Virgin Upper vs Delta One suite: with infant
May 12, 2019, 3:20 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: BA Gold, Virgin Atlantic Silver
Posts: 210
Virgin Upper vs Delta One suite: with infant
Hi there,
Looking to book a trans-atlantic with miles: LON -> NYC.
Flying with a 17 month old baby and my other half, so comfort and width of seat is a priority.
Which would you recommend ?
Many thanks in advance,
B
Looking to book a trans-atlantic with miles: LON -> NYC.
Flying with a 17 month old baby and my other half, so comfort and width of seat is a priority.
Which would you recommend ?
Many thanks in advance,
B
May 13, 2019, 10:43 am
#2
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,039
I'm not a huge fan of the Delta lie-flats used on their fleet of 767-300 and 767-400, which are often used between London and JFK. The ones used on their Airbus A330 are of newer herringbone design and what I prefer for flying up front. That being said, all things being equal, EWR can be a better airport for NYC depending one where one is staying and how one is planning on getting there. As far as JFK, DL and VS use the same large terminal (T4), but the VS planes tend to use gates that are much closer to the US Customs and Immigration hall than DL. I've had some pretty long walks when arriving at a distant gate on a DL flight and with an infant to look after, shorter walks would probably be a good thing. I also like the cabin service from VS; crisp and professional, but not too stuffy. DL can be all over the place, service-wise.
May 13, 2019, 1:03 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Brighton. UK
Programs: BA Gold / VS /IHG Diamond & Ambassador
Posts: 14,200
Will the baby have it's own seat or will the both of you share the 'lap duties'?
Please also check the requirements of both airlines re the use of child seats if that's your plan. VS certainly has a list on it's website of acceptable makes and models but I'm less sure about that they allow in Upper due to the configuration of the seat.
Please also check the requirements of both airlines re the use of child seats if that's your plan. VS certainly has a list on it's website of acceptable makes and models but I'm less sure about that they allow in Upper due to the configuration of the seat.
May 13, 2019, 1:27 pm
#4
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
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Not sure about DL, but VS have a pretty generous policy regarding lap infants on reward tickets in J. 10% of miles instead of 10% of cash fare.
I also understand not wanting to position with an infant, but you would save a fortune by flying to/from Continental Europe instead of London...
I also understand not wanting to position with an infant, but you would save a fortune by flying to/from Continental Europe instead of London...
May 13, 2019, 7:56 pm
#5
Join Date: May 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: Delta DM/2MM, Flying Blue Gold, Hertz Platinum
Posts: 1,934
I'm not a huge fan of the Delta lie-flats used on their fleet of 767-300 and 767-400, which are often used between London and JFK. The ones used on their Airbus A330 are of newer herringbone design and what I prefer for flying up front. That being said, all things being equal, EWR can be a better airport for NYC depending one where one is staying and how one is planning on getting there. As far as JFK, DL and VS use the same large terminal (T4), but the VS planes tend to use gates that are much closer to the US Customs and Immigration hall than DL. I've had some pretty long walks when arriving at a distant gate on a DL flight and with an infant to look after, shorter walks would probably be a good thing. I also like the cabin service from VS; crisp and professional, but not too stuffy. DL can be all over the place, service-wise.
Delta service in D1 is, by and large, really really nice.
May 13, 2019, 8:42 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 861
I think having a 17 month old on either airline in D1 or UC would be difficult on the LON/NYC leg as the child will be mobile and difficult to pass back and forth in relatively tight quarters. I just went through this analysis with someone and she ended up buying 3 premium economy tickets so that the child would have a proper seat and was happy she made that choice. If the child napped, one parent could leave the row and they could also eat meals without someone on a lap.