London and New York serve as the Shibuya Crossing for long-distance travel, seeing about 200 weekly flights operated by seven airlines connecting the two cities.
This route holds immense commercial importance globally and stands out as one of the most fiercely contested ones.
This highlights the budget options provided by the two airlines based in the United Kingdom that operate on this route. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic (which offers five daily trips from Heathrow), absolutely crucial.
This voyage characterizes the experience of a long-haul flight for countless individuals.
What contributions do BA and Virgin make to the event? Experts in travel from The Points Guy set out to discover and document their journeys in economy class aboard a BA Boeing 777 flying from London Heathrow to Newark Liberty International Airport, followed by a trip on a Virgin Atlantic A350-1000 from Heathrow to John F. Kennedy International Airport.
This story is about ‘extremely comfy seating’, ‘entertaining’ staff members, unreliable Wi-Fi, and an infotainment system that seems ‘obsolete’.
Continue reading for the complete assessments from this clash of affordable options…
BRITISH AIRWAYS, BOEING 77SAIRLINES, SEATING ARRANGEMENT – 3-4-3
Putting British Airways to the test, TPG’s senior marketing manager Liam Spencer, who spent $393 (£304) on his one-way flight to Newark.
Liam was pleased with the ‘fresh and clean’ cabin, the ‘comfortable, adjustable’ headrest, and the ‘adequate’ legroom.
He informed MailOnline Travel that the Wi-Fi was more affordable compared to Virgin’s pricing (£14.99 versus £20.99). Additionally, he mentioned that the cuisine was ‘excellent’ and praised the cabin crew for their outstanding service.
Any downsides?
A few passengers complained – the seats were described as ‘obsolete,’ the IFE (in-flight entertainment system) was deemed ‘old-fashioned,’ and the wooden utensils failed to make an impression.
The pillow also received no praise, with Liam calling it ‘slim.’
In the video, upon arriving in the U.S., Liam remarks: “Overall, it turned out to be quite a reliable economy class journey. Today, the staff exceeded expectations and made sure I felt at home. Food and drinks were served promptly—more than just courteous smiles. Throughout the trip, they were genuinely friendly.”
The seating seems somewhat dated, especially the IFE system on the 777. However, overall, I was quite pleased — plus, they arrived at my destination 10 minutes ahead of schedule. Extremely efficient and fast.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC, AIRBUS A350-1000. CABIN LAYOUT – 3-3-3
Putting Virgin Atlantic to the test, The Points Guy Editor at Large Nicky Kelvin, who spent $245 (£189) on his one-way ticket.
He adored the ‘comfy chair’ featuring an adjustable headrest, observed the presence of dual USB charge ports, and was thrilled with his spacious ‘IFE display.’
Any other plus points?
Yes, we’re still not done.
Nicky informed MailOnline Travel that the legroom was ‘adequate’, the over-ear headphones were appreciated, and the staff were described as ‘excellent.’
Are there any downsides to the trip?
Nicky mentioned that his portion could have been larger and pointed out that the Wi-Fi cost more than the BA service.
Upon arriving at JFK Airport, Nicky wraps up with this message for his audience: “The flight was really fantastic. Kudos to Virgin Atlantic! The seat was extremely comfy. I enjoyed the flexible headrest. Also, the reclining food tray was quite nice. Entertainment options were top-notch too. However, the internet connection left something to be desired. All things considered, it’s definitely a pleasant spot to sit through those long six or seven-hour flights.”
The cuisine fell slightly short for my expectations. While it wasn’t disappointing, it could have been better. I craved a larger, crispier salad. The primary dish lacked sufficient portions as well. Additionally, I hoped for extra dessert options. However, everything served was quite enjoyable nonetheless.
However, the treats available in the galley were up for grabs, and the afternoon tea was particularly charming — exactly what I needed.
However, let’s discuss the service. Virgin Atlantic consistently excels with its cabin crew, which was the highlight of my trip. The staff were incredibly enjoyable and welcoming. They made each passenger feel truly special. Indeed, they represent the true gem within Virgin Atlantic.
Thank you, The Points Guy.
For more from The Points Guy visit thepointsguy.com/uk-travel. To watch the full video click here.
