Flight Review - £422 for Virgin Upper Class from LHR to JFK. How did I pay that little?
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- Опубликовано: 28 май 2024
- I recently flew from London Heathrow to New York JFK airport with Virgin Atlantic in their Upper Class product. Here is my flight review of that journey. I paid only £422 for this flight and in this video I'll show you how I did it.
I'll show you the Clubhouse lounge in Heathrow's terminal 3, the in-flight service and give my thoughts on the service.
And look out for the worst overdub in the history of RUclips...
I'm 99% sure the cabin service manager's name was Stephen, but if it wasn't I apologise profusely!
Thanks!
⭐ #flightreview #virginatlantic #MattsPlanet ⭐
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⏰ Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
2:04 - Heathrow
5:06 - Boarding
6:33 - The Seat
9:11 - The Service
12:22 - Other Classes
13:46 - Landing and Wrap Up
"A stacking pattern developed but I quickly worked my way through the backlog" - that was hilarious! (I know the situation).
I've flown VA a few times and the FAs were terrific but I've never flown this seat config and don't think I'd ever want to. It looks so impersonal although it's perhaps marginally better than the old dismal BA 2-4-2. BA are slowly updating their configs - I presume VA are doing the same? It really is incredible how the Upper Class fares drop adding an extra leg. Very entertaining video.
Thanks - you've done well to avoid this layout as it was all they offered for many years! This was actually Virgin's response to BA's 2-4-2 layout....
Hi Matt , so happy you finally did a Virgin review being a die hard Virgin customer (whilst working for BA 🤫) . Quite simply whilst I’m fortunate to benefit from premium cabins with BA as a work Perk nothing beats going away with Virgin . The service, the crew the experience is simply second to none , not to mention the clubhouse ! Can’t wait for you to experience the new cabin which I was lucky enough to fly on to NY in December . Keep up the excellent work !
Thanks Saul - the A350 was a different experience and the video will be along soon!
I’ve flown virgin upper class to JFK. It was great experience .
Thanks Dena - hope New York was great too!
Hi Matt, I've flown BA and Virgin in economy and premium economy (with a family of 5 I simply cant afford Upper Class!) and have to say that Virgin staff knock BA into a cocked hat. I recall many years ago flying with our then 10 month old twin girls one of them being particularly grumpy, yes, we were THAT family unfortunately. A couple of the crew took turns comforting her and even walking up and down the aisle with them. Amazing, I wrote to Virgin upon our return to express my gratitude and asked if I could send some flowers as a thank you. I got a lovely reply saying it would not be easy to get the flowers to the appropriate crew, and would I accept some free airmiles!
Cheers Nick. That's a lovely story and I'm sure the passengers around you were just as pleased with the crew as you were!! Trying to squeeze in a Virgin trip in economy (while I still have the gold status, so lounge access!). Was your experience the same travelling from London and coming back to London?
Kudos for the pull em in title Matt. That's what happens when an accountant goes into self marketing! As always, a great video. Thank you.
Barry! Thanks. Can't blame a lapsed accountant for trying... Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for all the videos Matt. Im working my way through them all. Ive learnt so much from you. I used to Fly with Virgin but due to the lack of destinations, I switched to BA for better flights and the Avios too. I do prefer the service with Virgin though, I've had some bad experiences with BA Crew. I agree with what you said about the Virgin crew sounding like they mean what they say. Some of the BA staff need a leaf out of their books. Keep up the good work you do. I look forward to your next episode
Thanks for watching! I remember the Virgin v BA battles in the 1980s and I was definitely team Virgin at the time. Surprised myself that it had been 24 years since I last flew them - don't think it will be that long before I fly them again!
Thank you for another great video. I live up near the Isle of Skye in the Scottish highlands and I’m desperate to finally get to fly to the USA as I’m 43 and my kids have grown and left home. Your videos are definitely fantasy fodder - it’s going to take forever to save for a flight and I spend hours watching as a substitute! Looking forward to more videos from you 👍🏻❤️🏴
Hi there MJ, MJ here! Hopefully there's some hints and tips in these videos which will make a US trip more affordable... You have an advantage too of being within range of Inverness, from where you can swerve the UK APD, which will save a few quid... Thanks for watching - is that a highland coo in your profile pic?
Great value Matt, thank for posting ! good option ... I wouldn't object to a night in Dublin before my departure either ...
Thanks Charlie - a night in Dublin is never a bad idea, if you ask me!!!
