I have spent the last couple of years flying EDI-LHR/LGW/LCY 2-3 times per month with BA.

On three consecutive domestics in January, I was moved from my beloved 1A/1F to a middle seat further back at check in. Nobody at BA could explain why this was happening, so I decided to give Virgin a try.

I had my first return with Virgin in January, and completed the status match to Virgin Gold [from BA Gold], which after a pro-active e-mail chase from myself came through within a week.

Key experiences so far:

- As Virgin Gold, I was denied Fast Track at LHR T2 - I'm not sure whether this was an error, but didn't feel qualified to argue so I proceeded through 'normal' security which didn't take long;
- As Virgin Gold, you can use the Aer Lingus gold circle lounge at T2 - good views out to the airfield, catering fairly thin but they have yoghurts/pastries etc. in line with standard Galeries Club offerings;
- Flights are typically lighter load wise, which normally results in an empty seat next to me;
- The pitch I think is the same, but overall the seats are more comfortable in my opinion;
- All my flights have left spot on schedule and either arrived on schedule or arrived early;
- As Virgin Gold, you get 4,000 Virgin Points per return [vs. 2,000 for a BA Silver/Gold];
- The prices are typically 30-40% cheaper but depends on when you book etc.

Overall, the lounge experience gives me what I need at that time in the morning, the flights are on time, and the 4k points per return is a big boost - until the service ends in September I won't be doing another Domestic with BA.

I also got 10k Virgin points for completing the status match.

For anybody who has been thinking about this, but not pulled the trigger, I'd encourage you to give it a try [if only for the status match!].