I would have to give that review the thumbs up [y] as it pretty much sums up my feeling on both airlines. I've yet to sample the T5 Galleries lounges offered by BA, but seriously doubt they could come close to the Clubhouse. In March I get to see the 'Concorde Room' & 'Galleries First' at T5, but again, I can't see how either could equal, never mind top the Clubhouse.
I've also yet to try out the new CW, but expect it really to be just a re-decorated version of the previous one.
As a matter of interest, this is how I compared BA to VS over on another Frequent Traveller forum [:w]...........
If I were asked to summarise between BA & VS, based on my experiences to date, I would say that there was very little difference between the two, with VS nudging ahead somewhat. That is based on my travel with both airlines over the years, spread across the Y, W & J cabins.
In ÓYÓ, they are pretty much the same Ð Òa bus with wingsÓ nothing special, nothing horrific, just cattle class.
In ÓWÓ, VS have the edge over BA, in that I've always found the seat to be vastly more comfortable than BA's WTP seat. Pre-take off drinks is a nice touch that VS have over BA. Food is pretty much the same, which is essentially nothing more than economy food dressed up a little. Overall I've always felt that with BA, when travelling WTP you are really still ÒonlyÓ in economy albeit with a nicer seat. While this is essentially true, I have found that in VS's Premium Economy, you ÒfeelÓ as if you are in a class a step above economy.
Then in ÓJÓ I think the two airlines are pretty much level pegging. The VS Clubhouse is streets ahead of BA's lounges, but the product in the air is pretty much the same. I will concede that the food in Upper Class is not what it should be, but must counter that by saying that I've never had anything particularly brilliant in Club World either. It is after all airline food, which is never going to win any Michelin Stars. Seats wise, I prefer the UCS setup. It is a little annoying that you have to get up off your seat to turn into a bed, rather than being able to slowly recline you're way to horizontal, like you can in CW. However the direct aisle access from a window seat, more than compensates for this. As does the fact that you're not looking into the face of a stranger, if travelling alone, while the divider between the seats is done in CW.
There are two things though, that to my mind VS absolutely win hands down over BA. Two things that for me, have either made or broken a flight.
1) Seating pre-assignments - I always like to know where I'm going to be sitting & when planning a trip I will choose a flight that has a window seat available, or a window pair when travelling with ÒMrs KeredÓ. If that particular flight does not have those seats available, I will change to another flight or even to another date in order to get the seats I want. I absolutely hate that BA no longer allow seating pre-assignments to those without status, when booking a discounted ticket. I think it appalling that when shelling out thousands on a J class flight, you cannot select your seats in advance.
2) Individual air vents Ð I have spent many a hot & stuffy flight on a BA plane, with little or no air at the mercy of the climate control settings selected by the crew. In fact on occasion ÒMrs KeredÓ has ended up feeling quite ill on arrival, after an overnight flight home with BA. Whereas we have both got off VS flights, feeling bright & fresh. That small thing, of an air vent, makes such a huge difference to our flights.
Whenever we go on our long planned trip to Oz, we would never consider flying BA, as we both feel that it is just too long to spend on an airplane with no air.
We have our first ÒFirstÓ trip with BA in March to MIA & while we're really looking forward to it, we are concerned about the air issue. Although I think that the First cabin will be sufficiently roomy, that we should be ok.
So in general, I think there is very little to differentiate between the two airlines.
This of course is based solely on my own experiences, but that's all I have to go on. I fully respect & understand though that others would have a very different view to mine. But I can only relate my experience.
I also appreciate that the seating pre-assignments & individual air vents are very much personal preferences, but they do play an important part in our travel choices these days.
