Scootoir

Has anyone recent experience with economy class on British Airways or Virgin Atlantic flying between Los Angeles and London? We have flown BA a few years ago but that was prior to introducing the A380. We were satisfied with Premium Economy on Air France's A380 two years ago but the price on BA is more than double the Economy fare. I understand VA flies the Dreamliner so we are wondering how the two airlines compare.

It looks like VA flies into and out of Terminal 3. We appreciated the services of Terminal 5 when we had to make a transfer. Don't have to do that this time but will be boarding the Express Coach to Bath. Any concern there? Thanks in advance.

Gardyloo

You might look at American Airlines. You could pay a little extra and get "main cabin extra" economy seats with 6" more legroom - not a premium economy product like BA's or Virgin's (or Air France's) but it might make life a little more comfortable, at much less cost than PE. You also get priority boarding, and AA also allows you to pick seats at no charge when you book. BA and VS charge for advance seat selection (free 24h before the flight). The charge for MCE on AA might be comparable to paying to pick your seats on BA.

AA also uses T3 at Heathrow. Presumably your bus to Bath leaves from the main Heathrow bus station, which is walkable from T3.

Gardyloo

Meant to add, here's a trip report for MCE on LAX-LHR: http://upgrd.com/blogs/doublewidesfl...ip-report.html

janisj

I was going to suggest AA as well. In the back of the plane -- they are all pretty comparable. I do like Virgin's service but definitely not roomy.

From the central coach station (essentially adjacent to T-3) journey times vary from less than 2.5 hrs (direct) to 3.5 hrs (w/ a change in Bristol) depending on the actual schedule.

From T-5 it takes longer because you either change at Bristol . . . OR have to first ride a bus to the Central Coach station then board the express coach to Bath. So you are better off total travel time using Virgin or AA.

Scootoir

Thank you, I had not checked American but will certainly look into it and see if the MCE is available for our dates.

Scootoir

The 777 that appears to be used on this route by American averages 11.5 years--Mr. Wonderful always checks the age of the fleet and this might not make the cut.
https://www.planespotters.net/airline/American-Airlines

Gardyloo

American's 773s are brand new.

janisj

I fly AA LAX > LHR at least 3 times a year -- they have been 777-300's for for at least the last year (I'm not a flyertalk-type 'plane spotter' and usually don't remember one model or another but my last 3 trips were in Business and they were definitely 300's). I think, as Gardyloo says, they are pretty new.

wjm457

My wife and I are flying BA Premium Economy LAX-LHR in May. We have never flown Virgin. You may or may not be aware of the discounts available on BA through AARP and the Chase Visa BA card (10%). Also, the A380 version of PE on BA is an updated version of the offering as compared to the 747.

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/...-10013386.html

http://www.britishairways.com/en-us/...ember-benefits

http://thepointsguy.com/2015/12/brit...discount-2016/

someotherguy

Avoid the Dreamliner at all costs: it was designed for 8 across but most airlines cram in 9 across (3-3-3) and it is intolerable. Your backside might fit in the 17 inch seat but your shoulders and arms will be crammed against your neighbor for 11 hours.

Similarly, the 777 used to be a comfortable 9 across (2-5-2 or 3-3-3) but many airlines, including AA, now jam in 10 (3-4-3). However, the MCE section of the AA 773 is still 9 across so that can be a good choice.

United is also 9 across and their Economy+ can be an acceptable choice at a modest premium, or free if you have Frequent Flier status (same as AA MCE).

Scootoir

Thank you everyone. Well someotherguy it's too late now. After much discussion, looking at American and price comparisons we splurged on Premium Economy with Virgin Atlantic which looks like we will be on the Dreamliner. It's a code share with Delta so we will get some miles out of it. PE on Delta/VA was $1,000 less than PE on BA for our dates. Looks like we should have a fairly easy time reaching the coach to Bath (thanks janisj and Gardyloo).

someotherguy

The Dreamliner should be fine in VS Premium Economy--that's only 7 across--I was speaking of the coach configurations.

Odin

The Dreamliner is good in VS Premium Economy. The Independent article link posted in this thread is very out of date, the meal service has improved and is different to economy.

Scootoir

7 across should be comfortable. On one flight we were able to get 2 on the window, the other is 2 of 3 in the center.