It was a flight on Virgin Upper Class on the A340. I had really enjoyed the ground experience in Heathrow, leading up to this flight. New Upper Class Menu: Welcome champagne and snacks - Including full bar service and the reintroduction of cocktails and barista style coffeesr Dine service Starters Pear Waldorf Salad, baby pear, toasted sunflower seeds and loverage leaves (v) Smoked duck breast, fennel and dill salad, Seville orange marmalade and crostini Entree The lack of a proper toiletries bag isnt great as is only having a flat or upright offer for the seat. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can use credit card points and airline miles to book business class award seats on Virgin Atlantic's brand new A350 from JFK to LHR: Here's how many points you'll need: Delta SkyMiles: 85,000+. Just flew the A350-1000 from ATL to LHR, 12/2/2022 will never fly Virgin again. Trip Verified | Used Virgin Atlantic for this trip, first time with VA for about 5 years. As per TPG U.K.'s Nicky Kelvin's review of the Upper Class Suite on the A350, you'll probably be happy with any of the seats you sit in on an A350-1000 as "there was really not a bad seat in the house, although Row 1 definitely had an edge, as its footwell was larger than in other rows.". The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. The A330-200 has a 15.3-inch screen, and the newest aircraft, the A350-1000 has a more generous screen size of 18.5 inches. Our clients benefit from the best available rates on hotels, in addition to: All of your points earning, elite benefits and stay credit will be honoured, as hotels consider our bookings to be direct bookings. A mixed picture I had a decent flight on Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class. Our menus are designed to compliment your departure time, origin and destination, served throughout your flight on designer linens, plates and cutlery. Upper Class can be found on all of Virgin's aircraft, but the brand-new Upper Class Suite is currently only on its A350-1000s. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. Back then I was blown away by the experience, since I only really had economy and a handful of 90s Business Class experiences to compare it to. especially when it came to the rickety ventilation grate next to the armrest. Evidently numerous passengers before me had fallen foul of this trap, in a desperate bid to find viable storage space. Although I was tempted by both the Ayala and the Hambledon (made 5 miles away from my childhood home), I decided to stick with Coke Zero. In a reversal of the simplification of its food and beverage service due to COVID, the airline is looking towards a return of some of the most popular elements of its Upper Class service. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. A great selection of premium wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks can be served at your seat, at the bar, or in The Loft. 1- When arriving LHR by taxi you check in at a private upper class area very far from the maddening crowd. Accessibility | Despite the addition of a thin mattress pad, the surface was still very uncomfortable and I struggled to get any sleep at all. The crew were very happy to set up a meal for us here and commented that it was a great idea! 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. 2022 The Luxury Traveller by Jarvis Marcos | All Rights Reserved. However, once she got on the flight, she was confronted by an angry male passenger with his family who insisted that these were his seats, which was quite unpleasant. 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. Virgin Atlantic 787 Upper Class afternoon tea. Once at check-in my documents were quickly checked and there was no queue at the dedicated fast track security. It was just weird to stare across at 6-8 people, not be able to look out the window, require help to covert seat into a bed, etc. Otherwise, you would be better off taking the premium economy offer. I even prefer the Premium Economy in the 787 -but they are mysteriously not available on the same plane. However, you had to be very careful not to place a thinner item here, as it would invariably fall into the wretchedly filthy area below. 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. We'll welcome you onboard with a chilled glass of Champagne or English sparkling wine. On the 787, the video screen is quite small compared to most other planes and airlines, and the content selection is decent but not amazing. 100% agreed with you on the ground experience. 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. And lastly, it does make it awkward if you wake in the night and want to get up, since it is quite difficult to get up with the door shut, and opening it again while lying down isnt completely intuitive, or physically easy, though with practice it would become easier. It felt like I was very much at a tipping point, having enjoyed 3 glasses of champagne and an espresso martini before midday at the Virgin Clubhouse. Without me asking, one of the hostesses came up and said I could go and get my friend and move her up to upper class for the rest of the flight. 