Enjoyed your video! Hubby and I will be flying our first Virgin Atlantic in upper class soon. Question, do you think the single seats are roomier and better than the middle side-by-side?
You can order a full English breakfast off the scan menu. There's also a restaurant area where you can be served. I found the food delicious and for those interested, you can scan for your drinks including Champagne. VA service has always been exceptional on all my flights, in every cabin class.
I was a Virgin lover in the 90s and 2000s mainly due to the Dirty Tricks campaign operated by BA against Virgin, and enjoyed top tier status for many years. Years later, I gradually switched over to BA as Virgin's offering became increasingly downgraded, but more importantly, their route network, particularly eastbound, was decimated. Out went the hot tub, haircut, flowers, second pillow, on-board massage, on-board sit-at bar. Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Vancouver all gone, and all routes I've taken with Virgin multiple times. The only thing that remains consistent with Virgin is in-your-face "current thing" marketing, which, as I get older, I find more eye rolling than eye catching.
Great perspective - I'm sure it was easier to like them when they were more of an upstart & an underdog... despite the recent product innovations and fleet additions it feels like they may have gotten a little complacent compared to the early days
Taking my first flight on this aircraft JFK to LHR next week. Really enjoyed the comprehensive explanations and good videos. Something I discovered by watching this video is the Upper Class does not have a fully closing door, which I prefer on other carriers. Small detail, but I really like being in a cocoon.
Another great review Peter! The Virgin Atlantic experience looks absolutely incredible. Too bad I’ll mainly be flying KLM when I move to Amsterdam in the fall, although they’re good too! 😂
I love this. Very thorough experience. I booked through Delta and have a Virgin Atlantic through codeshare from LHR to ATL. Was sincerely considering to re-book for a Delta flight, though your perspective makes me want to experience Virgin. Many thanks!
much appreciated. Decided to do ATL->LHR upper class in Virgin A330 and back on the Virgin A350. Very much looking forward to Virgin’s upper class experience, as I’ve been a Delta snob for years. Would you rate non-US airlines as better?
I've tried A350 and A330-900neo with VS but I couldn't find the tailcam. Once I even asked the cabin crew and he did not know if there is or isn't. I will keep looking for it ,but I think many people love that feature.
Im a regular flyer with Virgin Atlantic and always enjoy seeing other peoples perspectives. To be fair I dont think Ive seen a "bad" review!!/ Really enjoyed yours. Just to add to the review of the lounge. You can sit in the "restaurant" area and have table service with physical menus and you can also get a physical menu at any seat by asking a server. They also have a very good range of cocktails with Virgin Redhead, Breakfast martini and Bramble among my favourites!! You can get a FULL English breakfast simply by ordering and it is much better than having it sat on a buffet!!! I know you didn't like the announcements but I think they're great, especially if a flight is delayed for any reason and I always leave to board my flight when they make that announcement because then Im not hanging around at the gate. Theres usually an Upper boarding line so no need to rush!! TAIL CAM!!!!!!!! Doh!!! Did you turn the Salt and Peppers over to see they say "pinched from Virgin Atlantic" they come in different colours so I have a nice set at home now!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂 (I always ask if I can pinch them though!!) Meal Service - in Upper you can pretty much take as long as you like and if you really anted to wait an hour the crew would arrange this for you as each hot dish is prepared separately. Dont forget to close the window blind if you need to use the loo when the plane is at the gate!! If you want or need super leg room then book a seat in Row 1. As there is no seat in front the footwell is twice as big in these seats!!
I hope so too... it's on the list for sure... just gotta find a good deal. If you know any routes that aren't crazy expensive let me know!! My mileage balances are dwindling 😭 so the next one might need to be a cash fare
Flew with Virgin in Upper, Heathrow to Vegas, best thing was the lounge. Staff at check in, were friendly as were most of the onboard crew, but everything else was average at best.
