What follows is day 1 of my excursion to London to catch the Queen Mary 2 to sail back to the Big Apple. I plan to blog on it daily, with photos to be posted later.

••••

The welcome at JFK airport matched all Virgin Atlantic’s enticing marketing campaigns: warm, friendly, inviting.

Same with the upper class clubhouse, where — before we boarded — we dined (yes, dined) on goodies selected from their complementary menu along with bottomless glasses of Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc and Michel Picard Bourgongne Pinot Noir.

Our server suggested the day’s special of steamed chicken pot stickers on a bed of arugula redolent of fresh ginger, Thai basil and chili peppers served in a black lacquer bowl replete with chopsticks. We also had a roasted plum tomato salad, with goat cheese, baby greens, toasted walnuts and balsamic vinaigrette and their twin crab cakes with a spicy red pepper remoulade sauce. Other than the crab, which I found a bit fishy, everything was first class.

Just before we had to board, we found room to enjoy both a mixed berry plate — flavorful tiny black, blue, raspberries and strawberries — topped with fresh cream and a cinnamon-spiked peach cobbler with green tea crème anglaise and espresso. Satiated and a bit lethargic (how one should board a plane where sleeping is involved), we headed for the gate.

That’s where all resemblance to their marketing hype ceased. Although the check in and the lounge exuded friendliness, the actual flight was far from it. As we approached the gate to board, at a small crowded open space — one ground attendant — who must have gone to parochial school — shouted,  “Form two lines or I won’t let you on the plane.”

“Seriously folks, It’s the only way I’ll let you aboard.”

That, followed by Matt N. — a cocky young patronizing flight attendant who thought he was the Gestapo, spouting orders to a yelling passenger, kicking the back of a fellow passengers seat in the sardine-like cabin screaming that her space was being invaded, to other uncivilized outbreaks and the lack of responsive service.

So what does one do in a situation like this to make it bearable? Pop an Ambien to induce sleep — especially in a lethargic postprandial state — and doze like a baby until just before landing.

That and to remember to book and American-based carrier next time.