Virgin Upper Class Seats Compared - 787 versus A350. Which is better???

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  • Опубликовано: 13 май 2024
  • I recently had the pleasure of flying Upper Class with Virgin on both their Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 products. And it didn't cost as much as you might think, given I started my journey in Dublin - check out my 787 review for an explanation on how little this trip cost me...
    • Flight Review - £422 f...
    Virgin's A350 showcases their new Upper Class product - a new seat in a new configuration that reflects the next generation of their Business Class offering. In many ways it is very different from the older Upper Class product which is still available on Virgin's 787s and Airbus A330s - indeed 75% of Virgin's planes still carry this older product. But is the A350 as bit a leap forward as Virgin clearly wants you to think it is? Here's my review of that flight...
    • Flight Review: Virgin ...
    In this video I'll share 6 key differences between the products. In some detail... I was quite surprised when this video ended up being 16 minutes long, but I wanted to be thorough and I wanted to give all the information I could to help people decided which plane to fly and to prepare for that flight once it's booked.
    Seat maps from Aerolopa.com
    ⭐ #virginatlantic #seatscompared #MattsPlanet ⭐
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    ⏰ Timestamps:
    0:00 - Intro
    1:14 - First, the Similarities
    3:29 - The Seat's Alignment
    6:20 - The Seat as a Bed
    8:29 - Privacy
    10:22 - Service
    11:14 - The Loft
    12:11 - Other Seat Benefits
    13:30 - Conclusions

Комментарии • 169

  • @vpatel1994567
    @vpatel1994567 2 года назад +18

    Really appreciate your detailed, thorough, and most importantly honest reviews… definitely one of the more underrated aviation channels on RUclips

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад

      Thanks you Vishal! Tell all your friends!!

  • @IWTBF
    @IWTBF 2 года назад +1

    Awesome honest detailed review with real image video and plan drawings

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад

      Thanks - quite pleased with how it came out... Surprised it ender up nearly 16 minutes long but there wasn't any that I thought I should cut once it was assembled.

  • @steve-marsh
    @steve-marsh Год назад +1

    Absolutely fantastic. thanks so much for this

  • @lizhervatic7840
    @lizhervatic7840 Год назад +1

    Very helpful! Thank you!

  • @yvonneparker6284
    @yvonneparker6284 Год назад +1

    Great review.
    Very detailed

  • @jammerr23
    @jammerr23 Год назад +1

    Very informative. Thank you

  • @SteveHearn
    @SteveHearn Год назад +3

    Today I upgraded the wife and myself to upper class on our flight to Miami in January 2023 and it is on the new 330-900 neo plane that will start flying in October 2022! That has another different layout so excited to see how it goes! Great videos btw 🤩

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      Thanks Steve - those new seats do look like a further step forwards - hoping to get on one myself early next year... Thanks for watching!

  • @angelpatt7433
    @angelpatt7433 Год назад +1

    Thanks for this clear comparison.

  • @alishaypringle1719
    @alishaypringle1719 4 месяца назад +1

    Great Review! Thanks

  • @RH-1977
    @RH-1977 Год назад +2

    Love the reviews, very honest and detailed and offer a clear view of the pro's and cons of both which not many people do, so well done there.. But I think your next comparison should be between the new Club Suite on a BA A350, which you say you haven't tried yet, and Upper Class on Virgin's new A330 Neo. That would certainly be an interesting contrast. I'd like to fly both so that would be interesting.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад +1

      Thanks! I have both seats on the radar... From what I've seen the new Virgin A330 seat isn't vastly different from the A350 version, but I don't need much of an excuse to fly somewhere these days!

  • @robertcrevelon9532
    @robertcrevelon9532 Год назад +1

    Thank you, that helped a lot.

  • @Lad7478
    @Lad7478 10 месяцев назад +1

    Great video hope you enjoyed your flights ✈️

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  10 месяцев назад

      I did! I think I preferred the daytime 787 more than the overnight A350... Probably need to repeat the trip with the flights in the opposite order to see if my experience stays the same

  • @internationAL21
    @internationAL21 2 года назад +3

    Very good video. More of this these please. Would love to see you make a direct comparison between the Premium Economy products on both Virgin and BA’s a350s

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад

      Thanks Al. Been looking at Virgin premium economy but its expensive - I can get somewhere in business class for what they want to charge... Will keep looking through as the sort of video you suggest might be interesting...

  • @jonnylons1
    @jonnylons1 Год назад +1

    Over 5k subscribers Matt…keep it up!

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      Thanks and well spotted! Things are going well!

