As the day approached I did have a few worries that my dream flight might disappoint, but at the end of the day, I reasoned, I could at least say that I had finally done it !
We stayed overnight at the Hilton T4 , had breakfast in the Executive lounge and then had a taxi to T3. I say "taxi " but what drew up, seconds after my request at reception, was a gleaming Mercedes, so the day started well. The sun was also shining ...
Entering T3 I could see queues for BA over to the right, but we were directed to the left and a screened off area. A smile greeted us as we entered and there was no one in front of us. We were directed to Fast Track which lived up to its name and soon found the lounge. We were welcomed and told it was possibly Gate 32. Of course it is no CH, but for a short wait it was perfectly comfortable and reasonably empty at 7.50 am. Our Gate was called at 9.40 and it was indeed 32. So began, not the long walk to freedom but the very long walk to fulfillment. ( Why are BA flights so far from the Departure lounge !)
Boarding started at 10.10 am and I was welcomed on board by name and escorted to my seat 2K. It felt comfortable, roomy, reasonably private and I loved the personal wardrobe where I could store all my bits and pieces. The electric blinds lived up to expectation ! The cabin had a quiet elegance . There was an understated air of luxury. First class had two empty seats and overall it was a full flight. Champagne was offered and soon after the cabin crew introduced themselves and shook my hand. Sleeping suits, menus, slippers and amenity kits were handed out with more champagne. Just before the doors were closed the Senior Member of the crew came and introduced herself and shook hands and had a chat.
We were off stand at 11am and took off 11.15am. I already felt that the flight was going to be all I hoped for and I was going to cherish every moment. Delicious warmed nuts were served with pre lunch drinks and on my return from the washroom I found my empty glass had been refilled.
The large table was set for lunch and I so liked having the space to the side so I didn't have to put anything away or in a pocket. I had chosen the scallops to start and they were delicious. Despite all the warnings of fellow v-flyers I went for the seared fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef and it was tender, cooked how I like it , and full of flavour. The Voignier was excellent. For dessert I enjoyed an apple parfait with pecan nuts and a wonderful dessert wine. With my coffee I was offered a selection of chocolates. The service was attentive without being obsequious and with impeccable timing. I felt pampered .
I reclined my seat , it was very comfortable, & settled down to watch the Steve Jobs film . Goodness I didn't realise it was so short... Oh no, I had fallen asleep just as it had started and woke to the credits at the end !!! More importantly I had missed all that time luxuriating in my mini heaven.
We flew at 590 mph with an average tail wind of 36mph. I was asked when I would like afternoon tea and I requested it about an hour and a half before landing. Again the service was attentive and always with a smile. The sandwiches were tasty and moist ( crayfish with mango, egg mayonnaise, roast beef, and cheese with onion. ) The scone was warm and I declined the cakes . I particularly relished having my own pot of tea ( like the good old days in UC) so I could pour a second cup when I wanted it.
Now, somewhere in my chat earlier with the SCM I had mentioned that today was a dream come true for me and she had wished me a particularly good flight. Just before we landed at 2.50 pm Florida time the SCM came and presented me with a copy of the Duty Briefing Pack with maps of our route & the weather conditions en route , " For your Memory Box !" Across the top sheet the Captain had written that they all hoped I had enjoyed my First First Class flight and sent best wishes and signed it. I had tears in my eyes at their thoughtfulness and kindness. The flight had actually gone so quickly. I couldn't believe it was over. And no turbulence !
We landed but had to wait for another aircraft to vacate the gate. Amazingly passengers sat down again in their seats as requested until we came to a halt . The stampede was merely delayed .Then I girded up my loins for the horrors to come at immigration. When the plane doors open it always reminds me of the start of the Grand National as everyone surges forward and gallops off but gradually folk fall by the wayside and only a few can keep up the pace as far as the home straight. Miami gates are a long course to the immigration hall. But goodness - my wonderful day continued. The Hall was empty. We were shown to the machines and had no queue either to hand in our forms. I was carrying my luggage out of the hall by 3.15pm and in my hotel room at the Miami Hilton within an hour of landing.
So my dream has come true and it lived up to expectations. I haven't sampled First Class on the more touted airlines so I don't know what I may have missed but for me I loved the dignity without bling, the exclusive feel without any crassness, the attentive service that was so unobtrusive.
Already it all seems a long time ago - did it really happen or was it just a flight of my imagination !?
No - I lived my dream and had " Such a perfect day."
