Get a FREE TRIAL and 10% off at www.squarespace.com/winginit. I think Squarespace is a great product and even used it myself at the start of this year, to create my own website! Read my exclusive written report on Simple Flying here: simpleflying.com/flight-review-virgin-atlantic-747-upper-class/
It’s soo good to hear the collapse of Thomas cook those crooks got what they deserve, all those people that lost their job and have family to feed, I have no remorse for any of them
Thinking the same thing, this is going to sound sad, but seeing them in land here in Vegas reminded me of when my parents would go holiday shopping in the UK and they were certainly an "exotic" airline for us here.
It has been around 15 years since I last flew Virgin Atlantic. Every time I did fly them, I was impressed with what I got, even in coach class. The check in agents always worked to try to find a decent seat for my long legs. The food was always well above average, and the service was excellent. Like you, I enjoyed the opportunity to fly in 747’s. It’s sad to see them go.
was very lucky to fly upper class with Virgin from Gatwick to Orlando and back again on a 747 years ago, me and my family were in the first four seats up in the nose cone - was a bit surreal, will never forget it!!
I flew the same aircraft, G-VROS, at the end of August on the same route, MAN-JFK. I believe I also left from the same gate at Manchester, but I wasn’t seated upstairs or at the nose while on-board this wonderful, classic plane - going standby, I was thrilled to get a seat at all! (I also flew this same aircraft way back in 2005 when she was named 'English Rose!' and a relatively new bird at the time.) On this more recent flight, I did end up with four seats to myself in Economy though, the poor man's lie-flat! VS service is very good, even in Economy on a leisure flight. Thanks for the video, Paul! I always enjoy!
Great video Paul! I’ve seen this one many times but not commented until now! I find myself rewatching it and your KLM 747-400 video now that Virgin Atlantic, KLM & BA have sadly retired all their passenger B747s! 😢 I am very excited to be trying out the Lufthansa 747-400 this winter though UPSTAIRS in Biz class to Frankfurt! Cheers to this video though mate! 🥂 Great stuff as always I still hope to fly VA someday but now on the new A350 in Upper Class! -Caleb’s Aviation 😅
Not sure how I missed this video-I’m just now seeing it! But I sat exactly where you did, when I flew Virgin’s 747 from LAS-LGW in July of 2018. The seat kept showing as occupied up until about a week before the flight but suddenly opened up on the seat map, so I was happy to snag it! I thought it was also cool to hear the nose gear steering under the seat! Flew back to Vegas upstairs in premium, but this trip sadly is the only time I’ve flown on a 747.
I flew UC with VA regularly from 2005 -2012. Same seats same service but from LHR which meant free limo straight to private check-in, through private security and into stunning lounge - although not as good as original lounge with Branson's oak dining table! Even then they weren't using many 747's from LHR so stunned to see them still flying. Personally, 62A/K or 64A/K on BA Club trumped them ....but the crew on VA possibly had the edge.
Flew Virgin Atlantic MCO-MAN a few months ago in Premium on the upper deck. Unique thing was having a little storage compartment between the seat and the window. Only downside was disembarking at a remote stand and taking a bus to the immigration hall on a 0 deg C Manchester morning. And Oh the sound of those General Electric CF-6s at 6:23...
Agreed. The audio was very inconsistent. Since it's a voice over, I recommend re-recording it all at once so you can keep a consistent volume throughout.
I used to travel on AC on the 747 upper deck frequently between Toronto and Frankfurt. Before the days of “pod” seating so just very comfy business class seats. Almost like being in a small private jet.
A memory .. Virgin Business London to Port Harcourt Nigeria ! (now that was unique in 2003?) . Picked up from hotel in a limo , checked in at an off airport location , (hand over passport+ Ticket) through the window, without leaving the car, Passport back with Boarding pass/check in complete. Then on to the airport , driven to the Virgin Lounge lift/elevator straight to the lounge. Shoes taken for a polish, slippers on, fantastic service and meal. No lines, customs, security . On to the plane, in flight bar , then a neck massage , back to the bar, snacks, a meal served .... Not 100% lay flat seats but as good as 'Z' seats given in those days. When flight was as Sir Branson promised . Most memorable flight. Air France then pushed back .... and that was the end of Virgin to Nigeria.
