Checking bags with british airways and virgin

I'm traveling soon and I have found so many flights that are virgin to british airways and then the same on the way back that are a great price. Can I check my bags all the way through if I book it? I read on BA's website that if you book the flight in one booking you can but I have not seen anything on virgins website and I want to make sure this can be done before I book! Has anyone else done it?

Is my layover long enough?

I have a layover in Dallas, I believe I have exactly an hour to get from Terminal A to Terminal D. I don't think I'll have to go through security again since all terminals are connected but I've heard it's a pretty big airport so I might be cutting it close. Any information will help!

What should I know about flying and first time?

This will be my first time flying at 19, but I'm super nervous. And also from NC to LA, so it will be a 2 hour flight. My plan is to get to the airport and get on the flight, fly to LA, catch an Uber to my hotel, the next morning then Uber to my audition. Uber from the audition back to the hotel, and the next day uber to the airport and head back to NC. I kinda don't have that much confidence in flying as I've never flown before and I'm kinda nervous to do so alone. I also am not sure about where the best places to sit at on a flight or anything. Someone help lol, it will also be a Delta flight if that means anything. Thanks.

Added (1). What should I know about flying for the first time and does my plan seem realistic?

Can I expect reimbursement from airline?

Long story, short: I'm on "vacation" for two weeks. I traveled from the US (via JetBlue) to the Middle East (via Emirates), taking 3 different planes. I only had one suitcase, and I checked it in. Throughout my entire trip, the airlines had multiple delays, flight changes, gate changes, cancellations, etc. Once I got to my final destination, my luggage wasn't on the belt and I had to file a form for missing luggage with Emirates. Two and a half days later, my luggage still isn't here. I already filled out a inventory form. I'm just pissed because I packed so minimaly, that I needed everything in my suitcase and now I've been having to buy a bunch of stuff to keep me grounded until my luggage comes, which I don't even know if it's ever going to come. I haven't even gone out anywhere because I don't have any clothes, hair products, jewelry, I have nothing.
Does anyone have any recommendations on what to do? A similar experience? Anything helpful? I'm also curious if the airline would provide reimbursement since I can't do anything without clothes.