This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
After a great but hectic few days in LA, it was time to head back. We set off in plenty of time as although it's only about a 45 minute drive, it took us at least an hour and a half in rush hour traffic. We dropped off the rental with no issues and boarded the courtesy shuttle. It was packed and a bit fraught getting all our bags off (we had three suitcases and a carry on each). They've now moved the Virgin check-in; it's very close to where it was, but in a separate part of the building, so now when you go to security you have to exit the building and just walk down to the next set of doors where the stairs/escalators to security are.
As per usual, the check-in staff at LAX were pretty dire. To be fair, this wasn't as bad as the last experience we had where the girl was really rude. This woman just showed NO interest whatsoever. She hardly spoke and forgot to check one of our bags in. In general, I find that the check-in staff at LAX just don't want to be there. Does anyone know if, like at LHR, my OH is entitled to be my "plus one" when going through fast track security? As this time I got a priority sticker but he didn't, so we just went through the regular security line. I didn't bring it up as I wasn't sure, and besides, the security line was very short (although always slow moving). Strangely, I generally find the security staff be really friendly. They usually joke around a bit, eliciting nervous laughter from all and sundry who wish to pass through safely and without offending any of the staff. We were through without any issues.
We decided to head to the CH. On our last flight out of LAX we missed the opening of the new CH by ONE measly day, so I was determined to get in this time. We took the elevator up and entered. The lady at the desk was efficient and took our details. Then a friendlier gentleman took us into the CH and briefly explained where everything was. It was fairly empty when we arrived, with a few people in the lounge area and no one at all in the restaurant. The new CH is obviously not anything like as huge or luxe as the LHR one, but it's very bright, airy and pleasant. We opted to eat in the dining area for the first time, which was a great choice. As it was empty we got great service. I tried the chilli crab toast (delicious!) and the seared Ahi tuna burger, ALSO delicious. OH opted for the tuna burger, too, and the rare beef wholemeal kimchi tacos. Apparently they were the best tacos he's ever eaten, and he ordered a second helping whilst I tried the avocado on toasted sourdough. Honestly, the food was FANTASTIC. It was one of the best meals we've had on our trip. I'd really like to try toe evening menu at the LHR clubhouse, as although breakfast is good, it would be nice to try the evening fare, as right now (and I hope this isn't too contentious of me to say) I feel the food at the LAX CH blew the offerings at the LHR one away completely. But, perhaps an unfair comparison without trying a later departing flight from LHR to sample the evening menu.
The time went very quickly and the staff were great. I made a mistake and ordered a cocktail that had gin in it--it was disgusting, but I hate gin (I forgot this prior to ordering). Their green tea was really good and served in a little cast iron tea pot.
Part way through our meal, Hayley Atwell (who plays Agent Carter in the Captain America movie and now the TV series) came in and sat by us. She is absolutely gorgeous and was very sweet to the staff, which made me like her a lot. Another actor was also sitting by us, my OH recognised him, but I did not.
Soon it was time to board. We left early to make sure we had enough room for storage, which was a good idea as PE was mostly full bar a few empty seats on the back middle row. Boarding was very quick and was carried about by the same staff at check-in, so not many smiles. The crew on the flight were pretty good but seemed more interested in chatting to themselves and seemed to want minimal interaction with passengers. Not a problem, but you do miss the spark when it isn't there! Interestingly my OH commented afterwards that no one in PE was thanked or acknowledged for being Au. I hadn't noticed it until he mentioned it, but thought it interesting that he'd pick up on it. I think perhaps it's because the FSM on our outbound flight was so good about doing that.
The food was actually not great! Usually I'm pretty happy with the fare offered in PE, but perhaps after the delights of the CH we were bound to be disappointed. Here's the menu:
Starter
Mesclun salad
Main courses
Beef curry
Roast chicken
Spinach & cheese ravioli
Dessert
Black Forest gateau
Cheese!
I'm really glad I ate in the CH as the food on board left a bit to be desired. I ate most of the salad, then went for the veggie option. It was alright. I had half the dessert. My OH had the chicken and was similarly unenthusiastic.
We then fell asleep! For the whole flight! I can't believe it. One of us might sleep on a flight on and off, but for both of us to sleep all the way through was pretty remarkable. The seats were a little tired but still decently comfortable (obviously!) as we were out completely and missed breakfast. We didn't mind as both of us struggle a bit with eating cooked breakfasts on a flight... just the smell alone turns my stomach. After being asleep for so long I was very dehydrated, so the first thing I did was drink a whole bottle of water. This, as it happens, would turn out to be a mistake... the seatbelt sign came on shortly for landing, and we were then put in a holding pattern, during which time many people realised they needed to use the facilities! We eventually landed and it transpired that Heathrow's gate allocation system was on the fritz, so we sat on the runway, with the seatbelt signs on, and many people (myself included) desperate to get to the bathroom! The pilot and FSM kept making announcements for people to stay in their seats as many were getting up and trying to unlock the toilets. Eventually, the pilot announced he would turn off the seatbelt sign and allow people to use the bathrooms as long as they returned to their seats as soon as the seatbelt sign came on. It was a good move as otherwise I think they would have had a mutiny on their hands! I think overall the delay added about an hour. No big deal for us (other than the WC situation!), but I'd imagine not ideal for people with tight connecting flights.
We ended up being directed to a stand that was an even further walk away from immigration (cue lots of grumbling). I actually like a good walk after being seated for so long, so we powered through and were some of the first people to go through the automatic passport machines. The bags arrived soon after and we were on or way home.
All in all, not a bad flight. The LAX CH was absolutely the highlight and I highly recommend trying out the food on offer if you find yourself there. Staff were a little off here and there, but again everyone in the CH was charming and the service excellent. I look forward to our next California trip! Sadly none booked at the moment, but I'm excited to use the JFK CH for the first time in October.
Now that VS have taken over that space it does seem it is now a place to spend some time away from the awful Terminal 
