V-Flyer

When we decide to take a holiday in California, my first step was looking at flights to Los Angeles and first choice was obviously Virgin.
As I had a nice pot of miles, I called Flying Club and arranged for a M fare on the way out and a S fare on the way back.
At the time, no G upgrades were available so the waiting game started.
After a few weeks, we managed to score 2 G on the VS7 and took them.
A few more weeks and a G appeared on VS8 for our return so I grabbed it, hoping for a second one to appear at some point but it never did 
More of that on my return trip report.
I had flown UC a few times so I was quite excited about it but it was my partner’s very first experience in any business class.
Our flight was leaving at 10.55 and only leaving 45 minutes away from Heathrow, we still decided to be there as early as possible to make the most of the Clubhouse.
We took the Railair coach from Reading at 5.30 so arrived at T3 with plenty of time.
Check-in was quick and efficient if not particularly personable.
Up the lift and onto a pretty busy security but still quicker than the normal queue.
Quick browse through the duty free and on our way to the Clubhouse.
It was around 6.45 but the Clubhouse was already busier than I expected.
We went straight to the Spa reception and booked ourselves a complimentary head massage for 9.30am.
As we were both starving, we went to the restaurant and ordered Eggs Royale with orange juice and coffee.
After a redhead and a glass or two of Lanson, it was time for boarding.
Bit of a trek to the date (forgot which one it was) and general boarding had been completed.
So it was straight onto the plane.
We settled in what we thought were 4K and 5K until a very nice lady came and told us that I was on her seat …
Must have had too much champagne in the lounge
Apologised and moved only to realise that the very nice lady was actually Phyllis Logan, playing Mrs Hughes in Downton Abbey
Welcome champagne offered and accepted.
Once boarding was completed, they announced 180 passengers and 13 crew.
Pushed back a little bit late and took off after quite a long taxi.
Flight time was announced at 10 hours and 46 minutes.

Soon, the crew entered in operation and the service started.
Menus were distributed and first round of drinks offered.
Since that flight was over 3 weeks ago, I’ve forgotten what I had but I can say it was really nice.
Wines were pretty good too
I couldn’t really settle on a film so I played on the ipad for a while and read a bit …
I eventually decided to pay a visit to the bar where I had a nice chat to several cabin crew members. They were all very nice and jolly and it made for a good time.
Later on the flight, we were served afternoon tea, which was delish.
I spent the rest of the flight trying to get a glimpse outside and managed to clearly see Vegas when we overflew it. Just stunning from above !
Cabin was then prepared and secured for landing and we landed in LAX on time.
A very long taxi later, we docked to Terminal 2.
Immigration queue was only short and we managed to get through within 10 minutes.
Terminal 2 is not the best one in LAX (to put it mildly) but with most other international airlines being in the Tom Bradley Terminal, it certainly has its perk in terms of queuing
All in all, a very solid flight, without anything overexciting but with the level of service and the seat, you can’t go wrong.
My flight back would be in PE as I could only get one G upgrade and gave it to my other half (that’s how nice I am ) so the experience was drastically different …
Waiting for flights to Miami to be available for January 2016 and will try to get Gs for both ways for both of us this time
This trip got me my Silver renewal and a bit more so happy days !

Ah miss-seating! I am famous for that, once sat in Eddie Izzard's seat heading to LAX (he was not amused), once sat in George Gregan's (former Wallabies captain) on a flight from MEL-SYD (he was charming and chatty, had a good old chinwag about rugby in flight).

So look out if I'm on your flight!

Sounds like you had a good time ,was lovejoy anywhere to be seen ?

Nowhere to be seen

Thank you for the TR.
Well done on renewing silver. ( those were the days..... )

Thanks ! Well might be the last time for a while as I've changed roles and won't travel to India anymore ...