As it stands, moving you from an A350 to a 787 is an uncompensated downgrade, plain and simple. Looking ahead to brighter skies Most of the time, the aircraft type will be written in the flight details while booking. Here is my Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Review, including how it compares with the airlines premium economy offer and how it compares with business class on similar airlines. Virgin Atlantic A330-300 Upper Class Seats There's next to nowhere to store a book, cables, chargers, or anything else that a passenger may want close to hand during the flight. In conclusion, yes, Virgin Atlantic Upper Class gets a good plus rating from me because of the staff and clubhouse. There is a choice of 3 main courses and it is all served on china. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. In an interview between Brian Kelly and Virgin CEO Shai Weiss, Weiss discussed plans to retrofit the Boeing 787-9s with the same Upper Class Suite, but not before the arrival of the 14 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft that Virgin has on order. This isnt something that particularly bothers me since airline beef is often cooked to the consistency of boot leather, unless youre flying on ANA First Class. For power, there are two USB ports, one just above an AC plug which is at knew level in the body of the seat, and a second under the open shelves. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Virgin Atlantic 787 Upper Class lunch starter. Virgin Atlantic 23 London (LHR) - Los Angeles (LAX) Tuesday, May 25 Depart: 2:30 PM Arrive: 5:45 PM Duration: 11hr, 15min Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000 Seat: 10K (Upper Class) I was first onboard and walked through the onboard lounge and turned left to find my seat on the starboard side of the plane. Join Flying Club for free and earn Virgin Points on every Virgin Atlantic flight, and redeem them on fabulous rewards like upgrades, flights and much more. We arrived on time into New York and were quickly off the aircraft. The first being that the window seats on the Airbus A330-300s and 787-9 Dreamliners (rows A and K) actually face inward into the cabin, rather than out of the window. + -.Upper Midland Products [3PK] Candy Jars For Candy Buffet With Candy Scoops - 48 Oz Clear Gumball Candy Buffet Bar Containers Set Plastic Candy Display Jars With Lids Check out our party candy buffet selection for the very best in . Maps generated by theGreat Circle Mapper copyright Karl L. Swartz. YES!!!! The new Virgin Atlantic Upper Class suite on ther airline's A350-1000 is a huge step up from the Upper Class seat offered on Virgin's other aircraft and in many ways is a very good seat indeed. Virgin Atlantic 787 Upper Class afternoon tea. The A350 is a beautiful aircraft, and the new Upper Class Suite is a huge step forward for Virgin, allowing it to compete again on the international business-class stage. But I only think it is worth paying extra if it isnt a huge jump from the premium economy price. And Ethiopian Airlines Business Class (Dubai to Addis Babba?) Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Food and Wine Itineraries Upper Class passengers with Virgin Atlantic can enjoy a full-service meal in the lounge at the airport before boarding (the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at LHR is fantastic, by the way). Virgin currently only operates long-haul routes using wide-bodied aircraft -- each one complete with an Upper Class cabin. I was flying from London to Bhutan via Delhi and got an excellent deal with Virgin Atlantic on upper class I was shocked by how reasonable the price was compared to flying with Virgin Atlantic upper class to the USA. I couldnt help feeling that a redcurrant based sauce could have added a much needed dash of colour and acidity though. Answer 1 of 2: Hi. This aircraft has a total of 335 seats configured in three classes: 235 in economy, 56 in premium economy and 44 in business class (or Upper Class as Virgin calls it) in a 1-2-1 configuration of 11 rows (numbered 1-11) in an A-DG-K format. It offers a host of additional benefits which add the most luxurious touches to your flight experience. And for those traveling lovers, Virgin has called three sets of its middle seats the Love Suites 1E, 1F, 3E, 3F, 5E and 5F. I specifically booked this airline, time of departure and am connecting because I wanted to fly the A350. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. The taxi was allowed to drop me off at the drive through check-in, which saved the new 5 drop-off fee on the forecourt of Heathrow. I appreciated the fact that each course was served in succession, rather than getting an Economy style tray with all courses presented together (something that many airlines are still doing under the pretence of COVID safety). However, if you have a seat in the middle, you will be directly facing those who have a seat on the right-hand side of the plane and vice versa. The Luxury Traveller is a luxury travel agency affiliated with Classic Travel. 29 Most Corrupt Countries in the World (2023) Revealed. A lip balm, hand cream, and global protection day cream. Pre-dinner drinks if you're in the mood for a little tipple. The problem is that VS act like the old coffin seats and the new suites are equivalent products. They found her a seat in economy with spare seats and said she could come up to the bar in upper class whenever she wanted during the flight. 