If you're an American, you've likely stuck to the big three domestic airlines of Delta, American and United. However, flying internationally opens you up to an entirely new world of possibilities you could book, with each region claiming its own premium airlines.
When planning your next trip, especially on international flights, choosing between airlines like Virgin Atlantic and Delta can be challenging. Both airlines offer an array of services, from premium economy to first class (a.k.a Upper Class), and cater to a wide range of travelers. In this article, we’ll dive into various aspects of these airlines to determine which one might be better for your next journey, whether it’s a transatlantic flight or a domestic connection. We'll also explore their frequent flyer programs, service quality, and overall travel experience.
Airline Overview: Virgin Atlantic vs. Delta
Virgin Atlantic, a British airline founded by eccentric wannabe astronaut Richard Branson, is known for its vibrant branding and top-notch service, more reminiscent of a fun young nightclub than an airline once you're inside the plane. It operates primarily out of London Heathrow Airport and offers direct flights to various global destinations, including to and from major U.S hubs. Virgin Atlantic is part of the Virgin Group and has been a significant player in the aviation industry for decades.
Delta Air Lines, on the other hand, is one of the leading global airlines, with a vast network that includes domestic flights across the U.S. and international flights to six continents. With its primary hub at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, GA, it also operates major U.S-based hubs in New York JFK, Salt Lake City, UT, and SeaTac. Delta prides itself on its industry-leading customer service and extensive SkyTeam alliance, which includes airlines like Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic as a partner airline.
Cabin Classes and Seating Options
Premium Economy and Main Cabin
When it comes to cabin classes, both airlines offer a range of options from basic economy to premium cabins. Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy is a standout with wider seats, more legroom, and a superior dining experience compared to regular economy. Delta’s equivalent, Delta Premium Select, also offers enhanced comfort, but the overall experience slightly lags behind Virgin Atlantic’s offering in terms of seat width and service. The actual products themselves, however, are pretty evenly matched. As I've written about before, my wife and I have done both airlines' premium product to and from Europe and we prefer the Delta seats and in-flight entertainment, but Virgin's food is miles better.
In the main cabin, Virgin Atlantic and Delta provide a decent flying experience. However, Virgin Atlantic’s seats tend to be a bit more comfortable, and the in-flight entertainment system, offering a wide array of TV shows and movies, is often rated higher by passengers. Delta’s main cabin does offer good value, particularly on Delta Air Lines flights within the U.S., where the airline's frequent flyer program offers numerous opportunities for reward flights.
Upper Class vs. Delta One
For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class and Delta’s Delta One are the premier choices. Upper Class passengers enjoy lie-flat seats, which are renowned for their comfort on long-haul flights. The cabin design is sleek, offering privacy and direct aisle access for every seat. The amenity kit provided in Upper Class is also more luxurious, often including designer products, compared to Delta One’s offering.
Delta One also features lie-flat seats and high-quality service, but the edge might go to Virgin Atlantic in terms of the overall premium experience. Both airlines provide an exceptional in-flight dining experience, though Virgin’s menu options and wine selections often receive higher praise. Delta One has also received some very odd reviews from more noted travel bloggers, with lowlights being the overall cleanliness of the product, and the difficulty of getting the newer product on your flight that actually has the sliding door.
In-Flight Service: Flight Attendants and Catering
Both airlines are known for their excellent in-flight service. Virgin Atlantic’s flight attendants are often described as friendly and attentive, adding to the airline's fun and engaging atmosphere. The airline’s catering, which includes offerings like fresh orange juice, is well-regarded, especially in premium cabins.
Delta’s flight attendants are professional and efficient, with a focus on providing industry-leading customer service. Delta’s catering is solid, particularly on international flights, but Virgin Atlantic might have a slight edge in the creativity and quality of its menu offerings.
Frequent Flyer Programs: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club vs. Delta SkyMiles
One of the key factors in choosing between Virgin Atlantic and Delta is their frequent flyer programs. Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club offers a straightforward way to earn and redeem points, with the potential to earn bonus Virgin Points through various promotions and partnerships, including with financial institutions like American Express. Flying Club Gold members enjoy perks such as lounge access and increased points accrual, making it an attractive option for frequent flyers.
Delta’s SkyMiles program is equally robust, offering various ways to earn and redeem miles, including Delta business class awards and upgrades. The program is integrated with the SkyTeam alliance, providing more options for reward flights on partner airlines like Air France-KLM. Delta Sky Club members also enjoy access to SkyTeam lounges worldwide, enhancing the travel experience.
When comparing the value of points, Virgin Atlantic is the clear winner here. Virgin operates their routes on a fixed-price points chart, a rarity in the skies nowadays. What this means is that routes never change price, apart from peak vs off-peak seasons. The cost of the flight (in points) does not fluctuate with demand, creating a better, more predictable points experience.
This is why Virgin Atlantic often offers sweet spots for award availability, particularly on transatlantic flights. However, Delta’s more extensive network and partnerships can provide more flexibility, especially for U.S.-based travelers.