Bit miffed that RUclips didn't send me the notification and I ended up seeing this a few days late 😅 Awesome job as always Matt, I'm looking forward to flying the VS 787-9 again in just over a month's time though I'll be at the back of the bus flying to TLV (Paid just 9K VS points + £166 for an Economy award). On the upside I also took part in that same status match (though I used my BA Silver status) and ended up with VS Silver until 2023 + they gave me two vouchers to enter the Clubhouse (both valid until 2023) so I'll finally get to try that legendary lounge for myself 😄
Better late than never Matthew. Should probably tell you to turn on the notification bell, although that's what all RUclipsr's say! The lounge is a great place to prepare for a flight, and Virgin's planes are pretty decent for a relatively short flight to Tel Aviv - enjoy!
@@MattsPlanet cheers mate, actually I did have the bell turned on hence my earlier annoyance lol
@@MattsPlanet Also it'll be funny flying Virgin economy cos I'll be transferring into LHR after a "gruelling" 12 hour flight on JAL in First Class XD
I know I'm pretty late to the party but I can't believe in over two years, no one has given you any credit for the excellent polarising pun at 6:17 😃
Finally!!! Matt's Planet gold star to you....
Thanks Matt , enjoying the back catalogue. 👍👍
Oh the memories....
The personal commentary is great!
Thanks!
Great review. Your videos have been super helpful and itnersting over last few days as I start to make up for lack of holidays over last 2 years. Liked how you showed the alcohol available, as tbh the alcohol is a big sell for why I want to try upper class/business class flights!
Thanks Captain. The booze is an important part of the offering. But we can stop any time, right???
@@MattsPlanet ha i've only ever flown first class once(air china), and I almost missed that flight sampling my way through the drinks in the lounge! Saving up my virgin miles for ANA first class to drink the hibiki in the sky!
Thank you once again for another great video. Cannot wait to get back in the sky.
Thanks - the sky is keen to see you too!
Your presenting skills are excellent. Keep up the good work.
Thank you very much!
I've just found your channel and subscribed - and enjoyed your video immensely! Also amazing info on how to get a good deal. I remember flying Virgin in the 90s in their early days, and before everyone got hung up on premium air travel. I got upgraded to Premium Economy which was amazing - and could see into Upper Class with their beauticians, bar staff, chess table - it looked like a grand place to be! I'll watch with interest your return. I'd avoid them these days because I'd want to travel business class and that one looks hideous - a window seat without a window just doesn't cut the mustard. My favorite (and you can do US with them if you are creative) is Singapore Airlines.
I'm pleased you're Here Now! Thanks for finding me... I flew with Virgin to San Francisco in the mid-90s and the company I worked for agreed to an Upper Class ticket - one of the highlights of the 90's! The A350 has a more conventional layout - the review will be along shortly...
Yet again Matt, super content 😺😺😺
Thanks Oliver!
There are opportunities to spend VS flying club miles on KLM /A. France which I have found useful... often easier to book direct from Schipol or Paris ... ie to St.Maarten... (!) Great vlog again Matt, very helpful...
Cheers Richard - the redemption chart on KLM / AF is of interest... Paramaribo and Cayenne particularly... Think Papeete is a wee bit too expensive...
Great video. I’m sure your window tint is activated by the button below it. At least it did last time we were on.
Thanks Stefanie - it is indeed controllable yourself although its really hard to twist around enough to reach the button given the seat's orientation!
Caught up with your Virgin and lounge video 👍
There's quite a bit in the back catalogue these days!
The Virgin Atlantic Upper Class seat is a bit peculiar but you are absolutely correct about the flight attendants ( and the ground staff as well) the difference between them and BA is very noticeable. My last trip to the Caribbean, all of the cabin crew were staying in the same hotel and spent plenty of time together on the beach. I was impressed by how lovely they were even when off duty. As you say the sort of people one would be happy chatting to in a pub. I am really impressed by the ex EU fare , I didn't realise that they worked for Virgin as well as BA. Another excellent video.
Thanks Les. Couldn't make the Ex-EU work particularly well for the Caribbean destinations, from DUB at least. Only really delivered for the US... Haven't exhaustively checked other origin points but may well do so and make a video about it!
Great video! I don't think your title was too clickbait-y. Way too many RUclipsrs doing titles like First Class for 50p - your logic made perfect sense and didn't rely on a person having hundres of thousandsof miles.
Thanks Callum. It's a fine line to tread! But how to save 80% is worth knowing I think? Thanks for watching
@@MattsPlanet definitely! I'm looking now for a business trip in April for it :)
Thanks for another fun and informative video Matt. Wow what a difference from your BA experience from Florida. All things being equal price and schedule wise, it appears to be an easy choice between the two airlines would it not?
