Virgin Atlantic or United from SFO

We did this last month on BA, starting in Berlin thru Heathrow on way home. Although I prefer to fly United (just because) the cost for PE was considerably lower than either United or Delta even paying for seat selection. (PE seat was fine, food was airline food but Ok, flight attendants very nice). The only thing I would complain about is we arrived early then sat on the tarmac for almost an hour waiting for a gate but that’s Heathrow.

I don’t think Delta flies nonstop between SFO and LHR. I suspect you are looking at a Delta codeshare operated by Virgin Atlantic.

Do you use Frequent Flyer miles at all? Do you fly with other airlines in each of their alliances? Sometimes these small differences can make a difference with almost identical fares.

Delta is Skyteam. United is Star Alliance.

Since you are West Coast, do you ever fly Alaska? They are One World Alliance. Alaska has non-stops from SEA to London. It is a new route they are promoting. Depending on pricing, flying to London via Seattle may be worth it.

Yes, I would book with Delta but the partner Is Virgin Airlines. Verses United.

Just wondering about any possible considerations between the two. No milage program involved. It is actually a ticket for our son who lives in San Francisco.

So if you’re trying to decide between the two and Delta doesn’t have a non stop between SFO and Heathrow, I would always go with the one that is the non stop. It’s a long haul without making it longer.

American also has a nonstop from SFO to Heathrow.

I think OP clarified that the flight would be booked through Delta website but on Virgin Atlantic flight which is direct.
Delta itself does not have direct flights from SFO to Europe.

Delta is my main airlines but I can't speak about Virgin's planes or flights.

I think your question should be "Virgin Atlantic or United" and I don't fly either so I can't help, sorry.

Thanks for helping me clarify Joy.

Yes, I would book with Delta but the partner Is Virgin Airlines. Verses United.
Just wondering about any possible considerations between the two. No milage program involved. It is actually a ticket for our son who lives in San Francisco.

It sounds like you are trying decide between a non-stop flight on United or a non-stop flight on Virgin Atlantic. Is that correct?

If so.
1) Does your son belong to either frequent flyer program? The person who is flying gets the miles, not the person buying the ticket.
2) I would choose a flight that arrives in London as late as possible.

3) I prefer to book with the airline that is operating the plane (e.g., I ‘d buy a ticket from Virgin Atlantic rather than Delta). It makes it easier to do things like select a seat.

I mostly fly with United and haven’t had any particular issues. Virgin Atlantic used to have a better reputation for inflight service but I don’t know if that is still the case.

One thing to consider, I think Virgin only has one daily flight while United has a few daily flights to Heathrow.
Also look at the plane configuration as some are better than others.