British Airways World Traveller Plus

[Debs Hill]

Hi guys,
Trying to decide whether to go with Virgin or BA......what is the BA premium cabin like? Do you know whether the planes to Orlando have the new cabin?
Would love to hear your opinions
Debx

 

[leemanning]

When we went in September 2010, a couple of our party upgraded to the BA world traveller plus.

In my opinion, the Virgin cabin is far superior. Much more luxurious feel, the mood lighting works really nicely and if there's only a couple of you, you may even get to go in the Premium Economy section, but on the top deck next to first class - therefore no kids around etc!

If you decide to travel with BA, we found the standard economy seats to be very good. Plenty of room to stretch out and unless you are very big, I wouldn't see the need of the extra width in the seats.

In terms of food, it was pretty standard airline fare, but the World Traveller Plus wasn't a huge step up.

I know that when we next go, we will try to go Virgin in Premium Economy. If we end up going with BA, then we'll definitely save the money and go in Economy as there isn't too much of a difference.

 

[Red-Snapper]

Just to correct the above post - its only PE upstairs on the 747 with Virgin - Upper Class is downstairs in the nose...and dont bank on PE not being full of kids either

If I was choosing I would go PE with Virgin (on the 747) rather than BA WT+

Being upstairs is the real plus but you also get your bags off first in orlando and there is of course the DTD checkin to get rid of the bags on the last day.

BA WT+ is comparable more or less with Virgin PE in the couple of rows of seats downstairs but obviously the IFE is not as good (unless you are on the new planes - but then you havent got an upstairs cabin !)

 

[OldKeyWelsh]

BA only have three new aircraft that have the new WT+ seats and I don't think that any of them are used on the Orlando route.

The WT+ cabin is very quiet and peaceful compared to WT, but the food and drink served is pretty much the same.

IFE is excellent with loads of videos on demand and games as well.

 

[Pootle]

Having used both many times, I'd say it's a tough call. I agree that upstairs in PE with Virgin in the 747 is better, and the added perks of different food. priority treatment of luggage and dedicated check in makes it even more attractive, BUT, PE downstairs with Virgin is similar to BA's WT+ in terms of 'ambiance' (ie, very little ). The seating, in my opinion is similar, and the BA in-flight entertainment system is better (than Virgin 747 - not the new airbus).

The biggest difference for me though is that BA's punctuality record is far better than Virgin's on the LGW-MCO route - and this has been the case for as long as I can remember (source www.flightstats.com). Now you can be unlucky with any airline, but statistically, you are far more likely to be delayed on Virgin - and for longer - than on BA (on the LGW-MCO route).