Ann41

Virgin. BA is, in a word, awful. They used to be my favorite airline, but have gone swiftly downhill in the past 5 years or so. Bad customer service (both in the air and on the ground), dirty bathrooms, etc. Although, Virgin does have that nasty Virgin cola they serve on board...

As far as comfortable seats, it's a toss up. Virgin seats seem a little narrow, but they could be exactly the same size as BA's, for all I know.

Poshspice

I loooove Virgin Atlantic, but never flown on BA. However if I had the chance to fly them again, hands down I'd fly Virgin.

Christina

I've flown both and would always prefer Virgin. I just don't like BA much at all for about every reason. However, I do agree I would mainly choose on schedule and price, as they aren't that different.

Both have cramped seating, just like about every other carrier nowadays. I don't think there's any difference in that regard -- I believe they are both 31" pitch, about 17" width seats. If you can afford a better class than lowest fare, that would be great, of course. Even though, Virgin just seemed nicer, newer, better service, etc. I particularly dislike British Airways' headrest on their seats, but I'm sure some people like them. They give me a crick in the neck because they force your head to be at an angle, and can't be removed. I don't remember Virgin having that problem, but might be wrong.

richardab

Have you considered United? I f you can land a seat in "economy Plus" you get extra legroom which makes all the difference in the world!

GreenDragon

I looked up Air New Zealand, but couldnt' find any flights going out of any airports in Florida... and no way to find out WHICH airports they service, other than hit and miss -- keep entering cities in hoping one will catch.

Anyone know where I can get this info? Thanks!

smiley525

I like Virgin better than BA!

Patty

If comfort is a consideration, look into the premium economy classes of both airlines. The times that I've priced it, BA's WT+ was about $200 additional each way from LAX to LHR versus standard economy. To me it would be worth it because I'm absolutely miserable in long haul coach. VS PE usually prices out higher than BA WT+ but once in a while, you can find a comparable fare. If fares are the same, I would choose VS and the earlier flights (007/008). The premium economy product on VS has a few extra perks over BA's, but I wouldn't pay much more for it.

Gardyloo

I looked up Air New Zealand, but couldnt' find any flights going out of any airports in Florida... and no way to find out WHICH airports they service, other than hit and miss -- keep entering cities in hoping one will catch.

Anyone know where I can get this info? Thanks!

Uh... they don't fly to Florida. Their only US station is LAX, from which they fly to London and, of course, to the South Pacific, being that they are called, after all, Air New Zealand...

www.airnewzealand.com

Gardyloo

Once again my snidery got the best of me and I misspoke. I must find someone to blame for this habit.

ANZ also maintain stations in SFO and HNL.

Walter_Walltotti

Patty, I think you'll find that $200 is either a special promotional fare or that is a fare quoted in £ .

The current sector upgrade to World traveller plus is about £240 per person.

Gardyloo

US$200 each way (i.e., $400 RT, i.e. £220) is about right for the additional cost of WT+ in most US markets (less from JFK/BOS.)

Patty

Walter, I'm assuming you're pricing it ex-UK. Apparently, it's cheaper for us to upgrade to WT+ ex-US. And yes the USD200 is one way. I guess this is one of the few instances where parity between the dollar and the pound works to our favor

rkkwan

There are several posts on this thread about very cramped seats on VS. I've been on one, a very old and tired 747-200 that's seen better times. WORST flight I've ever had in my life.

However, these days they use newer 747 and 340-600 for the US routes, so I don't think that should be an issue anymore. Keep in mind when you read the comments.

Walter_Walltotti

Patty, it's probably another example of what we call over here in the UK as "rip off britain".

You think it's expensived to travel to the UK you should try living here.

Additionally, Virgin are still using their 747-200 series on flights to the US, Manchester-Orlando for example.

jsmith

On page 38 of the January 10th New Yorker is an excellent one page article about one airline emerging from bankruptcy. They have adopted some policies which, I'm sure, you will all approve. I quote some of the features:
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Lavatory Class. a low-cost alternative featuring aisle-free seating and almost unrestricted rest-room privileges.

Accordinly new profit requirements dictate that children under five be carried in the overhead compartments on all flights. Remember: deposit ten dollars in nickels and set the time lock before bolting the compartment door shut.
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There are a number of others just as innovative.