Date: December 13th, 2001
Depart: LHR, 11:30 AM
Arrive: LAX, 15:20 pm local time
Time: 11 hrs, 55 minutes.
Aircraft: Airbus 340 - 300
Seat: 55k

Having never flown Virgin or an Airbus before ( I've always gone with United and the 767/777 whilst trailblazing the Atlantic ) I arrived at Heathrow through the icy morning fog to navigate the architectural monstrosity that is Terminal 3.

I arrived at 7 am and immediately wanted coffee - this requires a trek from where the check in desks are located to the arrivals section. This irks me, I like convenience - and Terminal 3 is lacking somewhat.

Nevermind, I proceeded to check in which was open at 7:30 am and took my place in the ever growing que. A security guard was making his way down the line, checking everyones passport and placing an orange sticker on them. I was asked how many bags I had, and if they had been with me at all time - my tickets were also checked and then I was allowed to proceed. Further down the que there was another table where everyone ( and I do mean everyone ) had to open their suitcase while it was briefly inspected. All good I thought - and it certainly gave me peace of mind to see all these new fangled security measures as it was my first time flying after September 11th.

Check in was smooth, there was a minor glitch with the attendant not being able to find my Frequent Flyer number; but that was soon resolved and I was allocated the only remaining window seat of 55k.

Then it was time to navigate my way through the terminal ( which was probably designed by time travelling Martians from Mars for all the sense it makes to get up to Customs ) - and join the long line. Thorough searches were being conducted and we proceeded s-l-o-w-l-y - again, I had no problem - as far as I'm concerned you can't be too vigilant after the WTC attack.

Now, something which I have to explain to the security personell is that my hearing aids have been known to set the x ray machine beeping ( at one airport they even had the wand scanning them ) - I had no problems going through and then it was time to stock up for magazines, bottled water and other paraphanelia for the long flight.

At 10:30 pm it was announced we would be departing from gate 48 and I began the trek through the terminal. There was a 20 minute wait before we began boarding and this was one of my gripes about the trip.

It seemed some people failed to listen to the numbers being called as some pax kept trying to go through before they should and they slowed down the whole process. I passed through quickly and located my window seat towards the back of the plane.

The decors somewhat psychedelic; but I like it - each seat is a different colour - red, blue and orange. As I took my seat I noticed the wires were poking out of the armrest and there was a metal box bolted to the floor under the seat in front.

Yes, I know they have to house the on board entertainment system somewhere - but under my seat is not it; especially since I like to have my bag with me so I don't have to stand up every time I want something and disturb my seatmate in the process. Nontheless, it was adequate and with some rerrangements I was more or less comfortable.

Pushback occured on time and we began the long taxi to the runway. The safety demonstration came on and I think it's intended to be " funky " as it's a cartoon - I prefered it and it's actually amusing to watch. The crew pointed out the exit doors, and demonstrated how to use an oxygen mask, we were then cleared for take off and that plane moves like a speeding bullet once it gets going - it's very impressive.

The climb was one of the smoothest I've ever encountered - and we were above the clouds in no less than five minutes. Shortly after the seatbelt sign comes off and a breakfast of pretzels and coffee was served.

The crew were talkative, cheerful, friendly and made everyone feel at ease - full marks to any Virgin staff reading this  

I then tried to sleep and managed it for about four hours drifting in and out of a dreamless state and waking up with an imprint of the headrest on my forid. It's difficult to sleep in these seats - hopefully I've now got enough air miles to get some kind of an upgrade on my next trip.

I woke up as were flying over the tip of Greenland, at which point I decided to get up for the first time and find the bathroom. Joy of all joys, 3 minutes later I was jolted off the seat by turbulence and managed to errr ..... go .... whilst holding onto the walls. It's typical, this was the only time turbulence struck as far as I was aware - I went back to my seat, put the seatbelt on and drifted off into another dreamless state.

We flew down through Montana and Wisconsin. The view of the mountains is an awesome sight - the landscape seems so vast and surreal compared to how compact everything seems to be in Europe. I took photos of the contrails, wings and the sunrise.

Oh, and for those interested in the gastronomical delights, we had minced beef, dumplings, cheese crackers and raspberry crumble for dinner and a cheese and coleslaw sandwich not long before touch down. As usual, the high altitudes zap the culinary delights of any taste and it's just the usual bland stuff courtesy of sky chef. Nothing bad, nothing good - just the same old stuff you get on most airlines.

The entertainment system was the Odysessy one ( which planes actually have the Arcadia thing installed anyway ? ) and I couldn't play Mario as the control seemed to be broke. I couldn't go backwards so Mario kept being obliterated by a turtle at regular intervals, thus I remained on level one for an hour.

Flying into Los Angeles I was stunned at how huge this city is - it just seems to be an endless sprawl of concrete and freeways with no boundary. Progress is a comfortable disease as they say and Los Angeles is certainly symptomatic of that.

Landing was smooth, the skies were clear, and as we touched down some pax a few rows behind cheered and applauded the crew and captain. It was a nice touch, and the crew deserved all the positive feedback for maintaining a veneer of politeness and cheerfulness throughout the flight; because I would have been irritated after a few hours. Their attitude makes all the difference.

There were no delays and we taxied up to Terminal 2 45 minutes earlier than our scheduled arrival. Now, it was after I got through Customs that I realized I had left my £600 digital camera ON the plane with all my photo's - I contacted Virgin and I'm waiting for the camera to materialize sooner rather than later. Hopefully I'll get it back in one piece and be able to post my in flight pictures here.

I'm now a Virgin convert - yes, there were a few minor glitches; but nothing that is any worse than other airlines, and the crew are always attentive which puts them one step ahead of a lot of others. I'm curious as to why the metal box was under my seat - surely there is someplace else for it ?

I'd fly them again - there's something majestic about soaring across the Atlantic on a plane emblazoned with " Britains flagship carrier " and it's red and white logo. Aesthetically - you can't go far wrong with Virgin.

So, thus ended my first Virgin Atlantic flight. I deplaned into the Los Angeles sunshine a little tired, jetlagged; but excited about being at my first destination on my coast to coast tour of the 50 states.