Better premium economy experience: Lufthansa vs. Virgin Atlantic?

August 22, 2023 7:44 PM

I will be traveling to London from the U.S. this fall, and am fortunately in a position to splurge on Premium Economy for the first time (which, given some health issues, is likely the only way the trip will be comfortable for me). In terms of price and schedule, it looks like my main choices will be between Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa. Recommendations?

My most important issues are, in this order: physical comfort (legroom in particular), access to bathrooms, and quality of food (I will need a special meal). I'm less concerned with entertainment, luggage allowances, and extras (such as free drinks). Any thoughts as to which airline gets the nod?

For what it's worth, I've flown both Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa economy to Europe in the past 6-8 years, and preferred Lufthansa. I would also consider American/British Airways and Delta as potential options, if there's something that strongly puts them ahead of the others.

posted by paper scissors sock to Travel & Transportation (9 answers total)

Lufthansa cannot operate a direct flight between a U.S. city and London. This is most likely actually a United-operated flight with a LH codeshare. That may help you compare.
posted by praemunire at 7:52 PM on August 22, 2023 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: Ah, good to know. In which case, any feedback re: United vs. Virgin Atlantic premium?
posted by paper scissors sock at 8:50 PM on August 22, 2023

If you know the flight number, you can check Seatguru for information about legroom.
posted by metahawk at 8:58 PM on August 22, 2023

Seatguru is generally considered outdated these days. What I recommend is going to the Flyertalk forums for either United or VS, and, with any luck, you will get an earful of recent experiences.
posted by praemunire at 9:05 PM on August 22, 2023

I regularly fly between the US and London. BA in Prem Economy for the "top tier" flights, say between NY & London has been good. However, often when I'm flying to Chicago on a BA flight, there is a weird and wonderful variety of "operated by" airlines. For example, in September it's an Air Belgium flight, last time it was American Airlines.
posted by socky_puppy at 9:42 PM on August 22, 2023

Best answer: I've flown Delta, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Norwegian to London and the Virgin Atlantic premium economy experience was by FAR the best. British Airways second best. The food is good, the seats quite comfy and the service is very attentive on both. Delta's premium economy is also pretty good, but I find their tiers very confusing. And Norwegian is a budget airline which I'd skip in your case
posted by pazazygeek at 11:23 PM on August 22, 2023 [5 favorites]

Best answer: In the last 12 months I have flown UK to USA with Delta, Virgin and Lufthansa (via Frankfurt). The Virgin Premium Economy was the best for your criteria, followed by Lufthansa. Going via Frankfurt has saved me a lot in ticket price previously, but its a pretty big diversion and adds a lot to an already long journey.

You really need to provide a flight number if you want more specific advice. All these airlines will sell you flights on their partner carrier services and label it with one of their own flight numbers, you need to look out for "flight operated by xxx" or similar on the route info. There is a good chance the Delta and Virgin flights are the same plane if you're flying, say, ATL to LHR.
posted by samworm at 1:26 AM on August 23, 2023 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: Well, the Lufthansa/United prices all shot up today, so it looks like Virgin it is! Of all the VS flights I'm looking at (LAX-LHR), one appears to codeshare with Delta, but the rest don't. Thanks, all.
posted by paper scissors sock at 5:50 PM on August 23, 2023

It's been a long time, but BA and Virgin were my favorites, and those were just coach.
posted by rhizome at 7:30 PM on August 23, 2023 [1 favorite]