Which is better for long haul Virgin or Aer Lingus?

suckmyloli

Hi,

I'm flying to Boston in October and am torn between Virgin Atlantic and Aer Lingus. The prices are similar although Aer Lingus offer direct flights (not that it bothers me to transfer).

Question is quality wise on the flight in economy. Which is best has anyone flown with both to the US and if so which did you prefer? Or if you've flown with one what was your experience.

Thanks for your time :-)

Enigma'

A few months ago I'd have said Virgin, now I'd be inclined to say Aer Lingus. Aer Lingus long-haul economy has improved a lot with new seat back screens and new seating. All food and non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary. You can clear US immigration in Ireland and the direct flight is of course more attractive.

That said, Virgin offer a decent product too, just bear in mind you'll have to connect from LHR T1 to T3.

BuffyBot

For a flight as short as Boston, it's pretty much insane to bother going indirectly.

As said, Aer Lingus' long haul is reasonably ok now for the price. Certainly for a direct, short-ish flight.

gandalf

I wouldn't really count Boston as enough of a long haul destination to warrant going indirect. Yes Virgin are better but not enough to split the trip into two flights.

suckmyloli wrote: »

Hi,

I'm flying to Boston in October and am torn between Virgin Atlantic and Aer Lingus. The prices are similar although Aer Lingus offer direct flights (not that it bothers me to transfer).

Question is quality wise on the flight in economy. Which is best has anyone flown with both to the US and if so which did you prefer? Or if you've flown with one what was your experience.

Thanks for your time :-)

rossie1977

have to agree with the others, for a flight as short as boston you would be mad to go to england first unless the price was much cheaper

you will be half way to boston while still waiting to board your virgin flight in london/manchester, that alone should be enough to sway you with the aer lingus option, i have never had a problem with AI on their usa routes

paddydriver

Enigma' wrote: »

A few months ago I'd have said Virgin, now I'd be inclined to say Aer Lingus. Aer Lingus long-haul economy has improved a lot with new seat back screens and new seating. All food and non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary. You can clear US immigration in Ireland and the direct flight is of course more attractive.

That said, Virgin offer a decent product too, just bear in mind you'll have to connect from LHR T1 to T3.

Don't count in the new planes with the back seat screens as they are some way off replacing the whole A330 fleet yet and its hit and miss which route has the new A330's on the day you fly. They have refurbished the older one's and given them new Recaro seats but you still do not get the backseat screens.

For a flight to Boston, unless you are saving a packet, then stick to direct flights with AL.

Maybe now that they are cutting back on transatlantic there is a better chance of getting the new plane but I would not base your booking on it.

Hope this helps