V-Flyer

Having been unsuccessful in getting a second G upgrade for my flight back to London (my partner probably got the only G made available online for that flight), I was still hopeful that I might secure a miles upgrade at the airport.
Unfortunately it wasn’t to be…
However, as my partner was flying in UC, he could guest me in the Loft lounge, which is Virgin America lounge in LAX.
Check-in was done with a smile and apologies for not being able to get upgraded.
I was a bit gutted but nothing I could do about it.
We went through security, which took quite a bit of time as Terminal 3 was busy.
Finally got through and on our way to the Loft.
The Loft for me was a bit of highs and lows.
Fantastic views of the apron and the runways. I loved to see planes taking off and landing in parallel. Awesome!
The lounge is not massive but with nice seating and a full serviced bar.
The lows are definitely the food choice, pretty limited.
They had a very decent Californian Chardonnay which made up for it, though
At some point, a Virgin Atlantic rep came to pick us up to get back to Terminal 2 for boarding our flight.
We boarded a bus that drove us back to our gate.
Terminal 2 is in full works at the moment so it’s a bit chaotic.
We only waited for boarding to start for about 10 minutes.
Priority boarding enforced but for UC and PE at the same time, quite interesting.
Got into the plane and settled in 20K.
Flight duration announced at just 10 hours.
Push back was slightly delayed but taxi was only a few minutes.
We took off and then service started pretty quickly.
First a round of drinks, followed by very decent food, I had some peppered beef, which was tasty and tender.
Some salad and some pumpkin cheesecake to go with and a decent white wine.
After the meal, I watched Big Hero 6 and Magic by the Moonlight.
Then I proceeded to sleep but PE is no UC for sleeping so miserably failed …
About 2 hours before landing, we were served a full English brekkie which was ok.
Bought some duty free and was quite surprised that I couldn’t get miles for my purchase.
I thought it was a common thing and it works pretty well with Lufthansa for example.
Cabin was then secured for landing and we touched down on time.
Pretty long taxi to our gate and a further delay to allow paramedics to get into the plane to assess a gentleman who had been poorly during the night.
Immigration was lightning quick, thanks God for the e-gates !
Luggage was already on by the time we got there and we were out in less than 40 minutes door to door.
An interesting flight, my first on VS Premium.
I can’t say I hated it but I can’t say I loved it either …
Certainly better than Eco but just about … Mostly due to the IFE box under the seat which seriously take space.
All in all, another good flight with VS, can’t wait for the next one but we’ll make sure that’s in UC this time

Thank you for the TR. It's a shame you didn't get the G too.

Are the low stars for the seat due to not sleeping or was it something more?

I think it's mostly due to the disappointment to be honest but the IFE box below the front seat didn't help me feeling comfortable at all ...

Thank you for the TRs. That's good of you to let the OH have the G! Shame they are so hard to come by homebound.

Thank you for the TR. A shame about the non G . Better luck next time !

I'm too nice for sure ! At least I was in his good books for a while

Thanks for the set of TRs on your trip. I've long thought I would like to go to Hawaii, but the brochures I have seen gave me the image of huge resort hotels and not much else. Am I looking in the wrong place?

We stayed in Aulani, which a big resort but I'm sure you can find smaller places to stay, most likely as long as you avoid Waikiki Beach

Happy to report that we secured Gs for both of us on both ways to Miami in January next year... Will spend my birthday aboard ! Already pretty excited !

Well done !
Have a super trip !!!

Thanks for this TR - once you've travelled business/UC, it really is hard to go bback!

pjh wrote:Thanks for the set of TRs on your trip. I've long thought I would like to go to Hawaii, but the brochures I have seen gave me the image of huge resort hotels and not much else. Am I looking in the wrong place?

PJH - Owahu (where HNL is) is the most developed/commercialised island and is probably the one featured in most brochures etc.

However, thoughout Hawaii there are many islands with individual charcter that are far better (in my oppinion). By better, I really mean less spoilt, less populated and more diverse.

Take a look at Big Island, Maui and Lanai for example, 3 entirely different places but all stunning and interesting in their own right.

Of course, do a few things on Owahu (pearl harbor etc), but my advice is to get to one of the other islands ASAP!