This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
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Cabin Crew
With my wife (Tracy) celebrating her 30th birthday, we decided to take a trip out to Miami to take a cruise around the Caribbean. Using the last of my miles, we booked two reward tickets in UC over six months ago and have been eagerly counting the days ever since!
This was our second time 'up front' so we had a good idea what to expect. That said, it still felt like the same 'kid in a toy shop' feeling that I had the first time we experienced the UCS!
We stayed overnight at the Crowne Plaza for 80 as we live that little bit too far from Heathrow to drive it ourselves that early in morning. We grabbed a cab at six and was wandering into T3 some ten minutes later. Check in was deserted - a few eager soles were queuing for Economy and that was about it. Two UC desks were empty and were fighting over us, trying to keep busy no doubt. A quick and friendly process soon had us on our way upstairs.
We used fast track (mainly because we could rather than needing to!) and there was about six people in front. It still amazes me how many people still try to go through with wallets, keys and stuff in their pockets - sure, some forget - maybe we were unlucky that all those in front had to be manually searched.
I fancied giving IRIS a go, but the office was closed. We were then guided into a second screening area just for footwear which were being passed through a baby detector. Around 50% of passengers were being filtered out for this extra check which moved really quickly. A small group behind us managed to get split up with one person getting selected for the extra check. When the guy realised that he was the only one from the group, he muttered something rude and promptly slid under the barrier to join his mates and wandered off - all watched by three security staff! Never seen optional screening before!
Just gone six thirty and we were stood outside the closed doors of the Clubhouse, not realising beforehand that it didn't open until seven. So we sat outside on the comfortable seats, happy to know that we'd be first in. That's when I noticed what gross wallpaper they have at the top of the stairs (brown with red flowers). Amazing what you spot when you've nothing better to do!
With the door open (or shutters up to be more precise) we were in - and out-numbered by staff for a good thirty minutes. A civilised breakfast in the dining area was followed by a read of the paper in those hanging ball chairs. Tracy wants one at home now she liked them so much! An hour later we took a leisurely stroll down to gate 1.
I think it was mentioned on here a few weeks ago, but the new pier is excellent. Bright, large, plenty of space. Shame that priority boarding was non-existent.
Anyway, we were quickly on board and was promptly kicking myself that I forgot to get the name of the plane for my report - 'not to worry, I'll get it when I get off' I thought.
Seats 10A and 11A awaited us. 11A looked a bit battered with the insert coming away from the frame, but nothing too serious. We were greeted by a number of friendly attendants plus the IFBT who was only in her second week. Requests made and bucks fizz in hand, we were ready to go, along with 272 others and a half empty UC cabin. Pushed back ten minutes late, ten minute taxi and a near thirty minute wait for our turn on the runway. Who cares? We were in UC!
I find the suite a bit tight at first - I'm 6ft and quite broad and it always feels a bit claustrophobic, but the feeling soon passed. However, whoever designed the table realise button to be located next to my right elbow needs a good kicking if you ask me!!
Lunch was served just gone 11 which I thought was a bit early, but being one to never refuse food, I tucked in happily. Potato soup was nice, sausage and mash was excellent! Tracy had the Chicken Tikka and rated it as 'ok'. Dessert was a choice of a chocolate posset or ice-cream and a big chocolate button.
I-port was on good form with no problems. I narrowed my choice of films down to five and ended up watching the Departed which was great. A quick glance around the cabin surprised me with just how many people were sleeping.
We spent an hour at the bar chatting to a variety of crew and passengers. One of the crew was on a twelve month exchange from Virgin Blue and was heading to Miami for the first time. The pilot stopped by for ten minutes and explained that it was only his fifth trip of the year as he had flown so many hours at the end of last year. Also told us that VS pilots work less hours than BA thanks to their union!
The ride got a bit bumpy to the point that the crew had to take their seats - never a good sign (it was also a sign of things to come on the cruise but thats for another day!).
Took a visit to the loo (as you do) when it struck me that the toilets have been fitted with ash trays! Immediately above was the usual 'no smoking' and 'play with the smoke detector and we'll chop your hands off' warning labels. Seemed a strange one to me.
Nine hours quickly went and a light touchdown into a sunny and warm Miami followed. IFBT apologised for not getting to us - didn't get a priority card though which I thought was odd. Being on the right side of the plane for a fast exit to passport control helped us to avoid any queues. Why do US passport guys have to be so miserable and bordering on rude? Beats me.
Luggage came out nearly last, but all three pieces were spat out by the machine so couldn't complain. A more friendly customs guy made sure we had no food with us and then we were clear - from seat to arrivals in thirty five minutes. Then I remembered that I hadn't got the plane name on the way off either - doh!
So overall, a great trip, friendly crew and good seats. Not sure I'd pay for it myself (PE is more our level) but certainly enjoyed being up front.
Return to follow....
Cheers,
Neil
