Jimmy, you mention a flight duration of 12 hours, which would indicate West Coast. This unfortunately limits your choice of European airlines a little, severly if you don't live in LA or SF. As a general rule, however, continental European airlines tend to be cheaper in C classs to the UK than BA/Virgin. If, however, you really want to tag on an extra leg after a 12hour trip is a different matter altogether..... have you considered buying a Y ticket and upgrading with airmiles ? Failing that, I'd probably second some of the other posters and suggest a premium Y product from BA or Virgin.