RUclips are getting better at their timing for adverts, which is good. Your pudding, with condensed milk, almost caused a disruption in MacDonell Towers. We are all fans. I'll be sad to have never flown in a 747, but I missed Concorde, too, so no biggie. Glad you had a good flight.
Glad to you have see have done a report on the VS B747-400. I work within aviation ground handling and are heavy involved in these flights. Keep up the good work.!
Never yet flown Upper with VA, usually economy and Premium once. Will be flying Premium for the second time to Orlando in a few weeks on one of the 747s, cannot wait! Great video as always!
I didnt know that...but now you mention it, I have been seated next to the engines and there is no RR logo. I guess most or all of BA's B744s are RRs though.
BloomingOnion. all of British airways 747’s are fitted with the RR RB211’S some only have the RR logo on one side of the engine but you’ll soon know If they are if they have a loud buzzing sound after takeoff.
Virgin Atlantic started out with 747s and have operated them since they started. You may be getting confused with Virgin America or Virgin Australia, which are regional subsidiaries (Virgin America was folded into Alaska when they bought them out a couple of years back anyway).
I clicked like before I even started watching this video. I love virgin atlantic and all it has to offer, the crew are trendy and fabulous and know how to deliver excellent service. The food onboard is decadent. I’d love to see your review of virgins brand new upper class onboard their A350. Another great review Paul.
My heart soars with every report featuring this magnificent bird - so delighted you got this one under your belt - hooray ! Through that 20 year service, I lost count how many times I flew on the 747. Every single time, I was thrilled and elated. Fliipin love that aircraft. I aim to squeeze in as many flights like this as possible. Thanks Paul for sharing this video - pressed all the right buttons. Fly safe : - )
This should come with a warning. The big 747 flights from London to LAX are fabulous. Last week I flew from Manchester to Atlanta Upper Class. This was the much smaller Airbus 330/5 and cramped. (Still paying the enormous price ! ) Premium seats are wider.
Seeing the Thomas Cook aircraft at Manchester reminded me of landing at Gatwick Airport the day after Freddie Laker went out of business, seeing all his aircraft stationary was quite a sad sight, thanks for the videos. From an armchair flyer.
I agree, the 747-400 was super fast, flew Qantas from JFK to LAX then Sydney, the leg to LAX was like 4 hours! Of course then it takes a long while to fly all the way down under. We flew the A380 back up to LAX... I regret not trying for the 747... it was more comfortable (despite us being in cattle class at the tail). Fled a BA 747 (I can’t remember if it was the 400, or an 800) from Heathrow to JFK a few years later... excellent flight, great service (tea with dinner, in a proper (albeit plastic) teacup!, and then a later coffee/tea and snack service as well). I’m sad to see these old birds go.
That story of your grandmother bringing back a virgin atlantic amenity kit brings memories for me, my grandma brought one home from her flight to new york a few years back. I remember being young and impressed at all the stuff you got!
I flew with Virgin on Upper Class (my first business flight) on their 787 from LHR to SEA. And while the cabin is great, seat is comfortable, the biggest highlight was the cabin crew. They were super sweet, the best service I've ever got on a plane. Perfect balance between professionalism, efficiency and being just friendly and chatty.
Boeing has given beautiful names to their carriers 747- Queen of the sky 787- Dreamliner Very enjoyable video. Thank you Paul for you even we can taste a bit of 747 flying. Good job done. God bless you.
@@Paul_Lucas true about the 747-8 but I fear airlines might retire them early like AF and QR are retiring their A380s :( At least it's safe to say we'll see the -8Fs around for a few decades, though.
Good video. Those message vandies ar usually easily found in the U.S. around Valentines Day, sold as "Conversation Hearts". One suggestion: You need to get some processing on your audio. I suggest the Max Brothers. Audimax and Volumax...
Gabriele Tapang And they didn't improve very much the two times I've been on them last year. (Going to America and coming back) None of us four of my traveling group were impressed. Good thing we had our own 8+ hours of entertainment because 6 random crap films and 6 singular episodes of 6 different TV shows (one episode per show) mid season 3 onwards with 20+ choices for everything worthwhile behind a paywall (how do you even pay for that in the air?? Card machines don't even work on the ground from my experiences.) isn't very impressive.
I flew many many years ago when Virgin started flying to Orlando, back then First Class etc was on the upper deck. We were some of the first to check in and very sat in the nose on the left hand side. It is an experience I have never forgotten and very special.
