Which Would you Choose BA or Virgin?

[Night-train]

Virgin all the way! Ever since BA pulled out of Northern Ireland completely and left us with even less choice than the little we had been used to I decided not to entertain them again in any shape, form or fashion. So there you go!

 

[MsMoneyPenny]

I've also flown both - I prefer BA for economy (the seats were lovely and comfortable, although the staff were not as 'friendly' as Virgin but maybe we've just caught them on a bad day), but prefer Virgin's premium economy to BA's WT+

 

[Sue88UK]

We are flying Virgin only because they fly direct from Manchester. If BA flew from Manchester, would fly with BA.

 

[Muppet]

We chose virgin, mainly for th FC miles and Nic likes virgin. Hes the fussy one!

 

[SammieG]

we always used to travel Virgin..but have only travelled BA for the last 5 years or so.

There are a number of advantages to travelling BA.. the first being that it arrives just before the Virgin flight.. therefore you do not have 2 planes of people waiting at immirgration!

If you are first through immigration, you are also first through to the car hire place!!

Secondly, for me, the seats on BA are MUCH more comfy. The Virgin ones are too high and cut off the blood supply to my legs..
With BA you get a foot rest that pulls down in front.

I didnt notice any difference in service. in general I see less kids on the BA flight and more business people.

 

[Goofyish]

I've never flown with BA, but have flown with Virgin twice (3 times after this December). I've never had any problems or complaints about Virgin Atlantic and find the Flying club, twilight check in and downtown disney check in to be useful.

 

[Richard Bruvofetc]

I have always flown Virgin in the past but next year I am flying BA. Why? The following reasons:

1) I have noticed a big degradation in Virgin's service.
2) For exactly the same holiday I booked, BA are less expensive (this is also taking into account the inclusion of Virgin's 10% frequent flyer discount).
3) Hotels in the Virgin brochure being one grading when you book (eg 4*) then after a couple of months you receive a letter saying they are now 3*!!
4) Virgin charge £27 for Disney Dining Club where BA charge £22.
5) Virgin prices seem to be rising at a faster rate than their competitors.

 

[SammieG]

I have always flown Virgin in the past but next year I am flying BA. Why? The following reasons:

1) I have noticed a big degradation in Virgin's service.
2) For exactly the same holiday I booked, BA are less expensive (this is also taking into account the inclusion of Virgin's 10% frequent flyer discount).
3) Hotels in the Virgin brochure being one grading when you book (eg 4*) then after a couple of months you receive a letter saying they are now 3*!!
4) Virgin charge £27 for Disney Dining Club where BA charge £22.
5) Virgin prices seem to be rising at a faster rate than their competitors.

that reminded me what actually made me switch from Virgin. We booked our first Florida trip with Virgin in 97 and stayed at Vrgins flagship hotel at the time.. it was a 4*+ rating.. The hotel was absoultely awful.. it was dirty, basic, in need or a refurb.. and no way was it due a "flagship" category or a 4* --
I complained to Virgin and they were absolutely not interested. They argued and argued with me, and said that they thought it was a 4*+ and it was worthy of their rating.. and absolutely were not interested in hearing any customer feedback.

We have never been Virgin since actually...

 

[a_hobden]

Wow it would haveto be virgin!!! I flew with them a few years ago now, obviously before then standards slipped. Ive also flown BA a few times. I definatley prefered virgin. I was about 8 or 9 and got all sorts of freebies! I think i still have the backpack!

 

[FizzyPop]

My kids flew back from Miami in 2003 and they wasn't impressed with the kids packs They prefer the packs I do for them

 

[Mumof2]

BA for sure. Very impressed with the service we got from them this year.

Miffy, The kids pack were good. There was an electronic game, top trumps and magaxine/activity book. Though the movies and kids programmes were so good that my two just watched those!!!!

 

[Claire4dpins]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to give your views!!
We have flown with both of them before - but I was interested in others opinions.

It looks like Virgin is winning out on votes at the moment - though to be honest it sounds like many people see them as much the same!

We are just two adults - so no kids to worry about entertaining - and I am not sure if the cheaper fares qualify for air miles so I don't think that will be a factor. The Premium Economy or whatever they both call it, is not a factor for us either - we can't afford the extra cost.

I guess I was leaning towards Virgin because they have normally seemed more expensive and if you go on the eariler flight and come back on the later one - you get about three hours more in Orlando!!
Decisions, Decisions!!
Thanks for all the help,
Claire

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

I've flown with both BA and Virgin to Orlnado and to other US destinations. I think there is very little difference in the level of customer service between the two airlines, so all other things being equal I would fly Virgin simply because of the Downtown Disney check-in facility. I think this is a great advantage over getting to MCO early for check-in, although having said that, BA's online check-in can also be useful providing you aren't checking-in anyone under 16.

This year we've used BA for our trips at Easter and again in August, but only because we've been using up our stash of airmiles.

Regards

Rob

 

[Rascal1003]

Virgin, Virgin, Virgin, Virgin !!! Every time.
I flew to Vancouver in March with BA, the one and only time I will use them.
The service was very poor by comparison. VA seem to go that little bit further to meet the customer's needs and the in-flight service is very difficult to beat !

Additionally, the miles earned as a Frequent Flyer are very good, with great rewards.
Just my opinion, but hopefully an informed one.

 

[GarryK]

Having flown with both I need to go with BA......but maybe that was because they gave us all a free upgrade to Club World this year on the way to Orlando !

Seriously, even on the way back I found BA's ecomony better than Virgin's.

Garry

 

[pauldolling]

I have flown both and without hesitation, I would choose Virgin EVERYTIME

 

[wilma-bride]

I wonder how many people who previously voted BA might now change their mind, after today's strike action?

 

[daveyoghurt]

BA have always been more expensive than Virgin whenever I've booked and flying from Manchester gives Virgin a big convenience factor as far as I'm concerned, plus I've always had first class service with Virgin and never had any issues. On a day like today, with all the shenanigans with the BA staff, it makes me less likely to consider BA in the future...

 

[gilld]

Not BA at the moment, that's for sure! Actually, I think they both leave a lot to be desired and fall well short of the Asian airlines.

 

[Rascal1003]

Interesting poll

I prefer BA because I find their seats more comfortable with the fold-out foot-rest (for my short legs ) and the adjustable head-rest 'wing' bits to support your head if you manage to sleep at all.QUOTE]

This applies to both airlines, as it is a part of the design of the aircraft, not necessarily Operator specific.