I'd like to add an amusing story to the LAX-LHR flight. One day I was paired with an old character of a captain, Arleigh Nixon. This guy was one of a kind. Sometimes irritating, sometimes amusing, but always good for a laugh.
I had an old squadron buddy, Ted Rayl, working ATC out of Palmdale. Cleared out of 18,000, we always get a call to switch to the sector Ted was in as a controller.
I spoke with Ted the previous night, gave him our EDT and flight #, and arranged a deal with him.
(Arleigh was always betting, usually a setup where the odds favored himself. By this leg of the trip, he was into my pocket for $50.)
Passing 18,000 I was switched to center, and when I checked in, I recognised Ted's voice. I said to Arleigh, "Let's request direct PP to LHR." He replied "Sheeeit Ed, have you gone mad? Those sumbitches wouldn't do that!".
I said "Arleigh, you're into me for $50. What say double or nothing?"
He shouted "You're on sucker, go ahead and reguest it!" He was salvitating.
I requested PP to LHR, and Ted came over loud and clear "Roger TWA, cleared PP LHR direct."
You should have seen Arleigh. He almost went into shock.