Originally Posted by stiphy
Hey everybody,
I am leaving for my first trip to London on Saturday. I'm going DCA-PHL-LGW. I have DS0087 upgrade vouchers which I'm going to try to use. I've already called to be meal listed and from what I can tell I need to be there 2 hours before my flight to check in and apply the upgrade.
I fly a ton but almost exclusively between STX and DCA. As such I've never had to deal with customs, or even set foot in a US lounge. As I understand it, I will be able to get into the lounges at DCA, PHL, and LGW as this is an international trip. I hear talk of the "Envoy Lounge" at PHL, is this the one in the A terminal I always walk by on my way to the F terminal when I'm doing my normal commute? I take it I'm entitled to use this only if I can redeem my upgrade cert? If I can't use this lounge where should I go?
Also, what will I have to do insofar as clearing customs etc? Are there any expedited ways to do this based on status or anything?
Sorry for asking what amounts to stupid questions. If anyone here has any advice I'd appreciate it and will be more than happy to give it in return if you are ever coming down to my neighborhood (St. Croix)!
Sean
I really hope you get the upgrade, for flying transatlantic Economy Class on US Airways is pretty bad. From the US to Europe, in Economy Class you would get a pretty bland dinner, and breakfast would consist of a doughnut, nothing more, served about an hour before touching down in Europe.
Envoy Class is not as good as other airlines' Business Class, but it is way better than Economy Class. This is what you would get in Envoy Class from the US to Europe (I'm assuming you are flying an A330 since that's what US Airways usually flies from PHL to London Gatwick):
Seats
Row 1 of the A330 used to be First Class so it has an incredible amount of legroom/seat pitch of 94 inches, the seats in this row are also flat-beds, but the downside is that they don't have individual air control units, so it can get a bit hot in row 1.
Rows 2 and 6 have less leg room than any other rows, avoid if you can.
Rows 3,4,5, and 7 have great leg room at 60'' seat pitch.
Envoy Class seats on the A330 are pretty comfy.
Meals
Dinner Service: mixed nuts (not heated), appetizer, choice of 4 entrees, small cheese plate and a tiny piece of something sweet, not very good in my opinion.
Snack station in-between meals: XOXO chocolate bars, peanuts, chips, fruits, et al.
Breakfast Service: Fruit plate, a warm bagel OR croissant, blood orange juice, and coffee.
Amenities
Large Envoy Class blanket
Small, not very useful amenity kit with ear plugs, toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, and eye shades.
Overall, US Airways provides a very basic service in Envoy Class.