I just got off VS' flight from YVR to LHR.

I think AC should be riled about this new service but we haven't heard much from them regarding this at all.

Richard Branson flew into YVR on Thursday with much fanfare. And even though its a 4x weekly flight and operating only through to 27th October, VS hopes to pick up some traffic from AC/BA passengers wanting a change from the usual.

For starters, I find that VS's seats are similar to AC's except that I actually prefer AC's version. For some reason, I find AC's seat offers more privacy and better places for storage than VS's. The VS' version makes one feel somewhat 'open' like sleeping in a dorm room. The seats though are made of leather, but when reclining you have to get up and flip a switch to flip the seat over!

Food offerings are better than AC and so are the booze. Of course the inflight bar makes the difference where you can go socialise. Tables are set in front of you without trays on your table.

Its harder to score free upgrades on VS as most fares need to be upgraded with points or paid for at the airport !

I guess the plus side is the Virgin Clubhouse at LHR which has all the offerings not available at the Star Alliance Lounge.

Bring on the competition. I hope VS will extend their service to year round!