This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Thought I might as well get rid of my very large suitcase at twilight check-in. There was no-one there and three staff waiting to help. Duly checked in and given clubhouse invite and boarding card for 6A as pre-booked.
Walked across to the Gatwick Hilton, quite busy around the lounge bar but reception pretty quiet, was given a triple room (it was huge) but no invitation to executive lounge even though i'd just been approved gold status -http://www.v-flyer.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7707. (sorry don't know how to shorten link).
Didn't really mind as all I wanted to do was relax and do all the girly things I hadn't managed to do before I left home. Didn't sleep to well as there was a lot of noise by guests in the corridors all night.
Headed to the clubhouse the following morning at 8am. Walked through security within a couple of minutes as there were no queues. At the clubhouse I was offered a treatment and given a card detailing what was on offer but declined as I had done the girly things yesterday in the hotel. There couldn't have been more than 20 people in the lounge, in fact there seemed nearly as many staff as pax. Had the signature breakfast and a couple of lattes but decided not to indulge with champagne and keep that pleasure for the flight.
Left the clubhouse before the flight was called as there were a few things I wanted to get in the shops. Pretty Woman was at gate 31 (presumably VSO15) and I believe Virginia Plain at gate 34 flying to Vegas (is that the grey one?) Sorry but I didn't see which plane I was on -do I lose marks for that one[n][?]
Boarding at gate 33 was delayed by around 15 minutes - it was announced that this was due to late arrival of the aircraft.
Priority boarding was well organised as there were large notice boards at each of the gates to make it obvious. I have never seen these before. I was first on board and was immediately made very welcome by a female senior cabin crew member (sorry I didn't get her permission to use her name)who said she usually worked UC out of LHR and liked the fact that there were so few pax to attend to. She served champagne very quickly to all on board and offered a choice of newspapers. Amenity packs given out and I was very disappointed with the contents.
A very jolly captain then apologised for the delay and said that the aircraft had arrived on time but had to park on a remote stand and so cleaning and loading of food was delayed. He had a pop at BAA in a very dry humoured fashion. He also said that any complaints on any aspect of the flight should be directed to the FSM as he was always of a very cheery nature.
We taxied a long way out before take off and the cabin crew remarked that he was doing hand brake turns all the way - I think he was definitely having some fun with the aircraft.
The ascent was like a roller coaster ride over London and can imagine that some pax might have felt slightly queasy if they weren't used to it. Drinks were served pretty quickly but within minutes we hit turbulence and I had to knock back my G&T pretty quickly (it seemed a shame to spill any). It was pretty rough for around 10 minutes and unfortunately the lady behind me had opted for a pot of tea and I think she lost most of it. Cabin crew were again fantastic after it was over and apolgised that they couldn't clean up immediately as they had to remain seated.
Opted for the salad to start and the steak. I quite liked the salad but could have had a bit more Salmon in it. The steak was OK if you like it medium (personally I like to see blood). The vegetables were excellent though especially the potatoes dauphinoise(sp). Decided to pass on a sweet.
Unfortuantely the IFE system was playing up and there was no sky map or comedy channels. Only 4 films out of the full selection were playing too, not a great selection either. Watched Ashton Kutcher (too young for me but know he likes the older woman)and Jada Pinkett Smith (now I would like to take her place at home)in a Rom Com which was a remake,with races reversed, of 'Guess who's coming to dinner', the old Spencer Tracy film for anyone out there who's old enough to remember it. It was quite funny but personally I like to watch something that stimulates the brain a bit more.
6K oppposite and one other seat were empty so asked for the spare pillows which was no problem and had my bed made up. I hadn't done this for my last few flights but decided to try as I was very tired. The extra pillows obviously did the trick as I slept for over 3 hours and after a glass of juice and a freshen up it was time for afternoon tea. Sandwiches were very average but enjoyed the ginger scone along with a pot of tea. Cabin crew also brought around a selection of mini cakes on a very pretty cake stand (very english) I opted for an eclair which was really nice. I now had my sugar fix for the week.
Landed at 15.40 (so made up the time more or less). Immigration took around 20 minutes so luggage was waiting and no further queues. Picked up a Sebring Touring convertible and with the top down I headed south on the 417 to my villa in bright sunshine and a temperature of 32C.
All in all a very good flight, excellent crew,food slightly better than my last flight but let down by the IFE.
Jilly