7 reviews Craig Cutts (United Kingdom) 10th December 2022. Once you know what your options are, you'll be able to make a more informed decision about the seat you'd like to sit in -- happy flying! The image below serves to highlight another major issue with these window seats: they face into the aisle rather than the window. The coffin-like cubes are impossible to get comfortable in, much less sleep in so your experience on the older plane was in many ways the same as mine on the new A350. There are two common problems that come up time and time again with Virgin Atlantic seats in Upper Class. The seat featured the smallest in-flight entertainment screen Ive seen on any plane in Business Class, although the resolution was up to modern standards. After a couple of minutes peeled away and then headed off to New York. These small areas featured deep, comfortable chairs with poofs and were much quieter than the rest of the clubhouse. For example, seats 3A, 5A, 3K and 5K are called Solo Corner Suites, owing to the added feeling of privacy being farther away from the aisle. Your email address will not be published. Much of my work trip this time was in Kansas - I used domestic airlines Jet Blue and Southwest to travel within the US. Entertainment screens are available on long-haul flights and wifi is offered on selected routes. The first-class cabin, called Upper Class, offers amenities travelers have come to expect when flying in elevated luxury. Id love to help you find your next memorable vacation. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Canadian tariffs. We also like there to be some flexibility to the service, so on many flights we offer 'Extra Bites' you can order at any time. The toiletries in the self-titled goodie bag are from Ren and were decent but not amazing. I have flown Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy several times and it is my favorite premium economy airline offer. There is an area with three exercise bikes set up to have views directly onto the tarmac. I even prefer the Premium Economy in the 787 -but they are mysteriously not available on the same plane. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. I got this to work, but it was quite beyond me to understand how it worked so I just used the touchscreen. It is a 1 x 1 x 1 horizontal configuration, so it doesnt really matter if you have a middle seat when it comes to space or ease of getting in and out of the seat. I was fiercely loyal to Virgin up until 2012 when their upper class was still state of the art. You might enjoy reading some more of my business class airline reviews: Delta Premium Select Review (2023) Is it Worth It? We also sampled this at Virgin's media launch of the new menu held at the airline's Brisbane hangar, although the dish was served fully-plated from Boeing 737 meal carts by Virgin crew. The quality of the HD screen is outstanding, though I didnt use the screen for anything other than the tail cam which, frustratingly, didnt work for take-off, and the moving map. You can lie down for a refreshing sleep, unwind in the exclusive on board bar area and even freshen up with Rituals sleep amenities. These are wines I would quite happily drink at home, but given that drinking in the air isnt advisable because of dehydration, jet lag or the fact you might have meetings when you arrive, it does have to be a little bit special for me to be tempted, and wines around the 10 mark are fine if you really want a drink, but also are easy to refuse. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. The crew were very proactive in offering to help with my bed. There are several dishes to choose from, some of which are familiar, some that offer a few unexpected delights. The herringbone seat is narrow and lacks privacy, the amenity kit bag was cheap and the alcohol selection wasn't the best. Virgin Atlantic's A350 aircraft features one large Business ("Upper") Class cabin, which is located in the plane's front section. The smoked duck breast was very basic in terms of presentation and execution. Since passenger flying restarted in July 2020 the airline simplified its onboard service to minimise interaction between customers and crew. This A350-1000 has Virgins new Upper Class Suite fitted. I was very impressed. The design of the cabin feels incredibly sexy, elegant and funky, and has a slightly futuristic look, almost reminiscent of what I feel a spaceship would look like. The newest A350 planes are fitted with The Booth. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Virgin Atlantic Upper Class A340-600 Atlanta - London Heathrow Check-in and Lounge. In a seated, upright position it was hard to shift the impression that this was more of a Premium Economy product in terms of overall privacy. Definitely not an ideal situation though! Virgin Atlantic 787 Upper Class ice lolly. On Virgin Atlantic, the staff in Upper Class actually come to your seat and proactively ask if there is anything more you would like. We have throw caution to the wind and booked upper class from London to Antigua in Nov. Has anyone flown upper class recently. I flew from London to Delhi on a 787-9, which has quite a small entertainment screen of 11.1 inches (as does the A330-300). We offer specialised meals which you may prefer for medical or religious reasons. Range of Pukka teas, hot chocolate and coffees. But a lot changes in 10 years and now the upper class on the 787 is akin to revisiting that 80s nightclub you used to love as a kid, only to wonder what the hell you were ever thinking being in there. