VIRGIN vs BA UPGRADES

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Could someone advise me who have been on both Virgin and BA,

I have traveled on Virgin in Premium economy and Upper class, looking at BA website i got a little confused trying to compare Virgin to World traveler, Business class and First class and the fares seem not to tie up.

How do the upgrades compare on both, which is best?

THANK YOU

 

[UKDEB]

Virgin has three classes whereas BA has 4. Virgin doesn't really have a First Class, although the categories are probably a bit more blurred than they once were, and Virgin's Upper is probably now somewhere between BA's Club World and First Class. They roughly translate as:

Economy = World Traveller
Premium Economy = World Traveller Plus
Upper Class = Club World

 

[AliceGardner]

Hi Andrew

A little mapping:
- British Airways WorldTraveller (WT) = Virgin Economy
- BA WorldTravellerPlus (WT+) = Virgin Premium Economy (PE)
- BA Club World (CW) = Virgin Upper Class (UC)
- BA First has no Virgin equivalent

The prices are normally fairly equivalent for the two airlines:
- Normally £350 to £650 for WT/Economy
- Normally £750 to £1200 for WT+/PE
- Normally £1500 to £3000 ish for CW/UC
- Normally £3000+ for BA First
Prices are a rough guide per person and vary depending on time of year, route flown and any sales/special offers.

What do you mean "How do the upgrades compare on both, which is best?"? Do you mean "what are the chances of getting a free upgrade with each airline?" or "which is better - WT+ or PE?" or "which is better - CW or UC?"?

Alice

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Hi Andrew

A little mapping:
- British Airways WorldTraveller (WT) = Virgin Economy
- BA WorldTravellerPlus (WT+) = Virgin Premium Economy (PE)
- BA Club World (CW) = Virgin Upper Class (UC)
- BA First has no Virgin equivalent

The prices are normally fairly equivalent for the two airlines:
- Normally £350 to £650 for WT/Economy
- Normally £750 to £1200 for WT+/PE
- Normally £1500 to £3000 ish for CW/UC
- Normally £3000+ for BA First
Prices are a rough guide per person and vary depending on time of year, route flown and any sales/special offers.

What do you mean "How do the upgrades compare on both, which is best?"? Do you mean "what are the chances of getting a free upgrade with each airline?" or "which is better - WT+ or PE?" or "which is better - CW or UC?"?

Alice

Thanks, what I ment is after the general comparison, is there any difference,

IE if BA Club world =Virgin upper class, which one is best.

I plan to book one soon if Virgin PE or UC, but want BA as a back up.

 

[Claire L]

From what I have read I would say VA PE is somewhere between BA's WT+ and CW as it does offer more than WT+ but not as much as CW!

HTH

Claire

 

[AliceGardner]

Thanks, what I ment is after the general comparison, is there any difference,

IE if BA Club world =Virgin upper class, which one is best.

I plan to book one soon if Virgin PE or UC, but want BA as a back up.

Ok - nice dilemna

I haven't flown Virgin PE, but - on what I know - would book it over BA WT+. The new Virgin PE seat (if you get a plane with them fitted) is better than the WT+ seat.

PE gets a seperate check-in area, priority baggage delivery, a drink (champagne?) before take-off and different meals from economy (served on proper china). You may also get the opportunity to pay extra and use the Virgin ClubHouse Lounge at LGW.

WT+ doesn't always have a seperate check-in area, has no priority baggage delivery, has no drinks before take-off and has the same meal as WT (economy). Also there is no way to buy your way into the BA lounge (although you could buy your way into another airline lounge).

From what I know, PE is a much better all round product than WT+

Have flown UC and CW quite a few times. UC has a better seat for sleeping in (although BA's seat is better for relaxing in - more reclining options) and Virgin's Lounge is better than BA's (although BA's is not bad). BA tend to have more professional and consistent service/crew in CW (I have had both outstanding and dreadful service in UC) and BA's food tends to be better than Virgin's (BA don't have freedom dining like VS, but VS's UC food is getting some incredibly bad reviews at the moment ).

