Virgin Atlantic vs British Airways - NYC to LHR
Apr 7, 2014, 6:26 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,952
Virgin Atlantic vs British Airways - NYC to LHR
Put simply, what is a better experience?
Virgin America Premium Economy from JFK to LHR
British Airways WTP from JFK to LHR
Looking to redeem miles. The cost (30,000 miles + $230 in surcharges) are comparable. All flights are day flights (leaving at 7:15 AM NYC time).
Alternatively, I could book Economy on Virgin for 17,500 miles+$130 in surcharges. Are the extra miles and cost worth Premium Economy?
Thanks
Virgin America Premium Economy from JFK to LHR
British Airways WTP from JFK to LHR
Looking to redeem miles. The cost (30,000 miles + $230 in surcharges) are comparable. All flights are day flights (leaving at 7:15 AM NYC time).
Alternatively, I could book Economy on Virgin for 17,500 miles+$130 in surcharges. Are the extra miles and cost worth Premium Economy?
Thanks
Apr 7, 2014, 8:23 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Brighton. UK
Programs: BA Gold / VS /IHG Diamond & Ambassador
Posts: 14,252
VS PE beats BA WT+ hands down (IMHO)
And yes, again IMHO, the extra miles etc are worth it over Y. You get 2* 23KG bags in PE compared to 1 in Y and that might change your maths if you want/need 2 bags
And yes, again IMHO, the extra miles etc are worth it over Y. You get 2* 23KG bags in PE compared to 1 in Y and that might change your maths if you want/need 2 bags
Apr 8, 2014, 12:58 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: in a cabin
Posts: 6,528
Be careful with what seat you select in VS PE though. Many of them have not just an IFE box under the seat, but also a plastic cover which blocks the entire floor space for your feet if you are 6ft or taller. This makes it very uncomfortable.
Otherwise the VS PE seat is softer than the old BA WT+ seat. However, the new BA WT+ seat is rather nice. Service wise VS is more relaxed I feel. Food is similar from what I gather.
Otherwise the VS PE seat is softer than the old BA WT+ seat. However, the new BA WT+ seat is rather nice. Service wise VS is more relaxed I feel. Food is similar from what I gather.
Apr 8, 2014, 1:38 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: BA - Blue > Bronze > Silver > Bronze > Blue
Posts: 6,814
As posted on the BA board, if you can guarantee the new BA seat/ IFE there will be nothing in it really, if you're on a BA 747, I'd go with VS, although in reality, on a shortish day flight, it will really make little difference
Apr 8, 2014, 6:36 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,952
I already have BA180 booked (a new JFK-LHR flight). It looks like all of the 777s on that flight so far have the new WT+ product. I'll probably just keep that flight.
Apr 10, 2014, 3:39 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: 14.66m NbW of PHL
Programs: HH Diamond
Posts: 849
I'm actually looking into switching from VS to BA at some point later this year.
My main trips are LHR-EWR and LHR-Australia, so as VS have cut the Kangaroo route, I need to swap to another airline to consolidate all my miles.
Luckily the 787 flies the EWR route so this was pretty much what convinced me to give the switch a go. I like the idea of the aircraft and a brand new cabin. I do get the impression that BA is improving but I think I will miss the "buzz" that VS gives.
Business class on the 787 looks superb from what I've seen of it, but the WTP seat doesn't look quite as good as the VS PE seat. Only seen images though of the BA setup.
My main trips are LHR-EWR and LHR-Australia, so as VS have cut the Kangaroo route, I need to swap to another airline to consolidate all my miles.
Luckily the 787 flies the EWR route so this was pretty much what convinced me to give the switch a go. I like the idea of the aircraft and a brand new cabin. I do get the impression that BA is improving but I think I will miss the "buzz" that VS gives.
Business class on the 787 looks superb from what I've seen of it, but the WTP seat doesn't look quite as good as the VS PE seat. Only seen images though of the BA setup.