Florida Villas and Vacation Rentals
Virgin Atlantic Or British Airways.
Although my family and I have flown to Florida on numerous previous occasions, we have never flown with Virgin Atlantic. That was until July 2010 when we flew direct from Manchester to Orlando International.
Previous years have seen us fly from our local airport into Gatwick for our onward flight into Orlando, however since BA lost the domestic route to Fly Be, it meant that we would have to endure a bus transfer between Heathrow and Gatwick to pick up our onward flights both on the outgoing and return journeys.
We decided that this would detract from our normally enjoyable flights, and so decided to book with Virgin Atlantic, whose price for an economy fare was comparable to those of BA with the inclusion of a domestic flight.
The following account is based on my personal experience, opinions and comparisons between Virgin Atlantic and British Airways.
The first notable difference was in the online booking process, the Virgin Atlantic web site provides a far slicker, welcoming and informative way of planning and booking the various services you require. Unlike the bland British Airways web site, this appears clinical and quite matter of fact in comparison.
During the time leading up to the date of departure, Virgin Atlantic sent a number of emails informing me of various addition services such as car hire, which when bought under the Flying Club program provided a return of 2 miles for every pound spent. Again these were friendly and worthwhile.
24 hours prior to departure, the online check in opened, we had previously chosen our preferred seating, however it was during the online check in procedure that it became apparent that only a limited percentage of seats are available during this process, and that if someone chose completing it before me could request and be given our preferred seats. The moral of the story is if you are going to use this option, do it as early as possible.
Having arrived at the airport with our printed boarding cards in hand, we made our way to the baggage drop off area. This is a streamline process which allows passengers to expedite their way to the departure lounge by allowing them the option of cutting out the need to join the lengthy ques.
Arriving at the gate, the huge 747-400 named English Rose, stood waiting for its passengers to board. Stepping onto the aircraft however was rather disappointing, I had expected in keeping with the Virgin brand, a vibrant and modern interior, instead what I saw a mixture of red, grey and purple seats. It was apparent that this particular aircraft was somewhat dated, this was reinforced by the very old in seat screens, and broken and cracked arm rests.
This was a stark contrast to the many Boeing 777 aircraft used by British Airways, which I have to say have always been nothing but uniformed and in a very good state of repair. I am aware that the Boeing 747’s have been in service a lot longer than the 777; however it was still a disappointment coming from Virgin.
Taking off on time, the 8 hour journey began, and moments after take off the screens flashed to life allowing passengers to tune to their preferred av channel. To my surprise however there were no games, even though Virgin Atlantic s web site stated that even in economy cabins the entertainment included video games, something which is only available to World Traveller plus passengers and above on British Airways flights. Another advantage BA had over the Virgin system was that passengers could view their programme or film on demand and could pause it should the need arise. Virgins system was quite antiquated in that the recordings were shown on a loop and could not be paused.
To some this may be a minor point, however over the course of a long haul flight, the functionality on the British Airways aircraft really comes into its own, and provides a truly personal service by allowing passengers to view what they want when they want. British airways won this challenge hands down.
I had heard nothing but good reports about the service provided onboard Virgin Atlantic flights and I have to say I agree, however at no time did I hear it mentioned, that refreshments were available throughout the course of the flight from the galley area, something which normally encourages passengers to rise from their seats and walk to the galley, which leads me onto another area which was lacking, in flight wellbeing.
I am sure that a large number of passengers are aware of the risks of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), however I think it is important to make mention of how to minimise the risk throughout the flight. In comparison, BA actually has a video presentation of how to reduce the risks of DVT, which I am sure, is taken on board by a large number of passengers.
The food on board the Virgin Atlantic flight was in keeping with ‘aeroplane food’ as my children call it, as were the drinks, although having requested a whiskey and dry ginger I was pleased to see the alcohol being poured from a bottle instead of those small bottles provided by BA. However I have to say that ‘White Label’ whiskey is no comparison for a ‘branded’ whiskey! So all in all, the refreshments and food served by the two carriers are comparable to one another.
The Virgin Atlantic crew worked tirelessly throughout the flight, and I have to say they were in my opinion more approachable to some crew which I have experienced on British Airways flights. For some reason the BA brand seems to encourage a slight arrogance within some of its staff. It’s a real shame, and detracts from the passenger experience.
I suspect that a passengers first consideration when comparing different carriers, is the cost and locality of the departure airport. There after I would expect the priorities would move towards the likes of the in flight service and entertainment Although British Airways’ fleet of Boeing 777 aircraft provide a a greater level of in flight entertainment and enjoyment as a result of the younger age and better condition of the aircraft, I would put Virgin Atlantic slightly ahead on the level of in flight service provided by the more approachable cabin crew.
I hope this helps, and look forward to reading details of your experiences of these two high profile carriers
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