Virgin Atlantic prices - doubled!?
Discussion
Every October I fly out to Miami on business, always the last week of October. I always book it well in advance to get cheaper flights.
Normally an Upper Class return is £2,500 - £3,000. Just trying to book it now, this year, £6,000!
Has anyone else experienced this or am I just (very) unlucky this time?
Normally an Upper Class return is £2,500 - £3,000. Just trying to book it now, this year, £6,000!
Has anyone else experienced this or am I just (very) unlucky this time?
Just checked BA for the same dates - £7,000 Business Class!
And just for fun, I thought, I'll see what it costs for BA First Class. £4,400..!
Nope, me neither. Anyway, I booked it, fully expecting it to crash out and then go back in and discover the real price, but it accepted it!
Guess I'm flying BA First Class on an A380 for the first time ever!
And just for fun, I thought, I'll see what it costs for BA First Class. £4,400..!
Nope, me neither. Anyway, I booked it, fully expecting it to crash out and then go back in and discover the real price, but it accepted it!
Guess I'm flying BA First Class on an A380 for the first time ever!
Ari said:
Just checked BA for the same dates - £7,000 Business Class!
And just for fun, I thought, I'll see what it costs for BA First Class. £4,400..!
Nope, me neither.
Lots of staff travel policies are business class only, so on some routes you can get these weird spots where business costs more then first. You'd really have thought that the policy is written as business only, unless First is cheaper!And just for fun, I thought, I'll see what it costs for BA First Class. £4,400..!
Nope, me neither.
That's interesting. Weird, but interesting. As you say, why on earth would a company be happy to pay more for BC than FC? But I guess there's an assumption that BC is always cheaper (certainly it was my assumption!)
BA hasn't sent me my confirmation email which is slightly concerning, but the trip shows up in My Bookings on the BA web site and the amount is in Pending on my credit card statement so I guess it's okay. Just feels a little too good to be true.
The slightly disappointing thing is that, looking at reviews on YouTube (as I've never done BA First before), I can't say that it really looks that much different from VA Upper Class, other than a smaller cabin (only 14 seats) but perhaps it's different when you're actually experiencing it.
Also looking forward to flying on the A380 again. Last time I flew on one was in Economy on Emirates, but I remember being amazed at how quiet and smooth it seemed.
BA hasn't sent me my confirmation email which is slightly concerning, but the trip shows up in My Bookings on the BA web site and the amount is in Pending on my credit card statement so I guess it's okay. Just feels a little too good to be true.
The slightly disappointing thing is that, looking at reviews on YouTube (as I've never done BA First before), I can't say that it really looks that much different from VA Upper Class, other than a smaller cabin (only 14 seats) but perhaps it's different when you're actually experiencing it.
Also looking forward to flying on the A380 again. Last time I flew on one was in Economy on Emirates, but I remember being amazed at how quiet and smooth it seemed.
Ari said:
That's interesting. Weird, but interesting. As you say, why on earth would a company be happy to pay more for BC than FC? But I guess there's an assumption that BC is always cheaper (certainly it was my assumption!)
Stops folk trying to take silly routes / longer duration trips (which adds extra hotel cost/time away from office) / planning around when they can fly first rather than choosing the most appropriate flight times based on business needs. Potential adverse customer impressions too if you have regular employees shooting their mouths off to clients about flying first. Ari said:
That's interesting. Weird, but interesting. As you say, why on earth would a company be happy to pay more for BC than FC? But I guess there's an assumption that BC is always cheaper (certainly it was my assumption!)
BA hasn't sent me my confirmation email which is slightly concerning, but the trip shows up in My Bookings on the BA web site and the amount is in Pending on my credit card statement so I guess it's okay. Just feels a little too good to be true.
The slightly disappointing thing is that, looking at reviews on YouTube (as I've never done BA First before), I can't say that it really looks that much different from VA Upper Class, other than a smaller cabin (only 14 seats) but perhaps it's different when you're actually experiencing it.
Also looking forward to flying on the A380 again. Last time I flew on one was in Economy on Emirates, but I remember being amazed at how quiet and smooth it seemed.
