Virgin Atlantic

I can't comment on flying VA from the west coast, but I have flown VA from Chicago and it was the best flight I have had in recent memory (and I have flown a lot). They have an outstanding entertainment system, the food is great, and the seats were comfortable (I was in Economy). Even Economy passengers get a goodie bag of in-flight necessities (toothbrush, sleep mask, socks), and ice cream for a snack.

We have flown Los Angeles to London on Virgin Air as have a number of our friends. We enjoyed it and I have only heard good things. If you can go that route choose their Premium Econonmy- wider seats, separate cabin, more leg room with some say better food service, separate checkin. Price difference is not excessive. If you have miles, it may be worth using the miles to upgrade

We have flown Virgin Atlantic SFO to LHR several times, both economy and premium economy. Ditto what everyone else has said-we always try to use VA if possible.

I flew with them once from LAX to London. The flight and service was fine. Be aware, however, that their carry-on weight limit is 6kg/13lbs.

Thanks Frank II, that is a helpful piece of info. If I check a bag, will it get me kicked out of the Rick Steves club?

If miles are important to you, do a little bit of research before booking. The reason is that a lot of carriers give you very little miles if you buy the cheap economy tickets. For example, on BA you only get 25% of the miles for the cheap fares. So check the booking/fare class of your ticket prior to purchasing and figure out if it earns full miles or not.

Arnold, BA raised it to 50% on the cheapest economy fares.

Michael, there are a number of us here who regularly check bags. I generally do, for one. It is one of those eternal controversies, like wheels/no wheels.

We fly from the west Coast- at least 11 hours to Europe. We have always checked our bags. its much more comfortable. Not thrilled about the ever increasing costs of checking bags, but will continue to do so.

I'm resurrecting this discussion because it turned to luggage. I'm flying VA from SFO - Heathrow in two weeks, and I realized I have no suitable carry on. It's a two week trip, and my clothes for March aren't terribly light. I'm concerned about two things: a) Slight size variance - I'm thinking a duffel would be a cheap, lightweight way to go, but I've noticed most duffels have dimensions just out of the carry on range (21 X 10 X 10, say). Obviously they squish down, but I'm bringing stuff back (I'll have a checked bag on the way back with bottles of wine ;) ). How strict does VA tend to be? and b) Can you pack a week's worth of clothes for an adult in March going to London under that weight limit? My reasonably sized checked bag is still with family in Europe. Please don't tell me I have to bring my behemoth mega-bag for a two week trip!

I thought I read somewhere that VA only allows 13 pound carry-ons. You might want to check to see if that information is accurate. We have flown them several times, checking our luggage, and have never had any problem. Bags were available quite promptly.

It is possible to get within the 13 pound limit even in shoulder season like March. You'll wear your coat onboard, so that doesn't count towards your limit. (And you'll tuck a few small but heavy items into your coat pocket, won't you?) Layers are your friend for spring travel (or anytime in the UK, honestly!) I wear a heavy cardigan that will complement most of my tops, and again, that gets worn on the plane so it doesn't count towards the weight limit. Silk long underwear that is invisible under clothing adds to warmth but is practically weightless. If you find that the weather is especially raw, don't forget that you can get inexpensive woolens in the UK. In fact, a stop at Marks and Spencer for cheap merino or cashmere wool sweaters is always on my daughter's UK itinerary.

For some reason I was thinking I'd leave my coat, not wanting to drag it around on warm days... then I realized I will being staying with family, so I can leave things I don't need with them! (My last trip was much more nomadic.) It should only be in the 40s (F) in London, so I don't think I'll need the long underwear. I suddenly do feel compelled to weigh my jeans, though. I'll be wearing boots on the plane and the fleece-lined shaft should also help for warmth (though on my one big walking day I'll probably switch to lightweight runners meant for walking). I will also weigh the things I'm bringing friends and family from here. I am not digging the weight limits. My laptop bag is usually over 13 pounds!