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Best upper class route

PostPosted: 02 Oct 2005, 23:51
by DylanDog
I know this must have been asked in the past but couldn't find anything.....

If you wanted to maximise the Virgin Upper class experience ( for a once in a lifetime trip ) which route would you take ( ignoring destination )

I assume UCS is a given but what about LHR v LGW, 747 v 340, destination airport lounge, time in the air,IFE,IFBT,GNF etc.etc.

DD

PostPosted: 02 Oct 2005, 23:57
by preiffer
San Francisco, for me, every time:

LHR 747-400 (with upper deck [y])
Decent outbound and inbound departure times
Long enough to make use of the facilities onboard (NO GNF!)
Long enough to be able to sleep for a reasonable amount coming home
Usually get an inflight massage
Usually v:port
EXCELLENT CH in SFO
Outbound: downstairs, bar, lots of different people to chat with
Inbound: upstairs, quiet cabin, 7-8 hours pure sleep
Revivals on "re-entry"


Oh yeah - and the destination's very cool, too ;)

PostPosted: 03 Oct 2005, 00:20
by ChuckC
Dylan,
Very good thread. Nice one! For me I very much enjoyed VS7, LHR-LAX. In a 747-400 it's hard to beat. In an Airbus, well, we shall see. Others have flown it in the A340; you can see some of their comments in the TRs.

Originally posted by preiffer
San Francisco, for me, every time:

LHR 747-400 (with upper deck [y])
Decent outbound and inbound departure times
Long enough to make use of the facilities onboard (NO GNF!)
Long enough to be able to sleep for a reasonable amount coming home
Usually get an inflight massage
Usually v:port
EXCELLENT CH in SFO
Outbound: downstairs, bar, lots of different people to chat with
Inbound: upstairs, quiet cabin, 7-8 hours pure sleep
Revivals on "re-entry"


Oh yeah - and the destination's very cool, too ;)



Paul,Which must mean that you are really looking forward to VS20 on 12 Nov?

Chuck-

PostPosted: 03 Oct 2005, 00:27
by preiffer
Originally posted by ChuckC
Paul,Which must mean that you are really looking forward to VS20 on 12 Nov?

Chuck-
Ohhh yes!

Although, since I don't have to go straight into work after landing (what with it being a Sunday 'n all), I'm joining the rest of the boys downstairs on the inbound for a change. I'm guessing that my sleep time may be compromised by the lure of the bar...

PostPosted: 03 Oct 2005, 00:28
by sky
Originally posted by preiffer
San Francisco, for me, every time:

LHR 747-400 (with upper deck [y])
Decent outbound and inbound departure times
Long enough to make use of the facilities onboard (NO GNF!)
Long enough to be able to sleep for a reasonable amount coming home
Usually get an inflight massage
Usually v:port
EXCELLENT CH in SFO
Outbound: downstairs, bar, lots of different people to chat with
Inbound: upstairs, quiet cabin, 7-8 hours pure sleep
Revivals on "re-entry"


Oh yeah - and the destination's very cool, too ;)



I agree completely [y][y][y][^]:D!

I wouldn't mind if it was an hour longer though :), I always sleep in both directions for 5-6 hours there and 7-8 back!

However for once in a lifetime, for slightly more than the price you pay to get a UCS to SFO you can get a SQ/VS/AZ RTW ticket which would give you a few more UCS experiences?

Cheers
sky

PostPosted: 03 Oct 2005, 00:32
by sky
Originally posted by preiffer
Although, since I don't have to go straight into work after landing (what with it being a Sunday 'n all), I'm joining the rest of the boys downstairs on the inbound for a change. I'm guessing that my sleep time may be compromised by the lure of the bar...


It is quite amazing with how functioning I am after VS020, people in the office find it hard to believe I just came in from SFO.

Cheers
sky

PostPosted: 03 Oct 2005, 00:37
by honey lamb
Well I haven't flown east on a VS flight and my flights to JNB were in Econ and PE (before I discovered the delights of UC) but I have to agree with preiffer for all the same reasons even though I prefer being downstairs and I didn't sleep on my last flight back from SFO

PostPosted: 03 Oct 2005, 02:07
by slinky09
Originally posted by preiffer
San Francisco, for me, every time:

LHR 747-400 (with upper deck [y])
Decent outbound and inbound departure times
Long enough to make use of the facilities onboard (NO GNF!)
Long enough to be able to sleep for a reasonable amount coming home
Usually get an inflight massage
Usually v:port
EXCELLENT CH in SFO
Outbound: downstairs, bar, lots of different people to chat with
Inbound: upstairs, quiet cabin, 7-8 hours pure sleep
Revivals on "re-entry"


Oh yeah - and the destination's very cool, too ;)



Another vote from me! Just makes me smile thinking about going to SFO, and would add:

usually meet some very interesting people, with a nice mix
time enough to catch up on work if need to as well as relax

Way cool!

PostPosted: 03 Oct 2005, 10:08
by Milliemoo
Originally posted by DylanDog


If you wanted to maximise the Virgin Upper class experience ( for a once in a lifetime trip ) which route would you take ( ignoring destination )

DD


If your talking about maximising the VS UC experience, surely there's only one contender ......... The Great Escapade Fare! [8D] or is that cheating? That way you can incorporate a number of the 'best routes' but for is undoubtedly the best value UC fare going :D

Milliemoo

PostPosted: 03 Oct 2005, 12:13
by Bazz
I would also have to agree with Paul, Excellent CH's at both ends, 744 and a great destination to boot, what more can you ask for? [8D]

PostPosted: 03 Oct 2005, 12:20
by RichardMannion
Having just completed the HKG route in UCS both ways, I'd like to throw that in as a contender too. A346, Vport, plenty of time to make use of the full E2E UC experience.

I will concur abotu the 19/20 though...

Thanks,
Richard

PostPosted: 03 Oct 2005, 16:58
by Howard Long
Originally posted by RichardMannion
Having just completed the HKG route in UCS both ways, I'd like to throw that in as a contender too. A346, Vport, plenty of time to make use of the full E2E UC experience.


Or, carry on all the way through to SYD maybe... two chances of a massage each way, and three CH experiences (plus the rather less exciting AirNZ lounge in Sydney). Downside is that security, immigration and transfer at SYD are a letdown after all that pampering. I highly recommend taking a spare set of comfy clothes and taking advantage of the shower at the HKG CH in both directions. Transfer at the stop at HKG is a breeze in my experience.

Cheers, Howard

PostPosted: 03 Oct 2005, 20:50
by P-L-U
Oh yeah, SFO - I couldn't agree more. Nice long flight which gives plenty of time to try out all the goodies on board during the outbound, and to get a good sleep on the inbound home. Can't wait for my next trip there in a few weeks time in Upper Class :D.