Usually when we have a long layover in LAX like this we check into the Travelodge and then head out for a few hours. This is the 3rd time we've stayed here but this time we just wanted to rest and relax. In 2012 it cost $49.95, in 2014 it was $54.95 and this time $82.95!

I pretty much just crawled into bed for a nap but Rodd went for a walk to buy some beer. I did order some food to be delivered just after we got in the room. You know how it is when you're starving you just want everything? We ordered way too much food, well in our defense when I ordered it we thought we'd have some when it arrived and then some just before heading back to the airport. Well best laid plans etc... they told us it would be 1 to 1 1/2 hours delivery time and we thought that would be ok but it didn't arrive until nearly 5 so no hope of eating half now and half before we leave! I ended up taking my Greek Salad with me and eating it at the airport!

At 8 pm we boarded the free shuttle back to LAX. You have to check in at the Virgin Australia desk and then out the door and walk along to the Tom Bradley International Terminal to go through immigration and security. The whole place had been changed around since the last time we were here but one thing remains the same... it's packed! We headed up to the security point and into a hall packed with people in the big zig zagging line, fortunately for us however we have our "Premium Economy" magic bypass the long line tickets and we breezed along another lane feeling the dagger stares of all the poor suckers in economy (hehehe I love Premium, so don't make me go back!!). 

Thanks to that fast pass we were on the other side really fast and now have 2 hours to wait. We did all the usual things you do, wander, buy grog at the Duty Free shop, sit, eat. One thing we didn't do was drink! 

Pretty soon it was time to board..... we get to go first with our magic ticket. Then we were comfortably seated with champagne in hand. Australia, here we come!