virgin atlantic premium vs upper class

Virgin Atlantic also offers priority baggage handling to Premium passengers as well as Business Class passengers. You get 2 hold suitcases when traveling in Premium Economy, which is a big bonus. Still, for overnight flights, the flatbed makes all the difference. How our Upper Class, Premium and Economy seats measure up. Virgin Atlantic has a dedicated cabin crew for the Premium cabin. If you are booked onto an unrefurbished plane, you may be extremely disappointed by both the Premium Economy and Business Class seats. Discover the Premium and Upper Class flight sale here at Virgin Atlantic. With my referral link, you will get more Membership Rewards points. Reviews of the best hotels, resorts & transport for hi end travellers. Virgin enables you to select your Premium Economy seat for free. Virgin Atlantic A330 Upper Class cabin in the morning. We discuss whether it’s worth upgrading from Premium Economy to Business, particularly if you are flying on an unrefurbished plane. Accessibility | We’ve taken an in-depth look at fares, entertainment, food, drink, and service to help you come to a … While some airlines operate four classes on some of their long-haul jets, Virgin Atlantic opted for three: Upper Class (business class), Premium (premium economy) and economy. Flying London Heathrow LHR to New York JFK one way costs 20,000 Virgin Club miles in Economy + taxes and fees, 35,000 Virgin Club miles in Premium Economy + taxes and fees, 95,000 Virgin Club miles in Business/Upper Class + taxes and fees. The Upper Class wing is quite different to BA’s First Wing and both have their own advantages. You can apply for the UK & US card right here. Discover Economy. Here you’ll find short lines for check-in and security, so you can maximise your time in Virgin Atlantic’s well-stocked Heathrow lounge. Our Economy seats are a generous width of up to 17 inches on all of our planes. What is great beyond the wide reclining chairs with footrests is an enhanced menu offering served on china with stainless steel cutlery. Add to this. In fact, there are 17 rows but the row 1 contains one seat, and the row No. The downside of this is that the booths are so private that you will have difficulty sharing the flight with your partner or children as you can’t see anyone else! Even if the price is your biggest factor when choosing between Premium Economy and Business Class, Premium Economy can mean that you avoid wasting a day of your holiday, which may ultimately be worth more than the price difference. Virgin’s Premium Economy has so many advantages. On the 747, the Premium Economy cabin is situated between Upper Class and economy and features 35 reclining seats arranged in a 2-3-2 layout. It seems that the Virgin upper class configuration on the A330 is sometimes criticized as the seats being cramped and narrow. Delta One v Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Review. The newest is on their A350 and is the best. Generally, I find award availability through Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Clubto be pretty good, and had there been availability on the flight we needed, it would have cost 47,500 miles plus 447 pounds (about $550) in taxes and fees. With a range of cabin classes available with Virgin Atlantic, you can design the way want to fly, so take a look at all the different cabins and seating options. Passengers in Upper Class are permitted to bring 2 pieces of carry-on luggage plus 1 personal item. Bid & win a luxury hotel stay or travel item for your next vacation. There is a dedicated Virgin Atlantic Upper-Class check-in. A big bonus traveling on Virgin in Premium Economy is better food and drink. Virgin Atlantic A330 Upper Class …and the cabin felt like it had been part of a “how many seats can we cram in” exercise. Please read our travel news updates before flying. I usually book my flights for free on air miles and American Express Rewards, which convert directly to Avios (along with other airline miles). The result of these upright seats is that you can feel pretty grotty after no sleep on a Premium Economy flight when you get to your destination. Our approach was extremely turbulent, especially at lower altitudes. This includes Upper-Class cabin passengers, FF members and handily, Virgin also include Premium Economy in this category. Why expect less? In order to get myself on one of the very first A350 flights, and wanting to avoid the actual inaugural (to see what the “real” service would be like), we paid cash for our tickets, as no award seats were available. I would not pay to upgrade from Premium Economy to Business Class on a transatlantic daytime flight, particularly on the short ones from London to New York. They say travel experience begins already at the airport. There is a dedicated Virgin Atlantic Upper-Class check-in. Recently I flew to London for a few days and I was so excited to learn I was upgraded to Upper Class Virgin Atlantic for my return flight. These are the best Upper-Class seats in the fleet. When Virgin Atlantic unveiled Upper Class in 1984, the concept was revolutionary: the “bubble” upstairs in the Boeing 747 was transformed into a luxury loft. We have already compared British Airways Vs. Virgin in Premium Economy. The Loft is unique and follows the trend of Emirates with their onboard bars, “As the largest social space in the airline’s fleet, it’s designed for customers to gather, chat, enjoy a drink or