BA to Tampa

[Buddy68]

We have been Orlando several times but have always flown Virgin economy and into Sanford. This year (August 22nd, and can't wait) we have gone for a total change; BA World Traveller plus and into Tampa. We are wondering has anyone got a comparative view in respect of the airline, the seats and inflight service?

Many Thanks
Buddy68

[christhear]

I am assuming you meant that you flew into MCO as virgin dont fly to Sanford.
My comparative view is that BA are much better - Tampa is a much nicer airport and the drive only slightly longer.
Having never had a decent flight on Virgin my choice is now any airline other than virgin. Not actually flown World traveller plus but economy was fine on BA so this should be even better. The cabin crew tend not to be very young, but I actually think slightly older crew are better.
Hope you have a great time

[Clare R]

I've flown BA World Traveller Plus twice into Tampa, first time paid extra for the service, second time it was a surprise upgrade once I checked in! It is a few rows, about six, slightly wider seats, curtained off from the economy, same food as economy, all in all it is generally a bit quieter. It is quite a lot of extra money for not a lot but I was travelling on my own and willing to treat myself. Would I pay for it again - yes, if the price is right and yes, probably if travelling on my own.

Tampa is a great airport, not very large and quieter than the hustle and bustle of Orlando.

[Jill]

Have flown this route several times and recommend it. BA have a much better hand luggage allowance over Virgin which makes life easier, especially now Virgin have started to weigh hand luggage. We have never had a bad flight with BA on this route. The airport is smaller than Orlando and more friendly and easy to navigate. There is a reasonable choice of places to buy a meal before boarding on the return trip. Car hire is on airport, apart from the odd small company, so even that is easy although being smaller than Orlando choice of cars is not always so great but again we have never had a problem.

[Katys Grandad]

It is a few rows, about six, slightly wider seats, curtained off from the economy, same food as economy, all in all it is generally a bit quieter. .

I think I'm right saying that the WT+ main courses are now the same as in Club.

[Buddy68]

Thanks for replies.

I think choosing another airline along with a different airport will make a change. I recall our last flight on Virgin and the planes looked tired and friends that upgraded to premium felt the cost difference was not worth it! So hopefully BA will be a good choice? That said, we are really looking forward to it.

Jo

[neilbrunton]

WT+ food is still the same as economy. We just flew out with BA WT+ last month and it is the same plastic food. Coming back we were upgraded to Club and the food was worlds apart. In club you get a proper menu with starters, then main and then desert. China plates and a wine list.

[Katys Grandad]

WT+ food is still the same as economy. We just flew out with BA WT+ last month and it is the same plastic food. Coming back we were upgraded to Club and the food was worlds apart. In club you get a proper menu with starters, then main and then desert. China plates and a wine list.

I'm a little surprised to hear that because BA's website says:


"Your World Traveller Plus experience includes a complimentary bar service, juices, teas and coffees, snacks and meals throughout your journey.

You can look forward to a three-course meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner, depending on your flight time. On flights into and out of London Heathrow and London Gatwick, your choice of main course comes from the business class Club World menu, while all our main course options are designed by leading chefs".


Clearly, BA are claiming that the Club and WT+ main courses come from the same menu. I rarely fly WT+ but my breakfast main course on a recent JFK-LHR flight was the same as I had in Club a week or so earlier. The big differences were that it wasn't served on China plates and all the courses came on a tray at the same time but the main courses were identical and ordered from a menu.

[SDJ]

I will be travelling BA WT+ to Orlando in a couple of weeks, and Club on the way back. I shall make sure I pay attention to what the difference is in food between the two. Personally I am not a fan of BA but thought I would give them another go as it suited my travel arrangements.