Upper Class - First Timer Questions!

Hi all

I have my first journey in Upper flying LHR - IAD. I must admit I am excited. I have flown Club and First with BA and I am dying to compare the 2 products.

I do have a couple of questions - apologies if they have been asked before - I promise I have looked on the site but could not find answers.

1 - My father is going to drop me off at Heathrow - is the Upper Class check drive in area just for the limo passengers or is there a 'drop off' area for normal cars?
2 - I have gone for the collegen eye treatment at the Cowshed - any comments or preferences for treatments?
3 - I have got 1A seat - I am guessing thats ok! Cant seem to find a review for that seat on the IAD route.
4 - Any top tips for a Virgin novice?[:I]

I fly regularly on Virgin but never in Upper - I had to use my airmiles as it was a short notice trip due to a funeral. I guess I will be spoilt for future flights!

Regards

AKS120

[preiffer]

No worries - they're (remarkably) not the 'usual questions' anyway [;)]

1) No. That area is only for limo drop-offs, your father will need to drop you at the regular Terminal 3 set down area.
2) Nope. No comments or suggestions - but I'm sure someone else will have some...!
3) PERSONALLY, I'd go for a little further back from the 'traffic area'. Think around 4/5 ish
4) Errr.... Make sure you ask for an onboard treatment [:p][;)]

[honey lamb]

1. As preiffer said
2. Not had it so can't comment
3. OK-ish but I'd move back to 3/4
4. Ignore preiffer. He's having you on [V]
5. Enjoy the experience
6. Start saving for your next UC trip [:D]

A tip? Get to the clubhouse early. Eat, drink, pamper yourself as much as possible [:)]

Trust me - if I could get there the night before to enjoy it I would!! I will be there bright an early to get my full 'miles spent' worth. I think I may now stay at the Hilton connected to T4 - we shall see!

Thanks for the replies.

Hi AKS

As a fellow UC Virgin till recently, all the guys five you some great tips!

One tip I would give you - book yourself into the London Heathrow Marriott - much nicer and the right side of the airport for T3 - they often do bargain rates as well through lastminute.com and on the marriott website. The hilton was beginning to feel a bit shabby when i last stayed there.

Def get there early, I had a great shave treatment in the cowshed, one of the best shaves I had... and on the way back don't forget to use the Revivals Lounge when you get back to London - a great pick me up after getting off the overnight from IAD.

I'd echo the guys feedback about seating - I sat in 4k to and from Chicago and very private and nice it was too!

Have a great flight and enjoy! Look forward to your trip report

Baloo

Thanks - I will look at the Marriott - I had not thought of that hotel.

Unfortunately I will not get to try the Revivals lounge this time as I am flying home to LAS. My outbound journey was in PE from JFK! Nevermind - I will certainly be saving and looking for the special offer Upper fares that appear to come up regularly. In fact there was some pretty good priced fares from Chicago so I will prob go for that at Christmas.[:D]

[honey lamb]

Originally posted by aks120
Thanks - I will look at the Marriott - I had not thought of that hotel.

Unfortunately I will not get to try the Revivals lounge this time as I am flying home to LAS. My outbound journey was in PE from JFK! Nevermind - I will certainly be saving and looking for the special offer Upper fares that appear to come up regularly. In fact there was some pretty good priced fares from Chicago so I will prob go for that at Christmas.[:D]

Or try Priceline. I got the Marriott at LHR for $75 last year and the Crowne Plaza for the same

Originally posted by baloobear
Hi AKS

One tip I would give you - book yourself into the London Heathrow Marriott - much nicer and the right side of the airport for T3 -

Baloo

Is it the Marriott Heathrow/Windsor Hotel or the Rennaissance London Heathrow Hotel? Both are Marriott so just checking I look at the right one!

Actually I have just found the one you were talking about but it is full [n] On to look for others!

TVM

AKS120

I have the collagen eye treatment every time I'm in the CH, its wonderfully relaxing.

[ChuckC]

Originally posted by aks120
Trust me - if I could get there the night before to enjoy it I would!! I will be there bright an early to get my full 'miles spent' worth. I think I may now stay at the Hilton connected to T4 - we shall see!

Thanks for the replies.

There's an idea! I also like the Sheraton. As for first time in Upper Class, try to sample as many of the food, drinks and services that are offered. Even if you aren't tired, ask for your bed to be converted and lie there for a spot of daydreaming, reading or watching your personal telly. Yes, I'm biased, but the experience overall is quite fun.

Chuck-

Originally posted by Jacki
I have the collagen eye treatment every time I'm in the CH, its wonderfully relaxing.

I discovered this to recently - marvellous way to moisturize and relax pre flight - don't think it makes you look any younger though [:(]

Originally posted by aks120
Is it the Marriott Heathrow/Windsor Hotel or the Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel? Both are Marriott so just checking I look at the right one!

Actually I have just found the one you were talking about but it is full [n] On to look for others!

TVM

AKS120

So, if the London Heathrow Marriott is booked, you could try the Renaissance - its redeeming feature is that it is really close to the airport on the 'right' side, like a 5 minute cab ride to T3. But, it is definitely a bit on the worn out side. I've never lodged at the Windsor Marriott, it's not on the Bath Road that I remember, so I'm a bit at a loss as to whether it would make much of a difference from the Hilton.

Now thats a shame that its fully booked - try looking on Expedia, Lastminute, Laterooms and also holidayextras.co.uk - they sometimes have availability when Marriott website says its full.

The Renaissance is a good option too, but as marked man says a little worn out.

I did the ORD route (see my flight review) and majority of PAX in UC where American using the route to then transit on to their final destination - all did it for one reason - the fare was cheapest!

Saying that, they loved the UC experience and liked the fact that its a direct flight to ORD without any stops en route, unlike AA or UA

Well I tried all avenues and the Marriott was well and truley booked up! I have gone for the Sheraton Skyline - booked into one of the executive rooms that have been renovated so will do a review if I survive [:w]

Thanks for all the help - I cant wait now! Shame I prob wont get a chance to try the infamous burger but I will certainly be drinking before noon - can't resist a glass of champers at any time of the day or night [:I]

I've heard from a few of my work colleagues that if you ask nicely, you get a burger whatever the time.... try your luck!

ps glad you found a hotel!