No. Trip Review: Virgin Atlantic's Boeing 787-9 In Premium Economy Your first checked bag will run you $75 out of pocket, while the second is $100. There are then nicely purple branded eye masks, socks, earplugs, toothbrushes, pen etc. All rights reserved. The seats are made of a chocolatey-burgundy leather, whilst the tray table and other flat surfaces have stoney texture. When you travel with us in Premium, you can choose from a selection of delicious hot dishes served on proper plates with a stylish place setting. A selection of beers and liquors are also available., Premium seats on Virgin Atlantic are generally around 50% more than standard economy (called Economy Classic) but may be a difference of a few hundred dollars, depending on the flight. Your dedicated cabin crew serve your meals on china crockery with glassware, for a personal, more restaurant style experience. The Complete Guide to Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy - Scott's Cheap Is Premium Economy Worth It? | Flipboard Privacy policy | However, your experience will vary between aircraft types. Virgin Atlantics premium economy continues to impress almost 30 years after it was first introduced. Click hereto see our recent articles on Virgin Atlantic and Flying Cluband click herefor our home page with the latest news on earning and spendingother airline and hotel points. The Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy service is excellent as you will read in most Virgin Atlantic premium economy reviews. I'm all for individuals utilizing their recline but if I'm paying for premium economy, I should not lose that much space from the person in front of me reclining. From personal experience, bids for premium economy usually begin . Other aspects of the "soft" product are also improved, such as priority service in the airport, an amenity kit and better headphones. Virgin Atlantic boasts that its premium economy seats are up to 21 inches wide. You can find out more about Virgin Atlantics Premium cabin on their website here. Regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a credit broker (FRN 690573). How do BA American Express companion vouchers work? A key thing to note is that Virgin Atlantic is now 49% owned by Delta. In-flight entertainment: Virgin Atlantic boasts over 300 hours of movies and TV shows in premium economy. Introducing our Spring/Summer menu in Economy Food to set you flying Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy is much better than the British Airways alternative. Do Iberia add redemption seats short notice? Alcohol is also complimentary, with a pre-takeoff glass of bubbly offered for Premium passengers. The airline has done well to position it as a halfway house between economy and business class rather than just as economy 'plus', although clearly on a night flight there is a big jump between Premium and the flat bed in Upper Class. The A350 may be one of the quietest aircraft out there but having noise cancelling still makes a huge difference so I prefer to bring my own. Virgin Atlantic Economy: What You Need to Know - NerdWallet Points convert at 1:1 into Virgin Points. The Virgin Atlantic loungecalled the Clubhouseis only for Upper Class passengers, or certain gold and platinum card holders or elite status members (such as Delta SkyMiles Diamond Medallion or Flying Blue Platinum) flying between the UK and US. Im pleased to see these are now in paper packaging as they were plastic-wrapped previously. However, passengers can also choose to bid for an upgrade. However, all Virgin customers can purchase entry to the No 1 lounge (Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh and Birmingham Airports). Economy To Premium Economy On Virgin Atlantic: Is The Upgrade Worth It? I must admit I went to pret before I boarded and bought some extra food. find out more about Virgin Atlantics Premium cabin on their website here. A couple of points on an older plane there was no 'wonder wall' and only on one trip did I get the red bag of accessories they didn't seem to give it out. Its also possible to bid auction-style for a seat in a higher class before your flight using Your Bid up to 2 days before the flight. Im 62 but you can see theres still several inches between me and the seat in front: In the bulkhead row you have virtually unlimited leg room and I was able to stretch my legs out fully: Premium seats get a 7 recline which is useful. with economy and premium economy customers . Which Airline Was The First To Introduce A Premium Economy Cabin? Do you get lounge access with Virgin Atlantic premium economy? Were talking a dedicated kids menu with tasty, nutritious and fun meals, and plenty of snacks. | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Review Making the Booking, Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Airport and Checking In, Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Boeing 787-9, Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy 787 The Verdict, Inside Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy A330, Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy a330 Entertainment and Amenities. Flying west across the Atlantic to the East Coast of the US is a quick and easy daytime flight, so there wasn't a need for a lie-flat bed or an enclosed suite. Dan Koday. is a perfectly fine way to cross the Atlantic, and the airline's snazzy "Upper Class" business class product is considered one of the best ways to fly to London. Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card. Head for Points made a financial contribution to the Woodland Trust as part of this trip. You can access this offer on Virgin Atlantic's website here. Premium amenity kits are available on Virgin Atlantic night flights, with an eye mask, toothbrush and toothpaste, ear plugs, and a pen. British Airways World Traveller Plus (2022) Review: Is it Worth It? (Photo by Jean Arnas/The Points Guy) Economy Fabulous food and drink is always included in Economy. If you have any memories of Mid Class then please leave them in the comments Id love to hear them. Virgin Atlantic's premium economy continues to impress almost 30 years after it was first introduced. This kit contains the essentials: an eye mask, brush, pen, earplugs, toothbrush and toothpaste. However, business class on Virgin Atlantic is usually at a much higher premium than on similar airlines. Its all part of our mission to net zero, and were committed to every target on that journey. Food was great, seats were comfortable and spacious. Quality, tasty hot meals served with a starter, your choice of wine, spirits, beer or soft drinks - and pudding, of course. It can vary from a classic English tea to a "destination-inspired" light meal. Our luxury hotel booking service offers you GUARANTEED extra benefits over booking direct. After retiring the last of their 747s in 2020, Virgin Atlantic has a mix of 787 Dreamliners, A330s, and A350s on their all long-haul routes. I bought wifi on the flight but had major problems. Virgin Atlantic has a variety of alternatives to help you manage your booking effectively, whether you wish to alter your flight dates, upgrade your ticket, or add special requests. This was the best premium economy experience I have had. British Airways World Traveller Plus customers need to queue at the standard economy desks. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Austin, Tampa & Orlando Award Sale Book By It wasnt made entirely clear, but before you queue for the check-in you have to get your documents checked in a separate queue. 2023 Head for Points. You won't get priority security or. Small business owners should consider the two American Express Business cards. Full details are on the Virgin Atlantic website here. British Airways has upgraded its soft product in the past few years and now actually offers a better (and more stylish) amenity kit, pillow and blanket. On the way back to London Heathrow was quite a nice breakfast before landing. Premium Economy on Virgin Atlantic is MUCH better than on Delta there will be a review of Delta Premium Economy to come. A Guide To Virgin Atlantic's 787 Premium Class You want a travel credit card that prioritizes whats important to you. Cookie statement | Flying Virgin Atlantic Airlines Guide - The Points Guy Portugal for $1,046 roundtrip in premium economy, London for $2,175 roundtrip in business class, Mumbai for $1, 085 roundtrip in premium economy. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums. Virgin Atlantic premium economy offers an elevated way to fly across the Atlantic and potentially onward to one of the airline's dozens of overseas destinations. I watched Cruella, which was pretty average, although I dont blame Virgin Atlantic for that! These contain three masks, some hand sanitiser and a wipe. Order up. Is Premium Economy worth it on Virgin Atlantic? Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for: Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, No annual fee: Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Luxury perks: The Platinum Card from American Express, Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, About the author: JT Genter is a freelance points, miles and credit card writer formerly of The Points Guy. When it comes to onboard food and drink, Virgin Atlantic clearly aims to impress. British Airways would offer wildly different fares for premium economy, and would end up with a mix of basic economy and premium at the booking summary. Virgin Atlantic introduced it in 1992, and British Airways soon after. Virgin needs to either move their premium economy seats up an inch or two to allow for more space or limit the recline slightly as to not ruin the experience for other passengers using the premium economy seats, too. Virgin Atlantic advertises that these amenity kits are only for overnight flights. The airline has done well to position it as a halfway house between economy and business class rather than just as economy plus, although clearly on a night flight there is a big jump between Premium and the flat bed in Upper Class. What American Express bonuses are you still eligible for? We like: Priority boarding, wide reclining chairs with footrest, the enhanced menu offering served on china with stainless steel cutlery, the snack bar on the new 787 aircraft with free snacks and drinks that you can help yourself . I have visited over 70 countries and love finding hidden gems, boutique hotels and great food and wine. While more plush than economy, theres no comparison of Virgin Atlantics Premium seats to Upper Class. In comparison, Virgin Economy Light fares don't get a checked bag allowance. When I asked why I was told that none of the entertainment systems were working. Virgin Atlantic boasts over 300 hours of movies and TV shows in premium economy. Try our chicken & leek pie with . Everything youd expect from a luxury menu, with a stylish table setting, attentive service and really delicious dishes. Premium fares are less than half or more than Upper Class, and often double the cheapest fare in Economy Light.. Also, whenever they moved or readjusted, the seat back flexed up and down more and on more than one occasion hit my knees. Darn! However, Virgin Atlantic doesnt offer leg rests in premium economy. The cabin crew make their first round through the cabin to serve drinks before proceeding with the meal. The Boutique Adventurer is owned by Beyond the Horizon. You do get priority check in and priority boarding but no fast track with Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy. We've booked 