need help deciding- BA or VA ?

[Kristina]

I've worked all night and haven't been to bed yet, dizzy with sleep deprivation hoping someone will come along and help me decide which flight to book . It seems that both BA and Virgin want 621 pound for 2 adults to Orlando which is great for us but are either better or more reliable? They both fly out and return around the same time as well so that doesn't help.

Also, does anyone know anything or has anyone used Cimber Air at all? I wouldn't think so as they fly out of Denmark but they would be new to us and it looks like they are our only option so any help there would also be appriciated.

Thanks a bunch !

 

[Goofyish]

I don't think there is a lot of difference between BA and Virgin. Both offer similar in-flight facilities, leg room etc.
I've heard good and bad things about both.

So I think it just comes down to personal preferance.

Not sure where you will be flying from - if it's Gatwick BA fly from the North Terminal and Virgin from the South. So if you are flying in from Sweden this may make a difference, although there is a shuttle train between the two terminals.

Sorry never heard of Cimber Air.

 

[Jets fan]

Hi

If it's in economy then I definitely prefer BA as VA are terrible - cramped, trolley dollies with attitude and just edible food. If it's Premium Economy then it's hands down to Virgin as their seats are better and it's upstairs in the bubble. If it's Business/Upper then I'm completely split 50/50.

Hope this help
Tina

 

[cowza]

Totally agree about economy in BA. I feel like the entertainment was a bit better on Virgin but for overall comfort I prefered BA. The Virgin flight felt like there were a lot more people crammed in.

 

[Mermaid2sea]

I prefer BA to Virgin...

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

I prefer BA to Virgin...

Because......?

 

[bobboxer]

Just been pricing flydrive for june 2010, travel city direct ( yes i know !! ), quoted £1578 for everything( medium car) 2 adults ,1 child, on Virgin flights leaving from manchester, called Virgin they want £1838 for exactly same trip, i mite just take a wee chance with travel city.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Just been pricing flydrive for june 2010, travel city direct ( yes i know !! ), quoted £1578 for everything( medium car) 2 adults ,1 child, on Virgin flights leaving from manchester, called Virgin they want £1838 for exactly same trip, i mite just take a wee chance with travel city.

Bob,
TCD are not the old TCD.
they are now a wholly owned company by Virgin holidays, hence the Virgin atlantic planes etc.
TCD are packages, where Virgin holidays can let you pickj and choose lenghths off stay and Fly drives.
Nothjing at all to worry about booking with Virgin holidays...errrrr TCD

 

[originalkk]

To be honest I'm not a great fan of either, but on balance I would prefer BA over VA.

In my experience the BA planes have been more reliable (but of course "your mileage may vary").

When it works the VA inflight entertainment is better, but we have often had issues with it.

I also think the staff are more professional on BA, and if you have issues with the flight, they are more likely to get them resolved quickly.

 

[bobboxer]

Thanx obi, the guy i spoke to said that, but its a flydrive i got the quote for from both travel city and virgin, everything exactly the same, vs75 flight from manchester, same size car, but great big diff. in price.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Thanx obi, the guy i spoke to said that, but its a flydrive i got the quote for from both travel city and virgin, everything exactly the same, vs75 flight from manchester, same size car, but great big diff. in price.

Fly drive only from TCD? now that does surprise me!
Have they changed their terms of service I wonder??

 

[bobboxer]

Not sure about that obi, i couldnt do it online as there is no option for flydrive, but as i said when i called i got quoted happy so to speak.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

thats what I thought.
Perhaps they are desperate to get bookings? quotas yetc, that by ringing up you might be able to get other periods than 14 days as well I wonder?

 

[Mermaid2sea]

Because......?

BA planes seem to newer and staff and entertainment seem to be better,.....

 

[OrlandoMagic]

I would go with the one that is cheapest, simple as that really. We have booked with BA this September because the flights were £375 each compared to £460 with Virgin (at the time of booking).

EDIT: Sorry, didn't notice that both prices are the same and as I have only been with VA out of the two then I can't give you much help! You could always just flip a coin!

 

[TraceyL]

I've had good flights & bad flights with both but would chose BA over VA without doubt

 

[wayneg]

I would go with the one that is cheapest, simple as that really. We have booked with BA this September because the flights were £375 each compared to £460 with Virgin (at the time of booking).

That would be my usual response but Kristina is saying they are both exactly the same price (are they price fixing again? ) I would toss a coin.

Virgin I use for convenience(and good Flying club deals) as they are only direct scheduled carrier from Manchester, certainly not for their service. BA I have only used from Manchester to NYC and it was worst transatlantic flight we have done.
Best we have used for are #1 NWA, #2 BMI, but both indirect unfortunately.

 

[debbyLL]

Fly drive only from TCD? now that does surprise me!
Have they changed their terms of service I wonder??

when i tried to book with tcd when they started up again they couldnt do fly drive then but were hoping to offer in april

debby

 

[Kristina]

Thanks for all your replys . It looks like most would choose BA and so I think I will too, as it's been quite a while since we flew with them. However now dear boyfriend Kev (who is in Chester at the mo) has asked me to wait a few days while he ponders this Swine Flu epidemic. We would be traveling on Nov. 30th and I feel we should go ahead and book as hopefully it should be contained by then.
I am almost more worried about this unknown entity called Cimber/Sterling air which we would be flying from Copenhagen to Gatwick, and the 10 hours between the return flights on Dec. 16 .

 

[Snowy-girls]

Sorry Kristina i can't really answer your question as i have only ever flown Virgin and know no different.
But i would like to know-do you have to pay extra's with BA-seating together,food,drinks etc..also if you don't take the car do you get free transfers to+from the airport?.Thanks.x.