The A350 looks nicer than the 787 Upper Class. I found the 787 seating configuration not very good and the seat actually quite uncomfortable. personally if you can get a good deal for Upper Class go for it, but I wouldn’t throw a lot of money at it as I just don’t find the onboard service and food premium enough.
My friend, you didn't know it was called the loft and you didn't KNOE THE A350 HAD TAIL CAMERAS?! "Honestly woman you call yourself our mother" (avgeek) (reference to harry potter : the sorcerer's stone: first move platform 9/4 scene: yah massive a350 perk quiet flies like a dream, tail CAMERAS
I'd love to see disabled/mobility impaired reviews of flights, I know how good BA are at their assistance but I haven't tried Virgin. Great Review! Thank you.
Stopped flying with virgin when they gave a man the woman of the year award. Do disrespectful to all those hard working women, like Marie curie nurses etc. BA for me now.
VS definitely has the stylish elements down, kinda bling but somehow likable. I flew VS a few times, but you know, I kinda get the same vibe as Delta - they both got the branding down, but cut corners in a subtle way. Like you said, chips instead of nuts on a stylish ramekin looks good and is much cheaper to do. The new A350 seats also look stylish, but they don't wear too well (again kinda like the Delta 764 and A330neo) and some of the hardwares just felt flimsy and are already breaking down. The meal portions are just sooooo small, which is also the case for the Clubhouse made-to-order dishes. They're more like appetizer size mains (not just for an American stomach). The crew are very good though, with the exception of maybe the JFK Clubhouse staff...
The airline doesn’t serve nuts due to the amount of nut allergy passengers that fly. Once one person with a nut allergy boards then no nuts can be served. This is why you get potato chips instead. It’s just something to nibble on whilst you have your first drink. With 44 seats in business the vast amount of food has to fit in the ovens. You cant have obese American portions of food as it wouldn’t fit. That’s why the portions are the size they are. Plus if your having the crisps, bread, starter, main and dessert then it’s more than enough food. I always carry a snacks on me if I’m hungry later.
Well said… and on the clubhouse dishes, I’m glad they weren’t massive portions. Plus you can always order more if the American stomach rears its ugly head 😂 Regarding the food onboard, the portions were VERY generous in my assessment
Short haul is a big disappointment on BA these days. Obviously legroom and comfort is not a concern for BA on short haul but at least you got complimentary food and drinks, and legroom was better than budget airlines. My first trip with BA short haul was 2015 from Gatwick to Paphos Cyprus (5 hours). Was a nice experience, quick check in compared to the miles long queue with EasyJet Ryanair etc.. 2023 I flew BA again sane route it was horrible. They have crammed in too many seats in the Airbus A320 it’s awful no legroom at all, I mean NO LEGROOM AT ALL! And no free food or drinks these days. 6 hour delay outgoing on way home we were literally about to take off one of cabin crew fell ill flight was cancelled for the night yrs they put us in a hotel overnight but no messages or emails about when we’d go home. Luckily we were awake and having breakfast the next morning when one of the passengers recognised us and told us coaches had turned up outside the hotel. If we were still asleep or had gone out we’d have missed our flight home. Disgusting. I don’t blame the poorly air hostess but lack of communication is all on BA. Luckily we got home next day (same crew, we were told night before they couldn’t fly unless all cabin crew were ok but next day same captain and cabin crew we asked if girl was ok they told us she was travelling as a passenger that day. So why was she not taken off the aircraft so the rest of us could fly home the night before as scheduled??!). It’s a worry as I’m on medication for pain that is strictly prescribed only I take a few days extra in case of delays but if we got stuck abroad longer than 3 or 4 days if start getting really ill, no sleep, sweats, cramp, sickness and diarrhoea etc. so short haul BA have gone downhill massively my experience was not unique they are getting a bad name. BUT! I’m assured BA are still excellent on long haul economy or premium/first class. Virgin every one tells me they are amazing. Their trains were brilliant in the UK I’d love to fly with them if I get chance.
