Virgin Atlantic (economy)

[DiscoStu]

Flew Virgin Economy to Florida a couple of years ago. I'm about 5'9 and found it comfortable enough.

Also, do what Santa Claus said. The helicopter flight from Vegas into the Grand Canyon is awesome. If you can get a twilight flight then you can watch the sun set over the desert and fly back over the strip when it gets dark. It's not exactly cheap (about £150 each IIRC) but it's worth every penny.

[d000hg]

Flew Virgin Economy to Florida a couple of years ago. I'm about 5'9 and found it comfortable enough.

Also, do what Santa Claus said. The helicopter flight from Vegas into the Grand Canyon is awesome. If you can get a twilight flight then you can watch the sun set over the desert and fly back over the strip when it gets dark. It's not exactly cheap (about £150 each IIRC) but it's worth every penny.

Helicopter sounds cool, bit pricey though... cheapest I see is about £200 + a "mandatory $40 surcharge" (wtf). I thought Vegas was totally screwed right now, badly hit by the recession... is it best to avoid advance bookings and try to turn up on the day for a big discount?

[MPwannadecentincome]

BA to start flying direct to Las Vegas

When are you going, if its after Oct 25th then BA is an option for you...

British Airways to Launch Flights between London Heathrow and Las Vegas

British Airways is to launch new services between London Heathrow and Las Vegas on October 25, 2009.

The daily service will be operated by a three class Boeing 777 offering new Club World with fully flat beds.

Richard Tams, British Airways Head of UK&I Sales said, "Despite the difficult global economic conditions, Las Vegas represents new business and growth opportunities for BA as we continue our commitment to invest in our customers."

The Las Vegas flights will bring the number of cities in the US served by the airline to 19.

Tickets from British Airways are on sale from £467 including taxes, fees and charges.

[sasguru]

I thought everyone flew business/first class.

[MrMark]

I thought everyone flew business/first class.

Ryanair Cattle Class.

Well, used to. Since this downturn I now walk. Luckily the bench is nice and comfy...

[Archangel]

Flew Virgin Economy to Florida a couple of years ago. I'm about 5'9 and found it comfortable enough.

Also, do what Santa Claus said. The helicopter flight from Vegas into the Grand Canyon is awesome. If you can get a twilight flight then you can watch the sun set over the desert and fly back over the strip when it gets dark. It's not exactly cheap (about £150 each IIRC) but it's worth every penny.

Papillon/Sundance tours?

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_ho...s/4848307.html

http://www.helicoptercrashes.com/cha...-wall-09202003

Links sfw

[Fishface]

I went to Hong Kong - first time on Virgin - economy. - it was awful.



The seat was sardines and I was where the plane tapers at the back and NO telly on the back of the seat in front...had to watch the neighbors.

the plane rattled with turbulence.

[Lockhouse]

For the last 3 years we've used Virgin to get to Miami. Normally we've gone cattle class but this year we went Premium Economy. The real reason for going Premium economy is the fact that you are a lot less likely to be sitting next to a chavvy family or a screaming brat. If you must go steerage you can always pay £50 for extra legroom if you check in early enough. Next year we've booked with BA Premium Economy as we got a better deal. No issues with the condition of the plane but the entertainment screen definition is poor.

[Menelaus]

I took a Virgin flight (A340) to Hong Kong last year in Premium Economy.

'twas alright; not particularly special and three weeks later got to fly back with the joy that is BA.

For short-haul stuff my opinion hasn't changed - BA = tulip.

For long-haul, however, BA are difficult to beat.

In the last 12 months I've flown long haul with the following cattle truckers, sorry, airlines either in economy or premium economy, normally to and from China via - wherever:

BA - ***** (most professional and most comfortable)
Qantas - **** (fittest cabin crew)
Air New Zealand - **** (close second to Qantas)
Cathay - ***0.5 (tuliptest business class seats, even when upgraded)
Virgin - ***
Thai - ***
Gulf Air - **
Korean - **
United - ** (going on to US from China)
Saudi - * (seven hours on a plane and no gin? Sod that).
Air France - no stars = absolute tulipe, from start to finish.

HTH

[MPwannadecentincome]

For short-haul stuff my opinion hasn't changed - BA = tulip.

For long-haul, however, BA are difficult to beat.

If BA is tulip on short-haul - who is better and why?

surely not Ryanair?

I fly BA, Lufthansa and FlyBE short-haul - all much the same except a snack and drink is free on BA and Lufthansa.

Fares are not much different, depending on how far in advance you book.