Can anyone tell me about British Airways?

[Astrid]

Hi! I got a quote through for next October flying with British Airways which is cheaper than Virgin (who I usually fly with) and am hoping to book at the weekend.

However, I've never flown with British Airways and wondered if anyone could tell me what they are like - seating, service, food, entertainment etc.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks a million.

Astrid x

 

[brigadoon]

We've done one of each and prefered BA, although there's not a huge amount in it. BA had more movie channels and the seat pitch seemed a bit bigger. I think Virgin was a bit of a disappointment after all the hype it seems to get on this forum. I can't think of an area where BA is any worse than the Virgin experience we had and would probably make BA my preferred choice in future. As there's so little in it though, I would go with whoever's cheapest.

 

[Linda88]

Flew with BA in Feb this year and have booked with them for 2005. Have to admit had not flown with them for a number of years after a bad experience (Very small seats at back of plane) We had no problems at all happy with seating, food ok with comp. drinks and back seat video. Flew with virgin once 11 years ago felt very confined space wise, this may have changed. Have flown often with American Airlines biggest economy seats of all. Hope this is some help.

 

[Camac]

Hi Astrid,

I have already booked with BA for Christmas 2005 after finding them over £1000 cheaper than the Virgin flight on the same day!

Happy to hear from the above DIS members they are pleased with BA but a saving of £1000 makes me happy anyway!

Camac

 

[vernon]

While there's not much difference between BA and Virgin I think BA now takes the honours in pretty much every catagory. 10 years ago I woudl have said it was Virgin who squeeked it in all cases.

I would agree if seat size is an issue, then American Airlines have the largest seats in cattle class.

 

[Albert]

I agree with Venon, if availability and cost is not an issue, over the last three to four years I have always preferred BA for direct Gatwick/Orlando flights over Virgin in terms of reliability and service.

 

[Miffy2003]

I am so pleased to read this thread as we've booked with BA for next summer. Quite a lot cheaper than Virgin and the flight times are oh-so-slightly better than Virgin's, too.

 

[JCTurner]

Ooooooh thanks for posting this lot - my wife and I are flying BA to Orlando 2 weeks today.

Cheers

Colin

 

[Hilary]

If there were no other considerations (price, departure airport, etc.) BA would get my vote too.

The seats have inbuilt headrest side bits (hard to explain, but they help to stop your head falling to one side when you're asleep!) and also a retractable footrest in the back of the seat infront.

Great little extras that make BA my favourites, although I have to say I still book on the basis of convenience and price as I don't think there's that much difference between any of them (haven't flown AA).

 

[disneyholic family]

go to www.seatguru.com to see seating arrangements on BA and Virgin planes...

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Originally posted by Astrid
Can anyone tell me about British Airways

Well, flower, they're Britain's "national" airline, some still have some interesting tail fins . . . they use big planes to go over the sea

Sorry, darling, couldn't resist it. I reckon they'll be just as good as Virgin - as you know, the only reason we're going Virgin again next Summer is because their quote came in slightly cheaper than BA, but if BA had come in cheaper I wouldn't have hesitated to use them.

With all your mob going, I reckon you'll do great with them

Annie xx

 

[squitty]

Hi Ad

Nothing much more to add thats not already been said. We found them to be similar to Virgin.
I'm sure you will like them, anyway its saving you ££'s so you can spend more $$'s

 

[Astrid]

Thanks everyone!

All this great BA feedback made me bite the bullet and I've booked our 7 (eek!!) seats for next October. Worked out to be £1,200 cheaper than flying with Virgin in August - not a bad saving!!

It's so great to have another trip booked - seems like ages since May!

Astrid x

 

[janeossie]

Astrid,

BA also have their own twighlight check-in now. Looking forward to using it soon.

Jane

 

[Philth]

Some of you guys have mentioned American Airlines - we're flying out to the US with them on the 15th(!) - any idea what theyre like? I know about the extra legroom, was hoping to get some other info.

Thanks

 

[UKPhil]

No free alcoholic drinks on AA from what I recall. Staff seemed very 'proper' and more formal than those on Virgin and BA. Food was better than usual from what I remember but we've only flown with them once.

I think the problem generally with commenting on flights, food etc. for most of us is that we don't fly often enough to get a useful sized sample. In other words, if it happens to be something you like on the menu on the day you fly you'd probably say the airline's food is fine and vice versa. Similarly they all run many planes, crews etc so you get a mix of good and bad on all of them. Last Virgin flight the crew on our side of the plane were bad - a couple just seemed to have got out of the wrong side of bed - but everyone on the other side thought it was a great flight. We've flown both Virgin and BA many times and I can't say there's much to choose between them overall.

I tend to take the view that in economy flying is going to be hell anyway so just go with the lowest cost, shut your eyes and bear it ! You won't starve in 9 hours even if the food is inedible, but we always take a sandwich just in case !