Thinking of splurging lots of miles - whose first class is better?

Virgin doesn't have a true First Class. Its "Upper Class" product is competitive in price to other airline's business class.

From your name, I would guess you are from Boston. I suggest you read my horror story on attempting to get out of Logon Airport on Virgin at:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34582645

or the illustrated version on my web site at:
http://www.rozault.com/london-not

I would never again book with Virgin out of Boston, because they have no reserves if anything goes wrong with your flight.

I flew a 747 from Miami to London on British Airways. I had seat 63J, Upper Deck, according to Seatguru.com, one of the best seats. True Flat Bed. The difference between first and business seemed to be minor. Check prices. Are you connecting? British Airways has more flights to other parts of Europe than Virgin. Is it a 747 or a 777. Upstairs on the 747; "to die for." Only 20 people, very private and two flight attendants. My glass of wine was never empty. I had to take a shower at Heathrow I was so hungover. Second thought, you better take Virgin.

BA goes to Heathrow. FC is splendid! but Business is very, very nice with the flat bed seats. Virgin sometimes goes into Gatwick. Check to see if Gatwick works for you. I've only flown coach on Virgin and like BA better.

Both BA and VS fly into LHR where possible. The only flights that go into LGW are those where they have no choice in the matter due to Bermuda II such as LAS, MCO, TPA, DFW etc etc.

Who is your FF scheme with? Not many schemes give you the option to book with both BA and VS. The only one I can think of is with America West.

If possible, you could book 2 one way awards to sample each airline (although, as has been said, Virgin's upper class is comparable, quite favorably, with most business class cabins).