British Airways vs Virgin Atlantic: Best Premium Economy for Long Haul

In this video, we dive deep into the world of premium economy travel, comparing two of the leading airlines: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. If you're planning a long-haul flight and are considering your options for a more comfortable journey, this is the guide for you!

Join us as we break down key factors such as seat comfort, cabin layout, meal options, in-flight entertainment, and overall service quality. We'll provide a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which airline offers the best premium economy experience for your next trip.

Whether you're a frequent flyer or a first-time traveler, understanding the nuances of each airline's premium economy can enhance your travel experience significantly. Don't miss our personal insights and tips to make the most of your long-haul journey!

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#BritishAirways #VirginAtlantic #PremiumEconomy #TravelComparison #LongHaulFlights

MUSIC
Corporate Elegant Gentle Smooth Background by Oleksandr Koltsov
Licensed through StoryBlocks (ID SBA-300417491)

NOTE: This video has been re-uploaded with new audio.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
0:30 Criteria
1:16 Check-in and baggage allowance
2:11 Gate and boarding
2:42 Seat and cabin
3:57 Amenity Kit and Bedding
4:45 Entertainment system
5:53 Toilets and cleanliness
6:33 Food and drink
7:04 Snacks and second meal
7:45 Service
8:05 Price and loyalty programme
9:19 Conclusions

[DoorsToAuto]

Let me know what you think of the review. Would you rather fly British Airways World Traveller Plus or Virgin Atlantic Premium?
And please do subscribe for future reviews.

[sandippatel]

Great video. Comprehensive and informative

[flyboydavey]

Great video. Happy to see that you are a genuine fan of both BA and Virgin. A positive approach is very refreshing and some straightforward development feedback for the Carriers which is useful to us all. These Premium Economy Cabins are becoming more desirable to travellers as the global economy changes. Thanks DTA, i hope our paths cross one day.

[twojohn]

Had a horrific BA WT+ journey to Dubai in the new cabin. Unless you're in an aisle seat, it's practically impossible to get out if the person in front reclines. The only good bit, I paid £500 to upgrade to the new Club World for the return journey and it was brilliant. Have done Virgin PE once and it was a far better experience.

[donaldpolson]

I used to fly BA World Traveller Plus but switched after a number of issues and fall in the quality of service. That was many years ago and it is noticeable how BA appear to have hit rock bottom and have been improving since. So much so this has been reflected in their elevated position in the Skytrak Awards. Virgin Premium is my go to choice since leaving BA but it is interesting/notable how the tables have slowly turned. Since Virgin's takeover by Delta, I think cost-cutting has affected their Premium product imo. Wine served in cans, icecream replaced by vegan lollies, the cheap headphones, etc etc. I think Virgin needs to heed these danger signs and get back to the innovation that made it attractive in the first place.

[SusanPotter-lq]

Great review thank you, but would you be able to show what the space looks like when you are seated and the person in front has reclined in a future review?

[royferguson]

Flew Premium Economy with may Wife recently with BA to Vancouver it was terrible. In both directions they run out of the one thing we liked on the Menu, so missed out. They say two meals the second 'Meal' was a wrap going and a very small Bain & egg roll.
On way out the people in front of us reclined their seats and went asleep, we could not get out of ours my wife had to climb over me to go to the loo, the outside rest on my side (Aisle) was fixed. I need to get up every hour as sitting is painful after about an hour ( due to cancer operation, I was stuck in my seat for nearly five hours I was in great pain, I did tap the lady on the shoulder to ask her to let me out but she was in a deep sleep.
Once the Lunch service was over ( this was at about 20.00 hrs late lunch).
On way back at breakfast I asked if I could have a Diet Coke was told we don't have any. Will never fly long haul with BA in my job again, I flew with them many times during my career at sea they were a class service then, PE is not worth the money.

[okeesmokee]

Great review as always. I am coming up on 2.5M miles with Delta - almost entirely short haul - what a grind. I enjoy these reviews with the different airlines. I have flown BA and VA within the last few years - my BA experience was terrible (canceled flight), the VA was better, but that is a small sampling. My daughter went on a BA A380 this spring due to a KLM cancellation - she quite liked BA for that flight. Keep up the great reviews.

[MrKrupp]

Really enjoyed this video, only flown Virgin Atlantic myself but never had an issue with anything.

[ashwilliams]

Only observation I’d have is that the number of meals is going to be dependent on the flight length so you’d expect more on a LAS flight. Shouldn’t really be marking BA down when the flight is perhaps 2-3 hours shorter

[coloradocolorado]

Great video. Thanks. Flying next week BA PE. it’s the possible reclining without bothering the passenger behind?

[andrewmonks]

I really enjoyed this video although I think comparing the second service in 2 flights with such differing sector lengths in unfair…

[timh]

Flew premium from LHR to LAX then LAS to LHR in August 2024, agree food on virgin was excellent along with customer service. Disappointed no amenity kit on day flight and the headphones were poor and same as in economy, seat very good and entertainment whilst less than BA you have to question how many films/TV you need during these flights for them to be significant on your decision making process.

What I will say is that check in at LHR was far longer than I expected due to economy delight passengers using this service too, would be better for virgin to separate these into 2 lines with priority given to premium 2 out of 3 customers. Allowing economy delight to still have the benefit of quicker check in but not to diminish the experience for premium.

On another note, I flew economy delight last month to SFO. I will always look to fly premium from now on!

Great video.

[jacobvarughese]

I like Virgin Atlantic…offers best service to India whether Delhi…Bombay…or BLR.Recently flown from Miami to BLR via London…very comfortable good food..on return journey to Miami …from LHR….an Airbus 330 was almost vacant…we enjoyed the flight…looking ahead to fly again with Virgin Atlantic…

[internationAL]

I think it would have been worth you mentioning that Virgin does not charge for you to select (the vast majority of) seats. BA do unless you’re a Gold Member - another reason I’d choose Virgin over BA in PE.

[jeffflad]

For the snacks and food you’re comparing apples and elephants. One an east coast route the other west. Think that’s a tad unfair to the worlds favourite and as such makes them the winner, no dead heat in my book🥳

[itsdebs]

I flew Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy (LHR-LAX) this time last year. I couldn't fault it - this was on the back of a Singapore Airlines Business class flight I had made two weeks prior.

[damage]

Just back from Maldives on BA premium. Really enjoyed. Great crew, seats and food better than Virgins imo

[brianhartigan-dw]

As far as pre-ordering your meal I have always been able to do that with BA premium economy but generally only outbound when flying to the US, has this now changed?

[MH_---]

I’ve booked virgin premium to SFO in Feb, wish I’d chosen BA