UC is trendier and more gimicky and the seats are the best business class beds in the sky (well, along with Air New Zealand - who use identical seats). BA tend to have a more consistent and professional product. Both are good in my opinion.

UC cannot compare to a "proper" First Class product (like BA's, AA's or United's First Class) - proper First Class is absolutely amazing . Unfortunately it is ridiculously expensive as well - so I will have to wait for either the upgrade fairy to visit again or a lottery win.

Alice

 

[AliceGardner]

From what I have read I would say VA PE is somewhere between BA's WT+ and CW as it does offer more than WT+ but not as much as CW!

Sort of... but the most important thing about business class is the seat: BA CW has a fully flat and horizontal bed seat, whereas the PE seat is basically an economy seat with a little more room and recline. The PE seat might be a little better than the WT+ seat, but PE has a lot more "frills" than WT+: PE is still very much a "Premium Economy" and nowhere near a "Business Class".

Alice

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

From what I have read I would say VA PE is somewhere between BA's WT+ and CW as it does offer more than WT+ but not as much as CW!

HTH

Claire

Ok - nice dilemna

I haven't flown Virgin PE, but - on what I know - would book it over BA WT+. The new Virgin PE seat (if you get a plane with them fitted) is better than the WT+ seat.

PE gets a seperate check-in area, priority baggage delivery, a drink (champagne?) before take-off and different meals from economy (served on proper china). You may also get the opportunity to pay extra and use the Virgin ClubHouse Lounge at LGW.

WT+ doesn't always have a seperate check-in area, has no priority baggage delivery, has no drinks before take-off and has the same meal as WT (economy). Also there is no way to buy your way into the BA lounge (although you could buy your way into another airline lounge).

From what I know, PE is a much better all round product than WT+

Have flown UC and CW quite a few times. UC has a better seat for sleeping in (although BA's seat is better for relaxing in - more reclining options) and Virgin's Lounge is better than BA's (although BA's is not bad). BA tend to have more professional and consistent service/crew in CW (I have had both outstanding and dreadful service in UC) and BA's food tends to be better than Virgin's (BA don't have freedom dining like VS, but VS's UC food is getting some incredibly bad reviews at the moment ).

UC is trendier and more gimicky and the seats are the best business class beds in the sky (well, along with Air New Zealand - who use identical seats). BA tend to have a more consistent and professional product. Both are good in my opinion.

UC cannot compare to a "proper" First Class product (like BA's, AA's or United's First Class) - proper First Class is absolutely amazing . Unfortunately it is ridiculously expensive as well - so I will have to wait for either the upgrade fairy to visit again or a lottery win.

Alice

Sort of... but the most important thing about business class is the seat: BA CW has a fully flat and horizontal bed seat, whereas the PE seat is basically an economy seat with a little more room and recline. The PE seat might be a little better than the WT+ seat, but PE has a lot more "frills" than WT+: PE is still very much a "Premium Economy" and nowhere near a "Business Class".

Alice

Thank you both thats what I wanted to check, I have done PE and UC with Virgin, I am this summer on BA CW for Spain first time so will check that out, and September will book USA for 2008.

Virgin UC was my first choice, but your comments have brought BA much closer.

THANKS

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Ok - nice dilemna


Have flown UC and CW quite a few times. UC has a better seat for sleeping in (although BA's seat is better for relaxing in - more reclining options) and Virgin's Lounge is better than BA's (although BA's is not bad). BA tend to have more professional and consistent service/crew in CW (I have had both outstanding and dreadful service in UC) and BA's food tends to be better than Virgin's (BA don't have freedom dining like VS, but VS's UC food is getting some incredibly bad reviews at the moment ).

I would agree with everything Alice has said. the only other comment I would make is that the VS UCS have access to the aisles, whereas CW you have to climb over other people, plus 50% of the seats face backwards, though that just reminds me of the RAF!
I don't like BA's "raid the Larder" and I think they ahve too many suites in the cabin, making it feel claustrophiobic.
I prefer the Virgin sleep suits but the Ameinity kits are better on BA.
BA have started to introduce New "New Club World" which there are some complaints that the new suites are not as ridgid as the old suites and flex more.
VS UCS are wearing a bit badly on the other hand.

