I have only used Virgin Atlantic once, which was at the end of last year. I flew with my young son (only nine months at the time) and my partner. We flew from Gatwick to Orlando International and then back the same way.
The check-in as Gatwick was busy when we arrived in the North terminal. Even though the queue was long, we only had to wait for around 15 minutes at the most before we were fully checked in. The staff were friendly and helpful, but not always very happy looking.
The flight itself was on time, though the Virgin flight before ours was delayed. As our son was only nine months at the time, we had a bulkhead seat, so that we could have a sky cot. The sky cot is rests on a flip out table that is attached to the bulkhead and is really handy on such a long flight. At first my son wasnt too keen, then decided that he liked the idea. The sky cot can only be used when in flight and has to be packed away for take off and landing, and also if there is bad turbulence.
The crew on board the plane were really helpful and friendly. They did there best to help in any way possible and were efficient. The only thing that I have any slight niggle with is the fact that they didnt come round with drinks very often at all, though if you went up to ask, then they would happily give you one. The flight went without drama and, in my opinion, was as good a flight as you could expect.
The flight on the way home was a bit harder to deal with. Check-in was good, but after we went to the gate it became slightly hassled. When boarding, we had to push our way to the front instead of being one of the first to board (like all people with young children or those who need extra assistance). When on the plane the crew seemed really unorganised. Because of this, we had to ask for the required lap belt and only managed to get one of the air hostess' attention after we had started to taxi from the gate, which was really annoying. Once we got going, the flight turned out not too bad, apart from some little wench who wouldnt stop screaming for minutes at a time (Im sure everyone has heard the sort, and it cant be helped even if it is annoying).
Both myself and my partner had low sodium meals on both the flights. They were surprisingly tasty for airline food and would recommend them to anyone whether you normally have that sort of meal or not.
Overall I would say that Virgin Atlantic are quite good. The leg room is average, the food is tasty and the staff, though sometimes disorganised, are friendly and helpful. I cant really think of any major disadvantages to using Virgin, so I would recommend them. I cant say how much we paid for the flights as they came as part of a package with the cruise.
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Advantages: British. Quality. An established name and company. Disadvantages: They can't fly you everywhere you want. They can only fly from a few airports.
Advantages: None. Just a standard airline service. Disadvantages: Lose your valuables. Unfriendly, unhelpful staff. Arrogant and dismissive customer service.
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