1.7 million of rooms to date. In addition to being narrower, the armrests may be slightly smaller on the A350, but this may not be an issue on a less-crowded flight or if you are sitting in one of the pairs of seats by the windows. On the way to Newark airport, we also had afternoon tea later in the flight. It was joint-first to launch the new cabin in 1992, together with Taiwanese carrier EVA Air. NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539, NMLS Consumer Access|Licenses and Disclosures, California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #60DBO-74812, Property and Casualty insurance services offered through NerdWallet Insurance Services, Inc. (CA resident license no. It is served on a single tray, albeit with proper crockery and cutlery: The starter was a feta, pea and herb frittata bite with olive tapenade and sun dried tomato. reward seats 354 days out going back into inventory? Maximise your Avios, air miles and hotel points. Alas, there is no access to the fantastic Virgin Atlantic Upper-Class bar sad face. Most airlines install no more than a couple dozen seats in their premium economy cabins. The food was a decent step up economy from and not much worse than some of the plates we've been served in Upper Class. The A350 is the flagship of Virgin Atlantics fleet and carries the newest Premium cabin. That means if you click on them and end up making a purchase on that website I will receive a small commission. But there is a fantastic what they call Wonder Wall area which has excellent premium snacks and drinks on offer throughout the entire flight. Airbus A330: 48 premium economy seats six full rows with seven seats per row, plus two partial rows. READ NEXT: American Airlines PREMIUM ECONOMY REVIEW. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Virgin Atlantic premium economy seats might be a tight fit width-wise on some aircraft. A truly high-end experience with the finest food and curated wines. Virgin Atlantic is definitely one of my preferred airlines. It is tucked right down between the two seats so youll need to put the torch on your phone on to find it. There is also a pull-out footrest - or if you are in the front row the attendant brings a footrest all of your own. A chilled glass of bubbly when you board, and a selection of delicious hot dishes served on proper plates with a stylish place setting. She is a regular copy editor of Fodor's Travel guidebooks and an occasional contributor to AFAR and Marriott Traveler. So that is a nice experience for premium economy passengers. Meet our sky superheros making your journey the most memorable, We are proud to have one of the youngest and cleanest fleet in the skies, Grab the popcorn for our inflight entertainment, 2022 Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. All rights reserved.Registered office: Registered office: The VHQ, Fleming Way, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 9DF Food And Drink In Premium Economy - Virgin Atlantic I was planning on working on the trip so I moved to the free two seats in front of me which had bulkhead leg room and only returned to my seat to watch a movie. Coupled with the pink/purple Virgin lighting it looks very smart. I covered the cost of my flights on Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy. Upper Class also has an on-board bar or social gathering space on the plane for passengers to stretch their legs and enjoy a drink or even a tastinga bit more sophisticated than Premiums Wander Wall of packaged snacks and canned drinks.. Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy gets 5 stars in this review Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy. Click for details. Screens are also wider (13 vs 11.5) in Premium. Nice Drinks is a Virgin StartUp funded business that offers delicious wine in a can. 787-900 Dreamliners: The most energy efficient of Virgin Atlantic's fleet has 35 Premium seats in a 2-3-2 configuration. This New Aircraft Has Virgin Atlantic's First-ever 'Retreat Suites Virgin Atlantics Upper Class is known not only for their in-seat personal spaces, but also social spaces, with exclusive onboard bars and airport lounges. Virgin Atlantic premium economy gets you priority check-in, two free checked bags and impressive in-flight meals. The seat pitch is up to 38 inches and 4 inches more than economy. The in-seat entertainment (named Vera, along with the in-flight magazine) has a slightly bigger screen in Premium (13 vs 11 in most cases) with a good selection of current films, TV shows, and games. Instead of standard packets of crisps or kit kats they offer cute little brands like Popchips and I had some great cheese popcorn. Either way, youll never overpay on flights again. However, premium economy passengers have reported receiving them on daytime flights across the Atlantic. British Airways have improved its premium economy, but Virgins is still better. Finally theres the much-vaunted Virgin Clubhouse airport lounge, exclusive to Upper Class Virgin Atlantic passengers and select elite credit card holders. Back then it was called the somewhat less beguiling Mid Class and was described a revolutionary new product that will deliver the requirements of the business traveller paying full economy. The crew are as always on Virgin outstanding, and I just want to say thanks to Stewart and his team. Please note, menus can vary by route and we reserve the right to change the menu without prior notice. Whats the value of Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points? 60,000 points AND a 200 Amex Travel voucher until 13th June! Lounge access is not included with Premium unless you are Flying Club Gold or have your two Clubhouse passes as a Silver, as I did. All but Economy Light fares include one checked bag and a carry-on. I always seem to end up hungry on longer flights post covid. Once the trays are down a staff member then brings out scones for everyone. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. Many of the perks of Mid Class were the same as Premium offers today, including dedicated check-in, separate cabin and priority baggage handling. Economy Light, Classic and Delight - Virgin Atlantic It genuinely felt premium and the experience was excellent. Plus I found it helpful to have prices for Virgin Atlantic Economy cabin, Premium Economy class Virgin Atlantic and Virgin premium class next to each other for comparison. Hi! Virgin's premium economy offering, called Premium, is the middle ground between business class and coach. That's 7 more inches of legroom than what's installed in most long-haul economy seats including Virgin Atlantic's. Virgin Atlantic premium economy passengers get a dedicated Premium check-in and bag drop line. But seats shrink to nearly economy sizes on the airline's Airbus A350 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Our opinions are our own. Bookings made by credit card or debit card no longer incur a fee. The staff on Virgin were extremely friendly and fun as always. Cookie statement | I'm not sure I would want to fly Virgin's premium economy again. Meg Alcazar is a freelance writer based in Durham, North Carolina, and a former expat of Istanbul and Wellington. Review: how is Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy on the A350? An elevated inflight dining experience that feels well, Premium. We make sure the inflight dining experience for little ones is just as considered as the one for grown ups. I loved the pillow offered in premium economy. I was planning on using the wifi for about 6 hours of the flight and was only able to get access for about two hours. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly. These include London, San Francisco, New York, Glasgow and Hong Kong. I've tried the premium economy of Cathy Pacific and I loved it. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. 40,000 points bonus and a 200 Amex Travel credit every year Read our full review, 20,000 points sign-up bonus and free for a year Read our full review. I much preferred my premium economy seats on Air France which their hard shell model and semi-recumbent position of the seats (although strange at first) but was very comfortable and you had your own dedicated space with no one in front or behind you bothering you at all during the entirety of the flight. Bookings made by credit card or debit card no longer incur a fee. You really do feel the benefit of having a couple of crew dedicated to the Premium cabin rather than sharing them with economy. I hadnt been able to find out much about the food in the premium economy Virgin Atlantic review reading. Virgin Atlantic A330neo Plane From NYC to London, Review With - Insider Get more smart money moves straight to your inbox. I highly recommend Virgin Atlantic Airlines to the world.. FIVE STARS always Just found the post, Id like to say thank you. Food and Wine Virgin Atlantic boasts that its premium economy seats are up to 21 inches wide. How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2023? Virgin Atlantic doesnt fly to as many destinations as some other airlines, but there are a few that I have visited and written about. An economy meal on board Virgin's A350. Virgin Atlantic economy class passengers get to look at a menu for meals. The snacks are terrific on Virgin. I always start my search for flights with Skyscanner and then move on to Expedia. Virgin Premium was the very first airline experience I reviewed for TPG roughly three-and-a-half years ago on a much older aircraft. Unfortunately the flight was packed so I wasnt able to get a good shot of the cabin itself. Why expect less? Learn more: Is the Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard worth its annual fee? Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Learn how your comment data is processed. Privacy policy | Still, Virgin Atlantic premium economy doesn't check all the boxes. In Premium Economy we focus on offering you high quality food with some extra flair. Economy - from 34,000 Avios + 134 to 8,500 Avios + 274; Premium Economy - from 51,000 Avios + 233 to 10,200 Avios + 483; Weirdly, it is cheaper to book Premium Economy tickets on the Iberia website, whilst Economy prices better on avios.com. Boutique Hotels The case and contents are made from recycled materials which is a nice gimmick but not substantial. Approx 90 minutes before landing Virgin serves delicious afternoon tea. Read our full review. Virgin Atlantic Economy Delight Food. ALL were long haul flights. Adam. I use Delta as my main carrier and Virgin Atlantic is there partner which from SFO to TLV will be our ride, I was wondering how the Premium Economy would rate on Virgin Atlantic and it sounds like I have a great experience coming up. How to get free hotel elite status from UK credit cards, Get exclusive benefits on luxury hotel bookings via HfP. Hope you really enjoy your Virgin Atlantic premium economy experience. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly. This was chicken sandwiches, some rather nice scones and some cakes. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. My ticket was $1300 including connection from CHS. Great service from Virgin. Lady ahead of me at check in had paid $450 for pre departure covid tests for her and her husband. This Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy review post contains affiliate links. Once I finally reached the top of the queue the check-in staff were very friendly. Have you flown with Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy? A review of Virgin Atlantic's Premium on the A350 from New York to