It's safe to say that my relationship with Virgin Atlantic has grown serious over the years. Having been the only airline I've ever flown to London on, it holds a special place in my heart. From the friendly flight attendants uniformed in red to the little amenity kits found on each seat, a flight with Virgin Atlantic is always something to look forward to. Even the decor of some of the planes I find to be thrilling, and who doesn't feel at least a little cool stepping onto the plane knowing that Sir Richard Branson is the man behind the whole operation? It makes me feel better about having to turn right when I board the plane. I will definitely fly with Virgin Atlantic in the future, and if one day I should ever decide to fly upper class, Virgin Atlantic is the airline who will have the honor of fluffing my pillows and serving me champagne. I do love this airline, and that's why I feel like I am cheating on it a bit, as my last flight to London was with British Airways, their one true nemesis.
Why British Airways this time around then? Heathrow's Terminal 5.
My Uncle Denis will now only fly British Airways for this very reason. "Then again," he said, "any airline is nice once you've flown Air India." I'll take your word for that one Uncle Denis.
Opened in 2008, Heathrow's Terminal 5 was originally and exclusively used by British Airways. However, in March of 2012 it became the home of International Airlines Group. Having not been impressed at all by the last terminal I was in via Virgin Atlantic, the opportunity to try out a new one was more than welcome. What really sold me, though, was what Heathrow's Terminal 5 contains, particularly for those leaving the country rather than arriving. Aside from the amazing shopping opportunies it offers, Gordon Ramsay's Plane Food is a restaurant you won't want to miss, especially if you are not a fan of the overly-salted, often unappetizing meals served on flights.
Not only can you enjoy a relaxing and delicious meal before hopping on the plane, but for about 12 pounds, Ramsay's Plane Food restaurant offers a lunch box stuffed to the tippy top with a gourmet three course meal that will have you wishing you could turn the aircraft around to buy another one by course two. I think it's a genius idea, and it certainly lived up to the high expectations I had of eating in my first Gordon Ramsay restaurant. As did the tasty pancakes I ordered for breakfast upon arriving to Heathrow far too many hours before my flight. I believe my mum was quite pleased with her fruit and toast as well, so good going Gordon!