  • @jeffflad
    @jeffflad 2 года назад +1

    First time caller here!! Loving your content, keep it up. Trying to like what I watch but don’t think you can do it watching through AppleTV. Anyway, thanks for all your advice and know how!

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад +1

      Welcome Jeff - I'll forgive the lack of a like as you took the time to leave a comment! Glad you enjoyed this and I hope there's other stuff on the channel that interests you!

  • @maladyhawkemaladyhawke8864
    @maladyhawkemaladyhawke8864 5 месяцев назад +1

    Hi, that was a great comparison. I tried both those configurations and preferred the privacy feel of the A350

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  5 месяцев назад

      Thanks - as a taller man that foot cubby does annoy me....

    • @maladyhawkemaladyhawke8864
      @maladyhawkemaladyhawke8864 5 месяцев назад +1

      @@MattsPlanet I'm a short 5'2 woman so I fit comfortably

  • @stoehrcov
    @stoehrcov Год назад +1

    Matt well done. I just subscribed

  • @profplum5
    @profplum5 Год назад +2

    Great video. Have flown both cabins. I agree the seat on the a350 is far superior however, I much prefer the ambience of the upper class cabin on the 787 - much less crowded and calmer. I felt like a sardine in the a350 cabin. In short, I would happily fly either

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      Thanks Patrick - I'm with you that both are good. As I'm tall I'd probably prefer the A350 westbound and the 787 eastbound overnight... It is a polarising issue though!

  • @immikhanUK
    @immikhanUK 11 месяцев назад +1

    So glad I'm finding more unseen videos of yours. Great content and delightful commentary. And, relatable! Odd as I've never been Business class. Elsewhere I've seen a video about a £15,000 3-day cruise. On reflection, I'm not opposed to the vast expense. It's can you make that video and not be smug and entitled about it. It's all about the creator. Happy weekend!

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  11 месяцев назад +1

      Ha ha! I've seen all of them!! £15k for 3 days is quite a lot!

  • @hollwoods
    @hollwoods 11 месяцев назад +1

    Thank you for being honest and detailed. I will be flying to London on Virgin upper class 787 and back on Delta one, I’m curious for the comparison.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  11 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks - you should make a video comparing the experiences - I'd watch it!

  • @sparkyh71
    @sparkyh71 2 года назад +2

    Great video. We’re flying LHR-SFO on a 787 and LAX-LHR on an A350 next month with both flights in upper class. A little disappointed as both flights were selected as A350, but VA have since swapped the outbound aircraft. From what you’ve said it would’ve been better the other way round, but I’m sure it’ll be an enjoyable experience nonetheless. We flew to JFK and back on a VA A350 in December in Premium and it was great, first time out of economy!

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад +1

      Thanks Nick - now you've gotten out of economy you're not hanging around, are you!!! Longer flights to the West Coast which will give you a bit longer to find a sleeping position that works on the A350 and I agree - you will enjoy the experience!!! Driving between SFO and LAX?

    • @sparkyh71
      @sparkyh71 2 года назад +1

      @@MattsPlanet We have a week in Oahu in between, flying Hawaiian A330 First Class. Can’t wait 😀👍🏻

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад +1

      @@sparkyh71 Very nice! Double thumbs up for that one (if I could!!) Have a great time.

    • @sparkyh71
      @sparkyh71 2 года назад

      @@MattsPlanet Cheers!

  • @PigeonFace4Life
    @PigeonFace4Life 11 месяцев назад +3

    I’ve flown on both, and while the A350 was great for space, privacy, window-view and television quality, the 787 made it easy for me to sit with my family members and chat to them thanks to the mini seat opposite that acts as your own personal footrest when someone isn’t sitting with you. The A350 made me feel quite lonely for a whole 8 hours, which isn’t how I like to feel on a flight

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  11 месяцев назад

      A good point - I tend to travel alone so perhaps underweight this point in my considerations... I know the cabin manager did perch on the footstool to chat for a while when I was on the 787...

  • @lesbrown2724
    @lesbrown2724 2 года назад +3

    Very considered comparison. I agree that the biggest problem with the old seat is the inability to see out of the window. The lack of storage space is a flaw in both seats. If the new seat design really discourages the crew from friendly interaction with the passengers then that is a bad thing since that can be the single most important difference, Virgin crews at their best are really exceptional.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад

      Thanks Les. The crew can certainly lean on the wall beside you but there's no buddy seat for them to linger on unlike the 787...