I'm really happy for you that you could have this experience on a 744. I took a flight from FRA to HND in Lufthansa's "Fanhansa" 748 in economy and was almost going crazy just from the excitement to be on a 747 at all. Thanks for this video, looking forward to more content. Love from Germany, until next time!
Those are bits of ground coffee from a badly filtered fresh coffee. The 747-400 upstairs when I sat it in was so loud from then noise of the wind. I find Virgin to have a very affordable premium economy compared to most airlines
We Americans love our Sweetie love hearts, braised beef and Virgin Atlantic too. I think the brand has done a brilliant job to appeal to customers from both sides of the pond 😉. I’m a One World Emerald but will always jump at the chance to book a reasonable Virgin upper class fare over BA or AA to London- Impeccable service and just a bit more fun.
I just can't think of anything better than club world on the upper deck of the BA 747. They always have great deals between JFK and LHR as well. With that said, this looks close enough to the 1st class in BA in the 747.
I had the same seat 6A tbh I prefer it in the Bubble but wanted to tick this off on my Bucket list. I found the 2 front seats were too close together especially if the other person has his feet on the rest. My favourite Upper class seat is 3A on Virgin Atlantic A330 200
It’s still impressive that seats that are now 16 years old are still highly competitive and look modern (sans some dents and 1st generation LCD). Shows how ahead of their time VS was. It’s been only the last few years that most competitors have come up with a product just as good or better. Still in 2019, the only seat in the US that’s better than this is UA’s new Polaris. You should NEVER complain about having to get up in order to make the bed go flat. That’s what makes these seats so good. Virgin went through the extra expense of having the seats have a flat mattress on the back side of the seat. I flew AC’s current business class seats that are basically a knockoff of these, and they are very uncomfortable with the uneven seating surface, and AC’s are impossible to sleep in. Rewind to 2003, it was very impressive how quickly the retrofit was done. The whole LHR fleet was retrofitted with these seats in a matter of a few months in late-2003. Most of those aircraft were less than 5 years old at the time, and VS was actually able to sell the lightly used former business class seats (to Lufthansa?) Being ahead of your time really saves $, verses many US carriers who spend $200k per seat on an outdated product (like UA’s 2-4-2 777’s which were done in 2011, and was already outdated then!)
Paul, Love Hearts are very popular in the USA. I used to work in the Swizzels Matlow factory in New Mills, Derbyshire, as a student. Love Hearts were produced for the US market but different colours were used due to different food colouring regulations. Also remember Love Hearts with German messages on them!
I've seen Business Class seats on other airlines that were laid out better. This arrangement probably squeezes in an extra pair for more profit. The food looked excellent for BC, and despite the age of the aircraft, apparently everything still worked.
Great Video Paul, I recently flew on an Asiana Airlines 747-400 from NRT- ICN and back in the upper deck business class. It wasn't in front of the cockpit but it was one hell of an experience!
This is the review I’ve been waiting for from you and you didn’t disappoint . I had always wanted to fly Virgin Atlantic but they discontinued service to Toronto. Great video as always!
A wonderful video as always Paul. I always enjoy watching these at my leisure after work. I hope you enjoyed your time in NY. Can’t wait for the next video.
Yes manchester security was flying an aer lingus regional flight to cork arrived at the airport hour and a half before my flight checked in a bag then straight to security massive lines and took me around an hour and 25 mins. I Informed the security that my flight was set to depart in 20 minutes and was told if I had a checked in a bag they'd wait for me so no need to skip anyone. Ran to the far side of the concourse to my gate just to see my plane be pushed back and taxi out😂.
I am already missing the 747. We are always ready for you to come to the Spaceport in New Mexico, USA, and take Virgin's spaceflight to outer space. I am already looking forward to your review.
If they're the same kind. I noticed their's is round with a heart-shaped design on it while ours is heart-shaped. Needless to say, I have *NO* idea if the taste is even close (could be exact; could be completely different).
I travel this service regular and sit in the same seat pretty often. Had quite a few issues over the last few months as I think the planes are just getting wayyyyy too dated. I traveled the Orlando to Glasgow route last week and had nothing but issues with the seat and infotainment system. Had to be moved seats and even then the entertainment kept crashing every so often having to be reset so ended up just giving up with it.
