A "virgin" experience to London
Jan 23, 2004, 5:57 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Anaheim, CA - Delta Platinum Medallion,Sky Team Elite Plus, American Airlines Platinum, OneWorld - Emerald, EK-Skywards Gold, VS Flying Club, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold. Hyatt Gold Passport Platinum, Intercontinental Platinum Ambassador
Posts: 547
A "virgin" experience to London
For sometime now, I have enjoyed reading the various trip reports posted here. I never really thought about posting my experiences until I had to fly to London for a last minute meeting.
With my travel budget gone for the year, I decided to try and use miles for a flight to London. I was rather surprised when Delta SMS was able to confirm a seat in Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic out of San Francisco. I was absolutely amazed by the excellent service I received on VS. If you ever have the opportunity to try their Upper Class product, you will not be dissappointed.
Monday, December 8, 2003
United Airlines Flight 1296
Orange County to San Francisco
Equipment: Airbus A-320
First Class Seat - 1C
There was nothing extraordinary about this flight. It was your basic short haul domestic service. i was able to enjoy some Johnny Walker Black Label on the flight to SFO. One nice thing, I was able to listen to Channel 9 on this flight.
Virgin Atlantic FLight 20
San Francisco to London/Heathrow
Equipment: Boening 747-400
Upper Class Seat: 7H
When I arrived at SFO, I made my way over to the International Terminal. I arrived at the VS check-in area for Upper Class to find i was the only person waiting to be checked in. It took about 3 minutes for me to obtain my boarding pass along with my inivitation to the Club House.
I went up to the Club House and was greeted by warm and caring smiles. I selected a seat facing the airport and proceeded to indulge in a nice glass of champagne. I ordered lunch from the menu. I had a wonderful grilled chicken on top of bow tie pasta with a fabulous mushroom cream sauce. After this, I had a small amount of cheese with a wonderful port.
About 40 minutes prior to boarding, I made my way through security and to the duty free shop. I bought myself a small bottle of Johnny Walker Blue Label to enjoy while in London.
Borading was an orderly affair. Upper Class was called first. I proceeded down the jetway and was greeted by a wonderful, smiling, and cheery flight attendant. I was shown to my seat. My coat was taken as well as my garment bag and hung up in the forward closet. I settled into my seat with a nice glass of champagne. I was surprised to have a pre-departure beverage served in real glass!!
After take off, I proceeded to the bar to enjoy some more champagne. SOon after, the dinner service started. Here is the menu for the flight:
FREEDOM MENU
Allows you to eat what you want, when you want.
We will be inviting you to join us for dinner after take off, but feel free to place an order anytime during the flight.
STARTERS
Seasonal Leaf salad with tofu croutons, crudites, cherry tomatoes and Zinfandel vinaigrette.
Baja corn and crab chowder served with a choice of warm breads.
Pork pot stickers served with orange plum sauce
MAIN COURSES
Beef fillet served with potato wedges, brocoli florest and wholegrain mustard horseradish sauce.
Pan-fried halibut served with sweet mashed potato, braised collard greens and lemon parsley sauce.
Sauteed chicken served with pasta primavera, artichoke, asparagus and smoked mozzarella.
South western Tamale casserole served with roasted corn tortilla sauce.
CHEESE
Buttermilk Bleau
Camembert
Vermont white cheddar
Offered with wheat crackers, sesame & onion crackers and grapes.
{b]DESSERT[/b]
Warm chocolate brioche served with sweet caramel sauce
Vanilla ice cream on its own or served with raspbverry melba sauce and butter waffle
LIGHT OPTION
Roast turkey and ham warp served with Dijonaise dip
Prawns wrapped in peppered bacon served with hickory-smoked barbecue sauce
Portobello mushroom, brie and spinach filled pasrty served warm with Madeira sauce
SNACK AND SNOOZE
If you just want a quick bite order Snack and Snooze, it's the fastest way to eat at 33,000 feet.
Baja corn and crab chowder served with warm bread
Bacon roll served with either tomato ketchup or brown sauce
AT THE BAR
Help yourself to fruit, nibbles and chocolates
I started with the chowdcer and warm garlic bread. The soup was warm and tasty as was the garlic bread. I then enjoyed the pot stickers, which were excellent.
My main course was the beef fillet. I was surprised when the fillet came out with a nice pink center -- the way I like it!
I finished my meal with a small sample of the cheese with some port.
