When you fly first class it such a completely different experience that it is like asking should I drive a Lexus or a BMW. Any way I've flown British and Virgin first class and either one is great--the Brits really known how to grovel!!!!!! Of course you don't want to fly overnight and miss all the perks.

First Class or Business Class? If it's really First you should make sure it's a 747. In first you get to watch out the front windows.

United Airlines has a super First Class service to London

The real fact is that there isn't a whole lot of difference between any of the first class flights. I do wonder, however, if your company will pay for ANY first class flight, or will want to restrict you to the lowest-priced first class fare that you (or you company's travel office) can find. If there is really no limit on which airline you can fly, I suggest you look into Singapore Airlines, which in my opinion is the classiest first class of all. My only problem with first class is that they feed me and ply me with wine too frequently, and I always arrive a bit under a cloud. Try to control your urges, which on an airline like Singapore is really difficult. Enjoy your trip regardless of whom you select.

I agree with the vote for Singapore airlines. The problem is that they do not fly the NYC-LON route. Your best two options are Virgin and BA.

Virgin will supply you with a car to and from the airport in both NYC and LON, great lounges on the ground, a mini-massage en route, and a bar on the plane.

BA will supply you with a better bed, access to the Concorde Lounges in both NYC and LON (with fantastic champagne), and a full-blown spa in both NYC and LON.

If you won't get much time to spend at the airport, I think BA is still a better choice - more private, full-reclining bed. While Virgin has nice Upper Class seats, they are not as nice as the BA bed.