[Bill Hicks]

Evening all.

Me and my partner are going to be spending Xmas in Las Vegas and I don't know who I should book the flights with.
Virgin have been flying direct to Vegas for a couple of years now and BA are starting a direct service there starting this October.

I've flown in the past with both airlines (Virgin to New York & BA to Los Angeles)
and to be honest I would say that Virgin just pipped BA to the post with their superb seat back entertainment system, but I've been reading that on their Las Vegas route they use older aircraft that uses an inferior older entertainment set up.
I've also read that the Virgin Vegas service often suffers delays, often runs out of alcohol (Seriously!) and that the food on that service most definitely lacks the quality that you can expect on their LA, San Francisco and their Asian routes!
And to Las Vegas they are more expensive than BA by around £70!

Anyone flown with Virgin to Vegas in the past?
And if so, how would you rate it.

We will be flying economy class only on either service.

All the best, Bill.

[moony1234]

Hi,

I've never flown with BA and only flown with Virgin once, that was however to Vegas last August.

I was not impressed, the plane was old, entertainment system [if you would call it that] didnt work properly/at all, and yes they "ran out" of alcohol around 4 hours into the flight...

I wouldnt fly with them again to Vegas, i'd try BA... I would fly with Virgin to other locations though as i've heard they use much better planes....

Anyway, Vegas is amazing, you won't regret it!

[bearman3784]

yup the virgin planes that do the vegas route are getting on a bit, i wasnt impressed, made the journey seem alot longer on the other hand i flew direct to LA with virgin before that and had a good flight on a decent plane and without staff that resented their lives! id be tempted to try BA when go next time though

[loz]

the one that doesn't fly airbus A330's

[themilkman23]

I've flown with Virgin 3 times now and one of those was to Vegas. I must say I was quite disappointed. As others have said the planes are getting a bit old now and the service seems to be going downhill. We went to Vegas for my 21st birthday and on the outbound flight we asked about a cheeky free upgrade and was basically laughed at us as if to say "don't be so silly".

On the way home was even worse, our flight was delayed by a few hours which we weren't even told about it at check in. We thought we were quite lucky as we had pre booked our seats through expedia, only to be told at the check in desk that they had split me and my partner up, both at seperate ends of the plane! So we asked if they had any others seats to sit up together and you guessed it, they didn't. I asked why we had been split up in the first place and I was told they had to change the aircraft but when I questioned what type of aircraft if was exactly the same one we were meant to be one! So basically they told us their was nothing they could do for us other than place us on a 'wish list' to be sat together. In the end we made up some terrible story of why we had to sit together and we were given the exit row seats! I can't believe how rude the staff were to us on both American & UK airports, put us right off. And so much for the 'free drinks' you had to ask every time.

I will say the good thing about Virgin is they have a system called twilight check in where you check all your luggage in the night before your flight then just turn up the next day with your hand luggage. No silly longs queues to join.

I flew with BA last September to Florida and have to say they were fantastic. Planes were nice, we had back seat tv's and the free drinks were flowing. Also got upgraded to economy plus on the way home because we were one of the first to check in, no complaints!

[mrm3]

Fly with BA.

[Bill Hicks]

Originally Posted by mrm3

Fly with BA.

Yeah I'm getting that feeling as well!

Thanks..

[bowenjones]

Agree with the others. I went to Vegas in March and flew with Virgin. Our flight was supposed to be direct from Gatwick but the plane had technical problems so we were offered an alternative flight from Heathrow to LA and a connecting flight with US Airways on to Vegas. It added another 3 hours onto the journey but we were compensated well enough so didn't mind. Flight to LA was superb. Modern and comfortable with an excellent choice of entertainment. The flight back was direct on a 747 which was showing it's age and wasn't near the same standards as our outbound flight. I've heared good reports about BA so would choose them if I was flying direct although, if it was considerably cheaper, I'd have no hesitation in doing the LA connection again.

[DJT75]

I had a big fall out with BA last year over pricing & switched to Virgin for a while. Flew with both of them to the states in the space of a month & realised what I was missing with BA.

BA are far more relaxed on drinks, if you ask for extra you get extra. I was having a beer before dinner & asked for a couple of wines to have with dinner - she gave me 4 bottles. When they'd gone she brought another 2.
The entertainment systems on many BA routes are now the same if not better than the Virgin ones - same on demand personal choice thing so no hanging around waiting for films to start/finish. The live music video channel was excellent - saw loads of performances that I've since found out aren't available on DVD.
My entertaiment system (BA) didn't work on the way back from Singapore so they picked my meal tray up & upgraded me straight away to World Traveller (Economy) Plus.

