transatlantic · 8h 00m · 5,539 km
London to New York (JFK)
3 airlines · 3 aircraft ranked
In business class, Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class (A330-900neo) edges out the field with a 8.2/10. In premium economy, American's Premium Economy (777-300ER) leads the field with a 5.5/10.
Quick pick
Fly Virgin Atlantic. It has 4 more inches of legroom and a wider seat (22" vs 21").
If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.
Fly American. It has free Wi-Fi (paid on Virgin Atlantic).
If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.
Fly American. It has free Wi-Fi (paid on Virgin Atlantic).
If prices are similar, go with this one.
Select two airlines to compare head-to-head
Data verified May 2026
New routes and airlines added regularly. One short email when we do.
Airlines on this route
Route insights
- In business class, Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class (A330-900neo) edges out the field with a 8.2/10.
- In premium economy, American's Premium Economy (777-300ER) leads the field with a 5.5/10.
- In economy, American's Main Cabin (777-300ER) edges out the field with a 5.1/10.
Frequently asked
Which is better in business: British Airways or Virgin Atlantic on LHR-JFK?
In business, Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic's A330-900neo scores 8.2/10 compared to Club World on British Airways's 777-300 at 5.5/10, a dominant lead. Virgin Atlantic wins on seat type, legroom, seat width. The key difference is 72" vs 79".
Which is better in premium economy: British Airways or Virgin Atlantic on LHR-JFK?
In premium economy, World Traveller Plus on British Airways's 777-300 and Premium on Virgin Atlantic's A330-900neo are virtually identical at 4.7 and 4.9 out of 10. Premium leads in power, but the overall experience is comparable.
Which is better in economy: British Airways or Virgin Atlantic on LHR-JFK?
In economy, Economy Classic on Virgin Atlantic's A330-900neo scores 5/10 compared to World Traveller on British Airways's 777-300 at 4/10, a clear advantage. Virgin Atlantic wins on seat width, entertainment, power. The key difference is usb a vs all.
Which is better in business: British Airways or American on LHR-JFK?
In business, Flagship Business on American Airlines's 777-300ER scores 8.1/10 compared to Club World on British Airways's 777-300 at 5.5/10, a dominant lead. American Airlines wins on seat type, legroom, seat width. The key difference is 72" vs 79".
Which is better in premium economy: British Airways or American on LHR-JFK?
In premium economy, Premium Economy on American Airlines's 777-300ER scores 5.5/10 compared to World Traveller Plus on British Airways's 777-300 at 4.7/10, a narrow edge. American Airlines wins on wi-fi, power. The key difference is usb a vs all.
Which is better in economy: British Airways or American on LHR-JFK?
In economy, Main Cabin on American Airlines's 777-300ER scores 5.1/10 compared to World Traveller on British Airways's 777-300 at 4/10, a clear advantage. American Airlines wins on wi-fi, entertainment, power. The key difference is usb a vs all.
Which is better in business: Virgin Atlantic or American on LHR-JFK?
In business, Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic's A330-900neo and Flagship Business on American Airlines's 777-300ER are virtually identical at 8.2 and 8.1 out of 10. Flagship Business leads in wi-fi, but the overall experience is comparable.
Which is better in premium economy: Virgin Atlantic or American on LHR-JFK?
In premium economy, Premium Economy on American Airlines's 777-300ER scores 5.5/10 compared to Premium on Virgin Atlantic's A330-900neo at 4.9/10, a narrow edge. American Airlines wins on wi-fi, extras. The key difference is paid wi-fi vs free wi-fi.
Which is better in economy: Virgin Atlantic or American on LHR-JFK?
In economy, Economy Classic on Virgin Atlantic's A330-900neo and Main Cabin on American Airlines's 777-300ER are virtually identical at 5 and 5.1 out of 10. Main Cabin leads in wi-fi, but the overall experience is comparable.
What are the best seats in British Airways Club World on LHR-JFK?
Best: The mini-cabin (rows 5-7) has only 12 seats and is the quietest and most private. Window suites (A or K) in rows 9-12 create a genuine cocoon with the door and fuselage wall. Row 5 gets priority meal service with the widest choice of entrees. Avoid: Partial rows 18 and 24 only have center seats and lack window positions. Back rows of each cabin section near galleys experience more noise. Bassinet positions at 8K and 19A/K may mean infants nearby. Row 24 gets meal service last. 76 Club Suite seats across three separate cabins, making this BA's largest business class. All 16 777-300ER frames are now retrofitted. The Club Suite has a larger 18.5-inch IFE screen than First class. Every seat has a door, direct aisle access, and Bluetooth audio. Center pairs have retractable dividers for couples.
What are the best seats in British Airways World Traveller Plus on LHR-JFK?
