By: Marcia Abramson
At long last, after many flights to England on just about every airline from Aer Lingus, British Air, Delta, American, et al, I finally got to fly Virgin Atlantic, upper class. The difference became apparent when I arrived at Terminal 1 at JFK, checked in and took the dedicated elevator to the new clubhouse or lounge reception area.
I found that Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways, was actually modest when he said, "Our clubhouses [lounges] have always led the industry. Each is unique and reflects the culture of its city, but they are all places where passengers can relax, and have fun and escape from the routine of waiting for international flights. With the JFK Clubhouse, our design team has triumphed again. The design philosophy is contemporary New York in style and mirrors the city's exciting mix of cultures and cuisines."
My daughter Jill Wasser who accompanied me on this "mother-daughter get-away" trip was particularly impressed with the DVD players available to watch a film. She also liked the wall mounted "wave" seats and the "egg" chairs which appealed to her as a James Bond film aficionado with the desire to enact her "Doctor No" fantasy. The color schemes of silver, red and purple were carried out on the Charles Eames chairs covered in silver metallic leather, on a tomato chair placed on a purple sheepskin rug and a floating mezzanine level that overlooks the lounge as well as the plane.
The main focal point of the lounge is the bar area. I was surprised to find that I could eat what I wanted and when I wanted on the Freedom service which is also a feature of upper class. The menu features freshly prepared individual dishes ranging from light snacks and nibbles to full main dishes created by an award-winning chef. Famous Balducci's of New York is the supplier of superior choice fresh foods. Virgin has always been noted for their showers and restrooms with marvelous complimentary amenities such as toothbrushes, shaving gear and other luxury cosmetics by Virgin Cosmetics. This was one time when I was not anxious for the plane to take off on time since the clubhouse was so comfortable.
On board the plane, a 747, I had the option of going to the upper deck to the "snoozezone" if I wanted to take advantage of the crown jewel of upper class, the unique fully reclining seats that convert into full length (6 feet) sleeping space. I was given a steep suit made of cotton jersey in either gray or purple, socks, a fleece blanket, a full size pillow and a duvet. What a way to fly with dawn to dusk lighting in a cabin setting of metallic silver and chrome with red leather and warm purple textured fabric which is supposed to represent the romantic era of flying in the 1930s.
I was also happy to use the inflight Beauty Therapy service. Before retiring for the night I had a first class manicure and a stress busting massage for my back and shoulders. This was done in a designated treatment area affording me complete privacy. My daughter and I became intrigued by the new style galley on board with a "Tabgrabber" (for our orders) and a "Skateboard" (an extra work surface) since food is prepared to order, using special state-of-the-art convection steam ovens. We had a tough time deciding on whether to go with a light bite: with soups, fresh fruit, salads and crostini; or bigger bites: with herbed salmon cakes, coriander chicken and Virgin's all nighter-all night breakfast. On the side: a choice of vegetables; naughty but nice: a selection of deserts, ice cream and chocolate miniatures; and say cheese: a connoisseur's selection of cheeses. Jill had a delicious light bite of fresh fruit and I had a naughty but nice ice-cream sundae. And then to the snoozezone.
When we deplaned at Heathrow, we went to the shower room, freshened up and waited for our limousine provided by Virgin to take us to the Renaissance Cruise Ship in Dover for our sailing to Paris, the Normandy Beaches, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Oslo, Estonia, St. Petersburg and Stockholm. I felt that there is tremendous value in what Virgin has to offer not only for the upper class passenger, but for the economy traveler as well. Sir Richard Branson declares, "While other airlines have put more emphasis on higher paying passengers, we are continuously striving to make our economy product and service the industry leader. All our economy passengers enjoy their own seat back television with up to 21 channels, a superb choice of meals and a modern, comprehensive amenity kit. Children are also not forgotten with their very own television channel, kids pack and lunch box," he concluded.
I can understand why Conde Nast Traveler's readers single out Virgin to receive top honors as the "Best Transatlantic Airline" and the Robb Report calls Virgin, "Best of the Best."
For further information call 800-862-8621 or visit: www.virgin.com
Copyright by Marcia Abramson
E-mail: mascribe@aol.com
