AA versus VA
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2001
Programs: AA, ExPlat, DL Sil, UAL Sil, Hilt Dia, Marr Plat
Posts: 168
AA versus Virgin Atlantic
Am an Executive Platinum with AA. Need to fly to UK, and the fares from ORD to UK on VAtlantic are low enough to give it a thought. What are the good, bad, and ugly of flying VA, versus sticking with my perks on AA? Do not expect high elite service. Some basic information would be nice, like do they charge for carryon bags, are they part of the ARC agreement, and so forth.
Last edited by ffj; May 13, 2015 at 11:03 am
#2
Moderator, Virgin Atlantic
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: www.V-Flyer.com
Programs: VS Red, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium - earned out of our own pocket!.
Posts: 2,392
Welcome to the Virgin Atlantic (VS) forum. ^
What is an EP with AA? What perks does it give?
What class do you intend flying in?
If you can give us a clue about the above two questions, it may be easier to comment on what level of service you can expect versus the level of perks you are used to.
You may also wish to change the title of your thread, as VA is Virgin Australia.
If you can't change it, drop me a PM and I will gladly do it for you.
Nick
What is an EP with AA? What perks does it give?
What class do you intend flying in?
If you can give us a clue about the above two questions, it may be easier to comment on what level of service you can expect versus the level of perks you are used to.
You may also wish to change the title of your thread, as VA is Virgin Australia.
If you can't change it, drop me a PM and I will gladly do it for you.
Nick
#3
Join Date: May 2006
Programs: VS Au, Skywards Au, BA Exec Ag, HH Diamond, Taj Au
Posts: 1,389
EP = Executive Platinum, which I believe on AA transatlantic gives you access to the AA First lounge at LHR for example, whereas no status on VS in economy = no lounge ... but Nick's questions are still relevant.
If you're travelling in Y surely you'd want to stick with AA for the possibility of an upgrade, free bags, lounge access etc.
If you're travelling in Y surely you'd want to stick with AA for the possibility of an upgrade, free bags, lounge access etc.
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
Programs: BA Silver, TK E+, AA PP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 13,048
It's a no brainer to stick with elite status rather than trying something new, particularly in Y. Extra legroom seat, double miles, lounge access, chance of upgrade.
VS don't charge for carry-on luggage but European airlines make a much bigger deal about carry-ons being the correct size, particularly in Y. (no massive suit carriers, etc.)
VS do a good job of marketing, but their Y cabin and service is no better than any other carrier's.
VS don't charge for carry-on luggage but European airlines make a much bigger deal about carry-ons being the correct size, particularly in Y. (no massive suit carriers, etc.)
VS do a good job of marketing, but their Y cabin and service is no better than any other carrier's.
#5
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: near to SFO and LHR
Programs: BA Gold, B6 Mosiac, VS, AA, DL (and a legacy UA 2MM)
Posts: 2,274
#6
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Australia
Programs: QF LTS, Marriott LTP, ALL GOLD
Posts: 2,440
It certainly rates miles above what BA offer in Y if you consider both carriers Y seating is pretty similar.
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,588
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.1030 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)
Even without an upgrade, the OP's EXP status entitles him to select Main Cabin Extra (MCE) seats, which feature greater pitch than AA's standard Coach seats. That's no small matter on a TATL flight.
Originally Posted by slinky09
EP = Executive Platinum, which I believe on AA transatlantic gives you access to the AA First lounge at LHR for example, whereas no status on VS in economy = no lounge ... but Nick's questions are still relevant.
If you're travelling in Y surely you'd want to stick with AA for the possibility of an upgrade, free bags, lounge access etc.
If you're travelling in Y surely you'd want to stick with AA for the possibility of an upgrade, free bags, lounge access etc.