The meal was presented course by course. Trays were not used. Rather, your table was set, and each course was placed directly on your linen topped table. When I changed wines during the meal, a new wine glass was placed on my table. I was impressed with the way the wine was presented, and also with the fact I was allowed to sample the wine prior to my glass being filled.
I slept for about 5 hours and when I awoke, we were Ireland. At this point, breakfast commenced.
[b]BREAKFAST MENU[b]
Selection of breakfast cereals -- Cornflakes, Weetabix, Sultana Bran, Special K
Warm bagels with cream cheese
Butter croissants and blueberry scones served with a selection of preserves
Seasonal fresh fruit served on its own or with natural yoghurt
Bacon roll served with either tomato ketchup ot brown sauce
Scrambled egg with chive served on grilled bruschetta with pork centre loin, potato wedges and Roma tomato
I decided to have the fruit to start. It was so freash and perfectly ripe. I ordered the eggs. I ate about half of the eggs, but could not finish them since I was still a little full from the fabulous dinner.
The wine list for the flight:
CHAMPAGNE
Champagne Jacquart Brut Mosaique
WHITE
Leopard's Leap Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Western Cape, South Africe
Pinot Grigio Venezia Giulia 2002
Puiattino, Italy
Clos du CHateau 2000
AC Bourgogne Blanc, Chateau de Meursault
ROSE
Chareau Lataste 2002
AC Bordeaux Rose, France
RED
Peter Lehman The Futures Shiraz 2001
Barossa Valley, Australia
Dominio de Montalvo 1996
Rioja Reserva, Spain
After clearing immigration and customs in Heathrow, I proceeded to use the Arrivals Lounge to take a shower, have my clothes pressed, and to have some wonderful English Tea.
Thursday, December 11, 2003
Virgin Atlantic Flight 19
London/Heathrow to San Francisco
[/i]Equipment: Boeing 747-400[/i]
Upper Class Seat - 8H
Upon arrival in London, I proceeded to check in. I was issued my boarding pass, invitation to the Club House, and a Fast Track pass within 3 minutes. After clearing security, I proceeded to the Club House.
The Club House was phenomenal! I enjoyed some champagne as well as some smoked salmon.
When the flight was called for boarding, I proceeded to the gate for a very prompt entry onto the plane. Again, I was escorted to my seat, and my coat and garment bag was hung up for me in the forward closet. I enjoyed a glass of champagne and made an appointment for a massage during the flight.
After take off, I had some more chamoagne. Prior to lunch being served, the therapist came to me for my massage. I had the most wonderful neck, shoulder and back massage. It was hard to believe this was taking place at 33,000 feet onboard a 747-400!! I was so relaxed afterward.
As for the menu, I accidentally left it on the plane. The meal on the return flgith was every bit as good as the outbound flight. I do remember that the wine list was the same.
I spent some time at the bar chatting with fellow Upper Class passengers. It was enjoyable being able to leave your seat and have a lounge to relax at. Before I knew it, we were starting our descent into San Francisco.
United Airlines Flight 1055
San Francisco to Orange County
Equipment: Airbus A-320
First Class Seat: 2C
Thank goodness this flight was a short flight. I was anxious to see my wife and 2 year old son. I did manage to enjoy some Johnny Walker Black Label on this flight. Again, this flight wasn't extraordinary, but it was enjoyable.
Overall, I can't think of any airline that can top Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class service. It really is not Business Class, but more like First Class. After taking Delta to London, I was surprised at the difference between the two. While Delta has a very nice product in Business Elite, it can't compare to Upper Class. I know when I return to London, it will definitely be on Virgin Atlantic!
------------------
With my travel budget gone for the year, I decided to try and use miles for a flight to London. I was rather surprised when Delta SMS was able to confirm a seat in Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic out of San Francisco. I was absolutely amazed by the excellent service I received on VS. If you ever have the opportunity to try their Upper Class product, you will not be dissappointed.
Monday, December 8, 2003
United Airlines Flight 1296
Orange County to San Francisco
Equipment: Airbus A-320
First Class Seat - 1C
There was nothing extraordinary about this flight. It was your basic short haul domestic service. i was able to enjoy some Johnny Walker Black Label on the flight to SFO. One nice thing, I was able to listen to Channel 9 on this flight.
Virgin Atlantic FLight 20
San Francisco to London/Heathrow
Equipment: Boening 747-400
Upper Class Seat: 7H
When I arrived at SFO, I made my way over to the International Terminal. I arrived at the VS check-in area for Upper Class to find i was the only person waiting to be checked in. It took about 3 minutes for me to obtain my boarding pass along with my inivitation to the Club House.
