Flying Upper Class

Being Upgraded

At the end of the last post I said: "See you all on the other side." I didn't know then quite how pleasant the journey to the other side of the 'pond' would be.

We left the No 1, Lounge at 2.25pm and it took about 15 minutes to walk to our gate. When we got there and presented the boarding past the boarding assistant looked at it rejecting the card and then asked: "Do you work for Virgin", to which the answer is no. Oh she said, well for some reason, because "the flight is quite full today, we would like to ask if you would mind changing your seats to Upper Class?" 

I wonder if anyone ever says no to such a question? I guess not, we certainly didn't!! Indeed Drew even did a little dance, which caused humour for the boarding assistant.

We were then shown to seats 10K and 11K in the Upper Class section. 

Upper Class

As the Virgin promotion picture shows, Upper Class is comparatively spacious area to fly.

Virgin Upper Class - Photo courtesy of Virgin Atlantic Airlines

If you plans were to talk to your fellow passengers all the way through the journey, you might need other plans. There is a seat to seat txt facility, as you are really to far away to speak, unless you get up and sit on the little chair (with its own seat belt) which becomes the bottom of the bed in bed mode also once take-off is complete you can go and sit at the bar area and chat to your hearts content there. This wasn't a problem for us though, I read my book and Drew watched films.

I don't know if our upgrade is due to Drew being Dr Olden (though a PhD of computing not a medical doctor) but the title may help, or that we were early checking in, and therefore easier to be upgraded when the large numbers of Premium Economy were identified. I don't know which, and I don't really care, as it was a lovely way to start the holiday. 

Drew looking comfortable in Seat 10K

As the photo demonstrates the seats are quite comfortable, and the legroom and ease of getting in and out are exceptional. You cans see my empty seat/bed next to Drew's. As mentioned the off-set between the seats makes talking between them without making the effort to move difficult. Drew, who sometimes accuses me of wittering on (guilty me Lord), says this is a benefit not a disadvantage! 

The Flight  

So we began, with four stewards to 40 people in Upper Class service was impeccable. We began with drinks, I had an orange juice then a fizzy water. We were presented with the menu card and could make our decisions. Drew went through the in-flight entertainment brochure and picked his viewing while I stayed with my Kindle and used the view-screen for keeping track of the flight journey, which is done in video and text on these planes. 

Exactly at 3.25pm we pulled away from the gate with our feet up on what the Virgin staff call an ottoman and I'd say was more like a pouffe, maybe there is some fear of air-stewards and poof jokes leading to the strange naming!! 

We left the ground at 3.43pm and were immediately served with more drinks and crisps, not, as elsewhere on the plane, in small bags, but in a china bowl, very decadent. 

One of the big advantageous of Upper Class, which adds to one of the features I like best about Premium Economy, is the designated toilets. For reference the Upper Class toilets are very spacious and comfortable and have decadent toiletries provided. 

At 4.45pm it was time for dinner service (or is it lunch as it is just before midday Boston time?) It being Friday today, a day when Catholics are encouraged to abstain from meat, I was a pescatarian today 

Crab Cakes 

Tomato and Mozzarella Carpaccio

Apologies for the odd colour in these photos, I was using my phone, not Drew's good camera, and a blue tinge, from the clear blue sky outside, I assume, has influenced the colour more than it did to the naked eye.

I had the Louisianian crab cakes, served on a sweetcorn and red pepper salad with a sharp vinigerette and micro herbs. Not only was this served in a lovely dish, but the flavour was rich and vibrant. Unlike other airline food I had tasted. The crab cake was warmed through, not to hot, indeed a perfect temperature for the flavour.

Drew opted for tomato and mozzarella carpaccio with micro basic cress and a balsamic glaze. Not being able to talk between the seats I can just say that it all got eaten. 

Keralan Curry

Weeping Tiger Beef Salad

For mains I had a lovely Keralan Curry with tadka dal. This vegetarian curry was made up of chunky el dente vegetables over a coriander rice with keralan spices. I like my Keralan food with a bit more chilli hear, but the flavours were delicate and the vegetables a delight to eat. 

Drew opted for the Weeping Tiger Beef Salad, which was strips of beef cooked with thai spices on a mango salsa and 'weeping tiger' dressing. Again every morsal was eaten, which is always a good sign.

Lemon and Blackcurrant Sponge Pudding

Burt Sugar Custard Tart

As a diabetic I tend to skip dessert, but to help Drew in his difficultly in choosing between them I ordered Lemon and blackcurrant sponge pudding and Drew ordered Burnt sugar custard tart, both of which he eat with gusto. Apparently both of them were lovely, but the tart was best 

Cheese Plate

You'll note the colours seem to have come right in the photo, it was lighter in the cabin by this point, which is what I think made the difference. Drew reciprocated the two desserts by allowing me to have two plates of the cheeses on offer. These were a sharp Brighton Blue, a strong Orkney White Cheddar and a West Country Brie. Very, very nice indeed.

By the time we had finished out meal it was 5.45pm, so only 
4 hours 50 minutes to go to land. Some people converted their seats into beds, but Drew and I sat laid back, but not flat, it doesn't seem worth it to try and sleep for three hours before the next food. 

Drew watched a concert by Hans Zimmer and the film Pacific Rim: Uprising. I read some more and dozed for 30 minutes, then I filled in the customs form for US Entry. 

At 9pm it was time for more food with a selection of Afternoon Tea (Eton Mess), Sultana Scones, Sandwiches (in three varieties) or a classic gourmet burger or sandwich. Feeling like I'd been eating for the last ten hours I just a two cups of tea during this time. 

Arrival at Logan Airport, Boston, MA

The plane landed at 5.26pm local time (10.26BST) early for our expected 5.55pm arrival. However this wasn't ideal as it was to early to get to our gate. Indeed we didn't disembark until 6.25. 

As Drew and I are within six months of the end of our current passports, mine in October, Drew's in January, we weren't able to use the fast-lane for Passport control as they offer six month entry, and our passports wouldn't allow that. However the fast lane queue was not much faster than waiting to speak to a nice Homeland Security Officer called Withan and we were through passport control by 6:50pm. Our luggage was waiting when we got to pick-up and we were outside by 6.55. A short walk to the Limousine Pick up area and a gentleman from Salam was standing there holding a BLACKEY placard (we had pre-booked) so we left Boston Airport with Marblehead Car Service at 7:01pm (12.01amBST).