UC cannot compare to a "proper" First Class product (like BA's, AA's or United's First Class) - proper First Class is absolutely amazing . Unfortunately it is ridiculously expensive as well - so I will have to wait for either the upgrade fairy to visit again or a lottery win.

Alice

If you are going to Orlando, the First class cabin is not available, only Wt, WT+ and CW


Either UCS or CW are a better option than other ways across the atlantic. You will be happy with whichever you choose.

 

[AliceGardner]

Thank you both thats what I wanted to check, I have done PE and UC with Virgin, I am this summer on BA CW for Spain first time so will check that out, and September will book USA for 2008.

Virgin UC was my first choice, but your comments have brought BA much closer.

THANKS

Are you flying from London to Spain in Club? In which case it will be "Club Europe" (CE) and not "Club World" (CW). CE is pretty pants and NO COMPARISON (needed capitals for maximum emphasis ) with CW.

The best way to get a good feel for Club World is to look at the BA website, look at photos on www.airliners.net too and read trip reports on both www.flyertalk.com and www.v-flyer.com (in the "non Virgin trip reports section"). BA are currently introducing new seats (with AVOD) in Club World, but the refits are taking thir time and the "bucket and spade" routes (i.e. Orlando & Tampa etc) tend to be the last to be refitted...

Alice

 

[AliceGardner]

I would agree with everything Alice has said. the only other comment I would make is that the VS UCS have access to the aisles, whereas CW you have to climb over other people, plus 50% of the seats face backwards, though that just reminds me of the RAF!
I don't like BA's "raid the Larder" and I think they ahve too many suites in the cabin, making it feel claustrophiobic.
I prefer the Virgin sleep suits but the Ameinity kits are better on BA.
BA have started to introduce New "New Club World" which there are some complaints that the new suites are not as ridgid as the old suites and flex more.
VS UCS are wearing a bit badly on the other hand.

Very true about the aisle access. To be honest, I love flying backwards - quite amusing when you take off and land. Apparently flying backwards is supposed to be a bit safer too (in case of a survivable crash or sharp landing etc).

I like BA CW on the Upper Deck of 747s or on the 3 Class 777s (as used to Orlando), but I don't really like the HUGE CW cabin on the 4 Class 777s. Still I always remember that a CW seat is a CW seat and am just very grateful

Am always too stuffed to "raid the larder" .

Yes, BA don't give you a "sleep suit" in CW (only in First), but - in all honesty - the VS sleep suits are not great (even the "small" seems huge on me). I tend to take my own pyjamas (or other comfortable clothes) to change into: have seen quite a lot of people do that on BA.

Virgin amenity kits have REALLY gone downill over the past few years - I remember them being GREAT, now they are a disgrace for Business Class (especially when carrying liquids in your hand luggage is more problematic than before...)

If you are going to Orlando, the First class cabin is not available, only Wt, WT+ and CW

Good point! I was off on a fantasy... . Although you could fly BA in First into Miami and take a flight or drive up to Orlando.

Either UCS or CW are a better option than other ways across the atlantic. You will be happy with whichever you choose.

Completely agreed - both are great in all honesty . I quite like trying different products - just to g et some variety

Would definitely encourage you to explore the flying forums I have linked to in my earlier post - they can be most helpful regarding air travel.

Alice

 

[kingcole]

Personally I prefer CW over UC but the aisle access is def a bonus with VS.

However, we normally travel PE on VS and this is 10 x better than WT+ on BA.

But an this is a big but. You need to make sure you are upstairs on Virgin. There are also 4 rows of PE doenstair are are squeezed between economy and Upper.

Really as food is sam,e and same servers you may as well be in economy for half the price.

But upstair is tranquil - loads of space, enought room for two trolleys side my side in the asile an 2 2 seating so either window or aisle for all.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Personally I prefer CW over UC but the aisle access is def a bonus with VS.

However, we normally travel PE on VS and this is 10 x better than WT+ on BA.