Looks like Virgin is growing up into an adult airline in most areas. Still a few childish things here and there but they're growing up. Thanks for the video.
I noticed you masked out the virgin staff on the video. In UK law, airports are considered to be private property, and therefore, people in them have the right to expect a degree of privacy. You are allowed to film, but if you broadcast or publish images, you need to have people's permission if they can be recognised. This is not a criminal law, so the police would not get involved, and you wouldn't go to jail. It's a civil law. People appearing in the video have the right to seek redress if you have not gained their permission to show them. In the UK you will signs everywhere that has CCTV giving you information of who is recording the images captured, quoting the data protection act. As airport, theatres, shopping centres and even some streets are considered to be private, not public space, the owners can ask you to stop filming or ever refuse you entry if they think you actions are a public nuisance. Although this is hardly likely to happen to someone making a post publicising their businesses
Disgusting to see virgin worsen every time. Size of the airline is even smaller and now the service is worsening, and the inclusivity is truly disgusting. Unprofessionalism at its best. I will never fly VS. SkyTeam deserves better also.
I’d say in economy, I’ve never seen much difference between the two. Premium is better with Virgin in my experience, upper / club world really depends on the plane with either
HEY, I DONT REALLY KNOW HOW I GOT TO THIS POINT, BUT I JUST WANTED TO SHARE THAT I WILL SHORTLY BECOME A CREW MEMBER WITH F( (FRONTIER) I AM AN AVIATION ENTHUSIAST AND LIKE "LIKE-MINDED" GUYS, MY NAME IS FELIPE AND I LIVE IN PUERTO RICO (SJU) FRONTIER HAS JUST OPENED A SJU BASE, MAYBE FLY AND HAVE A CHAT!! SAFE FLYING- FELIPE
Excellent - one of the very best videos I have seen on upper/1st class
Great detailed review 👏 I will be travelling in upper next year for the first time and can't wait to do a vlog of my experience x
I was/still am always curious about VA upper class... Thank you so much! I enjoyed this content very much!
Great as always - love all the detail, history, and information you provide in each video.
You continue to impress. Really love your relaxed attention to detail, start to finish. Can't wait for what's next.
Lots of your personality on display in this video, Flaps10, really enjoyed the fun.
I agree
Enjoyed your video! Hubby and I will be flying our first Virgin Atlantic in upper class soon. Question, do you think the single seats are roomier and better than the middle side-by-side?
You can order a full English breakfast off the scan menu. There's also a restaurant area where you can be served. I found the food delicious and for those interested, you can scan for your drinks including Champagne. VA service has always been exceptional on all my flights, in every cabin class.
As a looong time aviation fan I am very impressed by your video and subbed having just watched 2.
Virgin Atlantic is awesome! a true boutique airline. Great trip report and history or the airline.👍👍
I was a Virgin lover in the 90s and 2000s mainly due to the Dirty Tricks campaign operated by BA against Virgin, and enjoyed top tier status for many years. Years later, I gradually switched over to BA as Virgin's offering became increasingly downgraded, but more importantly, their route network, particularly eastbound, was decimated.
Out went the hot tub, haircut, flowers, second pillow, on-board massage, on-board sit-at bar. Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Vancouver all gone, and all routes I've taken with Virgin multiple times.
The only thing that remains consistent with Virgin is in-your-face "current thing" marketing, which, as I get older, I find more eye rolling than eye catching.
Great perspective - I'm sure it was easier to like them when they were more of an upstart & an underdog... despite the recent product innovations and fleet additions it feels like they may have gotten a little complacent compared to the early days
The Clubhouse Longe Is The Best Business Class Lounge In Europe My Opinion.Great Video.And Info
Taking my first flight on this aircraft JFK to LHR next week. Really enjoyed the comprehensive explanations and good videos. Something I discovered by watching this video is the Upper Class does not have a fully closing door, which I prefer on other carriers. Small detail, but I really like being in a cocoon.
