BA/Virgin/United
Discussion
I have the joy of deciding between these for a trip to the US in late May, back in June. (LHR>IAD, LAX>LHR). They are all approx the same price (£670-£710).
I need good seats with space, that is my main requirement. I dont mind paying a few £ for exit row if that is possible, but i cannot afford anything above economy. I think United offer upgrades to exit row, do any of the others?
Does anyone have any thoughts? I am edging towards United, then maybe Virgin, with BA last.
I need good seats with space, that is my main requirement. I dont mind paying a few £ for exit row if that is possible, but i cannot afford anything above economy. I think United offer upgrades to exit row, do any of the others?
Does anyone have any thoughts? I am edging towards United, then maybe Virgin, with BA last.
I used United for LHR to SFO and thought Economy Plus was worthwhile. You don't get anything extra apart from more legroom (and being nearer the front) but the less dense seating made the cabin seem much more airy than economy.
I don't what the standard procedure is, but I got an Economy ticket through work and then went on to United's website and 'upgraded' to Economy Plus for around $100 per leg, which I paid for there and then by credit card.
I don't what the standard procedure is, but I got an Economy ticket through work and then went on to United's website and 'upgraded' to Economy Plus for around $100 per leg, which I paid for there and then by credit card.
Deva Link said:
I used United for LHR to SFO and thought Economy Plus was worthwhile. You don't get anything extra apart from more legroom (and being nearer the front) but the less dense seating made the cabin seem much more airy than economy.
I don't what the standard procedure is, but I got an Economy ticket through work and then went on to United's website and 'upgraded' to Economy Plus for around $100 per leg, which I paid for there and then by credit card.
You can do this, but having done this in the past it's very poor value compared to BA or KLM premium economy. KLM premium economy remains best value I've ever come across!I don't what the standard procedure is, but I got an Economy ticket through work and then went on to United's website and 'upgraded' to Economy Plus for around $100 per leg, which I paid for there and then by credit card.
GT03ROB said:
You can do this, but having done this in the past it's very poor value compared to BA or KLM premium economy. KLM premium economy remains best value I've ever come across!
Appreciate you said 'value', but what's the difference in price though? I was booked on United anyway, and I thought the $100 extra was a no-brainer.I've paid £250/leg extra to fly Virgin PE and felt I'd been ripped off.
Deva Link said:
GT03ROB said:
You can do this, but having done this in the past it's very poor value compared to BA or KLM premium economy. KLM premium economy remains best value I've ever come across!
Appreciate you said 'value', but what's the difference in price though? I was booked on United anyway, and I thought the $100 extra was a no-brainer.I've paid £250/leg extra to fly Virgin PE and felt I'd been ripped off.
GT03ROB said:
I paid £125 for premium with BA to LA, last year,
That's unusually cheap though.To be fair, Virgin pricing can be very randon; my daughter flew to Orlando in August and selecting PE for the return was cheaper than economy - and it wasn't because Economy was particualrly expensive.
Deva Link said:
GT03ROB said:
I paid £125 for premium with BA to LA, last year,
That's unusually cheap though.To be fair, Virgin pricing can be very randon; my daughter flew to Orlando in August and selecting PE for the return was cheaper than economy - and it wasn't because Economy was particualrly expensive.
If you use United's website, it brings up the seat plan and you can upgrade your seat and reserve there and then.
We're on a 5 flight holiday in the summer (Heathrow-New York-Los Angeles-Hawaii-San Fran-LHR), upgraded 3 legs to premium, seats picked and reserved at a total cost of just over £2k.
Not fussed about inflight entertainment, taking iPads fully loaded/night flight home and sure on the long haul it's free drinks all the way.
Used Kayak.com etc to look for best deals. BA and Virgin couldn't get close on price.
We're on a 5 flight holiday in the summer (Heathrow-New York-Los Angeles-Hawaii-San Fran-LHR), upgraded 3 legs to premium, seats picked and reserved at a total cost of just over £2k.
Not fussed about inflight entertainment, taking iPads fully loaded/night flight home and sure on the long haul it's free drinks all the way.
Used Kayak.com etc to look for best deals. BA and Virgin couldn't get close on price.
Edited by Migsy on Sunday 27th January 23:04
I did over 80k miles with United last year (mostly LHR to SFO)...and I would say use Virgin. I find flights on United can be pretty varied, they still have some very old configuration aircraft (without on-demand). I only stick with them as I prefer Star Alliance membership as it covers other global carriers I use.
I hate all airlines from America (trying not to say American airlines 
) with passion. They have no idea of customer service, charge you for absolutely everything and it just makes flying a dismal experience.
Virgin and BA are both very good. I choose BA purely because I have a rewards card with them so I get access to the lounge, but otherwise would probably use Virgin.
) with passion. They have no idea of customer service, charge you for absolutely everything and it just makes flying a dismal experience.Virgin and BA are both very good. I choose BA purely because I have a rewards card with them so I get access to the lounge, but otherwise would probably use Virgin.
even in premium economy you will be paying for a beer.virgin you can pay for exit seats , iirc was around $150 or was it pounds ?? paid at the desk each way...so be there early if you want those
trouble is these are level with the bulkhead in the center , so all the mothers get seated there with screaming babys..you will also get all the folk that are standing up to stretch their legs right in your face
trouble is these are level with the bulkhead in the center , so all the mothers get seated there with screaming babys..you will also get all the folk that are standing up to stretch their legs right in your face
Edited by steveo3002 on Monday 28th January 13:36
I wouldn't touch United because of what others have said about service and catering.
Virgin offer two types of extra legroom seats - exit rows and other rows which have 34" of legroom rather than 31". they tend to be just behind the exit rows. Less legroom than an exit row but you won't have issues with people standing there, or it being cold at night (it can be draughty by the doors).
Price for extra legroom is £20-£35 I think - check the website.
Virgin offer two types of extra legroom seats - exit rows and other rows which have 34" of legroom rather than 31". they tend to be just behind the exit rows. Less legroom than an exit row but you won't have issues with people standing there, or it being cold at night (it can be draughty by the doors).
Price for extra legroom is £20-£35 I think - check the website.
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