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Published: April 17th 2018
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My first trip to
London was back in February of 1995. I had a pass on Virgin Atlantic that cost me a whopping $29! I used the pass to fly Los Angeles to London/Heathrow and back on flights VS8 and VS7, both 747-400 aircraft. It rained the whole time I was there but that did not stop me from walking the streets and seeing all the sites.
I returned to this great city in October of 1995, while on a European trip. I had flown from Philadelphia to Zurich and stayed there a day and then flew to Geneva for a day. I flew to Paris and stayed two days and then flew Air France 882, an Airbus 300 to LHR. I met up with some friends in London and we toured the city for three days.
I was able to see a lot more this time and really came to appreciate London. Had sunny weather too!
In August of 1996, I returned, but not by choice. This was my "famous" trip in which we were supposed to fly to Paris but the flight was full and so Virgin took our tickets and gave us the Upper Class upgrade.
We flew on VS20, a 747-200 from SFO to LHR. It was an awesome trip, with a couple of days in London and then a Eurostar trip to Paris.
In October of 1998, I went to London with my wife of 5 months. We flew Virgin again, from SFO to LHR. It was VS20, a 747-400. We returned on VS23, an Airbus 340 from LHR to LAX. It was awesome to visit one of my favorite cities with my spouse. It was also her first time to London.
We took our time and saw what we could in three days.
March of 2001 would bring me back again, this time with my brother! We flew SFO to LHR on VS20, a 747-400 aircraft. Virgin has always given great airline discounts. This was only the second time my brother had been out of the US, so it was nice to show him around this awesome city!
March 2003---Well now my sister wanted to visit somewhere outside of the US so she offered to pay for my trip if I accompanied her. Well twist my arm! I was in! We flew United 934, A 777 aircraft from LAX
to LHR. We spent two great days in London and one in
Belfast.
In January 2005, my friend had a free pass on British Airways for two airline employees and I had one on Gulf Air.
He used his for the both of us to get to London because Gulf Air does not fly to the US. I use mine for the both of us to fly to Beirut through Bahrain. Due to the timing of the flights, we had to stay 24 hours in London. We did not waste any time and made sure we toured the city for that day. We flew over on BA178, a 747-400 aircraft and were upgraded to business class! Our return was BA049 from LHR to Seattle. It was a fantastic day while in London with lots of sunshine! This was the last time I was able to stay in the Regent Palace Hotel, which is now closed. It was a great hotel, right in Piccadilly Circus and I stayed there every time I went to London.
The most recent trip was only through London on the way to Kuwait. I flew BA066 from Philadelphia to London and was again
upgraded.
I did have about 5 hours in London but did not leave the area.
I love London!!!! It is one of the greatest cities in the world. I love the people. I love the food(curry, fish and chips). I love the pubs. I love the action. There is always something going on. I love the Tube. I have had many memorable experiences in London.
I don't know when I will go back because the departure taxes are murder. My "free" ticket would cost $200-$300 now out of London. I do hope I can get back there again someday.
My London photos are all from the January 2005 trip.
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