My Full Experience
Since the moment I arrived at the airport to the moment I boarded the plane, everything was outstanding.
Before I even got to the airport, they emailed me advising that my flight would be delayed. That wasn’t great news since I had a connecting flight at LHR, but what truly impressed me was the way they handled it. They sent detailed information, offered rebooking options, and included links to claim refunds and reimbursements for any inconvenience caused by the delay. I was honestly mind-blown by the level of communication and transparency.
For reference, I was flying from Los Angeles (LAX) to London Heathrow (LHR).
Delta One Private Check-In at LAX
When I arrived at the airport, I was able to utilize the Delta One check-in, which is located at arrivals, one level below, between Terminals 2 and 3, between poles 3H and 3G.
As soon as we approached, we were immediately greeted by a concierge who picked up our luggage and took it inside. Instant luxury.
The space itself felt more like the lobby of a 5-star hotel than an airport check-in area. Calm, quiet, exclusive. No chaos. No lines.
While they assisted a family who arrived a few minutes before me, I was invited to sit in the lounge area. There were books and magazines, fresh juices, beverages, champagne, coffee, tea, snacks, and even hot towels. I had a wellness shot while I waited.
Within minutes, extremely polite staff brought my boarding passes directly to where I was sitting and guided me to a private security area. Security took less than five minutes – there was no one else besides me.
Immediately after security, there is an elevator that takes you straight to the lounge.
The Delta One Lounge (One of the Best I’ve Visited)
This is probably the best lounge I’ve visited so far.
You walk in – no need to check in because you’re already a Delta One customer – and step into a very modern, luxurious space with multiple seating options: indoor, outdoor, isolated corners, bar seating, communal tables.
The outdoor terrace is covered and has heaters, so you can enjoy it year-round.
Everything is à la carte and complimentary. They do offer a selection of premium reserve drinks at cost (which is actually a great opportunity to try expensive wines or spirits at a very good price). You can even pay with miles.
A concierge greeted me and gave me a booklet explaining all amenities: showers, wellness, dining, drinks, recovery area, etc.
The service was above and beyond. Multiple staff members checked in to accommodate any request.
Wellness & Recovery Before the Flight
As soon as I saw there was a wellness and recovery area, I booked a massage chair session. The wait was only 5–10 minutes.
They also have a recovery zone with compression boots, rollers, and other tools designed to help you recover after a long flight or relax before one. For someone who travels often, this is such an underrated benefit.
It genuinely made a difference before a 9 hour 25 minute flight.
Dining in the Lounge
I started with coffee, sparkling water, and champagne. The coffee was strong and high quality. Champagne did not disappoint.
I ordered fresh fruit, which was extremely fresh, and did some computer work. They also have additional screens available if you need to work comfortably.
Later, I moved to a more comfortable area and ordered:
- Hamachi crudo
- Yellowfin sashimi
- Steak frites
- Pumpkin raisin cookies
Everything was beautifully presented and restaurant-quality.
At one point I asked for floss – and they provided a small individual floss. It’s little details like that that elevate the experience.
Honestly, I didn’t want my time there to end. But it was time to board.
Virgin Upper Class Experience
Entering Upper Class truly felt like first-class travel.
There was separate access to our cabin and dedicated staff to guide us. Everything was smooth.
The seats were spacious, organized, leather, and semi-private with the ability to partially close them off. Not fully enclosed suites, but still very comfortable and elevated.
We received:
- Amenity kits
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Pajamas
- Pillows and blankets
Everything felt thoughtfully arranged.
The staff was kind, welcoming, and made the experience pleasant with charming British accents. (One note: no slippers provided.)
There is WiFi onboard, but you do have to pay for it.
In-Flight Dining
Immediately after departure, food was served. I pre-ordered my meal.
I chose:
- Pan-seared cod
- Beet salad
- Warm butterscotch pudding
The beet salad was disappointing – there were barely any beets.
However, the wine was excellent.
The pan-seared cod with vegetables and potato gratin was genuinely delicious.
Dessert – warm butterscotch pudding – was the perfect ending.
Flight Details & Points Booking
Flight time: 9 hours 25 minutes
Route: LAX to LHR
I booked this flight using 41,000 Amex Membership Rewards points, transferred to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, plus approximately $300 in fees.
For that redemption value, I truly believe this was an incredible deal for an Upper Class transatlantic flight.
If you’re interested in learning how to transfer Amex points, you can check:
- American Express Membership Rewards
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?
From private check-in to lounge to Upper Class cabin, this experience felt seamless and luxurious.
Highlights:
✔️ Private Delta One check-in
✔️ Incredible lounge dining
✔️ Wellness and recovery area
✔️ Smooth Upper Class boarding
✔️ Excellent main course and wine
✔️ Amazing points redemption value
Areas that could improve:
- Amenity kit quality felt slightly low
- No slippers onboard
- Beet salad was underwhelming
- Paid WiFi
Would I do it again? Absolutely.
For 41K points + $300, flying in this level of comfort from Los Angeles to London felt like an incredible travel hack.
挺不错的样子嘛！