When you look at your booking in the app, if there is a long number that starts with 125 then the booking is fully processed. First on BA for all its faults is definitely better than Virgin Upper. Use the Concord Room at Heathrow if you have time. BA hasn't sent me my confirmation email which is slightly concerning, but the trip shows up in My Bookings on the BA web site and the amount is in Pending on my credit card statement so I guess it's okay. Just feels a little too good to be true.
The slightly disappointing thing is that, looking at reviews on YouTube (as I've never done BA First before), I can't say that it really looks that much different from VA Upper Class, other than a smaller cabin (only 14 seats) but perhaps it's different when you're actually experiencing it.
Also looking forward to flying on the A380 again. Last time I flew on one was in Economy on Emirates, but I remember being amazed at how quiet and smooth it seemed.
Jonathan27 said:
When you look at your booking in the app, if there is a long number that starts with 125 then the booking is fully processed. First on BA for all its faults is definitely better than Virgin Upper. Use the Concord Room at Heathrow if you have time.
That's very helpful, thank you - there is indeed a Ticket number starting 125- Ari said:
That's interesting. Weird, but interesting. As you say, why on earth would a company be happy to pay more for BC than FC? But I guess there's an assumption that BC is always cheaper (certainly it was my assumption!)
I work in the public sector and we have the same issue with corporate travel, they won't pay for upgrades on any travel even where it is cheaper than standard which can happen particularly on trains because they are worried about public perception. (They will allow us to pay for our own upgrades if we wish). Same applies with vehicles.
Jamescrs said:
Ari said:
That's interesting. Weird, but interesting. As you say, why on earth would a company be happy to pay more for BC than FC? But I guess there's an assumption that BC is always cheaper (certainly it was my assumption!)
I work in the public sector and we have the same issue with corporate travel, they won't pay for upgrades on any travel even where it is cheaper than standard which can happen particularly on trains because they are worried about public perception. (They will allow us to pay for our own upgrades if we wish). Same applies with vehicles.
SunsetZed said:
How does that work in reality if it's cheaper though. If we take the example from the OP I can't imagine that you bill your employer for £1,600 if FC is cheaper than BC?
So in that sense I was referring to train travel as opposed to flights. The process is that a ticket is booked for us say Edinburgh to London Kings Cross, occasionally the 1st class seat will be cheaper than standard but they will still book the standard ticket because that's what the policy states they must do.
We can then upgrade our seat to first class but we would do it through an app such as Seat Frog which will quote a cost to upgrade, where the first class ticket price is cheaper Seat Frog will be very competitive on the upgrade, it won't be a refund but it may be £10-£15 to upgrade. I have paid that fee to upgrade my seat.
I don't claim the cost back, it's my own choice but to be able to have a single seat in First class with room to stretch out my legs i'm happy to take the cost.
Jamescrs said:
I work in the public sector and we have the same issue with corporate travel, they won't pay for upgrades on any travel even where it is cheaper than standard which can happen particularly on trains because they are worried about public perception. (They will allow us to pay for our own upgrades if we wish).
Same applies with vehicles.
So, If I as a member of the Public could somehow identify you as a public sector worker sat in first class, how would I know you paid for the upgrade personally opposed to with public funds? Do you have to wear a sign to let everyone know? Same applies with vehicles.
Buzz84 said:
Gary29 said:
Did you try Virgin First Class out of interest? Maybe they have similar nuances in ticket pricing as BA?
Virgin don't have first class, their cabins have Economy, Premium Economy and Upper Class.Upper class is their name for Business class.
Buzz84 said:
Gary29 said:
Did you try Virgin First Class out of interest? Maybe they have similar nuances in ticket pricing as BA?
Virgin don't have first class, their cabins have Economy, Premium Economy and Upper Class.Upper class is their name for Business class.
My son is fortunate enough to have his employers always fly him business class, usually Emirates to the Middle East or BA/Virgin/United to the USA. He was once flown out BA 1st class to NYC and he said the main benefit was JW Blue label on offer (he doesn't drink, but knew it would annoy me that he had access to stuff I can't afford ) and no meal times. You tell them when you want to eat.
