Side by side
Virgin Atlantic vs All Nippon Airways
Virgin Atlantic
36 positive (68%) · 8 mixed (15%) · 9 negative (17%)
Trust + time weighted: +53%
AI summary — not a quote
Virgin Atlantic is highly regarded for providing a superior economy class experience and offering high-value award redemption opportunities, particularly for routes between India and the UK. While travelers praise the onboard service and seat availability, the brand faces criticism for high taxes and surcharges on points-based bookings and technical hurdles when booking partner airlines.
Pros
- Superior economy class experience compared to competitors
- Excellent award redemption value for India-to-London routes
- Helpful onboard service, including proactive assistance with meals and snacks
- Better reward seat availability than some partner or competing airlines
Cons
- High taxes and surcharges on award bookings, especially departing from London (LHR)
- Difficulties booking partner airline tickets through the website
- Poor customer service coordination when booking partner airlines (e.g., name corrections)
- Occasional significant flight delays
Top excerpts
I am a broke economy flyer and took Virgin Atlantic to London twice ('23, '24) and it was the best economy experience I've had.
I like flying Virgin Atlantic or KLM going between the states and Europe. They have great accommodations and go out of their way to help you with meals, snacks, etc.
Convert amex to Virgin. Virgin Atlantic for india-UK flights is quite cheap in terms of points. The best rate I have seen is 6K miles and around 120GBP taxes from BLR-LHR.
I 2nd Virgin Atlantic. Flew them a couple times from Tampa to London and theyre pretty great.
Hi, I just booked Vietnam airline via virgin Atlantic website, neither airlines can help me in adding a middle names on tickets, even though Vietnam airlines allow it if you purchase direct. they charge a small fee to correct the name. They won’t help because I booked through another airline.
All Nippon Airways
33 positive (65%) · 11 mixed (22%) · 7 negative (14%)
Trust + time weighted: +53%
AI summary — not a quote
All Nippon Airways (ANA) is highly regarded as a premium full-service carrier, frequently preferred over major US airlines for its superior service quality and economy class experience. While standard fares are often described as expensive, the airline is noted for frequent monthly sales that offer significant value, sometimes including free domestic legs within Japan. However, the brand is also associated with strict administrative policies and notoriously difficult award seat availability, particularly for business class redemptions through Star Alliance partners.
Pros
- High service standards, often preferred over carriers like United
- Allows booking for up to nine people in a single transaction
- Frequent monthly sales can lead to highly competitive promotional fares
- Highly rated economy class experience
Cons
- Standard fares are often expensive compared to budget or mid-tier carriers
- Business class award availability is extremely limited and difficult to secure with miles
- Strict customer service policies regarding name changes and booking modifications
- Award seats for Star Alliance partners may only be released ~15 days before departure
Top excerpts
I flew with ANA, and the flight was with a De Havilland Dash 8 (turboprop) which was an experience in itself! The staff was lovely
ANA and JAL are not cheap.
Same deal with ANA. You can book up to [nine people at one time.](https://www.ana.co.jp/en/us/plan-book/terms/)
On ANA you can book up to [nine people at one time.](https://www.ana.co.jp/en/us/plan-book/terms/)
If cost is not a major concern, then book with full-service carriers like Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, JAL, ANA.