Lead Journalist - India - Pranjal is an experienced journalist with a strong focus on Indian aviation. Though I found the pitch and recline of the seats to be on the generous side, Virgin cramped up the cabin and seat by shrinking the width of its Premium seats to just 18.5 inches. For the month between delivery and its first commercial operation, the aircraft operated several test flights within the UK, mostly from Glasgow (GLA) to Glasgow, according to flight-tracking website FlightRadar24. Though the cake itself was on the dry side, the passion fruit icing really moved it along. The smaller cabin is quieter and the crew come by frequently to check in on travelers. Overall, I found the cabin and seat to be comfortable. While Premium class offers plenty of perks, Upper Class really goes to the next level. All A330-300 aircraft are powered by two Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines. You'll find the largest, 13.3-inch screens on Airbus A350 aircraft, but only 10.5-inch screens on Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Plus, seats offer adjustable headrests and footrests to help you get comfortable while you nap. We've picked the best seats based on the one that would be best for a solo traveler. The flight was on an Airbus A3. Privacy policy | Which airline's offering is better, Delta's Premium Select on the 767-400 or Virgin's . We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Would the A350 talk be just that: talk? Perks start at your departure airport. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. The drink was served with sour-cream-and-chive pretzels. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. Each of the Premium-cabin seats besides the bulkhead seats featured a built-in IFE screen in the back of the headrest. . They were fun and conversational rather than cold and unapproachable. - 56 recliner-style Premium Class seats. Virgin Atlantic's premium cabin features cozy leather seats with headrests and footrests. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. That means that wherever you're flying, there will be a Premium cabin onboard if you want to travel in more comfort than in economy. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. Additionally, because I was in the bulkhead row, my inflight-entertainment screen could be ejected from underneath the armrest. Virgin Points earn percentage is for base flown miles. In a similar way to the Dreamliner and the A330-300, for extra legroom and easier egress with a side of baby bassinet, row 14 is the one for you. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. Should you get Global Entry or TSA PreCheck? Upper Class: Virgin Atlantic's First Class is the ultimate in luxury travel. You won't get priority security or lounge access in the airport. It can vary from a classic English tea to a "destination-inspired" light meal. Find the best seat wiht our Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330-300 (333) seating chart. In total, the round-trip ticket cost $1,033 in Premium. Virgin Atlantic is a quirky yet adventurous way to fly to London. With the ricotta and the spiciness of the tomato sauce and zest from the sweet peppers, it was a great dish. Premium, upgraded: A review of Virgin Atlantic's new Premium product on the A350, This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Unlike passengers in Virgin's Upper Class cabin, those in the Premium cabin weren't entitled to enter the lounge, so my lounge experience isn't factored into the score of this section. All of Virgin's aircraft are long-haul, wide-bodied jets. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Then again, the catch is that Virgin Atlantic has hefty carrier imposed surcharges on award tickets, so you're going to be paying . While not served by course, meal options are the same as Upper Class and come plated in glass dishes, a big step up from economy. Fully open, it was somewhat flimsy, though my 15-inch laptop could fit on it. Fully flat beds in a comfy space to call your own. With a range of cabin classes available with Virgin Atlantic, you can design the way want to fly, so take a look at all the different cabins and seating options. With all the perks of premium economy laid out, now comes the burning question: when is it worth it? 5 best uses of Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points, Virgin Atlantic checked baggage allowance, Virgin Atlantic premium economy amenity kit, Other aspects of Virgin Atlantic premium economy. The best seats depend on whether you want more legroom and speedier service, albeit with the risk of the bassinet being used at the front of the cabin (row 21) or you'd rather be able to recline for the entire flight and have at least some kind of view from behind the wing at the back of the cabin (row 27). Top picks: 20A, 20K or row 25. Additionally, because Virgin Atlantic is a partner of Delta, I was able to input my SkyMiles number in order to earn me valuable Medallion Qualification Miles on my journey to Platinum Medallion status. BUY OUR BRAND-NEW TPG UK MERCHANDISE HERE: https://represent.com/store/thepointsguyukWe flew on Virgin Atlantic's brand new A350 in all three cabins for our . Two rows back in 20, the legroom is going to be less than the bulkhead seats but at least you're slightly farther