We loved our flights between LAX and London on Virgin Atlantic. Hugo scored a great deal (with points and cash for taxes/fees) between the two cities.

We got off to a great start on our flight to London. Before the flight, we went to the clubhouse at LAX, and then enjoyed our business-class seats on the way to London.

Leaving London was a different ballgame entirely, in the best way possible.

Our ride took us to a private entrance for Virgin. We rubbed shoulders with some celebs on our way in through private security.

While waiting for our flight, the waiters in the lounge took care of us, including bringing us a little desert because I had mentioned that it was Hugo’s birthday month.

The flight back home was fun too. We departed at 2pm-ish London time so staying awake was our primary goal. We hung out in the shared lounge area in business class and made friends with other locals coming back to LA.

If you’re going to Europe, I think it’s such a treat to find a points deal for a business-class flight and really enjoy yourself. Of course we would’ve been fine in economy seats, but it was a real joy to know that we hadn’t paid much cash to get upgraded into a premium experience.

A flight map showing the transatlantic route from London to Los Angeles, with a curved path across the North Atlantic and a boarding pass graphic labeled LHR to LAX. Overlaid, text reads “So long, London.”A large woven metal sphere sculpture suspended by cables in an open-air terminal courtyard, casting intricate shadows on the ground beneath a bright blue sky with billowing white clouds.A hearty breakfast plate with toasted brown bread, a thick grilled mushroom, baked beans, wilted spinach, a slice of tomato, and a softly poached egg with a glossy white.A generous berry dessert layered with pink meringue, cream, and fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, topped with mint and a chocolate plaque, lightly dusted with powdered sugar.A white card reading “VIP*” with a red enamel pin labeled “they them,” resting on a dark stone surface, with small text noting “very important pronouns.”Hugo and I smiling while seated side by side in business class under soft purple cabin lighting, with other passengers settling in behind them.An elegant starter featuring golden shrimp arranged with bright yellow garnish, microgreens, a lime wedge, and a smooth pink sauce, served alongside rustic bread and butter.A colorful bowl of fragrant yellow rice topped with spiced curry, toasted cashews, dried cranberries, creamy puree, and crisp flatbread tucked on top.A refined dessert plate with a glossy dark berry parfait resting on sponge, paired with whipped cream, berry sauce, and a glass of red wine.An afternoon tea spread with finger sandwiches, a warm scone with jam and clotted cream, a lemon macaron, a Battenberg-style cake, and a small tart, served with tea.