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. I then headed to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in area H. I was quite excited as the Virgin Clubhouse has a very good name which I discovered was well deserved. Goodbye Virgin forever. Black forest gateau with coconut vanilla cream and raspberry flakes or. different airlines offer incredibly varying products, A350 suite showdown: British Airways' Club Suite versus Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class Suite, 14 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft that Virgin has on order, 6 features that set the 787 Dreamliner apart from the rest, review of the Upper Class Suite on the A350, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. 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). If it were a newer plane, I would definitely take Virgin Atlantic Upper Class versus its competitors at the same price. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. 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). This aircraft has a total of 335 seats configured in three classes: 235 in economy, 56 in premium economy and 44 in business class. The clubhouse is big much bigger than the average airline business class lounge. I specifically booked this airline, time of departure and am connecting because I wanted to fly the A350. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Top picks: Number one, without doubt, is the Upper Class Suite onboard the A350s. During our final approach I had to carry out quite the act of contortion, to snap this quick picture of the Golden Gate Bridge. I also think Virgin Atlantic has the friendliest staff in both the upper class and premium economy. 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 Atlantic by Natalie Clarkson 20 October 2021 If you're planning to jet off with Virgin Atlantic soon, take a peek at its brand new onboard menu. The A350 Upper Class seat is a new introduction to the Virgin Atlantic fleet, and is definitely a step above the seat on their A330s and 787s. 7 reviews Craig Cutts (United Kingdom) 10th December 2022. Skip the queues and experience an extra large leather seat with a seat pitch of up to 38 inches and extra legroom. The crew were really great in trying to help but ultimately they were just as stumped as I was. Boarding was rather shambolic, with a huddle at the gate area and no distinction between classes of service. There is an Instagram-friendly area with a cool hanging chair and fake flowers. As a 6ft5 Large wide man, this was so narrow and tight, I would have preferred a free row in economy. I wanted to let you know. Which aircraft offer Upper Class seats? Unlike many lounges these days, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow terminal three still does overhead calls when flights begin boarding upper-class passengers. 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. Welcome drinks upon boarding 2. Virgin Atlantic have a bottom of the barrel seat on the majority of their aircraft. Baggage allowance in Virgin Atlantic Upper Class. I have seldom experienced this, even in business class on other airlines. We're talking three courses, an impressive selection . Its good for working at, good for eating, good for relaxing and offers a comfortable nights sleep. At least in the UC wing you have some comfy sofas to sit on. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Traveling for spring break? On this leg dinner (which was served around 11 am local time) was as follows: Tandoori Chicken bites with a cucumber, baby tomato and pepper salad, Barley salad with feta cheese, spring onions, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, pomegranate seeds, and a lemon mint dressing. Now we are on the 787 and I am super claustrophobic. It is hard to beat Virgin Atlantic on the lounge front. Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class Extra Bites menu also has some brand-new additions, including cream tea with fudge scones and clotted cream, salted caramel spread and strawberry jam. A great selection of premium wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks can be served at your seat, at the bar, or in The Loft.*. But why? Economy Classic: Free; 30 ($38) for preferred seats, 59-89 ($75-$114) for an exit row seat, or 49 ($63) for an exit row seat with reduced legroom. Enrollment required. So my departure back to the UK was via Atlanta where Delta now steps in and "hosts" the pre-flight experience. There were also earplugs, a pen, and a toothbrush and toothpaste. Consequently we wont use the Upper Class wing now unless weve successfully checked in online. It is divided into multiple areas for different purposes. White wine Journeys End Weather Station, Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa. It definitely felt like I made a far wiser choice with the chicken burger, served with a packet of crisps and a chocolate cake. We tried every variation of turn it off and turn it back on again before finally admitting defeat. What about food and drink onboard? Secondly, its debatable just how much extra privacy it gives you anyone walking past can look down onto you sleeping just as they would normally. 