Hi Ken. Probably... Wasn't as comprehensive a slam dunk in Virgin's favour as I'd thought it might be... Price and schedule wise, probably yes. Factoring in avios, partnerships and alliances (for connections) and the overall experience? Possibly...
Nice video Matt, hopefully off to the states soon on part 1 of our tier point trips for 2022. How did you get on with the 'supervised' Covid test?
Thanks Colin. Test was quite simple. Used Qured, with the BA discount. You videoconference with a nice lady in the Philippines who watches you stick the swab up your nose and drip the drops onto the cartridge. You write an ID code on the cartridge then upload a photo of the test after 15 minutes and a certificate is issued shortly after. You need to keep an eye on the timings but it is quite straightforward and the lady will take you through the process slowly. Nothing to worry about, but something to prepare for. Cheers!
Virgin lounge at heathrow is amazing . BA lounge at Heathrow was a let down. Food was awful. I agree about the cabin crew. Virgin were friendlier. I like the BA pods in business class. It’s swings and roundabouts . There are elements of both I like .
Both ba and virgin's premium products beat travelling in economy!
Your reviews are more that entertainment, I always take something great away that I didn't know. Ive done the whole Dublin thing only on BA. Didn't think I could do it on Virgin for some reason.
Thanks Andy. I try to sprinkle some insights in - thanks for noticing!
Excellent work, as always. Highly recommend Seat 1A. Has the best privacy. I really dont care for the Virgin seating arrangement. Do like their lounges though. Really must, rewatch, your vlogs on building a flight itinerary to get my status back 👍😁 ✈️
Hi there - The configuration on the A350 is definitely better in some regards, but is perhaps less good in other ways... The video of that trip will be along in a few weeks!
The Seating is facing the wrong direction zero privacy. The entire seating configuration is inconvenient. So glad I saw this before I paid for that seat. Delta has a far better configuration. Good Vlog
Cheers Chris. It has some positives (no foot cubby for example) but the fact they have a "new generation" seat and are about to announce a " next generation" tells you all you need to know!
really enjoyed the video matt, ive just returned from mexico which i flew on BA's 787 and my bussiness class seat was terrible!!! the screen wouldn't stay out and the tray table came straight off its tracks!!! do you have any other social media platforms i can send you the vidoes on?
I'm ttamsenoj on insta and there's an email in the description to each video. Don't advertise it explicitly to try and keep the bots at bay! Got an email from BA's CEO today (as did lots of people) apologising for how awful BA has been lately. Didn't make me feel much better about my recent experiences!
@@MattsPlanet its definitely making me start to think about using other airline's reward schemes as a result of the decline in service, the stewardess who served me made me feel like she just wanted the flight over so she can get off, all the other crew were great though, I'll send you the videos now
Personally, I prefer flights from UK/Europe-RoI-US flights because US passport control is much less of a pain at DUB. Rather than pass through a dull corridor at arrival in the US, you see a colourful array of stores everywhere if flying via DUB. And it's handy if you have another flight to take that day because you won't usually need to clear security again.
Dublin can be a great starting point. Even better is to have Global Entry - citizenship permitting of course... There's a video about it on the channel!
@@MattsPlanet so why go back to the UK and make a stopover/"connection" there than fly out of RoI and bypass CBP inspections on US soil?
All I can say is I'm absolutely disgusted at the RUclips algorithm for only now alerting me to you channel. Seriously brilliant review, now if you don't mind I have your entire back catalog to work through
It gets worse... There's a new video at least every week! Thanks for watching!
This seems ideal for someone in your position. 6 flights from 5 different airports, on different aircraft and different carriers. That’s a decent content pipeline! For the record, I would definitely do this route to save 6 grand…
Indeed Oliver - who in their right mind would take a direct flight??? I took 4 additional flights when I got to Vegas too...
I was wearing the same Virgin Atlantic socks while watching your review.🤣
Remarkable comfy, aren't they???
@@MattsPlanet Yep. Got them on the A350 coming back from the US when everywhere went into lockdown in March 2020. Only just opened the goody bag.🤦🏻♂️
Totally agree that virgin crew are so much nicer than BA
It felt like they wanted to be there!
So was this booked as a multi city trip through Virgin Atlantic with the knowledge of the ex eu offset or did you put this together piecemeal? I’d be interested in the thought process .