But an this is a big but. You need to make sure you are upstairs on Virgin. There are also 4 rows of PE doenstair are are squeezed between economy and Upper.

Really as food is sam,e and same servers you may as well be in economy for half the price.

But upstair is tranquil - loads of space, enought room for two trolleys side my side in the asile an 2 2 seating so either window or aisle for all.

Hi Kingcole,
just a couple of points
There are only two rows of PE downstairs on the LGW/MAN 747's rows 81 & 82. The three rows behind these are the best Economy seats, rows 21, 22 & 23.
The two rows are downstairs to meet the Disability Discrimination Act.

The food now has changed in PE and is different to the economy choices, supplied on china with metal cutlery, plus its a new PE only ameinity kit

 

[kingcole]

You are correct - officially, but in reality this is the truth....

I travelled PE to Vegas 2 weeks ago from LGW so same set up as those who fly to MCO.

Yes new amenity kit - its say premium on bag and you get a pen with premium written on it too. same socks, same ear plugs, same toothbrush, same eye covers as econ.

The food was big dissapointment. It is exactly same and same choice as economy. Instead of being served in a tin foil tray, the tin foil tray is placed on a ceramic plate/ bowl thing.

You do get a bread roll from a basket rather than in sealed plastic bag, and you do get fruit and after dinner bailey or brandy but the starter, main course and pud are identical.

I was really dissapointed as Virgin made a big deal about their new PE service.

It really is no different to before - it is worth it but dont expect too much.

Hope this helps.

Col

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

You are correct - officially, but in reality this is the truth....

I travelled PE to Vegas 2 weeks ago from LGW so same set up as those who fly to MCO.

Yes new amenity kit - its say premium on bag and you get a pen with premium written on it too. same socks, same ear plugs, same toothbrush, same eye covers as econ.

The food was big dissapointment. It is exactly same and same choice as economy. Instead of being served in a tin foil tray, the tin foil tray is placed on a ceramic plate/ bowl thing.

You do get a bread roll from a basket rather than in sealed plastic bag, and you do get fruit and after dinner bailey or brandy but the starter, main course and pud are identical.

I was really dissapointed as Virgin made a big deal about their new PE service.

It really is no different to before - it is worth it but dont expect too much.

Hope this helps.

Col

Thats terrible! its supposed to be an alternative menu! Not good VS, not good
The biggest letdown in Virgins service is the awful food!

 

[AliceGardner]

Thats terrible! its supposed to be an alternative menu! Not good VS, not good
The biggest letdown in Virgins service is the awful food!

I think that the food is one of the biggest problems in UC at the moment... You have probably seen the same reports on v-flyer.com as I have.

Apparently they have even done away with the second (pre-landing) meal on some flights in UC (certain flights to NY and returning from Dubai). So paying for Upper Class and only getting one meal on a 7 hour flight . Ok you might be able to order something additional from the standard Freedom menu, but what you get depends on availability.

Cutting corners in UC (food, amenity pack) is not good.

Alice

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

They have been told by Gold Card members time and time again, that they have to sort the food out.
They cannot keep pax with just a good clubhouse and flat beds when others are catching up

 

[john storey]

Just returned on Saturday using BA Premier Economy, apart from larger seat, more leg room, no other difference from normal economy, (apart from the price). Virgin on the other hand has own check in, welcome drink, nicer cabin, & prefered baggage offload. PS BA also cancelled the flight back with so far no explaination as to why.

 

[islandmum]

Have to say I definately prefer PE to WT+ and UC to CW.

I just feel you get more for your money ... PE is far superior to WT+ for all reasons as listed by everyone else

and UC compared to CW theres no comparison ... UC has the private forward cabin, limited seats, bar, FANTASTIC lounge at London, you feel far more comfortable than in CW.

dont get me wrong - CW is great but if its a straight choice between the 2 then UC wins every time. CW does feel like you're squashed in a bit too.

of course if I had the money ... First Class BA without a doubt!!

 

[UKDEB]

From what I've seen, the new CW looks as though it might give UC a run for its money. I guess there's always going to be a bit of a yo-yo effect with one upping the ante and the other then having to play catch-up.