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. Woman single-handedly takes on BA and wins, EasyJet pilot does 360-degree turn so passengers can see the Northern Lights, Flight review: Virgin Atlantic A350-1000 Upper Class Suite, Flight review: Singapore Airlines A350-900ULR business class (SQ21), Flight review: Qantas B787-9 Business Class (QF9), Flight review: Air France A350-900 business class, To see our latest subscription offers for Business Traveller editions worldwide, click on the Subscribe & Save link below, Pear waldorf salad, baby ear, toasted sunflower sees and loverage leaves (v), Smoked duck breast, fennel and dill salad, Seville orange marmalade and crostini, Braised pork cheek, cauliflower puree, potato fondant, kale and red wine jus, Roasted fillet of trout, chickpea masala, Gujarati green beans, red pepper pakoras and creamy curry sauce, Vegan spiced cauliflower, spinach and lentil pastry pie, sauted Lyonnaise potatoes, garden vegetables and herb gravy (ve), Lemon and coconut dome, coconut cream and freeze dried raspberries. We did not get the upgrade for HK/LHR and asked about it at check-in, we were told there were Upper Class seats available and paid extra at the counter for the upgrade. Virgin Atlantic 787 Upper Class drinks service. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. NB all airline lounges were closed at Delhi airport so I wasnt able to check it out. This A350-1000 has Virgins new Upper Class Suite fitted. 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. 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 bag itself is plain purple and can be recycled eg it isnt something you can keep and reuse, which is unusual for business class. However, for an added feel of privacy and those views that we live for, any A and K window seat is slightly better than a D or G seat. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Virgin made headlines some time ago, when they decided to remove beef from all flights due to the environmental impact. And for those traveling lovers, Virgin has called three sets of its middle seats the Love Suites 1E, 1F, 3E, 3F, 5E and 5F. private suites with closing doors in Business Class, REVIEW Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Frequent Flyer status during flight: Virgin Atlantic Gold, Booking type: Cash fare (LHR-SFO r/t for 999). Our Clubhouse has something for everyone: Fine dining prepared to order, a deli bar for quick bites, breakfast options and a generous selection of wine, beers and spirits to wash it down with. The crew were very proactive in offering to help with my bed. Having said that, I think the problem may have been my slightly old laptop. Had we been downstairs we or they could have walked over to the ticketing desk, but thats not possible from the Upper Class wing. Virgin Atlantic offers three cabins of service: Virgin Upper Class, Virgin Premium and Economy. Main meal Starter Mozzarella and tomato salad with micro basil and cress (v) Ciabatta roll with butter Main Roasted chicken breast, potato pure, sauted spinach, girolles mushrooms, Bourguignon sauce There are two common problems that come up time and time again with Virgin Atlantic seats in Upper Class. Specialty coffee can be ordered as well as some fun smoothies and juices. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. The best seats, without question, are on the A side where passengers face a wall, rather than facing other passengers. Even An old Air France Business Flight I Took From Paris to Punta Cana, was miles better than this. I love the Upper Class wing and the Clubhouse hence my very positive review of that portion of the trip! Not just 30 upper class seats but 44 packed in like sardines. The second thing that is often discussed is that the seats on the A330-300s and 787-9s only offer a small recline in the seated position and need to be manually taken apart and turned into a bed by the crew. Then, four coveted seats 3A, 5A, 3K and 5K are flush against the window for those all-important photo ops in the sky. As such, Virgin Atlantic is not an airline that I would currently recommend flying, unless the cost is materially cheaper than the alternatives. There is in-seat power for UK, US and EU plugs, and this worked once we were in the air, but the USB charging did not work for my phone, and so I kept swopping the power from one device to another as necessary. Bookings made by credit card or debit card no longer incur a fee. Following the onset of. This was the last time booking with Virgin Atlantic. Privacy Policy, Hi! They were all smiles, jokes, and seemed to be taking real pleasure in the flight over (and back). Amazingly, and unlike the previous occasion into terminal 4 with Virgin, there was no queue at immigration (it was over two hours last time) and we collected our bags and then headed into new York. Outside of the current welcome bonus, youre only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so its not a great card for other spending categories. The A330-300 and 787-9 (which is what I was flying on for this review) have seat widths of 22 inches. Youre right, this certainly isnt something Id given any consideration to. Absolutely hated the seat configuration. Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Review (2023) Is it Worth It? (NB I use skyscanner.net to compare costs across airlines for both premium economy and business class). Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. The overall maintenance and cleanliness left a lot to be desired. We were also offered pyjamas, which is still something of a rarity in Business Class.

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