Data point here. Flew to Germany 2 weeks ago on UAL in Polaris class. Several jaunts around Europe, booked the return back overwater on Virgin from LHR to TPA in Premium. 3 weeks ago, got the email to bid on UC, bid GBP 700. Last week, got an email back that we were outbid, could raise the bid to GBP 2,000, said nope.

Several days ago I received another email that our original bid was accepted. So you never know with these bids what will happen.

The only other points I would like to make is I am a MM United flyer, favor them or *G carriers whenever I fly. But I wanted a nonstop back to Tampa from LHR and my only options were Virgin or American, and I would rather poke sharp sticks up my nails than to ever fly AA again as they have morphed into the worst carrier in the US these days.

The whole Virgin experience totally blows away UAL Polaris. Everything about it is better. Check in counter agent at LHR was super nice and drew smiley faces on our boarding passes. directed us upstairs thru the dedicated security that took maybe less than a minute, went to the lounge and was blown away, excellent food with attentive service. Plane was like new, the seats are totally different and far superior to Polaris. They had double the flight attendants, the service was impeccable. No comparison at all to Polaris, UAL needs to step up their game.