Originally Posted by MiamiBeach
Save your comments until you actually fly the Upper Class Suite and experience the LHR Clubhouse. It truly is a First Class experience for the price (or miles) of Business Class. Onboard bar area (with barstools), onboard massages, completely flat horizontal bed. The LHR Clubhouse has a spa with massages, haircuts, a jacuzzi, steam room, restaurant area with food service, huge bar...
As I said, I'd have to fly it to make a true comparison, and I imaigne the LHR 747's and 340's are probably nicer than the older LGW birds. The clubhouse at LGW was fantastic, nicer than the Envoy lounge on US even.
To the other poster, I fully realize that Premium Economy isn't supposed to be competing with Envoy. I guess I just feel that one could likely buy a coach ticket on US, and also somehow get their hands on TA upgrade certs and for about the same price as Premium Economy they could get Envoy which is definitely nicer. If these were my options I would go the US route.
I guess the whole point of my post was that while VA was very nice, and I am sure there are advantages to their Upper Class product, it didn't make me never want to fly US again. VA is often held as a sort of gold standard amongst people I talk to, and I see why. However, US wasn't nearly as far behind, IMO as I had expected.
Anyway, hope my comments were interesting at least. I look forward to flying Upper class one day, maybe next year if the VA/HP-US agreement stays in place and I can use my US miles on VA for my next big trip across the pond!
Sean