In our regular look at airline products, Beverley Fearis samples the transatlantic business-class product of Virgin Atlantic and British Airways.
British Airways
Gatwick-New York-Gatwick
Check-in There were no queues at the dedicated Club World check-in at Gatwick or at JFK on the return journey. At JFK the Club World, First Class and Concorde check-in desks have a separate entrance, which meant I managed to avoid the crush of the main check-in area.
On the ground The lounges at Gatwick have been recently refurbished in the new style. They are more light and airy, which creates a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The Executive Lounge is geared towards business travellers while the Terraces have a children’s play area and are designed more for families. The Sanctuary is a closed off quieter section with a sleeping area. Around half of the beds were being used.
Aircraft type Boeing 767
Seats Seat pitch of 50ins, 50-deg recline and 2-2 configuration. On my return journey, the interior was a bit tatty and the headrest had lost its support.
Food The food was excellent and the lasagne on the outward journey was one of the best I’ve ever tasted. A lighter meal was served for the return journey, which was ideal for those who wanted to get some sleep.
In-flight service On the outward journey, there were too many announcements such as those warning passengers against filling out the visa waiver form incorrectly. On the return journey, the stewardess made a concerted effort to serve the meal quickly to allow for more sleeping time, which was much appreciated. I liked the way she addressed passengers by name, without the usual clumsiness of referring to a list.
Overall impression The food, the Body Shop in-flight amenity kit and the lounges at Gatwick were of a particularly high standard. Slightly tatty seats were the negative
Virgin Atlantic
Heathrow-Miami-Heathrow
Check-in The dedicated Virgin drive-through check-in booth at the entrance to Terminal 3. On arrival at the booth, a Virgin stewardess took my luggage, checked my ticket and I was escorted to the Virgin Upper Class lounge by the driver. A very smooth and hassle-free process.
On the ground Virgin’s lounge at Heathrow is one of the best I have come across. It is spacious with a selection of seating areas. There is a relaxing conservatory area on the upper level. Melt-in-your-mouth cookies and muffins are available from the food and beverage bar. Refreshments are served at your table if preferred. There is a hairdressing salon, massage room, shoe shine and variety of arcade games. All of these are free of charge but massages and appointments should be booked.
Aircraft type Boeing 747
Seats The upper and front cabins are particularly spacious, with a 2-2 configuration. Seats were comfortable, with a pitch of 55ins and recline of 13ins.
Food Apart from the prawns being dry in my salad starter on the outward journey, the food was good. Virgin has adopted the recent airline trend of offering garlic bread on its flights, which was popular.
In-flight service There was a good choice of videos, TV programmes and games, but the sound quality was disappointing. I took advantage of the complimentary in-flight manicure service. The beautician did a good job but I felt self-conscious being watched by other passengers. Perhaps there should be a curtained-off area for these in-flight extras. Cabin crew were friendly and helpful.
Overall impression The drive-through check-in, complimentary chauffeur service and lounge are a big selling point but a few improvements are needed in the in-flight service.