I always fly from Manchester and I love it there I been to that lounge and I love it I think I went to Puerto varllarta you should make a video with tui 787 Dreamliner from Gatwick or Manchester it’s soo nice there you should try it
Jet Junkies Live. Yes I agree both are great engines. The RB211 is well known for the classic loud “buzz” sound when taking off, the GECF6 hardly has that noise. 👍
Nice video Paul, I flew this route back in April, it was also my first time flying with virgin Atlantic, I thought it was very good. I am also doing that Manchester-Houston with Singapore in October, I can’t wait! A very good trip report! 👍😀
I enjoy your videos and share your opinion on the great 747 series. I was lucky enough to jump on China Airlines from Vancouver to Denpasar via Taipei. The first leg was a 747 from YVR to Taipei. Was fortunate to be premium economy which landed me upper deck and I loved every minute of it! Now the route is serviced by an A350....nice but not the same room and luxury.
I have flown with Virgin Atlantic 3 times to New Delhi and I love Virgin Atlantic good airline I have nothing bad to say. I would happily fly again with Virgin Atlantic.
Get a FREE TRIAL and 10% off at www.squarespace.com/winginit. I think Squarespace is a great product and even used it myself at the start of this year, to create my own website!
Read my exclusive written report on Simple Flying here: simpleflying.com/flight-review-virgin-atlantic-747-upper-class/
Nice!
Yes, thank you! Virgin Atlantic finally! You should check out the 787-9 + the A350-1000
Do you use the official GoPro suction cup?
It’s soo good to hear the collapse of Thomas cook those crooks got what they deserve, all those people that lost their job and have family to feed, I have no remorse for any of them
Hey Paul have you tried getting on one of the SSJ100's? With NA considering them I was wondering what they were like :)
There's something to be said about seeing Thomas Cook Planes and thinking, 'Whelp, they're gone!'
Thinking the same thing, this is going to sound sad, but seeing them in land here in Vegas reminded me of when my parents would go holiday shopping in the UK and they were certainly an "exotic" airline for us here.
I was about to say that but it was sad see those planes
Thomas Cook’s demise is the opposite of whelping.
s125ish Britain? XD it's an exaggerated 'well!'. "Well-puh!"
They arent gone their just owned by China now.
It has been around 15 years since I last flew Virgin Atlantic. Every time I did fly them, I was impressed with what I got, even in coach class. The check in agents always worked to try to find a decent seat for my long legs. The food was always well above average, and the service was excellent. Like you, I enjoyed the opportunity to fly in 747’s. It’s sad to see them go.
I fly often and I cannot help but stare at the 747s on the tarmac. That profile is art in motion even when it’s standing still.
Tarmac?
Jim Tomlinson Tarmac Jesus Christ end me
@Lancashirelad Oh, ok, that new. Sorry.
Some people get really upset when you call the apron "tarmac". Not sure why.
I call it the tarmac on purpose 🎣
That view over the motorway is phenomenal. Best view ever!
Your videos are great. I like that you’re not snobbish like some of the other flight reviewers.
was very lucky to fly upper class with Virgin from Gatwick to Orlando and back again on a 747 years ago, me and my family were in the first four seats up in the nose cone - was a bit surreal, will never forget it!!
Flew from Manchester to Atlanta on 747 with virgin a few weeks ago. Sat in the "bubble" upstairs. good flight and good food. It was a good experience.
What a truly beautiful video ! I am now excited to fly Virgin Atlantic to New York ! Thank You for an amazing video Sir !
I flew the same aircraft, G-VROS, at the end of August on the same route, MAN-JFK. I believe I also left from the same gate at Manchester, but I wasn’t seated upstairs or at the nose while on-board this wonderful, classic plane - going standby, I was thrilled to get a seat at all! (I also flew this same aircraft way back in 2005 when she was named 'English Rose!' and a relatively new bird at the time.) On this more recent flight, I did end up with four seats to myself in Economy though, the poor man's lie-flat! VS service is very good, even in Economy on a leisure flight. Thanks for the video, Paul! I always enjoy!
Great video Paul! I’ve seen this one many times but not commented until now! I find myself rewatching it and your KLM 747-400 video now that Virgin Atlantic, KLM & BA have sadly retired all their passenger B747s! 😢 I am very excited to be trying out the Lufthansa 747-400 this winter though UPSTAIRS in Biz class to Frankfurt!