  • @Joop175
    @Joop175 2 года назад +1

    Booked A350 upper class for first UC experience. Disappointed to see that virgin changed scheduled and now I’m on the 787. Sleep will not be a priority as it’s a daytime flight but I really like the look of the a350. had I known that it was going to be the 787, I would not have gone UC. Great review btw.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад +1

      Thanks - one of the perils of booking these days. Airlines usually won't allow you to cancel or change a flight if they change the equipment which isn't fair, but you can see why they take that position. The 787 is not a bad plane and the service will be the same!

    • @Joop175
      @Joop175 2 года назад

      @@MattsPlanet I agree. I got my flights for a great price so makes no sense on ‘upgrading’ to the a350 plane which is flying later on same day as they’re asking for another £1200 per ticket, no chance!

  • @carlh8731
    @carlh8731 Год назад +1

    I flew on the A350 in upper class and agree with a lot of your points. On the day time flight was a great product for being able to adjust the seat and use the wifi and the bigger TV screen. The bed on the return journey felt quite narrow to me so found it difficult to sleep.
    I would say that on both journeys the crew were a bit disappointing expect for one member who changed part way through the flight. She was fantastic but the other members seemed a bit bored/uninterested in helping etc.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      Thanks Carl. People rave about Virgin, and in comparison to BA that's probably valid, but if you compare Virgin to the very best airlines out there, they do often fall a little short in my opinion... Looks like your experience was similar.... Thanks for the comment.

    • @robertcroft8241
      @robertcroft8241 Год назад

      On my Upper Class flight last month from Atlanta to Manchester in the dreadful A330 , the girls were super friendly but the Manager , Garry, was down right rude. I was talking to a fellow passenger and asked for two beers, (9 PM) Garry snapped "The Bar Is Closed". The food was inedible . Now that Virgin Atlantic has gone for Airbus instead of the
      big, comfortable American planes, I shall avoid them.

  • @robgardner6399
    @robgardner6399 2 года назад +1

    Some interesting points, however i was surprised not to hear any reference to the sound quality. Would you consider that both aircraft are as quiet as one another in upper class?

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад

      Thanks Rob. I actually have moderate to severe hearing loss, and my hearing aids just amplify the white noise on planes, to I tend to take them off when I'm on board. So I am the last person to opine on the relative noisiness of the two planes!!! I think it would be very tricky to compare them without some sort of device though??? They both seem pretty quiet to me, perhaps not as quiet as the upper deck of an A380, but as I said, I'm not the person to ask... Tend to not review the on-board headphones either for the same reason!

  • @timsiddle6714
    @timsiddle6714 2 года назад +4

    Enjoyed the review. I have a similar viewpoint - the 350 seat just isn’t that good. I think I prefer the 787, because it gives that social feel and encourages a great deal of interaction with the crew - I find that really makes the difference over other airlines.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад +1

      Cheers Tim. Preferring the 787 is not an obvious choice, but in several ways it is by far the better plane...

    • @sarariley3174
      @sarariley3174 Год назад

      I actually agree. Definitely thought the 350 was going to be so much better, so surprised I preferred the 787. Did one going to New York from Manchester and other on way back.

  • @waynerooo
    @waynerooo Год назад +1

    Hi Matt. I've flown VS Upper Class on the 787, and if I was using the tray table to eat, I was able to get out of my seat by swinging the tray aside. Can you do that in the A350 or are you stuck until your food things are collected?

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      Thanks Wayne. The arm rest does drop so you could wriggle and pivot out of the A350 seat but as I said in the video about flying on the A350 - ruclips.net/video/ahjA9Zp1OFA/видео.html - enjoy the pinkness - I don't think it would be comfortable to get out with the table deployed.

  • @MrShaymen
    @MrShaymen 2 года назад +1

    Also flown both products recently and at 6ft 7" I actually found sleeping far easier on the A350. The 'tightness' of the old upper class product was very restrictive and I found it almost impossible to sleep on my side whereas the A350 was much easier to find a comfortable sleeping position. Thats my tuppence worth anyway :)

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад +1

      Thanks Ian - I'm 6ft 4" so you've got 3 inches in me! I'm occasionally asked if I'm a side sleeper or a back sleeper and my response is always "I don't know, I'm asleep!!!"

  • @saul9357
    @saul9357 2 года назад +1

    Great Review Matt ! All in all having flown both products I feel that the ground experience on Virgin still makes the entire experience far superior to its main competitor BA . Personally I loved the A350 Upper , more modern and spacious as you point out BUT I have to agree that the product isn’t build to last and it will be interesting to see if Virgin retain it as is when they begin to retrofit the rest of the fleet …. I don’t think they will . It will be a perfect opportunity for them to try something new .