I went up to the Club House and was greeted by warm and caring smiles. I selected a seat facing the airport and proceeded to indulge in a nice glass of champagne. I ordered lunch from the menu. I had a wonderful grilled chicken on top of bow tie pasta with a fabulous mushroom cream sauce. After this, I had a small amount of cheese with a wonderful port.
About 40 minutes prior to boarding, I made my way through security and to the duty free shop. I bought myself a small bottle of Johnny Walker Blue Label to enjoy while in London.
Borading was an orderly affair. Upper Class was called first. I proceeded down the jetway and was greeted by a wonderful, smiling, and cheery flight attendant. I was shown to my seat. My coat was taken as well as my garment bag and hung up in the forward closet. I settled into my seat with a nice glass of champagne. I was surprised to have a pre-departure beverage served in real glass!!
After take off, I proceeded to the bar to enjoy some more champagne. SOon after, the dinner service started. Here is the menu for the flight:
FREEDOM MENU
Allows you to eat what you want, when you want.
We will be inviting you to join us for dinner after take off, but feel free to place an order anytime during the flight.
STARTERS
Seasonal Leaf salad with tofu croutons, crudites, cherry tomatoes and Zinfandel vinaigrette.
Baja corn and crab chowder served with a choice of warm breads.
Pork pot stickers served with orange plum sauce
MAIN COURSES
Beef fillet served with potato wedges, brocoli florest and wholegrain mustard horseradish sauce.
Pan-fried halibut served with sweet mashed potato, braised collard greens and lemon parsley sauce.
Sauteed chicken served with pasta primavera, artichoke, asparagus and smoked mozzarella.
South western Tamale casserole served with roasted corn tortilla sauce.
CHEESE
Buttermilk Bleau
Camembert
Vermont white cheddar
Offered with wheat crackers, sesame & onion crackers and grapes.
{b]DESSERT[/b]
Warm chocolate brioche served with sweet caramel sauce
Vanilla ice cream on its own or served with raspbverry melba sauce and butter waffle
LIGHT OPTION
Roast turkey and ham warp served with Dijonaise dip
Prawns wrapped in peppered bacon served with hickory-smoked barbecue sauce
Portobello mushroom, brie and spinach filled pasrty served warm with Madeira sauce
SNACK AND SNOOZE
If you just want a quick bite order Snack and Snooze, it's the fastest way to eat at 33,000 feet.
Baja corn and crab chowder served with warm bread
Bacon roll served with either tomato ketchup or brown sauce
AT THE BAR
Help yourself to fruit, nibbles and chocolates
I started with the chowdcer and warm garlic bread. The soup was warm and tasty as was the garlic bread. I then enjoyed the pot stickers, which were excellent.
My main course was the beef fillet. I was surprised when the fillet came out with a nice pink center -- the way I like it!
I finished my meal with a small sample of the cheese with some port.
The meal was presented course by course. Trays were not used. Rather, your table was set, and each course was placed directly on your linen topped table. When I changed wines during the meal, a new wine glass was placed on my table. I was impressed with the way the wine was presented, and also with the fact I was allowed to sample the wine prior to my glass being filled.
I slept for about 5 hours and when I awoke, we were Ireland. At this point, breakfast commenced.
[b]BREAKFAST MENU[b]
Selection of breakfast cereals -- Cornflakes, Weetabix, Sultana Bran, Special K
Warm bagels with cream cheese
Butter croissants and blueberry scones served with a selection of preserves
Seasonal fresh fruit served on its own or with natural yoghurt
Bacon roll served with either tomato ketchup ot brown sauce
Scrambled egg with chive served on grilled bruschetta with pork centre loin, potato wedges and Roma tomato
I decided to have the fruit to start. It was so freash and perfectly ripe. I ordered the eggs. I ate about half of the eggs, but could not finish them since I was still a little full from the fabulous dinner.
The wine list for the flight:
CHAMPAGNE
Champagne Jacquart Brut Mosaique
WHITE
Leopard's Leap Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Western Cape, South Africe
Pinot Grigio Venezia Giulia 2002
Puiattino, Italy
Clos du CHateau 2000
AC Bourgogne Blanc, Chateau de Meursault
ROSE
Chareau Lataste 2002
AC Bordeaux Rose, France
RED
Peter Lehman The Futures Shiraz 2001
Barossa Valley, Australia
Dominio de Montalvo 1996
Rioja Reserva, Spain
After clearing immigration and customs in Heathrow, I proceeded to use the Arrivals Lounge to take a shower, have my clothes pressed, and to have some wonderful English Tea.
