This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Upper Class check-in was a breeze, and no queue at security, they had to wait for me to get sorted out! Avoided all the temptation of duty free and made my way to the Clubhouse. Waited a while before tucking into a full breakfast which was a bit of a mistake as when I arrived the room was deserted and by the time I ordered most of the tables in the dining area were taken!
The v-flyer homepage showed me departing now at 11.20, not the scheduled 11.00, but did not see any information to that effect in the clubhouse; still it's a great place to wait if there is a delay.
Yes there was a delay! Didn't get on the plane until 10.50 had to queue, more like scrum down, in the boarding area, seems there is no communication between the clubhouse and the operations dept. well done v-flyer
, I should have believed your web site and waited longer in the Clubhouse! Still got a good seat, 16K, on 'Tinker Belle' it’s not too bad! Another delay as a passenger had been taken ill, they have to be taken of the plane and the area where they sat had to be searched and their luggage found. Pushed back at 11.50 and take off finally at 12.10.There were 312 passengers (after the sick had been removed I assume),16 cabin and 3 flight crew on board. Captain advised of a flight time of 10 hours 35 minutes which put us on the ground only a few minutes late.
Menus were given out and drink orders taken.
My choice of lunch: Smoked duck with green beans, malted granola and pomegranate molasses vinaigrette. Main, Chicken breast with cheddar mashed potatoes, courgette and balsamic jus. Avoided desert and ended with cheese (served from the trolley) and glass of port to finish. This being taken as we pass over Iceland.
As usual the first few hours passed quickly but the middle 4+ always seem a drag. Read the paper and watched Argo the film about the hostage crisis in Iran. Later stood at the bar reading, strangely this facility didn’t seem to be used much, though it has to be said the bar stools are not the most comfortable place to park ones backside. Got me through to afternoon tea served from a trolley, didn't bother with a cake stand as I had enough with just a scone and sandwich selection!
Just before landing the cabin supervisor came to ask me if I had enjoyed the flight, as a gold card holder, that's a first, and had to say that the crew were very attentive throughout.
One of the first off the plane and made sure I was not overtaken in the dash to join a massive queue at immigration, glad that I had used the loo before getting off the plane! It took nearly an hour to get through, though the official was very pleasant, when I finally got to him, in his welcome to the USA!
Then had quite a slog with bag in tow to re-check it for the next flight to Phoenix. Because of the delays etc didn't have to wait too long. The US Air first class has plenty of knee room but no food offered except crisps and packet of biscuits. Still it was comfortable and we arrived in pleasantly warm Arizona on time.