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад +1

      Cheers Saul, and thanks for the insta-shout too! Odd to be on the same page as Paul Lucas! I agree that there is a "next level" seat that Virgin needs to move to if they are going to retain their lead on BA, in terms of plane seats at least. They are very competitive on the ground... I'm probably a bit old to try a career change into seat-designing!

    • @saul9357
      @saul9357 2 года назад +3

      @@MattsPlanet never to old to try something new ! The quality and of your videos and content is up there with the best Matt ! The sheer research and dedication you have to share you knowledge and experience is fantastic and as yet is a “hidden gem” . I really hope you continue to grow in the aviation/travel RUclips world thoroughly deserved.

  • @rajnirvan3336
    @rajnirvan3336 2 года назад +1

    I'm going to Los Angeles on Virgin A350 in September and go Las Vegas after returning on B787. I really looking forward to them

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад +1

      Lucky you! They'll both be great trips - I hope this helps you prepare for them a little. Enjoy!

    • @rajnirvan3336
      @rajnirvan3336 2 года назад

      @@MattsPlanet absolutely mate been waiting last 2 to 3 years. Once I've been on both I can say I've been on nearly every long haul planes

  • @auwz66
    @auwz66 Месяц назад +1

    I fly business a lot and for my body size (5f10@85kg) I find Emirates to be the best on the A380. LOADS of space, storage for days and recently refreshed cabins on some aircraft. Their bar area trumps all others as you can fit about 20 people in it - if not more! The only down side is the service as there are so many customers. Virgin defo have it for service IME. Cathay Pacific close second. Re aircraft for me the A380 is the best by a long shot for flying comfort. The A350 2nd and the 787 is 3rd, you can tell its smaller and an older design. All just my 2 cents worth. As for which Virgin upper is best, I mostly fly the old seat and for sleep as you say its by far the best. IFE is not great and I always stick to the A side. The new seat is way better other than sleep space.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Месяц назад

      Thanks for that! I've got Emirates A380 (in First actually - the business cabin is enormous!!!) and Cathay in business in the next couple of weeks then Virgins A350 and A330-900 in September. That old Virgin seat is good for sleeping though!

    • @auwz66
      @auwz66 Месяц назад

      @@MattsPlanet First on Emirates is outstanding, as I am sure you know. Above my pay grade though these days!! I just did BKK>DXB>MAN in business and it was the usual all round good experience. F&B quality seems to be decreasing though, IMO. Sure it will be fine in 1st! Enjoy the flight!

  • @GLAFly
    @GLAFly 2 года назад +3

    Great comparison between the two products (neither of which I've flown...yet!). While I know the original Upper Class "reverse herringbone" seat was seen as a game changer at the time, when compared to BA's Yin-Yang seat, I've always been put off by the inability to easily look out the window (one of the most enjoyable parts of flying for me). I've had the fortune of flying the new Club Suites with BA recently (as well as a short "refresher" on what the old seat was like) so I'll be interested to hear your views on how that seat compares with the new Virgin seat.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад +1

      Cheers! Been booked in club suites twice now but neither trip happened... Do have a plan to fly them quite soon though...

  • @composimple364
    @composimple364 Год назад +1

    Search informative video but just a little correction, on 787 it is not reverse herringbone, it is just herringbone. 😅 reverse herringbone seats have passengers facing the window more than facing the aisle.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад +1

      Thanks! You're not the first to point out my error... I'm tempted to defend myself by suggesting it depends on how you fillet the herring, but I doubt that excuse would work!!!

  • @nssportstv7231
    @nssportstv7231 Месяц назад +1

    Flying later this year to New Delhi on Virgin Atlantic A350 business class

  • @Oxford322
    @Oxford322 Год назад +1

    Thanks! I always fly upper class from Atlanta ( Georgia ) to Heathrow . ( I go to Oxford each summer .
    I never thought about differences in planes! The crew at Virgin is absolutely the best! The clubhouse at Heathrow is probably the best in the world . !
    If you ever fly upper w Virgin , you’ll never go back .

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      Cheers Alison - there's a new version of their upper class coming out later this year too I believe. Even more decisions to take when that joins the fleet!

  • @Mark.Claughton
    @Mark.Claughton 2 года назад +1

    I have two companion vouchers for Virgin but they never have any seats available to redeem on points and their destinations are very limited.
    At this rate I don't think I'll ever get to use them. This is the reason I switched to BA Amex black

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад

      Vouchers are indeed valueless if you can't use them...