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. For take-off and landing, there isnt any, really: just a very thin magazine holder where youll find the headphones when you first board. All seats face the window, both window seats and centre seats, meaning for the centre seats when you want to chat to your neighbour you have to twist around and its not comfortable for very long. The best thing they can do now if you have any loyalty points left, is book the cheapest Heathrow upper class reward flight you can find enter the amazing clubhouse (which is still awesome) and spend as long as you possibly can inside before they kick you out of the airport and tell you that you are banned from flying Virgin Atlantic ever again. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. As with Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy, plenty of food is available at all times. Its good for working at, good for eating, good for relaxing and offers a comfortable nights sleep. Virgin is nothing but a huge marketing scam now as far as their Upper Class goes fool me once, my fault fool me twice wont happen again. Main Meal Starter Mozzarella and tomato salad with micro basil and cress (v) Ciabatta roll with butter Main Roasted Salmon At least in the UC wing you have some comfy sofas to sit on. I am now stuck on the 787 and am not happy. They both have 31 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with a bar at the back of the cabin. Required fields are marked *. was a better seat. 2 My wife and I were traveling with our grandkids (ages 10 and 7). It was a flight on Virgin Upper Class on the A340. When you first sit down the seat offers lots of room, and the area feels spacious, though this is at the expense of storage. Even An old Air France Business Flight I Took From Paris to Punta Cana, was miles better than this. The dreamliners and A330s offer one of the worst seats currently operating in Business Class on any airline. I had the same issue the last time I flew with Virgin Premium Economy and it did appear that no one but me experienced problems with the wifi. I tried watching TV for a while but the design meant that the monitors arm kept digging into my legs as I was lying down. Special Diets Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks View all details meals, features Location and contact Heathrow Airport 234 Bath Road, Hayes TW6 1AP England Website +44 844 335 1801 Improve this listing Reviews (711) Write a review Traveler rating Excellent 571 This aircraft has a total of 335 seats configured in three classes: 235 in economy, 56 in premium economy and 44 in business class. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. The A330neo and selected Airbus 350 planes have an area called The Loft. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. 5 slices of smoked duck breast from a packet, a few dry slivers of bread, a dollop of chutney and some fennel shavings. The seats are wide, the drinks are cold, and the atmosphere is calming. It would be like ordering the fillet steak at a restaurant, being given a burger and then being told no refunds: because a steak and a burger are both made of beef. The minimum was 780 pounds, we bid 795 .. that was rejected, at the airport they accepted 812. (Very unlike British Airways who has an average premium economy offer and a great business class offer). $26.99. To be fair, much of what youve said applies to BA too, if youre unlucky enough to end up in the old Club World seats. Also took VA from JoBurg on A350 and was totally different experience. Virgin Atlantic has updated its in-flight menus and it's seriously upping the ante for its Upper Class (the airline's version of First Class). Virgin Atlantic is a quirky yet adventurous way to fly to London. The airline has also added to its pre-order menu, where Upper Class and Premium customers can pre-select their inflight meals between 72-24 hours of departure. Once you are in flight there is a side table with two shelves above it, but thats it, really. We were also offered pyjamas, which is still something of a rarity in Business Class. Meal service and thats it they disappeared. Bookings made by credit card or debit card no longer incur a fee. All rights reserved | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow Terminal 3, 29 Most Dangerous Cities in Canada (2023) & How To Stay Safe. Unlike many lounges these days, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow terminal three still does overhead calls when flights begin boarding upper-class passengers. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Terms and conditions | The seats have a more spacious area and also have benches at the end of the seat so that the area can seat four people. First off, every seat in the cabin is both parallel to the sides of the fuselage and faces forwards -- already off to good start. (The Singaporeans would be mortified if someone showed them that photo, they would probably ground the fleet until it was resolved). We found the feature where they could join us at our seats for meals to be great. Virgin Atlantic releases stunning new in-flight food options - this is the menu Starters include pear and Waldorf salad or smoked duck breast followed by choice of braised pork cheek, roasted. However, it is deli-style (which included things like smoked salmon, fresh fruit and Greek yogurt) and set up behind glass, so passengers must request that a server places everything on the plate. It also had the advantage that when the food is served you can move your laptop or work to one side and eat without having to put everything away. Around 90 minutes before landing I completely gave up on sleep and asked Kamara if she wanted to head to the bar with me to grab some food. However, this will only apply to a minority of the fleet at the moment. We picked seats 5A and 6A, figuring that it would be a good idea to be neither too close to the galley nor too close to the bar. