I've heard this about Virgin Atlantic for many years. They're tops on my list for transatlantic travel.

Oh don't you get me started with AA. Since I flew alot to tend to my markets in Latin America, that meant mostly one thing: subsuming my pride and riding AA out of MIA.

Sure, occasionally I could manage to coordinate a ride with Delta out of ATL, or Continental out of IAH or EWR, both of which are somewhat better; but their itineraries, and destinations are somewhat limited.

Whenever possible, I try to snag a ride on Latin American Carriers. LAN CHILE, AVIANCA, VARIG, or even COPA & AEROLINEAS ARGENTINAS; specially that LAN CHILE & COPA both code share with AA & CONTINENTAL respectively. Their service and equipment (specially LAN CHILE) are second to none. Their dotting level of service is where our carriers once were, maybe two decades ago.

Then again, there was that time I got bumped to Business Class on an Air France (codeshares w/ Delta) flight out of Dulles. With all that champagne and fresh crablegs, to eat in that 777, I got off to a great business trip to Paris.

Oh, and did I mentioned about the AA flight that I took from MIA to BOG? That A-300 was falling apart. Even some of the Overhead Luggage Compartments were held up with Duct Tape. I kid you not.

What a difference! You had Arthur drooling; he suffers with AA and Continental.

I had to laugh at your knockout drops comment... ;)

Frankly, domestic economy class should be illegal.

Living across the country from my family,I never enjoyed flying, but I tolerated it because I thought that was how it had to be. That is, until the day I got bumped up to first class for a trip from Chicago to San Diego. Oh my... I actually felt like a human being! Attentive flight attendants, real glasses, yummy snacks, real cloth pillows and blankets, and a seat big enough to curl up in(I'm short). Ahhhhh...

I never felt more claustrophic and cattle-like than when I had to go back to econo for the return trip, and I've hated air travel with a vengeance (from my econo class seat) ever since.

In April, I flew to France on Delta. This time I flew on Air France.

Air France has better service, nicer people, much better food, and free alcohol, inclusing Champagne.

And I even get Delta SkyMiles credit.

I have flown every kind of flight/aircraft. For professional flying (not the USAF/Navy, or on a twin engine civilian) I have been on just about every carrier from the US. As for British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Quantas, and TIA, I can say that Lufthansa was best - at the time. Sounds like Virgin Atlantic kicks butt - and I can't wait to experience!

There is a very simple reason why US Air Carriers suck. :)

I've worked for one of those big carriers. I have seen from the inside how destruction was brought about. It's really no secret, yet the reason is not very well communicated - and is a very testy subject.

I'll just say, fly what you get your money's worth out of, and enjoy that carrier!!!

Are Vigin employee's union? The only thing I could find is that their train employees are union.

I will say this for AA (who I flew in complete luxury to Europe this trip - Hubby having a goodly number of frequent flyer miles). The Ambassador clubs in the Dallas airport are available to military returning from or heading to Iraq and Afghanistan. They simply need to show their travel orders to the gatekeepers and they have full access to the facilities. I noticed this in particular, because on the way out, the Hubster and I were keeping our eyes open as we walked from the gate to the club. We thought we would invite a soldier or two to join us as guests. When we got there, and saw the sign welcoming the military - we felt very proud!