Major transaltlantic airlines- good/bad/ugly? (US to Europe)

So, I've flown across the Pacific via Air New Zealand and Qantas, and while both are nice with a fair bit of room and personal monitors, I know nothing about big flights on other airlines.

There's a 100-300 $ difference in some of the flights I looked at, with some of the lower bidders being Lot (Polish airlines), Virgin Atlantic, and Royal Dutch. British Airways, Lufthansa, and others weighed in too, depending on the day.

So, given a choice of airlines for a hop across the pond (less so trans-euro), which would be the pick of the litter and why?

All else being equal, I prefer comfort the most due to not enjoying nasty muscle cramps after so many hours squashed behind someone. I can always bring my own entertainment, and as I learned flying on Qantas, personal entertainment can get buggy. (Both ways! Argh! Though I did see Up and most of Zombieland).

Qantas also worked with me, giving me the roomier seats just behind first/business/whatever. (They were also kind enough to bring me a cheese plate to save me from a sugar crash, so a big thumbs up to them and thus ends this plug for Qantas) Anyone have good experiences like that with other airlines?

Thanks folks. It's good to know British gets so many votes but that there are other nice airlines as well.

I don't suppose anyone's flown Lot lately? (I haven't in over 10 years. All I remember is it was a plane, I got on it, the flight was long, and once I went as an unaccompanied minor...)

Oh, more good info. Thanks everyone.

And Wendy, if you can fit under the seat I'm sure you can come But you have to carry yourself through the terminal.