Virgin or BA ?

Question

We have always flown Virgin but have booked with BA this time. Does anyone know which is the better option for economy seats, food, entertainment etc.

Many thanks

Answer

Both Virgin Atlantic and British Airways (BA) are well-regarded airlines, and both offer a solid economy class experience, but there are some differences in terms of seating, food, and entertainment. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect when flying with each airline:

Economy Seats:
Virgin Atlantic’s economy seats are generally considered to be quite comfortable for long-haul flights. They offer good legroom (typically 31-32 inches) and their seats are often noted for being more spacious and comfortable compared to other airlines in this category. Virgin also has a more modern fleet in some of their aircraft, with newer seats that have extra padding and better ergonomics.

British Airways economy seats are generally comparable in size, with legroom around 31-32 inches as well. However, BA's seats can feel a bit more cramped in comparison to Virgin's, especially on older planes. BA has been updating its fleet, but there may be some variation depending on which aircraft you are flying on.
Food:
Virgin Atlantic tends to get better reviews when it comes to food in economy class. They’re known for offering more creative meals and a slightly higher quality of food than some other airlines in the same class. You’ll find a choice of meals on most long-haul flights, including vegetarian and special diet options.

British Airways also offers meal choices in economy, but they are often considered to be a bit more basic compared to Virgin. The meals can sometimes feel more utilitarian, but BA does offer some special meals for dietary requirements as well. Depending on the flight duration and route, BA may also offer a snack box or additional food for purchase during the flight.
Entertainment:
Virgin Atlantic is known for its excellent in-flight entertainment. They offer a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games, with modern, easy-to-use screens in each seat. The entertainment system is regularly updated with the latest releases, which is a big plus for long-haul flights.

British Airways also offers a solid in-flight entertainment system with a good selection of movies, TV shows, and music. However, BA’s entertainment system has been criticized by some passengers as being less intuitive and less frequently updated compared to Virgin's. The screen sizes are generally similar, but Virgin’s system tends to be a bit more modern in terms of design and usability.
Service:
Virgin Atlantic is often praised for its friendly and approachable cabin crew. Many passengers feel that Virgin's service is a bit more personalized, and the airline is known for its upbeat and engaging flight attendants. Virgin’s fun and energetic brand also reflects in their in-flight service, making for a more enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere.

British Airways offers solid, professional service, but it tends to be a bit more formal. While BA’s crew is friendly and attentive, some passengers feel the service can be more reserved compared to Virgin’s more relaxed style.

In summary, both Virgin Atlantic and British Airways offer great options for economy class travel, but if you’re looking for a more spacious seat, better food, and a more upbeat in-flight experience, Virgin might be the better choice. British Airways is also a solid option, with good service and entertainment, but their seats and food may feel a bit more basic in comparison. Ultimately, the best choice depends on which factors are most important to you: seat comfort, food quality, or entertainment variety.