Cheers to this video though mate! 🥂 Great stuff as always I still hope to fly VA someday but now on the new A350 in Upper Class!
-Caleb’s Aviation 😅
Not sure how I missed this video-I’m just now seeing it! But I sat exactly where you did, when I flew Virgin’s 747 from LAS-LGW in July of 2018. The seat kept showing as occupied up until about a week before the flight but suddenly opened up on the seat map, so I was happy to snag it! I thought it was also cool to hear the nose gear steering under the seat!
Flew back to Vegas upstairs in premium, but this trip sadly is the only time I’ve flown on a 747.
I flew UC with VA regularly from 2005 -2012. Same seats same service but from LHR which meant free limo straight to private check-in, through private security and into stunning lounge - although not as good as original lounge with Branson's oak dining table! Even then they weren't using many 747's from LHR so stunned to see them still flying. Personally, 62A/K or 64A/K on BA Club trumped them ....but the crew on VA possibly had the edge.
Flew Virgin Atlantic MCO-MAN a few months ago in Premium on the upper deck. Unique thing was having a little storage compartment between the seat and the window. Only downside was disembarking at a remote stand and taking a bus to the immigration hall on a 0 deg C Manchester morning.
And Oh the sound of those General Electric CF-6s at 6:23...
I just flew on the 787 yesterday! Crew assistance to set up the bed isn’t necessary. Can’t wait to try their A350!
Brilliant video as always, although the voice over volume level varies quite a lot throughout
I thought it was on my end hahaha
i thought my headphones were fucked
Agreed. The audio was very inconsistent. Since it's a voice over, I recommend re-recording it all at once so you can keep a consistent volume throughout.
The sound spoils this, I thought it was my PC !
Chris Talbot or use a normalizing tool to get it all to the same volume, also some compression.
I used to travel on AC on the 747 upper deck frequently between Toronto and Frankfurt. Before the days of “pod” seating so just very comfy business class seats. Almost like being in a small private jet.
A memory .. Virgin Business London to Port Harcourt Nigeria ! (now that was unique in 2003?) . Picked up from hotel in a limo , checked in at an off airport location , (hand over passport+ Ticket) through the window, without leaving the car, Passport back with Boarding pass/check in complete. Then on to the airport , driven to the Virgin Lounge lift/elevator straight to the lounge. Shoes taken for a polish, slippers on, fantastic service and meal. No lines, customs, security . On to the plane, in flight bar , then a neck massage , back to the bar, snacks, a meal served .... Not 100% lay flat seats but as good as 'Z' seats given in those days. When flight was as Sir Branson promised . Most memorable flight. Air France then pushed back .... and that was the end of Virgin to Nigeria.
KLM is also still flying the 747. Can take it from AMS to LAX. Brilliant aircraft. Will miss them when gone for good!
I flew this wonderful plane in 2019 from LAX to London and I still have my Herseal bag.
RUclips are getting better at their timing for adverts, which is good. Your pudding, with condensed milk, almost caused a disruption in MacDonell Towers. We are all fans. I'll be sad to have never flown in a 747, but I missed Concorde, too, so no biggie. Glad you had a good flight.
11:31 Heart shaped candy with a love message (be mine the most familiar) is iconic also in the USA around St. Valentines Day. Great video!
I love the quirky interiors that Virgin have regardless of whether they're functional or not.
Glad to you have see have done a report on the VS B747-400. I work within aviation ground handling and are heavy involved in these flights. Keep up the good work.!
I flew SQ52 from Houston to Manchester and back and the the economy class is OUTSTANDING. I miss feeling comfortable in an economy class cabin.
Never yet flown Upper with VA, usually economy and Premium once. Will be flying Premium for the second time to Orlando in a few weeks on one of the 747s, cannot wait! Great video as always!
I can’t let this go: those aren’t RR engines! Now that’s been said, great report as always! :D
Callum Doyle there GE engines aren’t they
Yes they're General Electric CF-6's on VS 747s.
I didnt know that...but now you mention it, I have been seated next to the engines and there is no RR logo. I guess most or all of BA's B744s are RRs though.
BloomingOnion. all of British airways 747’s are fitted with the RR RB211’S some only have the RR logo on one side of the engine but you’ll soon know If they are if they have a loud buzzing sound after takeoff.
What engines are they then ??
