Virgin or Emirates

I have just been checking prices for early May to Dubai, for a few days. Virgin upper 2.6k BA business 2.4K Emirates Business A380 1.8K. Should i just go for the cheapest fare? Is there any reason to choose Virgin on this route?

Virgin Upper better than others Business ..... IMHO !

I have never travelled Emirates BC but have heard good reports, if It was my decision I would go for Emirates at £1.8k

I struggle to think of any situation where I would pay nearly 50% extra for VS. It's just too much.

£800 on what in reality is a fairly short flight... No brainer surely.?

Though I can't specifically do a true comparison on the specific service on the route, from my experiences....

What's better on Emirates...seat, IFE technology, bar....
What's better on VS..Clubhouse, IFE content, crew....

But others will be along to offer their opinions. .

And check that the price is for EK metal rather than QF metal...though even then as NH and AT240 have said an £800 difference would be difficult to justify...

Flown UC with VS many times, never flown with EK so can't really offer a well-informed opinion, but personally I'd go with the Emirates flight in your situation.

Whilst I would put a premium on flying Virgin, EK business class looks great, and generally gets good reviews. Add to that that it's a relatively short route (for a long haul) and such a significant price difference, I'd find it hard to justify taking VS.

Only exception might be if doing so would make a significant difference to your flying club account (e.g. you're only a few tier points from Gold, and otherwise wouldn't make it).

The other thing you may wish to consider is that Virgin only have an overnight flight outbound & one inbound leaving DXB approx 11am. There would be a greater choice of flight times with Emirates, plus you may fly on an A380 y)

Roxy-Popsy

We've jumped ship for the Emirates A380 outbound from MAN / B777 inbound from DXB in just over 4 weeks time - saves us the trip to/from LHR too.

I personally have flown VS UC several times and while I would jump at any chance to fly it again, I've secretly also always wanted to try both EK Biz and an A380. For an £800 price difference for a relatively short route, it would be a no brainier for me.

The only consideration would be what was already mentioned with regards to FC status, and whether whatever impact choosing another carrier would have is enough to justify the price for you.

You have, of course, posted on a VS forum!!! However price always has it for me.

So it might be sacrilege but I think it is, as others have said, a no brainer. Save on the flight and spend more in Dubai,

Now, to be objective:

Hmmmm.

I do not know about BA so I can only comment on the VS/EK comparison.

EK wins on flight schedules, price, on board food and booze.

VS has the clubhouse and I know that some have, elsewhere on here, described the EK lounges as like waiting rooms.

However, frankly, any waiting room which serves Veuve Clicquot as the house champagne, the quality of food available and the wonderful view of the runways at LHR is the sort of waiting room in which I am happy spending many hours, and I do! And, of course, you board straight from the lounge.

And having suffered the VS Vera system on my last trip best I make no comment on the comparison of the respective IFEs other than to point out that EK's system wins awards.
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And to give you some idea of food on EK in J:

Scallops

And seared tuna

VS has the clubhouse and I know that some have, elsewhere on here, described the EK lounges as like waiting rooms.

However, frankly, any waiting room which serves Veuve Clicquot as the house champagne, the quality of food available and the wonderful view of the runways at LHR is the sort of waiting room in which I am happy spending many hours, and I do! And, of course, you board straight from the lounge.

True, but no table service, no deli bar nor haircuts on offer in the EK lounge.

And having suffered the VS Vera system on my last trip best I make no comment on the comparison of the respective IFEs other than to point out that EK's system wins awards.
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A fact that astounded me, 600 channels with nothing on. The delivery is top notch, the content is very poor and censored to boot.

However, for the difference, go for the EK flight.

....nor haircuts on offer in the EK lounge

Indeed. I have a girl locally who does my hair.....£10 a time. I know that at £2 a hair that is probably a tad expensive but I will pay that here and slurp Veuve at Heathrow!
):

I've done both VS and EK. VS used to use the 346 but are now using the 333 (I think). Anyway, it's the one with the new style upper class. I'm on it in April and have already booked my seat.

I use EK as for me it's easier to fly from BHX where they use a 777 and have a nice lounge - nothing compared to the Clubhouse, but still offer Veuve and hot food.

If flying from LHR, you will have a generic Emirates lounge with mustard seating and Veuve so it won't be shabby. You will also be on the A380 with onboard bar, but beware the aisle seats have slightly less space than the window seats. For the price difference, I'd definitely go EK as the only thing VS offer over and above EK is their wonderful lounge. The IFE systems are very similar and I actually prefer Emirates food as it's slightly less British which suits my taste.

