British Airways boasts a rich history spanning over a century, while Virgin Atlantic, a relative newcomer, took flight in 1984. Despite distinct branding and timelines, these airlines share notable similarities. Both call Greater London home, collaborate with various airlines -including U.S.-based counterparts- and present comparable approaches to earning points and achieving elite status.
Let’s assess British Airways versus Virgin Atlantic across five pivotal factors pivotal to travelers when selecting an airline.
Where they’re based and where they fly
Winner: British Airways
In the British Airways vs. Virgin Atlantic face-off, British Airways takes a decisive lead in destinations served. With over six times the number of destinations compared to Virgin Atlantic and more than double the U.S. destinations, British Airways stands out.
British Airways
Headquartered in London, British Airways spans over 200 destinations across 79 countries, encompassing numerous U.S. destinations. Whether traveling from Boston to Bangalore, India, or Nashville to Nairobi, Kenya, British Airways offers diverse options. However, connecting in London is typically required to reach most destinations.
Major U.S. destinations for British Airways include:
- New York-JFK
- Los Angeles
- Chicago-O’Hare
- Miami
- Washington-Dulles
- Seattle
- Boston
- San Francisco
- Newark
- Houston
- Orlando
Virgin Atlantic
Operating primarily from London Heathrow and Manchester, with limited flights from Edinburgh and Belfast, Virgin Atlantic serves 34 destinations in 18 countries as of April 2022, with a focus on U.S. and Caribbean destinations.
Major U.S. destinations for Virgin Atlantic include:
- New York-JFK
- Los Angeles
- Chicago-O’Hare
- Miami
- Washington-Dulles
- San Francisco
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Detroit
- Orlando
- Las Vegas
Travel credit card availability
Winner: British Airways
Both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer credit cards for U.S. travelers. However, British Airways leads with superior card perks, including a 10% flight discount, up to $600 in statement credits for award redemptions, and the potential to earn a companion fare.
British Airways
Like many co-branded cards, the British Airways Visa Signature® Card features an enticing welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 Avios after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months.
Cardholders enjoy a 10% discount on British Airways flights through an exclusive website. Additionally, the Travel Together Ticket lets you bring a companion for the price of taxes and fees, enhancing your travel experience. A notable perk for points enthusiasts is the potential for up to $600 in statement credits, countering British Airways’ high fees. These credits make the $95 annual fee a justified investment.
U.S. travelers can supplement their British Airways Executive Club account through various programs offering a 1:1 transfer ratio. Remarkable partnerships include the American Express® Gold Card, providing 4 Avios per dollar at global restaurants and U.S. grocery stores. Alternatively, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card yields 2 Avios per dollar on everyday purchases. These partnerships offer diverse avenues to accrue Avios.
Virgin Atlantic
Like its counterpart, the Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard® extends a tempting welcome bonus: 60,000 bonus Virgin Points after a $2,000 spend in the first 90 days. With three Virgin points per dollar on Virgin Atlantic purchases and 1.5 points on other expenses, it offers a rewarding earning structure. Achieving Virgin elite status becomes feasible, earning 25 Tier Points per $2,500 in purchases, capped at 50 Tier Points monthly. At a $25,000 annual spend, enjoy a companion reward or a cabin upgrade.
Boost your Virgin Atlantic Flying Club with 1:1 transfers from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, and Chase Ultimate Rewards®. The card carries a $90 annual fee, providing value through its benefits and rewards structure.
Airline loyalty programs
Winner: Virgin Atlantic
Both London-based programs offer elite perks and broad redemption options. However, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club leads in redemption value for both economy and business class flights. British Airways Executive Club members earn Avios based on flight miles, with elite members enjoying up to a 100% bonus. Oneworld alliance perks extend to Executive Club elite members when flying partner airlines.
In contrast, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members earn points based on flight distance, with Silver elites receiving a 30% bonus and Gold elites a 60% bonus. The program is valued for its redemption value, making it the preferred choice for many travelers.
In-flight experience
Winner: Virgin Atlantic
In this analysis, Virgin Atlantic narrowly surpasses British Airways. Both offer strengths like Wi-Fi for purchase and free movies while lacking free texting, live TV, or extra perks for elite status. The differentiator is Virgin Atlantic’s option for cardholders to spend towards a cabin upgrade.
British Airways
British Airways recently refreshed its economy (World Traveller) and premium economy (World Traveller Plus) cabins with larger, brighter screens and USB power at every seat. The business class underwent a huge upgrade, introducing new suites with a closing door, a lie-flat bed, and a larger screen. High-speed “.air” Wi-Fi is available for purchase, but first-class passengers enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic provides a similar experience. In economy, passengers advantage of an in-seat entertainment screen with over 300 hours of content, in-seat power, and complimentary meals and drinks. Premium economy offers larger seats, restaurant-style meals, and vivid wine. “Upper Class” business class features lie-flat seats, extensive lounge access, both in the airport and onboard, and a four-course a la carte meal in flight. Wi-Fi packages begin at around $3.75, and each seat has at least a USB power outlet, with premium economy and business class equipped with universal power outlets.
Extra fees
Winner: Virgin Atlantic
Both Virgin Atlantic and British Airways impose big fees on award flights. Operating out of London results in increased taxes on premium cabin flights. However, Virgin Atlantic stands out by allowing most travelers to select seats without additional fees.
British Airways
Flying with British Airways comes with a hefty price tag beyond the fare. The airline often charges substantial carrier fees, known as “fuel surcharges,” on award tickets. For example, a one-way Austin to London award may cost as few as 16,250 Avios on off-peak dates, but you’ll pay around $230 one-way for taxes and fees.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic also applies elevated fees on award tickets, although they tend to be more affordable than British Airways. Using the Austin to London economy award as an example, you’ll pay 15,000 Virgin points and around $150 in fees. Nevertheless, fees for premium economy and business class awards can be significantly high.
British Airways vs. Virgin Atlantic winner
In the British Airways vs. Virgin Atlantic competition, Virgin Atlantic wins. Despite similar policies and in-flight offerings, Virgin Atlantic imposes fewer fees, delivers a slightly superior in-flight experience, and boasts a more valuable points currency. However, it’s important to note Virgin Atlantic’s smaller route network may limit its suitability based on travel preferences.
