This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Arrived quite early to the airport to have a peaceful breakfast at the lounge. There was a little bit queue at the check-in but then the whole check-in was very fast. After leaving the desk I noticed that I received a seat in upstairs and I didn't remember to mention that I would like to be seated downstairs.
Proceeded to the FastTrack security and noticed it completely empty, walked through it quite fast (all metal into the bags, wear flight friendly shoes etc) and proceeded to find myself to the lounge (quick shopping on the way). I found the lounge quite easily (you cannot miss the stairway) and was greeted very friendly. After the quick visit to the concierge desk I was seated in the downstairs and then I just proceeded to the breakfast. The lounge is amazing and the service is absolutely fantastic.
I had noticed that my gate was quite far away from the lounge and decided to honour the 30 minute rule printed on my boarding pass and proceeded to the gate early enough just to notice that there was a huge line in front of the gate area. I couldn't figure out if there was actually some priority line for Upper Class as the signs were kind of pushed away from the area and it seemed to have only one line. I decided to wait a little bit and see if the line gets actually shorter and noticed that some of the people just seemed to walk past the line. Well, after awhile I decided to do the same, which is quite unlike for me since I hate cutting the lines but it worked. Gate announced boarding quite quickly and after the children Upper Class was allowed to board. Note to myself: leave lounge only after they announce boarding in the lounge.
I found my seat and then the friendliness started ... it seemed that there was huge amount of people introducing themselves and wanting to help me with my coats and seat and in-flight treatment and welcome drink etc. So much attention that it was almost confusing [:D]
I had hoped for V:Port but I was flying with Ruby Tuesday (G-VXLG) and it is equipped with Odyssey. Later I found that actually Odyssey is quite nice system and is actually pretty much the same as I have used with SAS Business Class.
The whole flight went very smoothly, a little bit rough turbulence near San Francisco caused that most of my afternoon tea was actually on the plate and not in the cup but that is what happens on turbulence. Everything was just excellent.
It is always nice to come out the aircraft one of the first ones and be in the immigration lines before the lines actually form. Also my luggage was one of the first ones - it is so nice to see that priority works as specified.
Absolutely fantastic flight and experience. I am really glad that I decided to try Virgin after thinking it for a couple of years.
