Virgin Atlantic vs BA: Battle of the business class cabins in fascinating head-to-head video

Popcorn ready.

Travel experts have pitted two British giants of transatlantic travel against each other in a fascinating battle of the business class.

The points man travel site filmed his experiences in Virgin Atlantic’s first-class “Retreat Suite” — which can be configured to form a quad socialization space with the adjoining seat — and BA’s “Club Suite” on flights from London to JFK.

The reviewers enjoyed “sexy coziness and a giant entertainment screen” on the former and “good food” on the latter, among other things. But there were downsides to both flights.

Below are the verdicts and trailer for the full review video.

VIRGIN ATLANTIC UPPER CLASS

Nicky said the Retreat Suite was “extremely large, comfortable and private.”

Points Guy editor Nicky Kelvin put the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Retreat Suite to the test with his ticket between Heathrow Terminal 3 and New York’s JFK in an Airbus A330-900neo that cost 47,500 Virgin Points plus £627 in taxes and fees.

There were plenty of ‘ups’ before his flight.

He told MailOnline Travel: ‘Virgin Atlantic’s ground experience at Heathrow’s Terminal 3 is second to none for a business class ticket. The exclusive “Upper Class Wing” is a private, efficient and unique way to arrive at the airport. Private security and a world-class lounge, with several first-class lounges above, complete the experience on the ground.”

He continued: “The regular Upper Class Suites on this plane are very comfortable and spacious, but the Retreat Suite is particularly large, comfortable and private, especially for sleeping and the onboard entertainment screen is gigantic.

Nicky’s verdict on the food? “Plentiful and tasty,” he said, but “less refined than you might find on other business class products.”

“Virgin offers a service that combines incredible professionalism with sassy, ​​sexy fun that you won’t find anywhere else,” said Nicky (above)

Nicky’s JFK plane was an Airbus A330neo (above)

‘There are welcome extras on board such as pajamas available on request and ‘the Loft’ is a fun social area with drinks and ice creams at the back of the cabin.’

He added, “Virgin offers a service that combines incredible professionalism with sassy, ​​sexy fun that you won’t find anywhere else.”

And the setbacks? Nicky revealed that there were a few of them.

He said: “The onboarding process doesn’t match the exclusivity of what comes to the ground for it. And it’s not possible to have the biggest and best seat (the Retreat Suite) as a window seat. There are also only two seats in the cabin, so you may have to be lucky enough to sit there, and pay extra for the privilege.

“In addition, while the food and drink is plentiful and tasty, the food is less refined than other business class products.”

BRITISH AIRWAYS CLUB SUITE

Liam Spencer put British Airways’ Club World business class ‘Club Suite’ to the test on a 777-200 flight from Heathrow to JFK

Liam’s BA ticket cost 80,000 Avios plus £175 taxes and fees

Liam Spencer put British Airways’ Club World business-class ‘Club Suite’ to the test on a 777-200 flight from Heathrow to JFK, with a ticket costing 80,000 Avios plus £175 taxes and fees.

What were the positives of his flight with the national airline?

He told MailOnline Travel: ‘The real winner on this flight was the food. From freshly smoked salmon and asparagus to braised leg of lamb, each bite was tastier than the last. Don’t forget to check out the extensive cocktail menu!

And despite being over four years old, BA’s Club Suite feels as fresh and enticing as ever. The cab was spotless and if you had told me the seat was new from the factory I would have believed you.

Liam said: ‘The real winner on this flight was the food [above]’

Liam added: ‘As a completely flat bed, British Airways’ Club Suite can’t quite compete with leading products such as Qatar Airways’ QSuite when it comes to comfort and space’

“Plus, the fully closing door adds a level of privacy that really elevates the business class experience.”

Any drawbacks? A handfull.

Liam added: ‘As a completely flat bed, British Airways’ Club Suite can’t quite compete with leading products such as Qatar Airways’ QSuite when it comes to comfort and space.

“And the business class check-in experience at Heathrow Airport is fine, if not a little disappointing, especially when compared to Virgin Atlantic’s separate wing for Upper Class passengers.”

For more from The Points Guy visit thepointsguy.com/uk-travel. Click to see the full video of Virgin Atlantic vs British Airways here.