  • @davidyim7744
    @davidyim7744 9 месяцев назад +1

    Like the video but can’t say I fully agree with your conclusion. I have flown Upper for over 15 years and remember when they introduced the first suite. The bed is more comfortable than the new seat which felt like a cheap plasticky imitation. As a shorter passenger I just could get comfortable in the seat in the upright position and the table design and so called door were laughable. Give me the old 787 seat anyway….! Have yet to try the new 330neo seat….now I’d like to see that comparison!

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  9 месяцев назад

      Thanks David - I'm not sure we disagree that much! I agree the 787 is better for sleeping and the A350 is plasticky! I have the A330 in my sights but the destinations it services are still quite limited...

  • @user-sm7bi7rh6w
    @user-sm7bi7rh6w 8 месяцев назад +1

    Hey Matt
    I’m travelling with Virgin Atlantic Upper Class from LHR - LAX in Feb 2024-Originally I was on the A350 but they have switched it to the 787--They state it was for operational reasons and now they want an extra £1200 for the 3 adult passengers to be changed to an earlier flight which is still on the A350-any advice would be great thanks

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  8 месяцев назад

      Airlines don't guarantee equipment sadly - Qatar will be sympathetic if you book a QSuite and they do the dirty on you - but Virgin will not offer anything I'm afraid... Virgin regards all their equipment as being equal. There's always the chance they'll change it back before February... Sorry I can't be more positive

    • @user-sm7bi7rh6w
      @user-sm7bi7rh6w 8 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks for your reply---Do you think I should pay the extra £1200 to change to the A350 flight or shall I stick to the 787---The 787 is 4:10pm flight from LHR and arrives at LAX at 7:25pm

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  8 месяцев назад +1

      @@user-sm7bi7rh6w The 787 is regarded to be an inferior product but I'm not sure its £1200 inferior....

  • @johndelucia8856
    @johndelucia8856 8 месяцев назад +2

    Flown both, I like the 380. No one is ever in the loft. LOL............

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  8 месяцев назад

      If you mean 350, I think I agree although its not as slam dunk a decision as most people think...

  • @fazalm8687
    @fazalm8687 Год назад +1

    Waiting for your new A330 Neo Virgin Atlantic cabin review

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      Sadly I didn't get the invitation that many who cover the sector seem to have received...

    • @fazalm8687
      @fazalm8687 Год назад

      @@MattsPlanet From what I’ve seen from the others it’s more refined over their A350 and B787’s offerings. Ofcourse your take on it is the wait now!

  • @TheManunderwater
    @TheManunderwater 10 месяцев назад +1

    What are Virgin's next orders for long haul aircraft and British Airways too ?

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  10 месяцев назад

      Its all public info so quite easy to google... Virgin seems to be focussed on A330-900's and BA seems to have a few of everything on order

  • @Chris_UES
    @Chris_UES Год назад +1

    Last time I flew UC on VS was early 1990s on the 747! Headed to MAN from JFK on the 330 in a couple of weeks UC on the ob PE on the ib. Just don’t see the value in UC on a day flight.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад +1

      Thanks - I flew UC on Virgin in the mid 90's but sadly I have no recollection of the seating although I do remember the experience as being good... UC overnight is a good way to go, although it irritates me a bit that you can't fully enjoy the catering and the bed on such a short flight you're paying for both after all!

  • @timlien5510
    @timlien5510 Год назад +1

    Flew ATL-LHR on a 330 (same as 787 seat) and was very disappointed. Was scheduled to fly back on a 350, but see today it’s been changed to 787. Means I’ll shift to the left aisle, I guess.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      Last minute equipment changes are a right pain... Sadly there's no consumer protection in that circumstance. The "coffin" seat isn't terrible so I hope you can still enjoy the experience!

  • @AJ-bi6ns
    @AJ-bi6ns Год назад +1

    Much prefer the "suite" products over the herringbone, even if it means sacrificing some foot space

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад +1

      Dennis Bunnik just reviewed the Air New Zealand seat, which is the same as Virgins, and he really didn't love it...

  • @andrewallen2038
    @andrewallen2038 8 месяцев назад +1

    Fantastic video, a rea😅eye opener! I will never fly Virgin business or BA…they are not a patch on Qatar

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  8 месяцев назад

      I'm on Qatar again in about 2 weeks - quite excited!

  • @jamesmcdaid6124
    @jamesmcdaid6124 2 года назад

    I am travelling to Boston with my wife on 330/ 300 Air bus up class I would appreciate your thoughts on this have you travelled on this plane 😀

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад +1

      Not been on this plane but I believe the seat and experience is very similar to the 787. So a little exposed but a nice flat space for sleeping and the service will be the same. I think the bar / loft is oriented differently but I doubt you'd notice! Have a good flight.

