BA WTP+ comparision with PE

So, I've just had my first PE flight on BA, and in fact my first BA flight in last 8 years 2 weeks ago - I'm about to board the return leg. I'm in the shared BA/VS lounge at Miami - though went outbound via Atlanta. I am a heavy VS flyer (well 4-6 times a year), but work put me on BA on this trip due to VS/Delta working out at £2k more for PE. I do have access to BA as a Sapphire due to status from work (and only get lounge on VS when in UC).

In summary, VS have an issue in my opinion. WTP+ on 777.... well it has power at the seat, it has a comparable entertainment system, with IMHO more choice. Food is way way way better than VS - I havn't ever had a Filet Minon (or however you spell it) on VS - yet the one on BA was easily the best plane food I'd had (including UC).

The areas where VS win are the whole experience - checking in is nicer, (PE at least) - where WTP is economy at T5. VS lounge is WAY better than BA's galleries- not even comparable. Even No1 at heathrow T3 is better than BA's lounge, it's just way too busy.

But the service on the plane, well BA on first flight were not that friendly and everything was trouble for them. Virgin on a bag day not only outshine the service I had on BA - but just are nicer.

Things BA win on are the less on board announcements stopping the movies, giving BA a way better gate to gate service. VS need to go on a BA flight and do similar - it doesn't change the personality of the airline, but frequent announcements on VS flights can really get annoying. As an example when in turbulance, BA just visit everyone and ask without interrupting entertainment.

The issue with VS/DL charging 2k more for a service than BA though - that is a major one, I won't be on VS much more for US flights if that continues, and I'm going back only next month (TN as usual).

Will do some trip reports on this flight and update this thread once I land tmrw - giving experience on an older 747 out of Miami, so I can at least see if the BA product is consistent.

One flight won't change my allegance, but the pricing work is getting on US trips will - I'll be stuck with VS for mumbai only, and that won't get me gold, where I'd quite easily make it in next year with VS if I get my US trips on VS metal also.

Thanks for posting that comparison
Will be interesting to see how you get on, on rtn flight

Thanks for the report. Surprised you don't comment on the seat itself, though - my impression is that most think VS is still ahead by some distance in this respect. What did you think?

Pretty similar findings and experiences to me when I came back WTP last year. It is a real close contest but for me VS win due to the CC & seat but having CW meals in WTP is a true winner y) y)

I'll let you know how my PE return from IAD goes in a few weeks

So I'm back and un-jet-lagged.

The seat on outbound, which was a fully up to date refurbished 777 - was comparable with VS, almost identical seat in size/comfort levels - and that experience does give VS a run for it's money on all bar cabin crew.

On the way back, 747-400 not refurbished entertainment OR seat - ie OLD WTP. Far worse than VS seat wise, felt like an economy seat, not premium, not wide enough and had issues even getting table over my legs (which I've never again had issue with on any carrier before). Also kept hitting the buttons on the remote in side with my legs when stowed, which I've never had an issue on even in regular economy on VS or other carriers.... well unless I put weight on in the US is a serious issue. The other oddity was far less loo's - the issue there was had to wait for 10 mins for the 2 loos shared between ALL club and WTP passengers - due to this the CC were noticably giving less drink service than virgin, and I had to go get drinks several times, which I've NEVER had an issue with on VS even on a night flight. Amazingly poor in fact. The food was good again, but that was the only good thing - the entertainment screen was old - worst thing was less selection than outbound. Outbound I'd spotted entire season of House of cards, so watched 6 episodes, to leave remainder for trip home. On way home only had first 4 episodes - absolutely stinkingly annoyed at that.

So BA - as a whole are imho considerably worse on the older planes, and not an equal product, that said;

VS have a problem with the newer product, which in my mind, is equal to VS, making cabin crew/experience key. IF VS put U/C meals into PE (small selection) I think this would solve the major difference between the products.

Got 2 more US trips this year, lets see if allowed VS for next one --- still to guinea pig the VS->DL connections for work.

Thanks for posting this comparison
UC meals in PE? Hmmm I think the old PE meals were fine tbh. At the moment they seem to be serving Y meals in PE though which isn't great.