Virgin vs. British Air
Jun 20th, 2006, 06:29 AM
#1
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Virgin vs. British Air
From the few times I've flown, I've found British Air to be the most pleasant for overseas flying, but I've heard rumors that Virgin is just as good or better for those painful overseas economy flights. Anyone know if this is true about Virgin?
Jun 20th, 2006, 06:34 AM
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I've never flown Virgin, but a friend of mine who flew them twice complained about them turning on all the lights in the cabin to serve food and immediately after movies (at least the first time he flew, which was a while ago - in the age where everyone still had to watch the same movie) during an overnight flight. Don't know if this is standard practice, or, if so, whether they still do so. Sure somebody else here will have some direct experience, though - lucky you, going to London!
Jun 20th, 2006, 06:36 AM
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We've flown British numerous times, but Virgin only once since they don't fly from our home airport.
But my experience was that I liked the in-seat entertainment system of Virgin much better than British. They have better games and on-demand movies and some rather hysterical British comedy. It just made the flight go a little faster. For the kids, it was a huge plus. As far as food/comfort/service, I'd say they are fairly close.
But my experience was that I liked the in-seat entertainment system of Virgin much better than British. They have better games and on-demand movies and some rather hysterical British comedy. It just made the flight go a little faster. For the kids, it was a huge plus. As far as food/comfort/service, I'd say they are fairly close.
Jun 20th, 2006, 06:37 AM
#4
I don't think either is going to win any prizes for comfort in economy; much would depend on the specific route hence the flight times and type of equipment.
Both do offer a "premium economy" service which is way better than KattleKoach, but it can be pricey, again, depending on when and where-to-where.
Both do offer a "premium economy" service which is way better than KattleKoach, but it can be pricey, again, depending on when and where-to-where.
Jun 20th, 2006, 06:42 AM
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I thought Virgin's in-flight entertainment system was one of the best I have ever encountered.
As to using Virgin's "Premium Economy" we did this once and appreciated the extra legroom. However, the so-called "leg rests" turned out to be foot rests only; it was nice to be able to board with the Upper Class passengers. The pre-flight cocktail was a mimosa (and please don't ask for more than one) and the food was the same as in regular Economy.
I probably wouldn't spring for this again. Cannot say how this compares with the comparable British offering.
As to using Virgin's "Premium Economy" we did this once and appreciated the extra legroom. However, the so-called "leg rests" turned out to be foot rests only; it was nice to be able to board with the Upper Class passengers. The pre-flight cocktail was a mimosa (and please don't ask for more than one) and the food was the same as in regular Economy.
I probably wouldn't spring for this again. Cannot say how this compares with the comparable British offering.
Jun 20th, 2006, 06:46 AM
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Thanks for the input. I was considering springing for Virgin because of the rave reviews, but since they don't fly out of my home city either, I don't think I'll bother with the additional hopper flight to get to them, especially since their flight is more expensive than BA's in the first place.