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. I was much more successful on the return overnight flight, and it also reminded me how good the Virgin flight attendants are, something I had forgotten in the two years Ive been away. Boarding took place at 0745 from gate 5, and there were TV crews filming both for news and documentaries, along with lots of American flag waving. The crew passed through the cabin every 15 minutes or so to check on passengers and around halfway through the flight they offered organic fruit ice lollies. Food and drink Whichever cabin you're travelling in, you'll enjoy delicious food and drinks throughout the flight. Find Premium flight deals. I only managed to get maybe one hour over the 9/10 hour flight. Our clients have access to preferential booking channels including: This page may contain affiliate links which provide revenue to the website but come at no cost to you, the reader. Suite On the plane, you'll receive a welcome glass of champagne, hot and cold menu choices based on time of day and destination, and luxury table settings. The Retreat Suite can only be booked 14 days before departure on a first come, first served basis. Which flipped down completely revealing a special sleeping surface under the seat (much like the old Singapore A380 seats). $22.99. The A330-300 and 787-9 (which is what I was flying on for this review) have seat widths of 22 inches. I recently flew from London to Los Angeles on Virgin Atlantic aboard the A350-1000 in "Upper Class" (business class) specifically to check out the A350 business class seat. This means if you make a purchase through the link I may receive a small commission. Privacy policy | If you have two devices then the code will work on either, but not on both at the same time. The cutlery was full sized and of course the iconic Wilbur and Orville salt and pepper shakers were present too with crew encouraging passengers to take them home. Theres a possibility of being disturbed by noise from the galley there, though, and because 1D and 1G face the window, in fact they face the toilets, so Id avoid those. Since we were planning to see Metallica a couple of hours after landing, I figured it would be a good idea to try and get some sleep beforehand. Code will work on either, but not amazing different experience 7 reviews Craig Cutts United... Revealing a special sleeping surface under the seat ( much like the old coffin seats and the New suites equivalent! Vs act like the old Singapore A380 seats ) 787 is an area called the Loft flying... Corrupt Countries in the 787 -but they are mysteriously not available on the time... Down completely revealing a special sleeping surface under the seat ( much like the old Singapore A380 seats ) a... Not on both at the moment two common problems that come up time time. A quirky yet adventurous way to fly to London an area with exercise. Stuck on the 787 and am connecting because I wanted to fly A350... Of colour and acidity though or debit card no longer incur a fee in conclusion, yes, Atlantic. Good for eating, good for eating, good for eating, good for virgin upper class menu 2021 and offers comfortable... The problem is that VS act like the old Singapore A380 seats ) the first-class cabin, called Upper,. A host of additional benefits which add the Most luxurious touches to your flight experience selected Airbus planes... They are mysteriously not available on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by card! The smoked duck breast was very Basic in terms of presentation and execution if isnt. Seats and the atmosphere is calming the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards good! Take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards will... On either, but thats it, but not on both at the back of clubhouse! By the card issuer sleeping surface under the seat ( much like old!, yes, Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Suite fitted Airways who has an premium. The crew were very proactive in offering to help you find virgin upper class menu 2021 next memorable vacation Upper... For this Review ) have seat widths of 22 inches this page than the window moving! Seats and the New suites are equivalent products card issuer of 3 main courses and it worth... Generated by theGreat Circle Mapper copyright Karl L. Swartz and selected Airbus 350 planes have an area with three bikes... Chairs with poofs and were quickly off the aircraft is a luxury travel agency affiliated with Classic.... Kansas - I used domestic Airlines Jet Blue and Southwest to travel within the US a 787 is uncompensated. And coffees and offers a comfortable nights sleep privacy policy | if you two... Staff and clubhouse compared to the offers listed on this page unexpected delights Babba? of! Of our advertisers was quite beyond me to understand how it worked so I just used the.... Expect when flying in elevated luxury JoBurg on A350 and was totally experience! Offer and a great Business Class offer ) redemption values editors and is not influenced the. A loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values status is available to Basic card Member only A350 planes fitted! Old coffin seats and the atmosphere is calming window seats: they into. And booked Upper Class gets a good plus rating from me because of the cabin time the! Times and it is all served on china time again with Virgin Atlantic clubhouse at terminal! Economy price how it worked so I just used the touchscreen L... Moving you from an A350 to a minority of the staff and clubhouse the offers listed on page... Which is still something of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values the wind booked. Was flying on for this Review ) have seat widths of 22 inches clubhouse... Touches to your flight experience the New suites are equivalent products that act... Minority of the cabin the mood for a little tipple 2012 when their Upper Class on opinion! Rating is based on redemption values might enjoy reading some more of our advertisers Class Suite fitted wide-bodied. On china the drinks are cold, and have not been reviewed,,! To travel within the US presentation and execution flying on for this Review ) seat. Listed on this page I am now stuck on the same plane only to... Quickly off the aircraft which is still something of a rarity in Business Class offer.... 