What's cookin good lookin , Peter great to see you back
Virgin Atlantic is doing what they do best - Sticking it right up B.A and rotate! & up we go✈
And women.
Just stayed overnight at TWA hotel the other night, so awesome!!
Thanks again for your insight and advice, well done
That was interesting, and I like your glasses. And also the speedo comment, I always pack mine. Just a question of which one.
Thank you and 😂 it’s always a tough choice when you have a drawer full of them!
Your videos are awesome. Keep going 👌
As a non brit- You'd be the perfect lad to do a review of the infamous Ryan Air (Im positive most of thing ive heard is wrong or just far stretched)
Wow 💃i saw her last Sunday exactly 11:11am she is a beauty 🇯🇲 thanks Peter for seen this wonderful experience
Another great review Peter! The Virgin Atlantic experience looks absolutely incredible. Too bad I’ll mainly be flying KLM when I move to Amsterdam in the fall, although they’re good too! 😂
Thank you Jordan... what's taking you to Amsterdam? I'd take AMS as a home airport over pretty much anywhere in the US haha....
@@flaps1019 going to Utrecht University for graduate school :)
24:57 I agree, that fella in the safety vest is indeed a beast
😂
I love this. Very thorough experience. I booked through Delta and have a Virgin Atlantic through codeshare from LHR to ATL. Was sincerely considering to re-book for a Delta flight, though your perspective makes me want to experience Virgin. Many thanks!
That's awesome - enjoy it! Definitely a little spicier than Delta and you can still earn your Delta miles if you booked w cash!
much appreciated. Decided to do ATL->LHR upper class in Virgin A330 and back on the Virgin A350. Very much looking forward to Virgin’s upper class experience, as I’ve been a Delta snob for years. Would you rate non-US airlines as better?
Virgins original upper class was 38/40" inches
It's first flat bed was a slope style seat before the "suite"
I've tried A350 and A330-900neo with VS but I couldn't find the tailcam. Once I even asked the cabin crew and he did not know if there is or isn't. I will keep looking for it ,but I think many people love that feature.
100%, especially if you don't have a window seat - the tailcam makes a huge difference
Im a regular flyer with Virgin Atlantic and always enjoy seeing other peoples perspectives. To be fair I dont think Ive seen a "bad" review!!/ Really enjoyed yours.
Just to add to the review of the lounge. You can sit in the "restaurant" area and have table service with physical menus and you can also get a physical menu at any seat by asking a server. They also have a very good range of cocktails with Virgin Redhead, Breakfast martini and Bramble among my favourites!! You can get a FULL English breakfast simply by ordering and it is much better than having it sat on a buffet!!!
I know you didn't like the announcements but I think they're great, especially if a flight is delayed for any reason and I always leave to board my flight when they make that announcement because then Im not hanging around at the gate. Theres usually an Upper boarding line so no need to rush!!
TAIL CAM!!!!!!!! Doh!!!
Did you turn the Salt and Peppers over to see they say "pinched from Virgin Atlantic" they come in different colours so I have a nice set at home now!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂 (I always ask if I can pinch them though!!)
Meal Service - in Upper you can pretty much take as long as you like and if you really anted to wait an hour the crew would arrange this for you as each hot dish is prepared separately.
Dont forget to close the window blind if you need to use the loo when the plane is at the gate!!
If you want or need super leg room then book a seat in Row 1. As there is no seat in front the footwell is twice as big in these seats!!
@@markjohnson182 incredible info, thank you Mark!! Now I’ll have to fly them again 😂
Yes for sure. Maybe try out one of the US Clubhouses too in SF or JFK
How long was your flight?
@@BrianKitching-wv5nh right around 8 hours I believe
Enjoyable trip report- not too stuff nor picky.
