Checked in about 15:45 to give plenty of time for the security queues (I was not to be dissapointed !). Allocated a seat on the side near the bar (pretty good so far!). Went across to the food court to get a snack and then to go through security. Lines at concourse E huge. We were then ordered by a TSA individual to go to concourse D where the lines were shorter( big lie!) as the line we were in would take 1 1/2 hours to get through (big lie#2!).
All checks completed we went straight to the gate as time was getting on. A quick look out the window by our gate (E8) produced nothing of any particular interest except for AA's b737 "retrojet" taxying past.
Decided to board and quickly got settled into my suite. First impressions were extremely positive. This seat is far more comfortable than the old J2000 seats with far more personal space. The seat is quite complex but I quickly had myself in a nice reclined position, something you are now able to do for takeoff and landing. There are also a number of lights, cubby-holes, and storage areas which combine to make IMHO probably the best seat in the sky in terms of passenger comfort and ergonomic appeal (please feel free to shoot me down in flames for that one if you feel the need ).
Doors closed and pushback completed on time, we lumbered along for a fairly quick taxy to what was 09L (maybe someone can advise me if this designation has changed in anticipation of the new runway, which I thought I saw a B727 land on but could be wrong?). No line for takeoff so we commenced a rolling takeoff straight from the holding point. We were airborn as swiftly as can be expected from a fully laden, 360 tonne B747 and proceeded out on an easterly course over downtown Miami and south beach before easing back to climb power and making a gentle turn towards the northeast. Our route today takes us out to sea and then following a line parallel with the eastern seaboard, before commencing our oceanic crossing south of st.Johns, making land over cornwall and following the south coast of England up to London.
I won't bore you with the meal service, suffice to say it was excellent. After the food I settled in for a nights rest (hopefully!). This is where the new bed comes into it's own. At the touch of a button the suite flips over to convert into a fully flat bed. The crew then fit a mattress cover, duvet and pillow and even a hot water bottle!.
I finished watching my movie (monster - very good) and basically fell straight to sleep for four hours. The design of the seat means that you get an incredible amount of room for your upper body - far more that the width of the seat. This makes it far more easy to get into a comfortable position and thus I slept very soundly, instead of the more fitfull dose I normally encounter when flying.
By the time I woke we were near southampton. After a short hold south of LHR we turned north towards central london. We lined up with 27R over the london eye and made a graceful approach into LHR. With superb visibility and no wind we made a "greaser" of a landing and swiftly taxied to stand 340 where I was almost sorry to leave the comfort of my seat. I am due to fly to LAX next week, hopefully in the new suite, so we shall soon be re-united!!
Cx123 From Australia, joined May 2004, 695 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (9 years 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 2396 times:
I must say I am really tempted to try the VS product (Unfortunately they are not planning to use the 744 to SYD!)
That means I might have to give up my CX MPO diamond membership!!!
But I guess the fares are cheaper and also you get a limo and hopefully a BETTER LOUNGE than the stupid QF (which is a joke, no proper food, since when did you call cheese and bread a buffet??)
SevenHeavy From United Kingdom, joined Mar 2004, 1126 posts, RR: 10 Reply 7, posted (9 years 5 days 15 hours ago) and read 2186 times:
INNFlight:
I agree, will take pictures on my next trip. I only took pictures out the window this time as it was getting dark by the time I could get up to take a picture of the seat. ( Some miserable people don't seem to like to be disturbed by camera flashes. I guess they just don't understand !) .
CX123:
It will be an A340-600 to SYD. All of these aircraft will also have the suite by the time the route starts. The first one is already done and they're even better than the B744's IMHO.
Sponsor Message: 
From United Kingdom, joined Mar 2004, 1126 posts, 
).
From Austria, joined Apr 2004, 3765 posts, 
From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
From Australia, joined May 2004, 695 posts, 
From Guam, joined Nov 2003, 1377 posts, 
Sponsor Message: 
Printer friendly format