Glad you got to fly the B747 400. Most are now on borrowed time
I’m impressed that Virgin Atlantic has 747s. I always thought of them as an A320 sort of company.
Virgin Atlantic started out with 747s and have operated them since they started. You may be getting confused with Virgin America or Virgin Australia, which are regional subsidiaries (Virgin America was folded into Alaska when they bought them out a couple of years back anyway).
Wingin’ It! Paul Lucas indeed, that is quite possible, especially as I’m an Aussie living in Australia.
I clicked like before I even started watching this video. I love virgin atlantic and all it has to offer, the crew are trendy and fabulous and know how to deliver excellent service. The food onboard is decadent. I’d love to see your review of virgins brand new upper class onboard their A350. Another great review Paul.
My heart soars with every report featuring this magnificent bird - so delighted you got this one under your belt - hooray ! Through that 20 year service, I lost count how many times I flew on the 747. Every single time, I was thrilled and elated. Fliipin love that aircraft. I aim to squeeze in as many flights like this as possible. Thanks Paul for sharing this video - pressed all the right buttons. Fly safe : - )
This should come with a warning. The big 747 flights from London to LAX are fabulous. Last week I flew from Manchester to Atlanta Upper Class. This was the much smaller Airbus 330/5 and cramped. (Still paying the enormous price ! ) Premium seats are wider.
I flew on that plane to Orlando in August! And in Upper class too, fabulous airline :)
Seeing the Thomas Cook aircraft at Manchester reminded me of landing at Gatwick Airport the day after Freddie Laker went out of business, seeing all his aircraft stationary was quite a sad sight,
thanks for the videos. From an armchair flyer.
I agree, the 747-400 was super fast, flew Qantas from JFK to LAX then Sydney, the leg to LAX was like 4 hours! Of course then it takes a long while to fly all the way down under. We flew the A380 back up to LAX... I regret not trying for the 747... it was more comfortable (despite us being in cattle class at the tail). Fled a BA 747 (I can’t remember if it was the 400, or an 800) from Heathrow to JFK a few years later... excellent flight, great service (tea with dinner, in a proper (albeit plastic) teacup!, and then a later coffee/tea and snack service as well). I’m sad to see these old birds go.
Two uploads in two days?!
Paul is on a roll
Greta Greenfingers won't think so. 😜
You can buy love hearts in Canada. Really enjoy your videos. Thank you for sharing.
No mention of the optional burger along with the landing treats? I have to say, it looked good to me too.
That story of your grandmother bringing back a virgin atlantic amenity kit brings memories for me, my grandma brought one home from her flight to new york a few years back. I remember being young and impressed at all the stuff you got!
I flew with Virgin on Upper Class (my first business flight) on their 787 from LHR to SEA. And while the cabin is great, seat is comfortable, the biggest highlight was the cabin crew. They were super sweet, the best service I've ever got on a plane. Perfect balance between professionalism, efficiency and being just friendly and chatty.
Always enjoy your content Paul. One small criticism is that audio levels are all over the place.
I love the music you used during the flight, it gave the cabin a late 90s lounge touch.
Boeing has given beautiful names to their carriers
747- Queen of the sky
787- Dreamliner
Very enjoyable video.
Thank you Paul for you even we can taste a bit of 747 flying.
Good job done. God bless you.
The 737 has a name, too: FLUF! As in "Fat Little Ugly F---er"!
Nice Paul! Always love seeing 747 videos as I figure their retirement is near :(
Luckily the -8 will be around for a while...though I think every operator has first class in the nose rather than business :-(
@@Paul_Lucas true about the 747-8 but I fear airlines might retire them early like AF and QR are retiring their A380s :( At least it's safe to say we'll see the -8Fs around for a few decades, though.
Very nice review, Paul
I took a similar flight from Heathrow back in 2002. I was upgraded due to a schedule mishap. Very enjoyable.
Good video. Those message vandies ar usually easily found in the U.S. around Valentines Day, sold as "Conversation Hearts". One suggestion: You need to get some processing on your audio. I suggest the Max Brothers. Audimax and Volumax...
All the Thomas Cook A330's in the background at 1:54 makes me sad 😥
Yeah Its Very Sad,Especially when Thomas Cook Existed since 1841
Gabriele Tapang And they didn't improve very much the two times I've been on them last year. (Going to America and coming back) None of us four of my traveling group were impressed.
