Every airline has its own identity and characteristics that reflect its brand. Whether that's Jet2 with its now-iconic use of the Jess Glynne song, British Airways' love of Union Jacks and celebrity safety briefings onboard, or Emirates with pristine, supersharp cabin crew uniforms and premium service. Yet, for me, one airline stands out from them all.

I've been lucky enough to fly with an extensive list of airlines, from budget to long-haul, and have racked up a catalogue of flights over the past 30 years. Some of the most notable airlines I've flown with include Ryanair, EasyJet, Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air Canada, Delta Airlines, and AirAsia.

While short-haul and budget-friendly flights pale in comparison to the more luxurious long-haul flights, some are more lavish than others. And there's one airline I'd hail as the best, having flown with it earlier this year, and it beats the likes of premium brands Emirates and Qatar Airways.

During a 10-hour flight from London Heathrow to Las Vegas, I quickly established that Virgin Atlantic was the best airline I had ever flown with, and I have several reasons to make the bold statement.

My positive experience began as soon as I boarded the plane: the cabin crew were beaming with smiles and genuinely welcoming, a far cry from the forced grins I've experienced on other airlines. Throughout the in-flight service, they were attentive and engaging, and actually seemed to be enjoying their job. Perhaps it was because they were on their way to the 'Entertainment Capital of the World', but even so, I was impressed.

What struck me as I went to find my seat was the colourful hues of purple and red lights that decorated the cabin. It instantly created a calming and relaxing ambience, perfect for settling into a long-haul flight and a stark contrast to the bright overhead strips of lights on other planes.

Another notable feature I enjoyed was the pop songs playing over the speakers as you boarded - they weren't loud or intrusive, but welcoming as I settled into my seat. It also helped set the tone across the plane and drowned out some of the usual travel chaos as travellers attempted to stuff their bags into oversized lockers.

I always love watching entertainment during a long-haul flight, whether that's the latest movie or a binge-worthy series. But on the Virgin Atlantic flight, we couldn't start watching the in-flight entertainment until we were airborne.

Usually, I put a film on before the plane's even taken off, which is then paused for the safety briefing, so this took me a little by surprise. However, although I was eager to check out the in-flight entertainment, it made me pause.

It made me listen to the pop hits overhead and gaze out the window as I watched the mammoth, but seamless, operation unfold at Heathrow's Terminal 3 as plane after plane made its way along the runway and smoothly took to the afternoon skies. And as I did, I found another interesting feature.

Below my window was an up-and-down arrow, and it took me a while to realise it actually dimmed the window. There was no window blind to physically pull down to block the sun, but just a simple touch of a button and my window darkened. I thought it was visionary.

My amazement only continued as I headed further into the flight, with a crisp mini cheese pizza served as a snack before ice cream was offered out as a cinema treat. Then, when I thought I had eaten my way through the 10-hour flight with a filling meal and another afternoon snack, cabin crew came around with a basket of love hearts as 'landing sweets' - a small touch that only adds to Virgin Atlantic's accolades in my eyes. Firming my choice as the best airline, and one I'll definitely be using again.

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