Best: Row 31 offers the sweet spot between bulkhead legroom and avoiding bassinet noise. Window pairs (A-B, J-K) provide the most privacy. Avoid: Row 30 bassinet position means possible infant noise. Row 34 (last row) has limited recline and proximity to economy partition. Center seats D-E-F-G are least desirable. 40-seat premium economy in 8-abreast 2-4-2 configuration. Adjustable headrests with wings. Complimentary meal service with upgraded wine selection. Dedicated cabin crew. USB and AC power at every seat.
What are the best seats in British Airways World Traveller on LHR-JFK?
Best: Rows 40-42 are the front of economy, furthest from the rear galley. Exit row seats offer more legroom. Avoid: Last 2-3 rows near rear galley and lavatories are noisy with limited recline. Middle seats (B, E, H) in the 3-3-3 layout are least desirable. Row 53 typically has no recline. 9-abreast economy at 31-inch pitch on the 777-300ER. Complimentary meals and beverages on all long-haul routes. Seatback IFE with USB charging. The 777-300ER is BA's flagship long-haul aircraft.
What are the best seats in Virgin Atlantic Upper Class on LHR-JFK?
Best: Row 1 center pair (1A/1B) are Retreat Suites with 27-inch screens, buddy seats, and extra storage. Window seats in even rows are the most private standard suites. Avoid: Row 8 is closest to The Loft social area and premium cabin. Odd-row window seats are slightly more exposed. Thompson Vantage XL+ suites with privacy doors in a 1-2-1 staggered layout. Two Retreat Suites in row 1 center have 27-inch 4K screens and a buddy seat that extends the sleeping surface. Standard suites get 17.3-inch 4K Safran RAVE screens. WiFi is Viasat (~63 Mbps, paid); Starlink expected 2027. 60W USB-C and wireless charging pad at every suite. REN skincare amenity kit in recycled kraft paper. Thick mattress pad for sleeping. The Loft social space seats 8 with dual 27-inch screens and self-service fridge.
What are the best seats in Virgin Atlantic Premium on LHR-JFK?
Best: Window pairs in row 21 (21A/B and 21J/K) are bulkhead seats with extra legroom. Avoid: Center seats in the middle block (D, E, F) in any row. Row 27 is closest to economy. Collins MiQ seats with bi-fold tray table, four-way adjustable headrest, calf rest, and 7 inches of recline. 13.3-inch Safran RAVE touchscreen with Bluetooth audio pairing. AC outlet, USB-A, and wireless charging pad at every seat. Plated meals with upgraded menu. Pillow and blanket at the seat.
What are the best seats in Virgin Atlantic Economy Classic on LHR-JFK?
Best: Economy Delight rows offer 34-inch pitch for an upcharge. Window pairs (A/B and J/K) avoid the center quad entirely. Avoid: Inner center seats (E, F) in the 2-4-2 layout. Last rows where layout narrows to 2-3-2. Economy Delight (28 seats, 34-inch pitch) and Economy Classic (156 seats, 31-inch pitch) share the same Recaro CL3710 seat. 13.3-inch Safran RAVE touchscreens with Bluetooth audio — the largest economy IFE screens in the VS fleet. AC outlet and USB-A at every seat. 2-4-2 layout is wider than the 787 (3-3-3) so window pairs exist without a triple block. Rear rows narrow to 2-3-2.
What are the best seats in American Flagship Business on LHR-JFK?
Best: 1A and 1L are Flagship Suite Preferred seats with extra storage, mattress pads, and lumbar pillows. Odd-row window seats (3A, 5A, 7A, 3L, 5L, 7L) sit closer to the window for better privacy. Center pairs (D-G) in rows 1-4 work well for couples. Avoid: Row 9 and 10 flank the mid-cabin galley — expect noise and crew traffic. Rows 13-14 are closest to the premium economy divider. Even-row window seats sit closer to the aisle with less privacy than odd rows. 70 Adient Ascent suites with sliding doors replaced the old Zodiac Cirrus and eliminated First Class entirely. Wireless charging and Bluetooth audio at every seat. Pitch dropped from 43 to 42 inches in the retrofit.
What are the best seats in American Premium Economy on LHR-JFK?
Best: Row 20 bulkhead seats offer the most legroom. Window pairs (A-B and H-J) are best for couples. Avoid: Center seats in the 4-abreast middle section (D-E-F-G) in the last row have limited recline and are close to the economy cabin. Expanded from 28 to 44 seats in the retrofit. Now features privacy wings on headrests. Premium economy cabin is 8-abreast, same as pre-retrofit.
What are the best seats in American Main Cabin on LHR-JFK?
Best: Main Cabin Extra rows (approximately rows 30-33) offer 34 inches of pitch. Exit row seats provide significantly more legroom. Avoid: Last 2-3 rows near rear lavatories and galley are noisy and have limited recline. Middle seats in the 4-abreast center block (D-E-F-G) are least desirable. Main Cabin Extra pitch reduced from 35 to 34 inches in the retrofit. 10-abreast seating is standard for 777 economy. Three fewer lavatories in this configuration versus the pre-retrofit layout.