) and no meal times. You tell them when you want to eat. Ari said:
That's interesting. Weird, but interesting. As you say, why on earth would a company be happy to pay more for BC than FC? But I guess there's an assumption that BC is always cheaper (certainly it was my assumption!)
BA hasn't sent me my confirmation email which is slightly concerning, but the trip shows up in My Bookings on the BA web site and the amount is in Pending on my credit card statement so I guess it's okay. Just feels a little too good to be true.
The slightly disappointing thing is that, looking at reviews on YouTube (as I've never done BA First before), I can't say that it really looks that much different from VA Upper Class, other than a smaller cabin (only 14 seats) but perhaps it's different when you're actually experiencing it.
Also looking forward to flying on the A380 again. Last time I flew on one was in Economy on Emirates, but I remember being amazed at how quiet and smooth it seemed.
BA first is pretty good. The A380’s are long overdue their refresh so it’s not going to be immaculate but it’s not to be knocked, certainly beats old club world which is what you’d get on the A380 if you booked business. The food, booze and service are generally really good though. The First seat is plenty big enough and very comfortable. As above the Concorde Room is great at T5, you’ll also get to use the First Wing if you’re not already Gold.BA hasn't sent me my confirmation email which is slightly concerning, but the trip shows up in My Bookings on the BA web site and the amount is in Pending on my credit card statement so I guess it's okay. Just feels a little too good to be true.
The slightly disappointing thing is that, looking at reviews on YouTube (as I've never done BA First before), I can't say that it really looks that much different from VA Upper Class, other than a smaller cabin (only 14 seats) but perhaps it's different when you're actually experiencing it.
Also looking forward to flying on the A380 again. Last time I flew on one was in Economy on Emirates, but I remember being amazed at how quiet and smooth it seemed.
I once got a business seat for less than economy seat. I guess it’s all down to predicted and actual demand for different classes. I would imagine there will be a sale soon and those prices will drop back down to sensible levels but you’ve snagged a relative bargain.
Buzz84 said:
So, If I as a member of the Public could somehow identify you as a public sector worker sat in first class, how would I know you paid for the upgrade personally opposed to with public funds? Do you have to wear a sign to let everyone know?
It's more about audited accounts and records.E.g. Someone could submit a FOI to ask how much has been spent on 1st class train travel. The daily mail love that sort of thing to generate clicks and angry comments.
Jamescrs said:
SunsetZed said:
How does that work in reality if it's cheaper though. If we take the example from the OP I can't imagine that you bill your employer for £1,600 if FC is cheaper than BC?
So in that sense I was referring to train travel as opposed to flights. The process is that a ticket is booked for us say Edinburgh to London Kings Cross, occasionally the 1st class seat will be cheaper than standard but they will still book the standard ticket because that's what the policy states they must do.
We can then upgrade our seat to first class but we would do it through an app such as Seat Frog which will quote a cost to upgrade, where the first class ticket price is cheaper Seat Frog will be very competitive on the upgrade, it won't be a refund but it may be £10-£15 to upgrade. I have paid that fee to upgrade my seat.
I don't claim the cost back, it's my own choice but to be able to have a single seat in First class with room to stretch out my legs i'm happy to take the cost.
DJC76 said:
BA first is pretty good. The A380 s are long overdue their refresh so it s not going to be immaculate but it s not to be knocked, certainly beats old club world which is what you d get on the A380 if you booked business. The food, booze and service are generally really good though. The First seat is plenty big enough and very comfortable. As above the Concorde Room is great at T5, you ll also get to use the First Wing if you re not already Gold.
I once got a business seat for less than economy seat. I guess it s all down to predicted and actual demand for different classes. I would imagine there will be a sale soon and those prices will drop back down to sensible levels but you ve snagged a relative bargain.
That's interesting, thank you. Apparently the planes are getting a mega refresh in 2026 so I guess it's luck of the draw whether the plane I'm on will have been.I once got a business seat for less than economy seat. I guess it s all down to predicted and actual demand for different classes. I would imagine there will be a sale soon and those prices will drop back down to sensible levels but you ve snagged a relative bargain.
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