This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
I was first in the PE checkin queue, which eventually opened about 3.5 hours prior to departure. What followed was a complete shambles. I presented the necessary documentation to the checkin agent and immediately enquired about a miles upgrade. The agent wasn't sure what to do and engaged in a conversation with her supervisor. I was then informed that I probably could but I would need to join the ticket sales queue, which I did. I then stood in the queue for ticket sales for at least 25minutes while another customer was served. Meanwhile in the upper class queue, several FC Au holders also were requesting and succeeding in getting miles/pay upgrades, including those from non-upgradable (assume K) fares. This caused some fretting on my part. On finally reaching the ticket sales agent was sent me straight back to the PE checkin agent as apparently I should have never been in the ticket sales queue in the first place. Then after a call to FC which seemed to take forever, I finally had my upper class boarding pass.
Beat straight down to the EWR Clubhouse where the service was first-class. I was barely seated when my drink order was taken. I chose to eat in the clubhouse where a buffet of steak, shrimp and various sides was offered along with another few drinks.
The flight was delayed about 1hour and we ended up boarding around 22:00 (scheduled departure 21:25). Priority boarding proceeded smoothly. Cabin crew were around straight away explaining seat operation and taking orders for the flight. Boarding was complete quickly and we were soon on our way.
Crew around swiftly after take-off with drinks order. Knocked back a glass of the new australian shiraz that is being served in UC. Pretty good I thought. Decided then to maximise sleep/rest needed and get down to bed straight away for the short 6hour flight. Slept/rested pretty well, certainly better than any seat i have sat in on a plane and was wakened 90 mins before landing for OJ and bacon roll. The only IFE I used was the skymap when I woke up.
Didn't end up orbiting london for too long but ended up on a remote stand at LHR, so took a little longer to collect bags. Unfortunately on this occasion didn't have a chance to sample revivals, as was being collected by friends.
All in all, pretty good first UC experience, think might have withdrawal symptoms already.
Robert