dine with friends,” says Virgin. It can be difficult to choose between business class on different airlines, and selecting Virgin Atlantic Upper Class or British Airways Club World is no exception. Enjoy our Upper Class cabin which is rammed full of luxury. There were plenty of choices, from prawns and caviar starters to chicken, beef, and salmon mains. But the difference is greater between the old and new Business Class or Upper-Class seats. In all honesty, for a transatlantic flight flying New York to London, if I am traveling during the day, Premium Economy does the job almost as well as Business Class. There are various types of Premium Economy that you can fly on Virgin. On all my previous Virgin Upper Class flights I had connected through Heathrow on ex Dublin tickets so I had never actually used the Upper Class Wing. British Airways doesn’t. I have compared British Airways Premium Economy Vs Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy. This is not the case on British Airways. The seats configuration in the Virgin Atlantic premium class on the board of A340 made a surprise. Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350 Upper Class Loft 3 Seater Lounge Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350 Upper Class Loft Lounge Area. You then get up to 4 unlimited free airport lounge passes as you can get two people into the most Priority Pass and all Centurion airport lounges by flashing your Platinum card. All of the Upper-Class seats are spacious with 20-22 inches of width. Travel in Premium Economy, and you get 2 bags at 23kg each. Or impossible. BA only offers priority boarding out of Heathrow. Premium Economy; the cost, the seat, the food, the check-in, and the airport lounge. Their management team and staff have a jolly mindset and genuinely seem to care. My gosh they were all so lovely. For more info about your exact wiggle room on each plane, take a look at our fleet pages. This means that I can work, whether I am flying in Business Class or Premium Economy. The good news is that if you fly in Upper Class, you don’t have to faff around with Priority Passes or Lounge Passes or credit cards. Fly in Club Europe or Business Class, and you can take THREE bags at 32kg each. This seat has an additional 4" of legroom compared to Economy Class seats. Virgin Atlantic is a small airline with a limited number of routes but keep in mind that you can spend their air miles on different airlines if their limited and largely transatlantic route network doesn’t work for you. The crew was really nice and always ready to help. The seat are large and confortable, and the food is well above economy quality, the toilet are together with the business class, overall excellent. If the price is your biggest factor when making the decision on which class to fly in, you should probably choose to fly Premium Economy. The new Upper-Class product features an all-new flat-bed seat measuring 6ft 10in, a sliding privacy door, and an area known as The Loft for socializing can be found on Virgin Atlantic’s new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft on the Heathrow-New York JFK route. Premium. Here are a few ways to make the most out of your next Upper Class Virgin Atlantic experience. We were swaying back and forth, and the angled seats meant that you feel it even more. Yet due to the short red-eye flight, I didn’t have time to test it out. In terms of pricing, expect to pay in the region of £300 GBP return for the cheapest “economy light” fare on Virgin Atlantic from London to New York. Explore our cabins. In fact, the width of Virgin’s Premium Economy seats ranges from 18-21 inches. When comparing Upper Class to its rivals, it’s definitely a Business Class rather than a First Class service, but it’s one of the best around. This page tells you about the seat dimensions in each of our cabins. On this one I had used miles to upgrade a premium economy ticket so I was determined to give it a try. If you have an Amex Platinum card, you have one less reason why flying in Business Class is significantly better than flying in Economy. A feature that British Airways reserves for its Gold and Silver tier members only. Sleeping upright, even reclined upright, is difficult. The advantages of the Virgin layout are privacy, as you face a wall rather than another passenger. The Virgin Clubhouse lounges are super fun and also offer a larger variety of food and drinks than the Priority Pass and paid lounges, which are your only option if you are flying Premium Economy and are not a high tier member. You can book Premium Economy, Business, and First on other airlines. And I've read widely mixed reviews of premium economy, with some people saying they actually got better sleep on on Virgin PE and others saying that it's super cramped if the person in front of you reclines. Economy Delight allows you to check in at Premium Economy check in desks, enjoy priority boarding, and get first dibs on overhead storage. But there are more differences between the two than are obvious at first glance! Their Premium Economy product is a lot better than the Premium Economy offered by British Airways. Virgin Atlantic Airways: Upper Class Vs Premium Economy - See 15,153 traveler reviews, 2,724 candid photos, and great deals for Virgin Atlantic Airways, at Tripadvisor. They are comfortable with acres of legroom, and most importantly, the chair converts into a fully flatbed of up to 6ft 7.5 inches. Passengers flying business or first class have access to airport lounges where they can relax and have a snack before a flight. Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350 Upper Class Loft Lounge Seating Virgin also offers priority boarding all over the world for Premium Economy passengers, after their Upper-Class passengers have been asked to board. Virgin currently only operates long-haul routes using wide-bodied aircraft — each one complete with an Upper Class … This is what you pay using Avios for a BA or JAL redemption: There are no fuel surcharges added to ANA redemptions using Virgin miles. Though it’s always been a fun way to fly, Virgin Atlantic Upper Class is getting a serious makeover this year with flights operated by the A350. They do have a very good recline though and there is a foot rest for each seat making it even easier to stretch your legs. For my main meal, my table was set up with designer linen along with ‘proper’ cutlery, crockery, and glassware. Upper Class is Virgin Atlantic’s equivalent to business class. Virgin Atlantic A330 Upper Class Seat Map courtesy of Seatguru.com …and my first impressions upon boarding were not good. A 32-inch television screen allows up to 8 passengers to pair Bluetooth headsets to the screen. It is fairly easy it is to collect Flying Club miles, even without flying Virgin Atlantic or its partners. You would feel much better if you flew in Business Class. Virgin’s has an entirely separate entrance to the main terminal where you c… Wherever you choose to fly, we reveal the secret to getting the best deal at luxury hotels, once you get to your destination, so that you not only fly but also stay in style. Be it the old or the new Business Class. You definitely get more and a better choice of food when traveling in Upper-Class Vs. While Premium Economy does have more space and better food than the Economy as well as more and better drinks, business Class or Upper Class is better, particularly on the A350 aircraft. Virgin also offers priority boarding all over the world for Premium Economy passengers, after their Upper-Class passengers have been asked to board. For me, the extra elbow room in the Premium Economy seats enables me to work more comfortably on my laptop. If you want lounge access, you can buy or use a Priority Pass to access alternative lounges. Well, it is. Virgin Atlantic also offers priority baggage handling to Premium passengers as well as Business Class passengers. This is a major advantage of flying in Business Class and a major advantage over British Airways, who let you have only TWO 32kg bags each. The Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy seats are comfortable – same material and structure as Upper Class – they just don’t lie flat. The cabin contains 16 rows per 3 seats on each. The ones on their A340 are some of the worst and look tatty. The biggest reason to upgrade from Premium Economy is to get sleep. With my referral link, you will also get bonus points. It is the highest cabin class they offer. The major differentiator comes at night as the Premium Economy seats do not recline to a flatbed so you are unlikely to achieve any length of sleep in Premium Economy when compared to Business Class. Virgin Atlantic Carry-On Allowance: Passengers in Economy Light, Economy Class, Economy Delight, and Premium are permitted to bring 1 piece of carry-on luggage plus 1 personal item, such as a handbag or small backpack. You also have a touch screen High Definition TV, a USB power plug, as well as the TV remote control. Cookie statement | Flying Club is also a transfer partner of most of the major point currencies: Remember, if you collect flying club miles, you are not restricted to using them on the Virgin Atlantic route network only. We flown from London to Miami on Premium Economy with Virgin Atlantic on a Airbus 333. To accompany your meal, there was a selection of fine wine from Berry Bros. and Rudd, one of the UK’s most respected wine merchants, or a choice of beers, spirits, etc. The champagne was Gardet Bru Premier Cru and pleasant. Virgin Atlantic First class seats (Upper) Virgin Atlantic Business class seats (Premiun) Airport Lounges. Registered office: Registered office: The VHQ, Fleming Way, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 9DF First class (international flights): 19”-35” width and 58”-94” pitch. Across from the seat is the ottoman, which has a seatbelt of its own for guests. Examples of puddings include lemon curd sponge, which was very good, and strawberry panna cotta. The seats looked tight and coffin like….. Virgin Atlantic A330 Upper Class. N/A - Once the seat is converted to a bed there is a generous length up to 6ft 7.5 inches to snuggle into. The seats themselves are lovely and make you feel like you’re in a better class than a regular old economy. Our seats have been carefully designed to help you fly in total comfort during the flight, no matter which cabin you're in. Enjoy Economy. Upper Class passengers also have access to a chauffeured transfer at both ends of the journey, as well as the option of a ‘Limobike’ transfer in London, a motorcycle transfer that helps you avoid London traffic - but if that’… The configuration is similar to the herringbone but it looks 1-1-1. There are fewer seats and a calmer cabin atmosphere, Seat space and lie-flat. The seats convert into a 79” fully flat bedand come with a quilted blanket and comfortable pillows. The Latest News We Think Every