I set out to find an EU starting point with a connection through London. Quite quickly found Dublin but I think Amsterdam was also a contender. Virgin actually has relatively few starting points outside the UK as it's not as widely plumbed into feeder routes but there are options out there. Was less than a third of the fare ex-London. And I was able to cram in the extra hops as I wanted to take as many flights as I could within the fare as each one makes a video! Still actually have 1 flight from that trip that I haven't made a video about - LAX - ATL - as it really was quite dull! All found and booked through the Virgin website. Hope that helps!
Did you notice if the upgrade prices going down? I have upgrade option. But my flight isn’t until next year and I was wondering If upgrades go up and down. It’s an additional 1200 for my upgrade on the -a330
Hi Christina. I don't track upgrade pricing unfortunately... I have made a premium economy redemption booking with Virgin and was offered an upgrade and I did note the lowest offer they'd accept so will keep an eye on that, but its tricky data to capture unless you have your own booking to track... £/$1,200 sounds like a lot though - was that one way or a return?
Firstly I would like to wish you all the best in your ongoing treatment for cancer.
Just a random question--what is the name of the music that is played at the end of the video?
Thanks - doing good here. The music is "See you on the Otherside" which is a free to use tune available in the RUclips Audio Library
I think you will be changing your allegiance to Virgin now, Matt going by this good video, but going by that seat layout will put me of them, will still step over in BA
I look forward to the next leg of your trip and see what seat layout on the next aircraft
G'day Peter. This was certainly a good flight... Just wish Virgin serviced Paphos, Seville and Malta - would fly them exclusively if they did!
Trans Atlantic fares are horrendous in Business Class, Fortunately my regular route is not that one so the fare I pay seems a real bargain by comparison. Thanks for your review.
No worries - fares are a bit cheaper if you start in Dublin or go via Portugal!
The ex-eu flight hack is quite interesting (even with your dubious calculations ;)) - The ferry across to Dublin is quite fun, and its a nice city to stay in, so yes i would consider doing that if it saved enough!
I rarely say no to a night in Dublin... And it does save a lot of money!
Really nice video Matt, did you get any special treatment being a flying gold member onboard (especially in economy) ?
No! The experience is going to be very similar for status and non-status holders in Upper Class - you'll get a greeting from the manager but there was nothing special for being gold.
Matt, do you live in Ireland or do you fly from England to Dublin and back again?
I live in England but often fly out of Dublin to aviod the UK Air Passenger Duty. Usually works out cheaper to position to Dublin to start a trip even if I then head straight back to the UK as part of the ticket.... Cash is more valuable to me these days than time...
Glad to see the review, I was interested in flying Virgin. Seats seem underwhelming and I think I will stick with BA.
Hi Craig. That seat is oddly oriented but when you're sitting in it, its not that different from the BA old club seat, which surprised me a little. Service was a different question but the pull of avios and BA's convenience and network is strong... The A350 is a different story - that review will be along in a couple of weeks... Sorry to be a tease!
Have a look at their new(ish) A350 layout. Plenty of flights to JFK and LA use this new layout so you just need to make sure you select the right journey.
How did you get to Dublin Matt ? Or do you live there ?
I flew over the night before. First flight I've taken since I started the channel that I didn't film. Felt like a landmark moment! The flight from Dublin to London on Aer Lingus to start the itinerary goes live on Sunday. Thanks for watching!
Can you do a video on how you are both a Gold Tier on Virgin and BA? How do you maintain those as it’s it’s hard enough to keep one Gold let alone two
Thanks Likhan - I will indeed. I'm actually going to have gold tier in 4 different schemes simultaneously in a few months time. I will explain how, in some detail, when I have all 4. All I'll say now is that getting gold status is often considerably easier than retaining gold status...
Thanks for the review. I don’t see the point in a window seat when it’s almost useless. Otherwise seems a decent product.
Indeed - although as 66% of those seats are windows, you are quite likely to end up with one!
Thanks for sharing. I have 50,000+ VS miles and wondered how I maximise the value of them. How would you use these miles?
Hi Si. 48.5k gets you a one way, business class seat on KLM or AF to the East Coast of the USA and the Caribbean. Which opens up some interesting options... Although you have to get back somehow as its only enough for a one-way!
@@MattsPlanet thanks. Sounds like a plan. I have BA miles, too, so could use them for an economy return on a relatively short sector. Thanks again.
8:43 feet and legs feel exposed to the aisle, really not keen on the config
The foot parade!
Hi Matt, I took your words of wisdom and searched a flight from Dublin to Miami via Heathrow and found the price to be much more reasonable with Virgin. On my return portion, would I be able to leave my journey at Heathrow instead of continuing onto Dublin?