Good thing we had our own 8+ hours of entertainment because 6 random crap films and 6 singular episodes of 6 different TV shows (one episode per show) mid season 3 onwards with 20+ choices for everything worthwhile behind a paywall (how do you even pay for that in the air?? Card machines don't even work on the ground from my experiences.) isn't very impressive.
@Mike Thompson bankruptcy I believe.
Roadent1241 also something else I think
I can confirm! They sell Love Hearts outside of the UK. They sell it in my country, Norway!
Here in Canada as well, although I haven't seen them for years.
I flew many many years ago when Virgin started flying to Orlando, back then First Class etc was on the upper deck. We were some of the first to check in and very sat in the nose on the left hand side. It is an experience I have never forgotten and very special.
The only flight reviewer i can watch without geting bored.
You’ve cured my boredom. Thanks! Huge like! 👍🏽😁
I'm really happy for you that you could have this experience on a 744. I took a flight from FRA to HND in Lufthansa's "Fanhansa" 748 in economy and was almost going crazy just from the excitement to be on a 747 at all. Thanks for this video, looking forward to more content. Love from Germany, until next time!
Those are bits of ground coffee from a badly filtered fresh coffee. The 747-400 upstairs when I sat it in was so loud from then noise of the wind. I find Virgin to have a very affordable premium economy compared to most airlines
We Americans love our Sweetie love hearts, braised beef and Virgin Atlantic too. I think the brand has done a brilliant job to appeal to customers from both sides of the pond 😉. I’m a One World Emerald but will always jump at the chance to book a reasonable Virgin upper class fare over BA or AA to London- Impeccable service and just a bit more fun.
Great video Paul! Just flew this route and aircraft a few weeks ago in Economy. Great airline!
I just can't think of anything better than club world on the upper deck of the BA 747. They always have great deals between JFK and LHR as well. With that said, this looks close enough to the 1st class in BA in the 747.
I had the same seat 6A tbh I prefer it in the Bubble but wanted to tick this off on my Bucket list. I found the 2 front seats were too close together especially if the other person has his feet on the rest. My favourite Upper class seat is 3A on Virgin Atlantic A330 200
I'm totally going to miss this aircraft. Since the early 90s :)
It’s still impressive that seats that are now 16 years old are still highly competitive and look modern (sans some dents and 1st generation LCD). Shows how ahead of their time VS was. It’s been only the last few years that most competitors have come up with a product just as good or better. Still in 2019, the only seat in the US that’s better than this is UA’s new Polaris.
You should NEVER complain about having to get up in order to make the bed go flat. That’s what makes these seats so good. Virgin went through the extra expense of having the seats have a flat mattress on the back side of the seat. I flew AC’s current business class seats that are basically a knockoff of these, and they are very uncomfortable with the uneven seating surface, and AC’s are impossible to sleep in.
Rewind to 2003, it was very impressive how quickly the retrofit was done. The whole LHR fleet was retrofitted with these seats in a matter of a few months in late-2003. Most of those aircraft were less than 5 years old at the time, and VS was actually able to sell the lightly used former business class seats (to Lufthansa?)
Being ahead of your time really saves $, verses many US carriers who spend $200k per seat on an outdated product (like UA’s 2-4-2 777’s which were done in 2011, and was already outdated then!)
Paul, Love Hearts are very popular in the USA. I used to work in the Swizzels Matlow factory in New Mills, Derbyshire, as a student. Love Hearts were produced for the US market but different colours were used due to different food colouring regulations. Also remember Love Hearts with German messages on them!
I've seen Business Class seats on other airlines that were laid out better. This arrangement probably squeezes in an extra pair for more profit. The food looked excellent for BC, and despite the age of the aircraft, apparently everything still worked.
Virgin was my 1st 747 flight: Chicago to Heathrow & return back in 2000. Loved the vibe, service, decent food & their little sinch back goodies bags.
Great Video Paul, I recently flew on an Asiana Airlines 747-400 from NRT- ICN and back in the upper deck business class. It wasn't in front of the cockpit but it was one hell of an experience!
I recognise the 747 you were on I turned around that plane when it was flying from Belfast to Orlando and I also got in the cockpit.
This is the review I’ve been waiting for from you and you didn’t disappoint . I had always wanted to fly Virgin Atlantic but they discontinued service to Toronto. Great video as always!