Lover Of Luxury Travel Needs To Know. Virgin’s Upper Class screen wins by 0.5” at 18.5”. Now we review Virgin Atlantic Business Class named “Upper Class” Vs. ©2019 Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. All rights reserved. For unlimited airport lounge access, whether you are flying Economy or Premium Economy, Business or First, you will need to apply for the Platinum American Express card. Virgin’s Clubhouse lounge is one of the best airport lounges in Gatwick. It goes from a cozy, solid seat to a brand new suite, with loads of privacy and lots more space to store your stuff. You can shop via their shopping e-portal which will earn you miles from everyday grocery and clothing purchases etc. In conclusion, the older Business Class seats aren’t great, but they are still significantly better than Premium Economy. Departing out of Heathrow, Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class passengers have access to a private entrance reserved especially for the airline’s premium flyers. Flat seats allow you to sleep. Following on from my comments about the price, you may wonder whether it’s worth upgrading from Premium Economy to Business Class at all! If do need some extra legroom it's well worth upgrading to Economy Delight (The Premium check in and priority boarding are lovely perks too). Premium Economy. Each one is 21 inches wide and has 38 inches of pitch. Premium economy is located just behind the Upper Class “loft bar”, which means if you’re looking to make a quick getaway from the flight, this is a great option. Our Economy cabin provides brilliant service, great food and inflight entertainment. Other than qualifying elite status passengers, Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse access is reserved for passengers flying in the Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class or Delta One cabin with Delta Air Lines. With so many different amenities and pricing models, it might seem like they’re virtually equivalent. Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy is a decent product. Later in the flight, you could eat a choice of sandwiches, cakes, jam, and clotted cream scones or a burger as my flight was a day flight. Overnight flights offer breakfast at the end of the flight. They are a fun airline. For me, the advantages of traveling in Upper Class are: Disclosure: Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. It is worth noting that the Boeing 787 service offers one of the newer versions of the Upper-Class seat (with a curvier seat shell and a new shade of purply leather), but the Virgin seat varies across aircraft types. In this review, we focus on the worst and best Premium Economy and Upper-Class seats on Virgin Atlantic. Here’s a review of Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy. Basically, the difference between first and business class … When flying in Premium Economy, you don’t get access to any Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse lounges unless you are a high tier member. Fly with us to over 30 destinations in style, including our award-winning Premium cabin. You also get limited free airport lounge access with this free card. Privacy policy | Virgins Clubhouse lounges and great, so they offer a major advantage if you are flying in Business Class over Premium Economy. All that said, whichever plane you fly on, for an overnight flight, Virgin’s Upper Class gives you the chance of getting some sleep. If you fly on British Airways Club World, you run the risk of being in the middle pair of seats. A Luxury Concierge Offering Free Upgrades, Plus Travel Auctions, News, Tips & Reviews Of The World's Best Hotels, support / Privacy / Terms Registered in England, Number: 09272966 Copyright © 2014 - 2021 Luxury Travel Diary Limited. You can access Gatwick South Lounges for free with the free (in the first year) American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card, which comes with two Lounge Club passes that can be immediately used at the Priority Pass lounges to enjoy free drinks and food. Once you board the plane you will be very please with the Upper Class Seating and Configuration. Head over to My booking where you can see the available seats for your flight and choose your favourite spot. Virgin Atlantic A330 Upper Class. If your company is paying for your flights, book Premium, or Business, or First Class! Having flown in the old premium seats and the new ones, most passengers would hardly notice the new width – especially considering 18.5” is only 1.5” narrower than 20” the superb Upper Class Suites. I flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class on their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from London to Los Angeles, which ended up being my favourite flight I've ever taken! Access the lounge with your Business Class ticket for its Gold and Silver members. Wide and has 38 inches of pitch this means that I can work, I. Pair of seats more and a better Class than a regular old Economy Economy Vs Virgin Atlantic Premium,! Which was very good, and glassware you board the plane you will get Membership... We review Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350 Upper Class wing is quite different to BA ’ s to... Are of a similar width short red-eye flight, I didn ’ t lie flat screen Definition... Are a generous length up to 6ft 7.5 inches to snuggle into can shop via their shopping which. 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