Jamie - not taking the last leg is technically a breach of the terms and conditions of travel so I can't recommend or advise that you don't take the final flight. But... People miss flights every day for thousands of different but legitimate reasons. So there will almost certainly be no consequences if you don't take that last leg. If you book flights every week with an airline and regularly skip the last leg, a pattern might emerge which an audit team might decide to look at. But the occasional missed leg? Extremely unlikely to have any consequences. But whilst I can't recommend or advise that you don't, you'd have a problem with checked baggage. You'd not be able to short check baggage only to Heathrow as this would be a red flag - Hand Baggage Only would be the way around this, which is not always convenient. On BA, one way around this is to schedule yourself in and out of different London airports so they have to give you your checked luggage back as they won't transfer baggage between airports. Don't think that's possible on Virgin right now, but might be if their Gatwick schedules become more significant again.
@@MattsPlanet Great information thank you Matt, I will take that onboard … no pun intended!
Thanks for great video.
Did you fly upper class (US First) on the whole itinerary for £1494 in total Matt?
Yes - DUB-LHR-JFK-LAS-ATL-LHR-DUB. Business class across the Atlantic and domestic first class to Vegas.
I’ve always wondered why there always seems to be fewer aviation reviews of Virgin Atlantic business class versus other airlines, I think that cabin layout explains why! Very coffin-like as you described ⚰️
Coffin like, but you can actually sleep in a coffin! Perhaps better than you can sleep in a cupboard... Probably not many Virgin reviews as people don't want to spend £7,500 on a ticket!
Check out the A350 upper class, it's much better!!
@@MattsPlanet The average is more like £2,000 for an upper class return in my experience. You're not gonna be paying £7k unless it's short notice and very high demand
I did on the way back... Review will be along in a couple of weeks!
It’s laudably a very customer centric airline but your seat seemed claustrophobic . Agree with the seat placement with regard to the window.
Thanks Scott. It wasn't bad when you were in the seat as you are enclosed, although there's not a lot of wriggle room! But not being able to see out of the window is a problem... Flew back on the A350 and what review will be along in a couple of weeks...
Love your vids but just a small point from a ‘spotter’. It’s a 787-9 not a 787-900!,
Stephen... Gold star!!! I guess I assumed they'd carried over the conventions of earlier aircraft. I hope you were still able to enjoy the video!
Another great video Matt! I do prefer the ‘vibe’ of Virgin but I still have a soft spot for BA, not that I’ve been anywhere for a while now 😂
A lot of other reviewers and such tend to put the VA Clubhouse up there as the best err… “premium?” lounge in the UK, the vibe I got from your video is maybe you’re a little less enamoured by it - what would you say is your favourite business-come-first lounge in the UK and worldwide would be in your well travelled opinion?
See you soon! 🛫
Hi Adam. Great question! The Clubhouse is great but its not "luxury". But I don't think it tries to be luxury. It has lots of fun features and great service but its not trying to "wow" in the way a luxury hotel does. Its a bit run down and dented too, which I didn't linger on in the video, although in hindsight I perhaps should have.
I think the Cathay F lounge is better, and the T5 BA F lounge is probably objectively better too... The Al Safwa F lounge in Doha is probably the "best" I've ever visited, but was a really uncomfortable environment because it was trying so hard... I once routed through LAX just to visit the Qantas F lounge there only for them to not let me in because of a plumbing issue in the kitchen...
But then again Virgin offers "Upper Class" rather than First and I think their lounge is extremely well aligned with their goal of trying to offer something different that sits between C and F but tries to blur the lines and conventions. But on that logic most F lounges should be better than the Clubhouse, and in terms of the products offered, the fixtures and fitting and the ambiance, they probably are "better", in the same way Claridge's is "better" than the CitizenM. But most people would feel far more comfortable in the latter...
@@MattsPlanet Agreed - I was going to put something about how VA straddles the BC/F line with Upper Class but I wanted to try to be succinct as possible (and still failed 😂)
CitizenM are cracking hotels, can’t wait to get back to Paris to try out the one just off Champs-Élysées - or any of them to be honest, one of the best stays I had was in the one by La Défense - even if it was a little tiny bit out of the way from the tube.
Look forward to the next video Matt!
5:45 terrible seating layout
Not widely copied which is all you need to know!
Them feet by your dinner 😳🤢
Just need to eat quicker!
@@MattsPlanet 😂😂
👍👍👍👍👍👍🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷
Thanks! Cheers!!
Hate that seating configuration. Claustrophobic. Coffin. Pax look like desert rats with their heads visible to each other. No privacy.
It feels so odd these days but it was so innovative when it launched!
@@MattsPlanetagreed. Keep up the good work.