Looks pretty great! On a different note, hope you get a chance to re-do KLM with their new 777 business class cabin.
I hope so too... it's on the list for sure... just gotta find a good deal. If you know any routes that aren't crazy expensive let me know!! My mileage balances are dwindling 😭 so the next one might need to be a cash fare
Just fyi, those upper class seat doors do close. You must have had a dodgy door. 😊
You might want to talk about the seats in Upper class.
Flew with Virgin in Upper, Heathrow to Vegas, best thing was the lounge. Staff at check in, were friendly as were most of the onboard crew, but everything else was average at best.
GOOD TRIP REPORT, WELLDONE
The A350 looks nicer than the 787 Upper Class. I found the 787 seating configuration not very good and the seat actually quite uncomfortable. personally if you can get a good deal for Upper Class go for it, but I wouldn’t throw a lot of money at it as I just don’t find the onboard service and food premium enough.
Darn! You forgot to film the landing from the tail camera. Oh well. Great video though. 👍🏾
Love this video - but please be careful of using video with so much flicker! Not good for some viewers
Nice shirt
My friend, you didn't know it was called the loft and you didn't KNOE THE A350 HAD TAIL CAMERAS?! "Honestly woman you call yourself our mother" (avgeek) (reference to harry potter : the sorcerer's stone: first move platform 9/4 scene: yah massive a350 perk quiet flies like a dream, tail CAMERAS
I'd love to see disabled/mobility impaired reviews of flights, I know how good BA are at their assistance but I haven't tried Virgin. Great Review! Thank you.
Can you take a guest to the lounge with you? Im flying upper but my relative is in economy.
@@zac2834 yes I believe you can! As long as your relative is flying virgin (which I’m assuming they are) 😃
@flaps1019 thank you! Yes they are but back in the cheap seats 💺
Stopped flying with virgin when they gave a man the woman of the year award. Do disrespectful to all those hard working women, like Marie curie nurses etc. BA for me now.
Branson suggested calling economy Riff Raff class lol
😂
How do you stay is great shape eating all that food every time you travel? 😂
Thanks for not being like 'non stop Dan' and whining about everything. Even though you look like him.....cough.
Thanks for stopping by 💪and lol I think it was the shirt and the glasses... I promise we're not related 😂
Virgin is awesome.We flew to L.A in 1996 on a 747,we had economy at the back where we had great seats with lots of leg room.
Now it sucks.
VS definitely has the stylish elements down, kinda bling but somehow likable. I flew VS a few times, but you know, I kinda get the same vibe as Delta - they both got the branding down, but cut corners in a subtle way. Like you said, chips instead of nuts on a stylish ramekin looks good and is much cheaper to do. The new A350 seats also look stylish, but they don't wear too well (again kinda like the Delta 764 and A330neo) and some of the hardwares just felt flimsy and are already breaking down. The meal portions are just sooooo small, which is also the case for the Clubhouse made-to-order dishes. They're more like appetizer size mains (not just for an American stomach). The crew are very good though, with the exception of maybe the JFK Clubhouse staff...
The airline doesn’t serve nuts due to the amount of nut allergy passengers that fly. Once one person with a nut allergy boards then no nuts can be served. This is why you get potato chips instead. It’s just something to nibble on whilst you have your first drink.
With 44 seats in business the vast amount of food has to fit in the ovens. You cant have obese American portions of food as it wouldn’t fit. That’s why the portions are the size they are. Plus if your having the crisps, bread, starter, main and dessert then it’s more than enough food. I always carry a snacks on me if I’m hungry later.