  • @reidhauke3389
    @reidhauke3389 2 года назад +1

    Both products strongly remind me of the dormatories of eastern european girls in Berlin. Sleep is not what comes to mind. Presumably, you're supposed to watch something else than the outside? I guess the 787 footrest makes more sense in this context.
    They really need to consider which mood is conjured with their present choice of colouring.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад +1

      Cheers Reid... Think I am too old to contemplate not sleeping on an overnight flight back from the East Coast! And I think Virgin picks colours just to be different - its working!! Thanks for watching

  • @CanonTogger717
    @CanonTogger717 5 месяцев назад

    Flying upper class the vegas next year wish I was going on the A350

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  5 месяцев назад

      Still many more 787s in the fleet than a350s...

  • @RandomLifeProductions
    @RandomLifeProductions 11 месяцев назад +1

    The Dublin Route is not so good now for the USA. Jet Blue Mint is the Cheapest from Lhr…

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  11 месяцев назад

      I've not looked closely at virgin recently but can believe you... I saw a head for points article that £1k transatlantics are back - that was KLM from Inverness which avoided the APD but it's certainly encouraging

  • @EpicSlug
    @EpicSlug Год назад +1

    Terminology is a bit wrong. The 787 is herringbone not reverse herringbone. It's the A350 which is reverse herringbone.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      You may be right! I've tried hard to understand the difference between herringbone and reverse herringbone but I'm not sure I can distinguish them even now... This was herringbone though???

  • @bowman7296
    @bowman7296 2 года назад +1

    Well presented Matt, but must say I did not like any of the seat layout Virgin had on your flights. When flying with my wife, she would definitely not like the seat layouts.
    Have only flown on Qatar and Latam 350s which had a far better seat layout and very comfortable.
    MATT did you do a video last Sunday something pop up on my tablet about you but when I click on it said it was a private video, just wondering

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад +1

      Cheers Peter - there's probably a different solution set if flying with someone you want to be close to! I did indeed have a video up for a few hours last Sunday but it didn't go well, lets just say. I managed to offend a large group of Ayia Napa fanatics who weren't interested in listening to the points I wanted to make and preferred to just insult me... Which drowned out the points that they clearly didn't want anyone else to hear... I then immediately departed on a trip so haven't had the chance to re-edit the video to make the points clearer... But having just been on a fantastic trip I may focus on that and chalk the Ayia Napa video up to experience...

    • @bowman7296
      @bowman7296 2 года назад

      @Matt's Planet thanks for update Matt look forward to the edit

  • @conniepayne591
    @conniepayne591 Год назад +1

    I think the seats in the Virgin Atlantic look like you're cattle lined up in cattle cars. I'm curious about the economy class seats in this airplane. I much prefer the other airplane's seat. Thanks for the video.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      Thanks Connie - Dennis Bunnik recently reviewed Air New Zealand who also use these seats - closer together if anything... These were designed to compete with BA's club dormitory and were considered to be fantastic at the time - shows how far premium air travel has come in 20 years! I'm looking to get back on Virgin in economy so see what their seats are like so stay tuned....

  • @paulsharman4749
    @paulsharman4749 Год назад +2

    It's actually herringbone on 787 not reverse herringbone. Reverse faces the windows. Those seats are like coffins.

  • @jasongabb1671
    @jasongabb1671 Год назад +1

    Hi Matt, the four retired Air Berlin A330-200 planes were a crock of S***.. I flew on the pre refit to St Lucia in 2018 & the post refit to Antigua in 2019. Both the 787 & A350 Upper products are far superior. Trust me, there were so many complaints with the Air Berlin planes. Fortunately, they have the A330 Neo's being delivered to boost the fleet...

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      Thanks Jason - can't beat first hand experience! Virgin seem to have thought the Air Belin planes were ok!!! But I had thought that if they were actually that good, they would have kept them and operated them ahead of the 787s...

    • @jasongabb1671
      @jasongabb1671 Год назад

      @@MattsPlanet Hi Matt, if you had flown on them, you probably wouldn't have flown with VA again!! Great review btw, some shocking airline reviewers on RUclips. You have great experience and that shows in the detail. Hopefully you can get on the new A330 NEO in October, starting with the Boston route.. I fly to Jamaica on September 30th to Montego Bay, it's one of the few Caribbean islands i haven't been too. Flying VA 787- UC with my son...

