I flew the UK's 2 major airlines across the Atlantic. Small touches and better food gave Virgin an edge.

Taylor RainsSep 2, 2024, 18:34 IST

I've flown economy on UK-based rivals British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways and prefer the latter.Taylor Rains/Business Insider<ul class="summary-list"><li>I've flown on UK rivals British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways in long-haul economy.</li><li>Both airlines provided similar amenities and comparable fares, but I liked Virgin slightly more.</li></ul>Thanks to my job, I've <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/economy-class-airlines-compared-best-worst-2023-10">crisscrossed the Atlantic dozens of times</a> on almost every mainline carrier. My most recent treks were in economy on UK-based rivals British Airways and <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/virgin-a350-economy-flight-first-time-review-2024-8">Virgin Atlantic Airways</a>.<a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/british-airways-vs-finnair-review-to-europe-winner-better-food-2024-3">Both long-haul airlines</a> sport large networks connecting the US to London and beyond, and my home airport in New York City is particularly busy. BA has a bigger presence, but it and Virgin collectively fly at least a dozen nonstops daily on the popular NY-London corridor.Fares and departure times are comparable from most airports where they compete and both airlines ranked in <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-airlines-in-the-world-skytrax-survey-2024-6">Skytrax's top 20 best airlines</a> for 2024.After <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/virgin-atlantic-vs-norse-airways-usa-europe-compared-review-2024-8">comparing the two long-haul experiences</a>, I found that they're both perfectly fine options with similar mainline amenities. But I'm partial to Virgin.

My BA and Virgin treks were daytime flights from New York to London.

The Oneworld alliance lives in Terminal 8 at JFK, allowing members to better streamline flight connections. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I paid about the same $600 fare on both BA and Virgin.

These are the BA and Virgin fares between New York-JFK and London Heathrow from December 19 to December 28.Google Flights

I could check in online before both flights.

The British Airways check-in at JFK Terminal 8.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I appreciated Virgin's efficient bag drop.

It only took me a few minutes to tag and drop off my luggage.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Economy passengers with Priority Pass can access Virgin's lounge.

Inside the Virgin Atlantic lounge at Terminal 4.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

My face was scanned to board BA.

The monitor next to the gate is for facial recognition.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I experienced each airline's latest economy cabins.

Both airlines' cabins featured the regular bells and whistles of economy class.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I was assigned a window seat on BA but paid extra for an aisle on Virgin.

The seats on BA (left) and Virgin (right).Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Both seats featured the regular bells and whistles of economy.

The seatback screen and headrest on BA (top) and Virgin (Bottom)Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The screen on BA popped out from the seat.

The armrest was bulky with the tray table and ate into my seat space.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Virgin's blanket and seatback pocket were better.

Passengers in the middle and aisle seat nearest the windows on BA (left) didn't have any seatback pockets.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I also preferred the food on Virgin.

The Virgin food looked more appetizing and tasted better than BA's.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

WiFi wasn't free on either.

Screenshot of the WiFi options on Virgin. Messaging was also available for a fee.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I'd recommend BA or Virgin for comfort, but the latter has a slight edge.

The view from the author's aisle seat on Virgin.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

There's also reliability to think about.

The Virgin A350 sitting at the gate.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I've spent hundreds of hours on long-haul Amtrak rides. Here are my 10 best tips for first-time riders.

Cookies on the Business Insider India website