Virgin on the other hand. lovely new planes (on the routes I've done), better looking staff, but messing looking inside due to the wacky decor, wine poured from large bottles so it's 1 warm glass each time of asking, the food is nowhere near as good as BA & the panes are generally fuller so less chance to move seats, spread out a bit or reserve better seating online.

[virtual22]

Another BA +1 here. Virgin used to be better years ago but every time I've flown with virgin in the last 5 or so years I've been disappointed where as I don't recall having a bad BA flight.

Last time we were flying back from Orlando we had to watch the BA flight leave on time whilst our rubbish old tin bucket sat on the tarmac yet again with a problem (same going out). Also going out, the entertainment system failed 3 times and had to be rebooted, the plane was dirty and the staff obviously couldn't give a rats backside about us down in economy. Fair play to them though, they did send us £200 when we got home as compensation.

[DJT75]

ps. Unless you're in a hurry to get there thus flying direct, take a stop over somewhere - you could cut the cost in half.

However don't do what I did with Vegas once. Flew to Phoenix & had to wait 8 hours for a connecting 1 hour flight. By the time I got to Vegas I was so out of sync I was jet-lagged for the entire 4 days, & I never really get jetlag

pps. Virgin also seems to attract the more pikey traveller. Sitting in Orlando airport you can tell who's on which flight just by looking at them.

[dazza74]

I've flown BA and Virgin to America, never had a problem with either airline I really judge a trip in cattle class on whether it's half empty and I can spread out this makes a flight for me rather than facilities and entertainment.

When I went to Vegas I flew by BA into LAX and stopped the night in a hotel near the airport I then got a cheap flight upto Vegas from LAX the next morning. Seemed to work well and certainly meant I didn't have to worry about waiting / missing a connecting flight. I would have gone direct into Las Vegas with Virgin though if I could have afforded it at the time.

I like LA, worth considering a stop over there to spend a few days if you have the time.

[mda1974]

We flew with Virgin to Vegas 2 years ago as part of our honeymoon and I have to say I wasn't very impressed.

Vegas however is fab and I can thoroughly recommend the Bellagio.

[Bill Hicks]

Originally Posted by mda1974

We flew with Virgin to Vegas 2 years ago as part of our honeymoon and I have to say I wasn't very impressed.

Vegas however is fab and I can thoroughly recommend the Bellagio.

Were getting married out there so we are on a budget and the Bellagio is a bit pricey.
Aiming for the Mirage as it's just had all it's rooms revamped and it's reviews are all very positive compared to the other "Themed" hotel/Casinos!

But the Bellagio is still considered the pearl on the strip along with Caesers Palace believe it or not!

[Decadence]

Do BMI still fly direct? They were great when I last used them.

[dazza74]

I liked the Monte Carlo when I was there about 4 years ago, the venetian is stunning as well

[DJT75]

Originally Posted by Bill Hicks

Were getting married out there so we are on a budget and the Bellagio is a bit pricey.
Aiming for the Mirage as it's just had all it's rooms revamped and it's reviews are all very positive compared to the other "Themed" hotel/Casinos!

But the Bellagio is still considered the pearl on the strip along with Caesers Palace believe it or not!

Mandalay Bay is one of the smarter hotels & nicely away from the hussle being at the end of the strip. We got some cracking deals there - worth looking at their offers, even the basic rooms are superb. The bathrooms are about 300 sq ft. Got a nice beach too

[Bill Hicks]

Originally Posted by dazza74

the venetian is stunning as well

Just checked out the Venetians prices on our dates.

For a standard room for a week over Xmas it works out a ... $1,673.00 + Taxes.

For a Deluxe room at the Mirage on the same dates it's .... $ 908.32 inc taxes.

A lot more expensive at the Venetian.

[bearman3784]

dont book the hotel until a couple of months before your stay when hotels release their offers, december is probably the cheapest month to stay in vegas, obviously disregarding new year etc. all the deals appear on here Las Vegas Hotels | Hotel Promo Codes | Las Vegas Hotel Discount Codes

[Bill Hicks]

Originally Posted by bearman3784

dont book the hotel until a couple of months before your stay when hotels release their offers, december is probably the cheapest month to stay in vegas, obviously disregarding new year etc. all the deals appear on here Las Vegas Hotels | Hotel Promo Codes | Las Vegas Hotel Discount Codes

Hey thanks for the link and the info.

I've had a look at this link and already I can get over a $100 dollars off what I was going to be paying.

So how does it work? If I hold out till late October I can get more promo codes that will get us better deals?