Lounges and Airport Experience
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse vs. Delta Sky Club
The lounge experience is another crucial aspect of airline travel, especially for premium passengers. Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse at London Heathrow Airport is one of the best in the world, offering a range of amenities including a spa, high-quality dining, and a relaxed, luxurious atmosphere. Upper Class passengers, as well as Flying Club Gold members, can enjoy this exclusive space before their flight. Take it from us, it's unbelievable.
Delta Sky Clubs, available at major hubs like New York JFK and Atlanta, provides a more standardized lounge experience. While it offers comfort and a quiet place to relax, it doesn’t quite match the unique offerings of the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse. However, Delta Sky Club members can access SkyTeam lounges globally, adding to the appeal for frequent international travelers.
There is a late caveat here that we need to point out: Delta recently rolled out their newest lounge, the Delta One Lounge, at JFK. Exclusive to Delta One passengers, this lounge is one-of-a-kind and includes basically everything that's listed above for the Clubhouse. Delta is planning to roll these out to more major airports, but stay tuned for more news on that one.
Flight Network and Connectivity
International Flights and Long-Haul Services
Delta Air Lines has a far more extensive flight network compared to Virgin Atlantic, especially within the U.S. and to destinations in Asia, South America, and Africa. Delta’s daily flights to major cities worldwide make it a convenient choice for travelers needing flexibility and a wide range of options. It gets even better if you live in a hub city, as you can effectively get a non-stop flight to anywhere in the world.
Virgin Atlantic, while smaller, focuses heavily on transatlantic flights, with strong connections between the U.K. and the U.S., as well as flights to the Caribbean and select destinations in Asia and Africa. For those primarily flying between London and major U.S. cities like New York JFK or Los Angeles, Virgin Atlantic is a compelling option.
Domestic and Regional Services
Delta’s dominance in the U.S. domestic market cannot be overstated. With Delta Connection and regional services, the airline offers a vast number of flights to smaller cities across the country. This extensive network is ideal for travelers who need to connect to international flights from various U.S. cities.
Virgin Atlantic, lacking a domestic network in the U.S., relies on partnerships with Delta and other airlines for regional connectivity. This partnership is effective but may require more planning and coordination for travelers who are not originating from a major hub.
Pricing and Value
Best Deals and Points Redemption
When it comes to pricing, both airlines offer competitive rates, but there are notable differences in value depending on the cabin class and route. Virgin Atlantic often provides better deals on premium economy and Upper Class seats, particularly when booking well in advance or during sales. The airline’s frequent flyer program, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, also offers opportunities for significant savings, especially with fewer points required for certain routes compared to Delta’s SkyMiles.
Delta’s pricing is...much higher, particularly for last-minute bookings or on popular routes. However, the airline’s frequent sales and partnerships with financial institutions like American Express offer chances to accrue miles quickly and redeem them for award flights. Delta’s separate award chart and dynamic pricing can be a downside, as the number of points required can vary significantly depending on the time of travel.
Additional Considerations
Credit Score and Financial Products
For travelers looking to maximize their frequent flyer miles, considering the financial products tied to these airlines can be crucial. Both Virgin Atlantic and Delta have partnerships with American Express, offering co-branded cards that provide rewards and bonus Virgin Points or SkyMiles on purchases.
Managing your credit score is essential when applying for these cards, as higher-tier cards with more significant rewards often require a strong credit report. NerdWallet credit card recommendations often highlight these airline cards as excellent options for frequent flyers, thanks to their generous sign-up bonuses and ongoing rewards for spending.
Customer Service and Brand Loyalty
Delta is known for its consistent, reliable service and has a strong following among U.S. travelers. The airline’s mission to provide a seamless travel experience is evident in its on-time performance, clean aircraft, and attentive service providers. This reputation for reliability contributes to strong brand loyalty.
Virgin Atlantic, with its distinct brand personality and focus on customer experience, attracts travelers looking for a more unique and enjoyable journey. The airline’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction is reflected in its high ratings for service and comfort, particularly on long flights.
Conclusion: Which Airline is Better?
Deciding whether Virgin Atlantic is better than Delta depends largely on your specific travel needs and preferences. If you prioritize a unique, high-quality flying experience on transatlantic routes, particularly in premium economy or Upper Class, Virgin Atlantic might be the better choice. The airline’s superior lounges, in-flight service, and points redemption opportunities make it a favorite among travelers flying between London Heathrow Airport and major U.S. destinations.
However, if you need a more extensive flight network, frequent domestic connections, or value industry-leading customer service, Delta Air Lines may be the better option. Delta’s extensive SkyTeam partnership, robust frequent flyer program, and consistent service make it a reliable choice for both domestic and international flights.
Ultimately, both airlines have their strengths, and your decision should be based on factors like the cabin class you plan to book, the destinations you need to reach, and your loyalty to their respective frequent flyer programs. By understanding the nuances of each airline, you can make an informed decision that enhances your travel experience, whether you're flying for business or leisure.
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