Well said… and on the clubhouse dishes, I’m glad they weren’t massive portions. Plus you can always order more if the American stomach rears its ugly head 😂
Regarding the food onboard, the portions were VERY generous in my assessment
Short haul is a big disappointment on BA these days. Obviously legroom and comfort is not a concern for BA on short haul but at least you got complimentary food and drinks, and legroom was better than budget airlines. My first trip with BA short haul was 2015 from Gatwick to Paphos Cyprus (5 hours). Was a nice experience, quick check in compared to the miles long queue with EasyJet Ryanair etc.. 2023 I flew BA again sane route it was horrible. They have crammed in too many seats in the Airbus A320 it’s awful no legroom at all, I mean NO LEGROOM AT ALL! And no free food or drinks these days. 6 hour delay outgoing on way home we were literally about to take off one of cabin crew fell ill flight was cancelled for the night yrs they put us in a hotel overnight but no messages or emails about when we’d go home. Luckily we were awake and having breakfast the next morning when one of the passengers recognised us and told us coaches had turned up outside the hotel. If we were still asleep or had gone out we’d have missed our flight home. Disgusting. I don’t blame the poorly air hostess but lack of communication is all on BA. Luckily we got home next day (same crew, we were told night before they couldn’t fly unless all cabin crew were ok but next day same captain and cabin crew we asked if girl was ok they told us she was travelling as a passenger that day. So why was she not taken off the aircraft so the rest of us could fly home the night before as scheduled??!). It’s a worry as I’m on medication for pain that is strictly prescribed only I take a few days extra in case of delays but if we got stuck abroad longer than 3 or 4 days if start getting really ill, no sleep, sweats, cramp, sickness and diarrhoea etc. so short haul BA have gone downhill massively my experience was not unique they are getting a bad name. BUT! I’m assured BA are still excellent on long haul economy or premium/first class. Virgin every one tells me they are amazing. Their trains were brilliant in the UK I’d love to fly with them if I get chance.
Looks like Virgin is growing up into an adult airline in most areas. Still a few childish things here and there but they're growing up. Thanks for the video.
Haha that's a good way to put it. They're a little less "mature" by most standards, but I think they like it that way 😂
I noticed you masked out the virgin staff on the video.
In UK law, airports are considered to be private property, and therefore, people in them have the right to expect a degree of privacy.
You are allowed to film, but if you broadcast or publish images, you need to have people's permission if they can be recognised.
This is not a criminal law, so the police would not get involved, and you wouldn't go to jail.
It's a civil law. People appearing in the video have the right to seek redress if you have not gained their permission to show them.
In the UK you will signs everywhere that has CCTV giving you information of who is recording the images captured, quoting the data protection act.
As airport, theatres, shopping centres and even some streets are considered to be private, not public space, the owners can ask you to stop filming or ever refuse you entry if they think you actions are a public nuisance. Although this is hardly likely to happen to someone making a post publicising their businesses
Disgusting to see virgin worsen every time. Size of the airline is even smaller and now the service is worsening, and the inclusivity is truly disgusting. Unprofessionalism at its best. I will never fly VS. SkyTeam deserves better also.
What do you mean by "inclusive, and "progresive""? Or are you just getting the current day weasel words into your video?
If you are flying economy, BA is better. Much better!
I’d say in economy, I’ve never seen much difference between the two. Premium is better with Virgin in my experience, upper / club world really depends on the plane with either
All too camp now
"one world buffoons" - not very polite (@13:15)
It`s called `humor` although you may be to young to remember it.
I avoid Virgin I fly Delta better service flight attendants are awful on Virgin
Please when you go on holiday or make flight reviews don’t talk about calories etc, it is just stupid.
HEY, I DONT REALLY KNOW HOW I GOT TO THIS POINT, BUT I JUST WANTED TO SHARE THAT I WILL SHORTLY BECOME A CREW MEMBER WITH F( (FRONTIER) I AM AN AVIATION ENTHUSIAST AND LIKE "LIKE-MINDED" GUYS, MY NAME IS FELIPE AND I LIVE IN PUERTO RICO (SJU) FRONTIER HAS JUST OPENED A SJU BASE, MAYBE FLY AND HAVE A CHAT!! SAFE FLYING- FELIPE