off. Love it!
- Are the overhead bins smaller after the refit or is my memory playing tricks on me?
- The bar area seemed a little more cramped on the 343 post-refit. Again is this just me? What is it like during a day flight?
- It looks fantastic!
- It obviously works I have never heard so much snoring in a cabin!