( Sorry I concentrated on filming my experience on my camcorder (( how old fashioned !)) so I didn't take lots of photos . )
We stayed overnight at the Hilton T4 , had breakfast in the Executive lounge and then had a taxi to T3. I say "taxi " but what drew up, seconds after my request at reception, was a gleaming Mercedes, so the day started well. The sun was also shining ...
Entering T3 I could see queues for BA over to the right, but we were directed to the left and a screened off area. A smile greeted us as we entered and there was no one in front of us. We were directed to Fast Track which lived up to its name and soon found the lounge. We were welcomed and told it was possibly Gate 32. Of course it is no CH, but for a short wait it was perfectly comfortable and reasonably empty at 7.50 am. Our Gate was called at 9.40 and it was indeed 32. So began, not the long walk to freedom but the very long walk to fulfillment. ( Why are BA flights so far from the Departure lounge !)
Boarding started at 10.10 am and I was welcomed on board by name and escorted to my seat 2K. It felt comfortable, roomy, reasonably private and I loved the personal wardrobe where I could store all my bits and pieces. The electric blinds lived up to expectation ! The cabin had a quiet elegance . There was an understated air of luxury. First class had two empty seats and overall it was a full flight. Champagne was offered and soon after the cabin crew introduced themselves and shook my hand. Sleeping suits, menus, slippers and amenity kits were handed out with more champagne. Just before the doors were closed the Senior Member of the crew came and introduced herself and shook hands and had a chat.
We were off stand at 11am and took off 11.15am. I already felt that the flight was going to be all I hoped for and I was going to cherish every moment. Delicious warmed nuts were served with pre lunch drinks and on my return from the washroom I found my empty glass had been refilled.
The large table was set for lunch and I so liked having the space to the side so I didn't have to put anything away or in a pocket. I had chosen the scallops to start and they were delicious. Despite all the warnings of fellow v-flyers I went for the seared fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef and it was tender, cooked how I like it , and full of flavour. The Voignier was excellent. For dessert I enjoyed an apple parfait with pecan nuts and a wonderful dessert wine. With my coffee I was offered a selection of chocolates. The service was attentive without being obsequious and with impeccable timing. I felt pampered .
I reclined my seat , it was very comfortable, & settled down to watch the Steve Jobs film . Goodness I didn't realise it was so short... Oh no, I had fallen asleep just as it had started and woke to the credits at the end !!! More importantly I had missed all that time luxuriating in my mini heaven.
We flew at 590 mph with an average tail wind of 36mph. I was asked when I would like afternoon tea and I requested it about an hour and a half before landing. Again the service was attentive and always with a smile. The sandwiches were tasty and moist ( crayfish with mango, egg mayonnaise, roast beef, and cheese with onion. ) The scone was warm and I declined the cakes . I particularly relished having my own pot of tea ( like the good old days in UC) so I could pour a second cup when I wanted it.
Now, somewhere in my chat earlier with the SCM I had mentioned that today was a dream come true for me and she had wished me a particularly good flight. Just before we landed at 2.50 pm Florida time the SCM came and presented me with a copy of the Duty Briefing Pack with maps of our route & the weather conditions en route , " For your Memory Box !" Across the top sheet the Captain had written that they all hoped I had enjoyed my First First Class flight and sent best wishes and signed it. I had tears in my eyes at their thoughtfulness and kindness. The flight had actually gone so quickly. I couldn't believe it was over. And no turbulence !
We landed but had to wait for another aircraft to vacate the gate. Amazingly passengers sat down again in their seats as requested until we came to a halt . The stampede was merely delayed .Then I girded up my loins for the horrors to come at immigration. When the plane doors open it always reminds me of the start of the Grand National as everyone surges forward and gallops off but gradually folk fall by the wayside and only a few can keep up the pace as far as the home straight. Miami gates are a long course to the immigration hall. But goodness - my wonderful day continued. The Hall was empty. We were shown to the machines and had no queue either to hand in our forms. I was carrying my luggage out of the hall by 3.15pm and in my hotel room at the Miami Hilton within an hour of landing.
So my dream has come true and it lived up to expectations. I haven't sampled First Class on the more touted airlines so I don't know what I may have missed but for me I loved the dignity without bling, the exclusive feel without any crassness, the attentive service that was so unobtrusive.
Already it all seems a long time ago - did it really happen or was it just a flight of my imagination !?
No - I lived my dream and had " Such a perfect day."
( Sorry I concentrated on filming my experience on my camcorder (( how old fashioned !)) so I didn't take lots of photos . )