I am going with my parents to Europe in early June and they want to use combo of miles/paid tixs (thanks mom and dad, they are paying! ^)
So I found an option that would take us on VS from SFO-LHR-SFO in Upper Class and my ticket would be the paid "Z" ticket.
I am a bit torn since I could be taking advantage of 3X EQM if I fly UA to LHR but because of the dep/arrival times I will most likely have to take the N/S on the 777 with old seats. I may be able to go outboud via Ord on 763 but return is for sure on the 777
My quetion I guess is should I just fly VS in Upper and have the miles go into my Continental acct or bite the bullet and fly UA for the EQM?????
Hard decision since I want to hit 1k this year and as of June will have about 50K under my belt.
I flew VS in Upper about 5 years ago and I thought it was pretty nice, even back then

Virgin, definitely.

It's only a matter of time before the UA mileage plus miles are inflated so much to the point of being worthless.

I wouldn't DREAD the UA 777 in old C on the n/s return since it is a daytime flight.

I recently did a roundtrip in that plane's C to/from Europe and it was still tollerable, even though the video screens are pretty tired.

I agree that the new lie flat's are much more important traveling eastbound than westbound. If 1K matters to you, your UA option if lie flat out and non-stop old C back, sounds like a reasonable decision.

get your 1k

Why not fly SFO-FRA-LHR-FRA-SFO to take advantage of the 747?

If getting some sleep Eastbound is most important, then by all means choose Virgin's Upper Class over the United's "old" C.

I wouldn't add an extra connection in FRA unless your final destination is in mainland Europe - geesh!

But 1K for a whole year is nice too! And even the old C on United is not too bad, especially when you're traveling with others who may think it's luxurious!

What about the possibility of paying a coach fare on United, with a good chance of an upgrade - these flights haven't been too full in C lately. Save several thousand dollars and upgrade your hotel room instead?

I think OP care for the status rather than miles, the miles may be worthless, but having status, especially being 1K, it does worth a lot when one is a frequent traveller. You do know that being at a higher status, one would still get the meal choice taken in F or C first rather than have to get all the undesirable leftovers right ?

I would definitely go UA for triple EQMs. Come on..."old" C isn't that bad. There are many more people that will be on that flight stuck in E- and they will survive.

When you choose between disgusting, inedible and ghastly, I don't think it matters.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11647530-post5.html

Perhaps you should consider participating in UA program and experiencing more than GM-level service before offering your advisory opinion.

This would be a no-brainer for me: Get 1K, if you expect to be traveling at all in 2010. You'll get more out of that than any short-term enjoyment on VS.

Oh btw, UA MP miles maybe worthless to you compare with OZ, but do you know OZ has a much higher mileage requirement than others for awards, plus miles expire for a period of time no matter you fly or not, therefore it is basically meaningless to accure miles with OZ other than to gain status.

If all prices were the same I would choose United for the TEQM. However do some searching and try to work out the return bit better over what you have. Something such as routing through IAD or ORD on a 763, or also try for a return via FRA on a 747. The UA new C looks to be on par or better than VS in every aspect except food, lounges, and seat width. However with TEQM, I would overlook those two items. If your only option is a 777 instead of VS, I'd suggest breaking down the benefits carefully.

Though the 777 C is comfortable on a day flight, would you like TEQM or a nicer seat?

My 2c,

OP, IF (and that is a big IF) you will be flying a lot of UA metal next year I would credit to UA. If not, I would sign up for a BD (British Midland) account, fly VS and credit the miles to BD. You will get RDM's only, but should get enough to get at least a one-way cash and miles *A award.

The other big plus of VS would be the Clubhouse at LHR. Possibly the best lounge in the world.