This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
I haven't posted in a while, but I enjoy reading everyone else's posts, so figured it was about time that I posted again!
Ok, so here we go................although had the option of an UC car, had an afternoon lunch party to attend, and as that was nearer to LHR than our house - and there was no point in going home to come straight back again in the same direction again (if that makes sense) - he dropped me off at LHR. I did a tearful wave to the UC drive-in entrance, though as I passed. I never tire of that - it's one great start to any flight, isn't it!
So made my way into the terminal - a little Q for the UC check-in, so I just made my way over to the secret elevator, and went upstairs to check-in - so I still got the private channel and everything that goes with that - just from the inside, which is at least part of the experience. Or so I thought
The check-in guy was a bit snooty, and went through the check-in process without so much as raising a smile (whereas the ladies that have always met me when I pull up in Drive Thru check-in in the car couldn't be more smiley, helpful and welcoming). So this surly puss was a bit of a let-down. Anyway, he put the tag on the bag (without any UC labels I hasten to add), and then said 'Do you want to pop that on there for me', pointing at the luggage conveyer. When I arrive in the car, they just take them away and job done. I walked away thinking 'bloody cheek' - maybe he had his own little 'service scale' for those that arrive by car and those that don;t! 
Anyway, not a good start. Hope I'm not sounding too precious - but it's the little things that make all the difference, isn't it?Security was fne (and can anyone tell me why one time it's shoes can stay on, other times it's shoes off?!? It seems so random to me!), up to the Clubhouse - welcoming and wonderful as always. Except there were no appointments in the cowshed, and it took me an age to get someone to bring me some food and drink. Maybe they were just busy, it was late-ish on a Saturday and after having flown out two weeks ago to Hong Kong, I know they have guests from loads of random airlines suing the airline at that time, so maybe they were run ragged a little. The lady at the Concierge desk did help to find my missing miles from my trip to HK two weeks ago, which never appeared on my statement. I'm on target to get Gold by the October with a further business trip (with Air New Zealand - carefully chosen for those flying club miles and tier points!
) And an UC trip to Orando which I am, frankly, counting the days down to! Anyway, I digress. Anyone would think I was HoneyLamb ! 
Left the Clubhouse, onto the plane - was at the desk just as they were just calling the first rows, so just boarded, changed into a sleep suit and got settled. Now here's a thing about the Sleepsuit - I don't know if this affects anyone else, but I find that the fabric they make the suits from makes me really hot, so I have taken to wearing the bottoms, and taking a T-shirt on board with me - it works like a dream. I wear a hoodie to keep warm in my seat until it's bedtime. Is that just me? It is? Oh, ok!
The IFE was great as always (got to watch the end of IronMan 2 that I got half way through on my last flight!), but had downloaded stuff onto the ipad, so watched that instead. Modern Family - laugh out loud funny! Service was good, no visit from any of the top team, and of course, like everyone else, I do miss the silver bowl of goodies! I am still waiting to enjoy the cake stand that everyone else is talking about on the forum! Being a night flight, both ways, I'm unlikely to experience that for a while, sadly. The food was ok - I had the tomato soup, which was nice, but the main course - beef something or other (they were like rissoles) weer a bit grissley and quite hard going, so I just had a little of that. The summer pudding was very nice though, if a little small. After that it was time for bed, and with trusty ear plugs, off I went - probably got about 7 hours of sleep all-in. Enough to keep me going
Getting off the plane was as organised as always - quickly through customs and out to the waiting desk of limo drivers - who were all employed by Avis with red blazers - which luckily ties in with the Virgin uniform - neat! A good flight - I'll post for the return journey if I can. Thanks for reading!
Actually, can anyone give me some advice? Is there a good pair of mouldable, sturdy ear plugs out there that I can buy?
