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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Air France vs Virgin Atlantic Airways

Side-by-side policy and rating comparison — baggage, Wi-Fi, legroom, lounges, and loyalty programmes.

Verdict

Air France scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.1/10 vs 8.0/10 for Virgin Atlantic Airways. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.

Comparison data last updated 6 July 2026

Policy comparison

Structured operational tokens — verify current fare rules on each airline before booking.

Policy Air France Virgin Atlantic Airways
Cabin baggage IncludedIncluded
Checked baggage 1×23 kg long-haul; Light no checked short-haul1×23 kg standard Economy; none on Light
In-flight Wi-Fi PaidPaid
Economy seat pitch 31"31"
Loyalty programme Flying BlueFlying Club
Lounge access Air France lounges Business/La PremièreClubhouse for Upper Class and Gold
Changes & refunds Flex allows changesFlex free changes; Lite/Classic charge fee

Individual profiles

Air France

AF · France

Expert Editorial Review

FlightLogic score: 8.1/10

Editorial profiles

France · AF/AFR · #1 in this comparison

Air France

France is in the air

#13 Global 4-Star
8.1 / 10
Quick Answer

Air France scores 8.1/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.2/10), ranking #13 globally. in-flight Wi-Fi is paid or partial on most long-haul routes. Special meals require pre-order on long-haul.

Is Air France a good airline?

Air France scores 8.1/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic, ranking #13 globally with a safety score of 9.2/10. Air France is France's flag carrier and a SkyTeam founding member, operating a global network from Paris CDG with La Première first class, reverse-herringbone business on long-haul, and deep African and Caribbean connectivity. See full profile →

Overall 8.1 Excellent
Safety 9.2 Excellent Safety
Service 8.3 Cabin crew & ground
Value 7.6 Fare vs product
Star rating 4★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Customer Service
8.3
Seat Comfort
8.2
Food & Beverage
8.5
In-Flight Entertainment
8.0
On-Time Performance
7.8
Value for Money
7.6

Key facts

Hub
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Alliance
skyteam
Founded
1933
Fleet
220 aircraft
Region
europe
IATA / ICAO
AF / AFR

Passenger policies

Cabin baggage Included — standard carry-on allowance applies
Checked baggage 1×23 kg long-haul; Light no checked short-haul
In-flight Wi-Fi Paid Wi-Fi or messaging packages
Economy seat pitch 31"
Lounge access Air France lounges Business/La Première
Changes & refunds Flex allows changes
Loyalty programme Flying Blue

Strengths

  • La Première first class and CDG lounge
  • Strong African and Caribbean network
  • Flying Blue shared with KLM

Weaknesses

  • CDG connection complexity
  • Economy density on short-haul

Awards & recognition

  • Best Business Class Dining Europe
  • SkyTeam founding member

United Kingdom · VS/VIR · #2 in this comparison

Virgin Atlantic Airways

The airline that reinvented long-haul travel with style

#12 Global 4-Star
8.0 / 10
Quick Answer

Virgin Atlantic Airways scores 8.0/10 on FlightLogic (safety 8.7/10), ranking #12 globally. verified in-flight Wi-Fi averages 6 Mbps on measured routes. Catering: Special meals via manage-my-booking — vegan and halal reliable on long-haul with 24h notice

Is Virgin Atlantic Airways a good airline?

Virgin Atlantic Airways scores 8.0/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic, ranking #12 globally with a safety score of 8.7/10. Virgin Atlantic is a British long-haul carrier founded in 1984 by Richard Branson, flying a compact, modern fleet from its London Heathrow base to North America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. Renowned for pioneering Premium Economy and its stylish, service-forward Upper Class product with onboard social spaces and the iconic Clubhouse lounges, it consistently ranks among the most-loved transatlantic airlines and joined the SkyTeam alliance in March 2023. See full profile →

Overall 8.0 Excellent
Safety 8.7 Excellent Safety
Service 8.6 Cabin crew & ground
Value 7.6 Fare vs product
Star rating 4★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Customer Service
8.6
Seat Comfort
8.3
Food & Beverage
7.8
In-Flight Entertainment
8.0
On-Time Performance
7.4
Value for Money
7.6

Key facts

Hub
London Heathrow (LHR)
Alliance
skyteam
Founded
1984
Fleet
43 aircraft
Region
europe
IATA / ICAO
VS / VIR

Passenger policies

Cabin baggage Included — standard carry-on allowance applies
Checked baggage 1×23 kg standard Economy; none on Light
In-flight Wi-Fi Paid Wi-Fi or messaging packages
Economy seat pitch 31"
Lounge access Clubhouse for Upper Class and Gold
Changes & refunds Flex free changes; Lite/Classic charge fee
Loyalty programme Flying Club

Strengths

  • Widely credited with pioneering the modern Premium Economy cabin, a product now copied industry-wide
  • Distinctive Upper Class experience with onboard bar/social space (The Loft on A350s), chauffeur transfers, and the renowned Clubhouse lounges
  • Young, modern long-haul fleet of Airbus A350-1000s, A330-900neos and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

Weaknesses

  • Small, long-haul-only fleet (43 aircraft, no short-haul or regional network) means limited route breadth versus alliance-backed rivals
  • Smallest SkyTeam long-haul network — relies heavily on its Delta and Air France-KLM joint venture for connectivity

Awards & recognition

  • Skytrax World's Best Premium Economy Class Airline 2025
  • Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards — regularly ranked among top transatlantic carriers for cabin design
  • Virgin Atlantic Upper Class named among World's Best Business Class contenders in Skytrax rankings

FAQ

Which is better — Air France or Virgin Atlantic Airways?

Air France scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.1/10 vs 8.0/10 for Virgin Atlantic Airways. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.

Does Air France or Virgin Atlantic Airways include a carry-on bag?

Air France: Included. Virgin Atlantic Airways: Included.

Which has free Wi-Fi — Air France or Virgin Atlantic Airways?

Air France: Paid. Virgin Atlantic Airways: Paid.

Does Air France include checked baggage?

Air France checked baggage: 1×23 kg long-haul; Light no checked short-haul.

Does Virgin Atlantic Airways include checked baggage?

Virgin Atlantic Airways checked baggage: 1×23 kg standard Economy; none on Light.