Once again thanks.

[dazza74]

Originally Posted by Bill Hicks

Just checked out the Venetians prices on our dates.

For a standard room for a week over Xmas it works out a ... $1,673.00 + Taxes.

For a Deluxe room at the Mirage on the same dates it's .... $ 908.32 inc taxes.

A lot more expensive at the Venetian.

Sure you'd be happy staying at the Mirage if I was looking for a vegas hotel I'd want to be situated where the mirage is at the top of the strip

EDIT :

Mirage is sort of near the top, the statosphere tower is pretty much the top of the strip

[mda1974]

Have a look at www.alllasvegastours.com if you want to book any trips.

We saved about 30% (all be it when the exchange rate was at it's best) on the price of a Grand Canyon trip compared to booking via Virgin Holidays.

If nothing else you should take a flight down the strip

[Decadence]

Originally Posted by dazza74

Sure you'd be happy staying at the Mirage if I was looking for a vegas hotel I'd want to be situated where the mirage is at the top of the strip

EDIT :

Mirage is sort of near the top, the statosphere tower is pretty much the top of the strip

I'm the opposite as I prefer the nightlife at the other end of the strip with Hard Rock casino, House of Blues, Ra, the Irish bar in New York New York.

New York New York is my favourite casino too, it has a gaming floor unlike any other with a Central Park theme, nice surroundings.

[Dr Evilest]

I went with Virgin to Vegas last November & didn't have any problems/complaints. Having said that, never flown with BA so can't compare.

Vegas is fab, love to go again & if you're thinking of a Grand canyon trip I can recommend Sundance helicopters. Scarey but unforgettable!!

[bearman3784]

Originally Posted by Bill Hicks

Hey thanks for the link and the info.

I've had a look at this link and already I can get over a $100 dollars off what I was going to be paying.

So how does it work? If I hold out till late October I can get more promo codes that will get us better deals?

Once again thanks.

yes you will defo find more deals then, hotels release deals starting around 3 months before going right up until a couple of weeks before which always work out a hell of alot cheaper with numerous extras (spa/shows/buffets) thrown in compared to the normal table rates. december dates will have alot more deals going on than now as it is one of the quietest times in vegas

[DVD-Man]

Priced 2 adults flying tomorrow with BA to LV.

£3247.60 all in.........WOW! and this is just economy.

Liam

Oh and on the way back it was American Airlines not BA but I think they are the same company or something cos I flew part of my journey to NY with BA although I booked with AA.

[Bill Hicks]

Originally Posted by DVD-Man

Priced 2 adults flying tomorrow with BA to LV.

£3247.60 all in.........WOW! and this is just economy.

Liam

Oh and on the way back it was American Airlines not BA but I think they are the same company or something cos I flew part of my journey to NY with BA although I booked with AA.

That is expensive!

We have a confirmed quote with BA at £988.60 + CC Charge.
That's 2 people flying direct from Heathrow to McCarran Las Vegas airport just before Xmas returning just before New Years eve!

6 nights at the Mirage in a deluxe room at the moment for £617, but I'm hoping we can get that a lot cheaper later in the year!

A week in Vegas at Christmas time for 2 with direct flights at just over £1600.

[themilkman23]

Woah, where you getting those prices from?

We booked with Expedia and they were fab, just done a quick quote for a week and its £1385 for the both of you for the Mirage in a deluxe room & flying BA - below is the link but not sure if it will work:

Unsupported Browser

[Kieran83]

H Mate, Not too sure if this thread is still being looked at but i flew in July with the misses for a friends wedding. We flew into LA and got a transfer from there to vegas.
Prices for everything were BA to LA 2 night stay in a hotel in LA and then onto Vegas, 7 nights there then back again came to £1200.

Book the flights seperatley to the hotel and look online, we found our flights with lastminute and then booked through the flight centre and they promised to beat the price. The then said that if we booked the hotel in La with them they would throw in a FREE transfer to LA and back for the pair of us which they did.

We stayed in the Stratosphere and standard rooms were £26 a night....good rooms too, only downside is that the hotel is a distance from the strip.

BUT getting back on track....BA, we flew with them and the outbound was fine no problems at all, Inbound however the plane developed 'electrical' problems even after the 3 hour delay so we were on/off like yo yo's whilst they fixed it.

Hope that helps

[Phil Hinton]

Everytime I have been to Vegas (to cover CES) I have ended up with connecting flights with US Airways and it was a nightmare! However, as stated by the OP, BA start a direct flight this year and we have already booked! For me it can only be better than the last two years of connections, no entertainment etc.
Have fun!