This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
After spending a couple of minutes in Duty Free picking up the obligatory bottle of Highland Park, I made a beeline for the lounge. The dust covers were all around the new phase (which I missed by all of 2 days!) but I had a quick cheeky look through a gap and it looks mighty impressive!
Safely sat in the lounge I ordered the Sushi platter and a Gin and Tonic and was very impressed with the metal chopsticks. Really must find some of these for my place! About an hour before my flight I had pre-booked a haircut at the salon. While having my hair dealt with I was talking to the stylist about the new lounge and she detailed the training trip to New York they had and listed some of the new features. She also said they werent too impressed with the task of manning the pool which is hidden around a corner apparently!
Eventually my flight was called so I took the brief walk to the gate where I was apparently the first UC passenger. Everyone who took a look at my boarding pass asked how the lounge was which I found both nice and mildly amusing. Our plane was a 343 (I forget which name) and was lacking the UCS, however I found the J2000 seat very comfortable. The obligatory champagne was served and I kicked back for the 9 hour flight to Mumbai. A quick look around the cabin revealed most passengers were on business with only one family behind the bar bulkhead who had a couple of small children (who I didnt hear a single noise from all flight).
After takeoff, meal orders were taken and I was most put out to find that my first choice (the salmon) was off the menu. I was also alarmed to find curry on the menu not once, but twice. This is an overnight flight to India (hence the curry), but is that such a wise idea in an enclosed space such as a plane?!
About 3 hours from landing, unable to sleep due to the noise in the 343 (is it just me that finds the 343 very loud up front?) the IFBT invited me for my back massage. She did a fantastic job (and was also very attractive as were all the cabin staff, unlike the dragons found on some airlines). 90 minutes from landing breakfast was served which was definitely the lowest point of the flight. The bagel was over toasted and very tough and the coffee was an insult. Or maybe I was just irritable from the lack of sleep, who knows.
All in all, I was very impressed with the service and I look forward to my remaining flights with VS. Especially as the new lounge is open for my next flight in Septemer.