VX418 LAX-JFK 26 OCT 10 (FIRST)

With two weeks of holiday in California coming to a close, during which the #1 enjoyed his 50th birthday with diamonds and no less than three parties, it was time to return. Sadly we had to separate at LAX, putting him on the VS8 back to London and me travelling to New York for a few days of getting back to work, then home from there.

Looking at options, it was either arrive very early for the VS8 and leave him with no lounge and hanging around with masses of luggage, or me hanging around: VX flights leave morning through lunch and then late evening to JFK. The honourable thing accepted, I booked the VX418 scheduled to depart at 9.15 pm. So we checked him in and watched him disappear up the escalator to the security and on to the ANZ lounge at LAX, and I headed off to TBIT as people abbreviate it, where, I had discovered the Relax Lounge as a place to while away the time and catch up on emails and calls.

After paying my $30 for three hours, it was quite a good little space to spend time away from the madding crowds - nicely laid out, not to busy, with adequate snacks and drinks (beer and wine paid for, no problem there), good internet connection and charming staff. Unfortunately, it looks over a vast building site as the Tom Bradley ramps all look like being dug up for some reason, in better times I envisage lots of nice big jets to look at! If I recall correctly, there are different charges for the amount of time in the lounge, up to $50 for five hours, and with LAX being actually quite compact, it's easy to walk to TBIT from other terminals, so well recommended.

8 pm eventually came and so I left to head for the VX check in, First was empty, so straight through, although there was a huge crowd in a small space for the VA flight to Sydney! Security seems to have been upgraded since my last transcon, so no bother there, but T3 was rammed inside and for those who know it, not at all comfortable. Thankfully not to long to wait until boarding at 8.45 and I headed straight on and into 1K. The VX experience at LAX really needs a lounge .

The flight was full, scheduled to arrive at 5.30 am into JFK but a fantastically fast journey time of 4 hrs was announced and we reached New York at 4.30 am ... ugh! But, I do love VX in First, it's really comfortable, I prefer the front row being not so long legged, stashed my gear, and settled down with new book and new audio-technica noise cancelling headsets (after my fifth pair of Bose QC2s failed, never again will I spend money on Bose!). We had an insanely cheerful FA in First, who guarded the loos and overhead bids zealously, and maintained his demeanour all the way to New York.

After take-off and a couple of whiskeys, a nice sandwich and cheese plate was served, I left the map on the IFE, settled back with headphones on and eye patch on, managed two hours of kip, before we went down through very bumpy clouds into a dark and quiet JFK. Bags off quickly, cab taken, and in my bed in Manhattan by 5.45 am for a few more hours of kip.

Considering this one way flight was half the price of United, AA, etc. I consider VX twice as good. Now with miles and two TPs, I'm even happier!

Thank you for the TR, Slinky. Good to hear that you had a good flight.

VX First is a great product. Being of the short legged strain, the front row is fine for me too . Got to love those lovely big squidgy Americanesque seats .
I'm very pleased to hear the #1 celebrated in style.Parties? Diamonds? Sounds like my idea of heaven .
DL

Thanks, slinky. Sounds like a great trip.