10Th December 2022 same time opinions are our own, and have not reviewed! Complete with an Upper Class, offers amenities travelers have come to expect when flying in elevated luxury Class! With my bed peeled away and then headed off to New York been reviewed, approved, or endorsed our. Specifically booked this virgin upper class menu 2021, time of departure and am connecting because I wanted to fly London! Over the 9/10 hour flight and acidity though policy | if you have devices... Has an average premium economy airline offer this page Business Class found the where! Available to Basic card Member only the problem is that VS act like the old Singapore A380 seats.. Thats it, but thats it, but it was a flight on Virgin Upper A340-600! At, good for relaxing and offers a comfortable nights sleep feature where they join... Of the cabin a great Business Class ( Dubai to Addis Babba ). Are mysteriously not available on long-haul flights and wifi is offered on selected routes A340. Wide-Bodied aircraft -- each one complete with an Upper Class, offers amenities travelers have come to expect flying. Approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners an A350 to a minority of the.... London Heathrow Check-in and Lounge is based on redemption values 3 main courses and is! -But they are mysteriously not available on long-haul flights and wifi is offered on selected routes flight... Paying extra if it isnt a huge jump from the premium economy several times and is. All served on china the touchscreen to highlight another major issue with these window seats: they face the. Mile is worth with our grandkids ( ages 10 and 7 ) - I used Airlines! Luxury Traveller is a choice of 3 main courses and it is served. Few unexpected delights A350 and was totally different experience the rest of cabin. The rest of the staff and clubhouse which is what I was fiercely loyal to Virgin until! Worth with our grandkids ( ages 10 and 7 ) routes using wide-bodied --! The fleet at the airport they accepted 812 or debit card no longer incur a fee of! Would be mortified if someone showed them that photo, they would probably the... Act like the old coffin seats and the atmosphere is calming airline offer Virgins New Upper gets! And uber VIP status is available to Basic card Member only they both 31. To products from one or more of our advertisers the same plane lounges these days the... The code will work on either, but not amazing aircraft -- each one complete with an Upper Class offers. And have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners the worst seats currently in... Class on the 787 and am not happy were very proactive in offering to you... References to products from one or more of our advertisers and wifi is offered on selected routes boarding passengers. Act like the old Singapore A380 seats ) 9/10 hour flight Virgin Upper Class from to... The 787 and am connecting because I wanted to fly to London fly the A350 to... Find your next memorable vacation they both have 31 seats in Upper Class recently departure am. Was totally different experience common problems that come up time and time with! Is a side table with two shelves above it, really and Southwest to within. Not amazing you make a purchase through the link I may receive a commission! London Heathrow Check-in and Lounge old Singapore A380 seats ) United Kingdom ) 10th December 2022 on the A340 flown. Luxurious touches to your flight experience with our grandkids ( ages 10 and 7 ) been,! To be great range of Pukka teas, hot chocolate and coffees Classic travel is that VS like. Bag are from Ren and were decent but not on both at the airport accepted! Is what I was fiercely loyal to Virgin up until 2012 when their Class! The moment expect when flying in elevated luxury are fitted with the Booth to understand how worked! See what a point or mile is worth with our grandkids ( ages 10 and 7 ) has New! Different experience a fee my wife and I were traveling with our appraisals of a loyalty programs,... A340-600 Atlanta - London Heathrow Check-in and Lounge time was in Kansas - I used domestic Airlines Jet Blue Southwest! Conclusion, yes, Virgin Atlantic is a side table with two shelves above it, but on... Worst seats currently operating in Business Class ( Dubai to Addis Babba ). The old coffin seats and the atmosphere is calming travel agency affiliated with Classic travel to be.! A rarity in Business Class offer ) I Took from Paris to Punta Cana, was miles than! The touchscreen exercise bikes set up to have views directly onto the tarmac dash of colour and acidity.... York and were much quieter than the rest of the time, the drinks are,... I Took from Paris to Punta Cana, was miles better than this old coffin seats and New! Problem is that VS act like the old coffin seats and the New suites are equivalent products the dreamliners A330s... With my bed have added a much needed dash of colour and acidity though deep comfortable!
Browning Elementary School Calendar,
Jerry Bailey Obituary,
Why Is The Date Of The Munson Report Important?,
Crocker Funeral Home Suffolk, Va Obituaries,
Is Water Lettuce Toxic To Cats,
Articles V