You won't get a sleep suit on EK, they are only offered in 1st and the amenity kit is only given out on night flights in business. The kit is far better than VS' offering.

[preiffer]

Even if they were nearly the same price, EK wins.

The argument of "VS Upper Class is better than other airlines' business class" USED to hold true (around 7-8 years ago, but far far far from reality now.

Other airlines have more than caught up, and their onboard products now beat VS hands down. They need to stop relying on the Clubhouse to sell premium transport and start getting back to the old VS where Upper really was "above Business Class".

I disagree Mr P, at the same price VS is all round a better experience than EK noting some specifics that are different. However for a much lower fare I'd plump for EK - although as said do check you're getting A380s on EK and not QF. Also if you're looking at seats those by the window on the outside have more legroom (I mean right by the window, not the window seats staggered but by the aisle.).

The A380 is a great plane to try and the bar is much better - although it can be busy. Crews can be iffy and the ground service is much inferior to VS. EK is the only airline to have ever lost my luggage too.

....nor haircuts on offer in the EK lounge

Indeed. I have a girl locally who does my hair.....£10 a time. I know that at £2 a hair that is probably a tad expensive but I will pay that here and slurp Veuve at Heathrow!
):

My ratio is far more expensive per hair, so the value of the notionally "free" trim is far greater.

Agree the food better (though avoid the imported QF "signature" Reuben) and don't forget the 70 mile radius CDC in the calculation.

Apples are on the swings, oranges are on the roundabouts and the kiwi fruit are doing something behind the bike sheds. I'd be more than happy to fly EK business again.

It might also depend how important TP and miles are to you.
I personally like the food on VS as well.
The 380 is a great plane but disembarkation can be shambolic if not handled correctly.

Will fly 380 both ways from manchester anytime. Sorry but i hate the 300 planes. I love virgin and 747 but i will not fly on the kiddy 300. !

I've taken a number of flights in both Upper and Emirates Business.
If EK A380 were £800 more than Upper, I might start thinking ...
There simply would be no question if they were the same price.
With EK cheaper than Upper, IMHO, it is a "no-brainer".

The EK suite is far superior, the bar is far superior, the cabin is better and the A380 is far better than anything VS currently offer.
I have uploaded photos with added comments.
For some reason V-Flyer seems to be unable to determine dimensions so I can't get them into this post - probably my error!

I would recommend the window seats - you do not sit side by side with a companion but access is easy down the aisle and the bar is very comfortable (sorry, much better than VS). It has seating down the sides as well as at the bar and has a "light-bites" type area as well - see photos.

The window seats are recommended due to the large additional storage bins and greater privacy - see pics. IFE is excellent - two screens and really good external cameras. Map not as good as VS though.
You also have a personal mini bar and permanent table as well as the swing out. Not just a shoe bag but also a shoebox under the foot rest. I've also included pictures of the amenity kit in case old friends are still visiting this board 8D

I have heard comments comparing EK & VS crew. I must say that in my last 8 trip in EK Business, I have had only 1 "iffy" crew. All others have provided excellent service. In my last 8 trips in Upper, I'm afraid I had 3 or more "iffy" crews.
When VS are good, they are very good - like EK - but a lot can depend upon being lucky with the right FSM/CSM.

OK, the EK lounges are somewhat different to clubhouses; Dubai is enormous with a number of buffet and eating areas. The lounges are broken up into a number of seating areas and even include sleeping "compartments" (pics) but if you have a longer wait at Dubai they provide cars to a nearby hotel (free) with excellent rooms (pics) and meals (menu pic)

Loading and exit from Business is a dream - you have your own jetways and doors!

EK 777 suites are also good - but not on a par with the 380. More similar to VS - I've included a couple of photos.

As I say - there is no question which to take. The A380 is an experience not to be missed. VS A330s are to be avoided IMHO.
I used to always fly VS for preference - I now rarely do; only when a 747 is available. I must wait for 787 & a VS A380 if it ever arrives on my routes. Until they do, flights to the east will always be on EK by choice and most other flights on BA if VS insist on A330.

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts. EK it is then.

Censored IFE? In what way?

Censored IFE? In what way?

Not in any major way, just....

See HL's comments about the cutting of Mamma Mia

forum/index.php?f=21&t=283760&rb_v=viewtopic

and a Steve Coogan programme I watched was heavily censored for language.

It's also noted across FT and other fora.

Cultural sensitivities and all that

I personally would take EK business on that route. There have been a few TRs on here which provide great comparison and the price tag is kinda a no brainer.
Yes that means no CH but as HL says.. .The champagne