This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
I LOVE San Fran, and I wanted to repeat the trip without the horrible experience and since BA were incompetent with my Toronto booking, I got SFO at a steal of £1700 in Upper Class! I know what you're thinking, that must be a mistake fare? No Ex-EU, no miles, just a pure cash booking. I have never seen West Coast so cheap, and so I found myself yesterday morning rocking up through Drive Through check in.
Probably the "worst" DTCI I have done, it was heaving, 5 families each with what seemed like 3 cases per person all being checked in, it was bedlam. Still nicer than the terminal (I assume, I have never actually checked in in the main terminal) and you cant complain too much as it was one of the busiest travel days of the year.
Now what I found odd, was that security wasn't as busy as I thought it would have been given how many people all checked in ahead of me. I got the normal pat-down that seems normal for me. The guy was far far too thorough, and I felt like asking him if he wanted to take me to dinner and drinks or if this was just a one morning thing afterwards!
Clubhouse was a haven of calm, Eggs Florentine ordered, mimosa in hand, standard morning in the CH for me. Wasn't too busy, which again I found odd. I was loving seeing the 747's at Heathrow again. One came and parked up in Gate 18, so I got a fantastic view of it.
Had the new Plant Burger after duty free shopping which was lush. A few redheads consumed and it was Spa Time.
I took my usual radiant me facial which includes a head massage and foot bath. Was expertly performed, and felt refreshed for the 11 hour flight ahead.
Boarding for the VS41 was at 1445, and I headed to the gate and was aboard the aircraft in no time. I do love (sorry DYKWIA moment) pushing through the Economy pax to get to the Upper Class line. It annoys me slightly (first world problems) that VS refuse to use L1 with its own jetbridge on the 787, they feel its unsafe as the jetbridge is too close to the Pito tubes. BA do it as do other airlines. It does make Upper Class boarding feel more special.
We sat at the gate for nearly two hours. One of the flight crew wasn't available and the guy on standby was having difficulty getting in, allegedly as we were boarding he was on the M25. Gave me a chance to have a chat with the captain and have a cheeky visit to the cockpit, so I wasn't really complaining, although, it did mean the whole flight was in the dark.
Once the second FO was on board, the door closed and we were on our way. 230ish passengers, three infants, 10 CC and 3 flight deck crew. Premium and Economy were full. Upper was dead with 13 spare seats and the whole middle row empty.
Service was good, the crew were on point, but they opp'd the flight as a full night flight, which mean interaction was limited. I drank lots and lots of water on the flight, and had a bit of a sleep and it made a huge difference to how I felt when I arrived.
I had the Cauliflower and Blue Cheese Soup. It was nice, but I wasn't as keen as some others have been. Then had the Thai Sweet Potato Stew with Rice. I noticed I was the only one eating it and since it was a small portion I was cheeky enough to ask for a second. It was genuinely one of the best meals I have had on a plane, the spices were so firey and intense. I love hot food, and this was fantastic. Chocolate torte followed, and that was amazing too so rich and flavourful.
Had an hour or two at the bar chatting with another solo traveler, about things to so and do in San Fran and comparing and contrasting phones.
Watched Mama Mia - Here we go again! Wow! What a load of tripe! I loved the original, maybe it was cos I was much younger, well 23, but despite the numerous fit boy eye candy, the film itself was dire!
Slept for a little bit and woke up with about two hours to go. A classic afternoon tea with a glass of champers to wash it down and then a breathtaking night flypast of the bay area before touching down at 20:13. In my CDC by 2045 and in the hotel for 21:12....so an hour from wheels down to being at the hotel in downtown. Not bad going I don't think!
The crew as I said were very good, but the average age of people in Upper Class must have been about 70, and with the pretty empty cabin, and everyone converting to bed mode meant that they kept the service minimal throughout the cruise. It was fair enough, but as someone who wants to enjoy the flight, it was a bit dissapointing. That being said the bar lights were left on and I didn't want for anything at any stage. The FSM was very proactive, and I think given the mix of passengers, catered the service around the mix of them which I think is good.
Luxury & Boutique | Miles & Points Usage | Long Haul
TravelLessOrdinary | [email protected]
TravelLessOrdinary | [email protected]
enjoy SF!