Thursday, December 11, 2003
Virgin Atlantic Flight 19
London/Heathrow to San Francisco
[/i]Equipment: Boeing 747-400[/i]
Upper Class Seat - 8H
Upon arrival in London, I proceeded to check in. I was issued my boarding pass, invitation to the Club House, and a Fast Track pass within 3 minutes. After clearing security, I proceeded to the Club House.
The Club House was phenomenal! I enjoyed some champagne as well as some smoked salmon.
When the flight was called for boarding, I proceeded to the gate for a very prompt entry onto the plane. Again, I was escorted to my seat, and my coat and garment bag was hung up for me in the forward closet. I enjoyed a glass of champagne and made an appointment for a massage during the flight.
After take off, I had some more chamoagne. Prior to lunch being served, the therapist came to me for my massage. I had the most wonderful neck, shoulder and back massage. It was hard to believe this was taking place at 33,000 feet onboard a 747-400!! I was so relaxed afterward.
As for the menu, I accidentally left it on the plane. The meal on the return flgith was every bit as good as the outbound flight. I do remember that the wine list was the same.
I spent some time at the bar chatting with fellow Upper Class passengers. It was enjoyable being able to leave your seat and have a lounge to relax at. Before I knew it, we were starting our descent into San Francisco.
United Airlines Flight 1055
San Francisco to Orange County
Equipment: Airbus A-320
First Class Seat: 2C
Thank goodness this flight was a short flight. I was anxious to see my wife and 2 year old son. I did manage to enjoy some Johnny Walker Black Label on this flight. Again, this flight wasn't extraordinary, but it was enjoyable.
Overall, I can't think of any airline that can top Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class service. It really is not Business Class, but more like First Class. After taking Delta to London, I was surprised at the difference between the two. While Delta has a very nice product in Business Elite, it can't compare to Upper Class. I know when I return to London, it will definitely be on Virgin Atlantic!
------------------
Jan 25, 2004, 3:01 am
#2
Moderator, Virgin Atlantic
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: www.V-Flyer.com
Programs: VS Red, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium - earned out of our own pocket!.
Posts: 2,392
Fly4work
Welcome to the Virgin UC experience.
Hopefully, if you choose to repeat the SFO - LHR trip in the future, you may be lucky enough to sample the delights of the new 'Suites' that are being rolled out (albeit a little slowly
) across the fleet.
http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/upper..._suite.view.do
Nick
Welcome to the Virgin UC experience.
Hopefully, if you choose to repeat the SFO - LHR trip in the future, you may be lucky enough to sample the delights of the new 'Suites' that are being rolled out (albeit a little slowly
) across the fleet.http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/upper..._suite.view.do
Nick
Jan 25, 2004, 5:17 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Anaheim, CA - Delta Platinum Medallion,Sky Team Elite Plus, American Airlines Platinum, OneWorld - Emerald, EK-Skywards Gold, VS Flying Club, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold. Hyatt Gold Passport Platinum, Intercontinental Platinum Ambassador
Posts: 547
Thank you for the welcom Nottingham Nick!
I was told on my return flight that it was scheduled for the Suites, but doe to last minute maintenance matters, it was withdrawn from service. Oh well, next time I knowIwill be able to luxuriate in them.
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I was told on my return flight that it was scheduled for the Suites, but doe to last minute maintenance matters, it was withdrawn from service. Oh well, next time I knowIwill be able to luxuriate in them.
------------------
Jan 26, 2004, 9:25 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Anaheim, CA - Delta Platinum Medallion,Sky Team Elite Plus, American Airlines Platinum, OneWorld - Emerald, EK-Skywards Gold, VS Flying Club, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold. Hyatt Gold Passport Platinum, Intercontinental Platinum Ambassador
Posts: 547
Thank you Patrick for your kind words of encouragement.
Seth, all I can say is you will have an excellent flight. In May, your chances of getting the Upper Class Suites should be very good. The only downside about flying out of LAX is you will not be able to experience the Clubhouse in LAX since VS does not have one. I believe they share AC's lounge there. Enjoy your UC experience!!
------------------
Seth, all I can say is you will have an excellent flight. In May, your chances of getting the Upper Class Suites should be very good. The only downside about flying out of LAX is you will not be able to experience the Clubhouse in LAX since VS does not have one. I believe they share AC's lounge there. Enjoy your UC experience!!
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