A wonderful video as always Paul. I always enjoy watching these at my leisure after work. I hope you enjoyed your time in NY. Can’t wait for the next video.
I love learning about other places in the world
Most of them I would never go to but still nice to get a point of view video
You can buy Love Hearts in Canada!
Yes manchester security was flying an aer lingus regional flight to cork arrived at the airport hour and a half before my flight checked in a bag then straight to security massive lines and took me around an hour and 25 mins. I Informed the security that my flight was set to depart in 20 minutes and was told if I had a checked in a bag they'd wait for me so no need to skip anyone. Ran to the far side of the concourse to my gate just to see my plane be pushed back and taxi out😂.
I am already missing the 747. We are always ready for you to come to the Spaceport in New Mexico, USA, and take Virgin's spaceflight to outer space. I am already looking forward to your review.
Hey Paul thanks for the video, they actually sell Love hearts here in the us as a candy for Valentine’s Day
If they're the same kind. I noticed their's is round with a heart-shaped design on it while ours is heart-shaped. Needless to say, I have *NO* idea if the taste is even close (could be exact; could be completely different).
Great review, I've never flown Virgin on any route, but looking forward to it in the near future.
Thanks nice video
Great flight review Paul.I wouldn't mind flying either in economy class in this beautiful and majestic plane.
We get those candies in Canada too
Good job on this...👍 please try flight to/frame Las Vegas sometime. Virgin gets it. Miss VIRGIN AMERICA beyond words😟
Looking very nice...
I travel this service regular and sit in the same seat pretty often. Had quite a few issues over the last few months as I think the planes are just getting wayyyyy too dated. I traveled the Orlando to Glasgow route last week and had nothing but issues with the seat and infotainment system. Had to be moved seats and even then the entertainment kept crashing every so often having to be reset so ended up just giving up with it.
I always fly from Manchester and I love it there I been to that lounge and I love it I think I went to Puerto varllarta you should make a video with tui 787 Dreamliner from Gatwick or Manchester it’s soo nice there you should try it
Business class should have free wifi
Ikr
Agree!
Old aeroplane, but agreed it should be free
Air New Zealand has free wifi for everyone
Henry Fisher Same with Virgin Australia and Qantas, but only domestic. But it’s for everyone too.
Awesome vid. Very nice. I hope you have a nice flight.
Hi Paul - another awesome video!
FYI - virgin 747 use the GECF6 engines not the RR RB211s
Jet Junkies Live I thought that. British airways 747s use the RB211
Mr Murphy's Vlog's that’s correct, they sound very different too (still amazing of course 😉)
Jet Junkies Live. Yes I agree both are great engines. The RB211 is well known for the classic loud “buzz” sound when taking off, the GECF6 hardly has that noise. 👍
You are so awesome I love your blog and never miss a single video of your review
Wonderful journey with you
As always great video! Always look forward to watching! Thanks
I also flew on a Virgin Atlantic flight for the first time in Spring also on a 747 to Manchester. I also got to sit up top!
Love heart sweets in Ireland but of course we have all the same food items.....for now🙈 , great video
Great content
It's a shame this no longer exists at this point in time.
Try the Dreamliner VA upper class next time. And the lounge at Heathrow. Much better experience.
Very nice! I need to do a Virgin Atlantic review one day :)
Paul THANK YOU! You are the most incredible "traveling man" since Ricky Nelson! What a man you are! StocktonRob
My cousin and his family flew on Singapores A350 from Manchester to Houston and back a couple of years ago
Another great video. Do you have a link to your review of Hainan Airlines?
Nice video Paul, I flew this route back in April, it was also my first time flying with virgin Atlantic, I thought it was very good. I am also doing that Manchester-Houston with Singapore in October, I can’t wait! A very good trip report! 👍😀
This airline describes me perfectly
Been looking forward to this one. Great video Paul, thanks!
I enjoy your videos and share your opinion on the great 747 series. I was lucky enough to jump on China Airlines from Vancouver to Denpasar via Taipei. The first leg was a 747 from YVR to Taipei. Was fortunate to be premium economy which landed me upper deck and I loved every minute of it! Now the route is serviced by an A350....nice but not the same room and luxury.
great video paul! always look forward to them!
I have flown with Virgin Atlantic 3 times to New Delhi and I love Virgin Atlantic good airline I have nothing bad to say. I would happily fly again with Virgin Atlantic.