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      @@jasongabb1671 Thanks Jason. Tricky to know whether going back to an airline like Virgin is a better option for me than continuing to cover new (to me) airlines... I would certainly like to get on the new virgin plane. Enjoy Jamaica - not been either so its quite high on the to-do list!

    • @jasongabb1671
      @jasongabb1671 Год назад

      @@MattsPlanet Hi Matt, you need to continue spreading your wings, if your pardon the pun.. Safe travels and keep us all updated.. Jason

  • @johnchristmas7522
    @johnchristmas7522 Год назад +2

    Got to be the A350 for me, I FEEL SAFER, knowing the management team at Boeing had not been completely eradicated.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      Cheers John. I think you mean that the management team of Airbus? But I understand your viewpoint - I don't necessarily agree with that specific point, but I do agree that I prefer the A350 to the 787!

    • @johnchristmas7522
      @johnchristmas7522 Год назад

      @@MattsPlanet Not quite, I was referring to Boeings management that was around during 737 max debacle and even today some of that management still exists

  • @auwz66
    @auwz66 Год назад +1

    Fully agree night flight not bothered, day flight the A350 is miles ahead.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      Spot on. Saying that so succinctly wouldn't have made that long a video though!!!

    • @auwz66
      @auwz66 Год назад

      @@MattsPlanet LOL. The issue I have with Virgin at the moment is they dont have enough A350s!! Their fleet is starting to get quite old now. The issue is they see BA as their only competitors but you have Jet Blue and Aer Lingus operating Neos. I fly quite often on Virgin and the only thing that keeps me going back to them is the service and the clubhouse at LHR.

  • @IWTBF
    @IWTBF 2 года назад +1

    Both are very tight squeezes by the looks of it

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад

      I often think that it doesn't matter how big the hotel room is when you're asleep in the bed...

    • @IWTBF
      @IWTBF 2 года назад

      @@MattsPlanet ha true but it seems claustrophobic and tight compared to other airline

  • @robertcroft8241
    @robertcroft8241 Год назад +1

    Got back to Manchester from Atlanta , (Sunday AM) , my 14th flight on VA Upper Class but only second on Airbus. Don't like it compared with older planes, very cramped, and not worth the extra money . Next time , (If it is the Airbus), I'll go To USA Upper Class and back in Premium Economy , which , in my opinion the seats are more comfortable.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      Thanks Robert - had to reread the comment a few times as people usually find the A350 a better experience that the Boeing 787, but the enclosed structure of the seats can feel very claustrophic.

    • @robertcroft8241
      @robertcroft8241 Год назад

      @@MattsPlanet Re-Read and now see I did not say the A 330 . Sorry ! . We are two OAP s Me and my Cousin Jane, we are not Rich I am 85 and Jane is 78. We can't travel economy anymore and feel that we are being Ripped-Off by Virgin , which used to be my Number One ! I used to think that United and American were the worst Airlines , now I am thinking Virgin.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      @@robertcroft8241 Thanks Robert - I see what you mean if it was the A330! Oddly, you get a very similar amount of space on their "narrow, long" seats as you do in the A350's "wider, shorter" seats but it feels much more claustrophobic as you only really notice the width. But you are the customer and can vote with your feet! Or your bums, as we're talking about airline seats!

  • @RobertMorrey
    @RobertMorrey Год назад +1

    The 787 is herringbone and the a350 is reverse

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      I think I need to dissect a herring....

  • @geoff544
    @geoff544 2 года назад +1

    Interesting - I found the old seats a bit weird for orientation and bed mode but the dobby seat/footrest is great for buddy dining. Overall, I think I prefer the newer layout and I prefer a 350 over a 787 anyway. Incidentally, I think the old layout is herringbone and the newer one is reverse herringbone.(?)
    BA Club Suites are nice, I don't find I need the door as the sides are quite high - in fact so high that I couldn't see the (sole) cabin crew in the other aisle doing the safety demo. It is also incredible that BA doesn't yet appear to have a safety brief on video yet in its newer cabins so it is all done manually - and sometimes twice due to crew shortages. All a bit bizarre when a teenager (or you!) could probably knock one up on a laptop in their bedroom in 10 minutes.
    The other weird fallout of 1-2-1 seating, is that a couple in those 'ideal when travelling together' middle seats, get served by different cabin crew from different aisles. We have had some very disjointed meals, even on Qatar, with things not being served at all together.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад

      Cheers Geoff. I did think of going and buying a herring so I could see its bones and answer the herringbone / reverse herringbone question. But I decided that would be a weird thing to do, even for me... And I know the answer to the in-flight video point... BA's video doesn't show what to do if you need the oxygen mask with a mask on... Which is "take the mask off first".... They had the chance to re-edit the video, but that cost money, so instead they have gone manual. For 2 years... Most airlines still show the video and make an announcement to override the mask bit, but I imagine that didn't get past BA's health and safety committee... Thanks for taking the time to comment!

