This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
To maximise mile earning opportunities, I decided to take VS to Sydney, then fly Qantas to Perth for the outbound trip. This wasnt by any means the cheapest, but hey, you only live once, and I love miles!
I checked in at around 6pm, and despite some Lagos pax discussing weight issues with their 14 odd bags, I was checked in very quickly, and effeciently, and was soon on my way to experience the new clubhouse for the first time.
Fast Track was a blessing today, the queues for security were massive, and stretched for at least 100 meteres in both directions in front of the security area - not at all good for economy pax - be warned..
Fast track lived up to its name fortunately, and I was soon on my way.
First impressions of the new club house - I love it! There were plenty of seats available this time of day, and the ability to drop off hand luggage at the entrance is a big bonus (I dont remember this at the old clubhouse???)
I was told at the bar that Bob Geldof was also in the club house - didnt see him though.
made use of the PC area, had some food, and then sat with other pax at the bar, and the time seemed to pass much to quickly.
Boarding was from gate 35, which I knew was a long walk, and I was greeted by Sweet Dreamer (G-VSSH) - fab another plane I have not yet been on!
I've been in Upper previously on LGW 747's and LHR 747's, but this was the first time in Upper on an A340.
I did get the sense that the seat is narrower than on the Boeing, and also a little shorter when in bed mode - I may be wrong but it did seem that way.
I was seated in 3K, which faces the wall. flying alone on this trip, I would definately take that seat again - the privacy is very welcome.
The other difference on the A346 is the arm rest is too far back. Its useable when seat is reclined, but of little use when sitting upright.
[img]http://virginflyer.com/photos/1999.jpg[/img]
After the obligatory JD and Coke, I tucked into Dinner, had a chicken salad starter
[img]http://virginflyer.com/photos/1973.jpg[/img]
Followed by chicken in a spicy tangerine sauce and rice (IIRC)
[img]http://virginflyer.com/photos/1974.jpg[/img]
Starter was too dry (I wish they served more warm options for starters), and I found the main course sauce was too overpowering for me.
I missed the cheese course (not enough room in tummy!) and headed straight for the ice cream desert.
Australian Shiraz was the wine of choice - which did the trick.
Watched March of the Penguins on the IFE (fascinating & recomended), followed by the latest Wallace & Gromit - not up to previous standards IMHO!
Cant tell you much after this, as sleep suit was put on, bed made for me, and I crashed out fast asleep, waking up in time (just!) for a bacon roll and some cornflakes - a good 7 hours sleep - I do sleep well in the Suite.
On leaving the plane in Hong Kong, you are directed into two channels, one for pax staying in HKG, and another for those going on to Sydney.
Staff then place a sticker 'Catch me if you can' on you, and you are directed through security further down the corridor, to re-enter the terminal.
It would have been very handy to have had printed directions to the clubhouse, I was told the entrance was by gate 60, but could not find it. Fortunately another VS flyer looking for a place to smoke was able to give me directions.
The HKG clubhouse is excellent, even though half of it is exposed on a balcony, it is very relaxed and quiet, and there seemed an abundance of staff re-filling drinks and offering food.
[img]http://virginflyer.com/photos/1975.jpg[/img]
As I had just eaten breakie, I passed on food, choosing to re-hydrate on sparkling water instead.
Top marks though - excellent clubhouse.
All to soon we were called for the Sydney flight, and walked back to gate 36, which is very close to the lounge.
Back in seat 3K again for this leg, which was suprisingly full. Upper Class only has about 4 seats empty - seems the route is doing well.
Had a Palma Ham and Parmesan cheese salad for starters on this leg
[img]http://virginflyer.com/photos/1976.jpg[/img]
This was far to dry, and the ham had claearly been exposed to air for too long, and was a little hard.
However, meal was saved by a steak for the main course
[img]http://virginflyer.com/photos/1977.jpg[/img]
I'm quite fussy on my steaks, however I have to say this was a very good effort, and was nice and tender.
I was too full again, so regrettably passed on cheese and desert on this leg, and after a movie, turned in for more sleep, and was able to get another 5 hours sleep on this leg - which helped enourmously to avoid jet lag for our early arrival into Sydney.
Sevice on both legs was satisfactory, although I felt it inevitabley suffered a little from the layout of the cabin.
Having UC all in one section does somewhat give an economy feel, as you can see the staff making their way down the cabin, seat by seat. Upper is still good on the Airbus, but for me I agree with others that the 747 Upper Cabins are much better.
Another snag with the A346 is that the table does not retract enough for you to leave the seat with the table fully set. This is possible on the Boeing, and is very helpful if you need to see the vicar half way through your meal!
being the geek I am, it was nice to see that the BA 747 G-CIVP was on stand in Sydney after we arrived, which was the plane that bought me to this great city last time
[img]http://virginflyer.com/photos/1979.jpg[/img]
I had a much more comfortable flight this time around though (did it in economy last time!)
Had a great time in Oz, which included the Indian Pacific Railroad
[img]http://virginflyer.com/photos/1983.jpg[/img]
[img]http://virginflyer.com/photos/1984.jpg[/img]
We did have one issue though, when the train hit a kangaroo, breaking some hydralic cables at the front of the train, activating a full emergency stop!
There was great scenery though, and the lounge bar got full use, meeting some weird and wonderful people for the two day trip.
The trip included a stop off in Kalgoorlie, where the hardened drinkers found a local bar for a couple of hours, and the very small town of Cook, which has a population of only 4 people!
Despite lots of flys, and searing heat, it did afford some photo opportunities though!
[img]http://virginflyer.com/photos/1985.jpg[/img]
I know there are a few v-flyers taking the LHR-SYD trip soon - if you have any questions or comments, then please feel free to ask, and I'll do my best to answer them!
Hope you enjoyed - return leg to follow.....