  • @theodorespreadborough2085
    @theodorespreadborough2085 Год назад

    sitting in the 2 section meant you did see your neighbors alot so a350 for the win

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      The 787 is very open... Dennis Bunnik recently reviewed Air NZ which has a similar, perhaps even tighter configuration and he described it as a communal flying experience...

  • @ajackson-ross7295
    @ajackson-ross7295 2 года назад

    What about ba

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад

      Been booked on BA's new club suite 3 times and been cancelled every time... When I eventually get to fly it I'll review and compare it.

  • @solmarques1584
    @solmarques1584 Год назад +1

    I flew to Atlanta on Virgin A350 upper class and couldn’t be more disappointed. Terrible food, the seat was uncomfortable looked and felt cheap. The food was the worse I had in any flight I ever took. I’m flying San Francisco in November and what was a A350 operated service have now been moved to 787-9. This will be my last time onboard Virgin Atlantic. The quality is so low I see no point being loyal.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      Sorry to hear it wasn't good - was the service at least ok?

    • @solmarques1584
      @solmarques1584 Год назад +1

      @@MattsPlanet Can I just say; I like that you try to respond to everyone who makes a comment here- Nice gesture considering you have a lot of comments.
      For me, the biggest let down on Virgin was the food, I ordered it on my return flight to LHR but didn’t bother eating it. I had some cheese and wine and left at that! I prefer, BA with all its faults!!! I guess airlines had to make cuts to survive the pandemic and all now they are slowly retuning to the same standards of the past, I guess!

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад +1

      @@solmarques1584 Thanks - I still reply to all comments, and most replies to comments! The day will come when I can't, but that day isn't here yet!!! Food can be a bit subjective, but sometimes airlines try so hard to be different and quirky that they forget that the food needs to be appealing to the majority and edible! BA food ex-LHR is pretty decent in my experience. Back to London is patchier!

    • @solmarques1584
      @solmarques1584 Год назад

      @@MattsPlanet At the end of the day I am only too happy to travel comfy class. However with the prices they are charging it’s hard not to have some expectations! Look forward to your next video! Best regards

  • @Tony36847
    @Tony36847 11 месяцев назад +1

    Sorry but I don't see anything "revolutionary" about the new biz class. It's just catching them up to BA, AF, KLM. It's an improvement but nothing novel

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  11 месяцев назад

      Thanks Tony. Its interesting that the Virgin brand is so strong on innovation - their older seat was a response to the BA lie flat seat - no one had thought of foot cubbies back then and Virgin certainly didn't innovate them when they copied BA...

  • @manfriendlychurch
    @manfriendlychurch Год назад +1

    My main whinge with both is the inability to sit properly next to my wife who wants to talk a lot during a flight. She would rather fly premium economy.

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      A wife you still speak to??? Fantastic - good for you! And you're right, neither are brilliant for couples (who are still speaking!!!) but the a350 at least gives you a chance!!!

  • @IWTBF
    @IWTBF 2 года назад +1

    A350 much better . Feet should always point straight ahead or toward the window and feels more plane like

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад

      Just been on an A350 with a straight ahead configuration - review out on Sunday... Slightly longer foot cubby required but a more "logical" layout.

    • @owenaitken4754
      @owenaitken4754 2 года назад +1

      @@MattsPlanet any hits to who this might be matt?

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад

      @@owenaitken4754 3pm tomorrow all will be revealed!!! Star Alliance carrier is all I'll say now...

    • @owenaitken4754
      @owenaitken4754 2 года назад

      @@MattsPlanet legend!

  • @beach182
    @beach182 Год назад +1

    Is this REALLY even a contest? Lol

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  Год назад

      If you're allergic to foot cubbies then perhaps.... Otherwise, probably not!

  • @IWTBF
    @IWTBF 2 года назад +1

    Layout on 787 is terrible . You can see everyone is weird for a privacy more expensive seat. Terrible and the windows . Terrible :(

    • @MattsPlanet
      @MattsPlanet  2 года назад

      But you can get a decent sleep....

  • @IWTBF
    @IWTBF 2 года назад +1

    Don’t fly 787 upper class lol or better yet don’t fly virgin 😂