away from the noise and traffic of the galley. Your first checked bag will run you $75 out of pocket, while the second is $100. Considering the value that can be had for redeeming miles for a Premium experience on this route, the product is a huge step up from standard economy and worth it on a route like this, a seven-hour jaunt between New York and London. Related: 3 reasons to fly premium economy (and 1 reason not to). Additionally, because Virgin Atlantic is a partner of Delta, I was able to input my SkyMiles number in order to earn me valuable Medallion Qualification Miles on my journey to . In addition to a new seat with a large IFE system, Virgin paid attention to details that helped improve the passenger experience. See the Virgin Premium Economy experience in this review of Virgin Atlantic flight VS26 from New York JFK to London Heathrow. Heres what you need to know about Virgin Atlantic premium economy so you can decide whether it's worth booking for your next international flight. That wasn't the case. is The Points Guy's Global News Editor and is based in London. Virgin Atlantic A330-900neo Premium. With new aircraft, several carriers are doing away with overhead air vents for passengers. This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. I had a glass of the Casa Piero sauvignon blanc from Spain, which was bright and crisp. Additionally, because Virgin Atlantic is a partner of Delta, I was able to input my SkyMiles number in order to earn me valuable Medallion Qualification Miles on my journey to Platinum Medallion status. During the course of the flight, crew members left out a small bin of chips and snacks for the taking in the galley. The seats are still 21 inches wide and 38 inches in pitch with the same 2-3-2 configuration, but the cabin is significantly larger. It was a bifold tray table, which was perfect for just a small plate or to rest a drink. The minimum bid is linked to seat availability and how far out you choose to place one. Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330-200 economy seat map (Image courtesy Virgin Atlantic) Best economy seats on a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350-1000. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Find the best seat wiht our Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 (789) seating chart. 2022 Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. All rights reserved.Registered office: Registered office: The VHQ, Fleming Way, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 9DF [flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Service" tpg-rating="24" tpg-rating-max="25" live-tv="0" tailcam="0" headphones="0" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" blurb="I've flown with Virgin quite a few times, and I've never have a bad experience when it comes to service. You want a travel credit card that prioritizes whats important to you. If you're planning to check two bags, factor the cost into your decision between economy and premium economy. British Airways: No (for non-Silver and Gold customers) Norse Atlantic: No. To cap off the meal was a slice of passion fruit cake. Megan Lee joined the travel rewards team at NerdWallet with over 12 years of SEO, writing and content development experience, primarily in international education and nonprofit work. Do not sell or share my personal information. As you might expect with an iconic founder like Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Atlantic is built a bit differently from other airlines. Learn more: Is the Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard worth its annual fee? Our Premium passengers enjoy an award-winning cabin, superior service and gloriously comfy, roomy seats. Premium Upper Class; Width of seat: Up to 17 inches: Up to 17 inches: 21 inches: 22 inches: Seat recline: 5 inches: 5 inches: Up to 8 inches: 17-42 degrees and . Overall, I found the lounge to be good for a rest before a long-haul flight. Though Sept. 11 wouldn't be the date of the inaugural flight, our thinking was the day following the first would be a more accurate representation of what the Premium experience would be like. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. You can select from the whole cabin - minus seats taken by other passengers and the bulkhead row, which is normally reserved for passengers with babies due to the location of bassinet attachments. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Registered as G-VLUX and nicknamed "Red Velvet," the aircraft was delivered to Virgin on Aug. 10. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. At present, you can choose your seat for free from when you make your booking when flying Virgin Atlantic Premium. The second-most densely packed economy cabin in Virgin's fleet belongs to the brand new A350-1000 with a total of 235 seats, second only to the jumbo. In its folded position, most passengers had enough room to squeeze out to use the lavatory. Meals are elegantly served on real dishes with metal cutlery. Virgin Atlantic was an early adopter of premium economy, having added the cabin in the early 1990s. Outside of the current welcome bonus, youre only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so its not a great card for other spending categories. Virgin Atlantic A330-900neo Premium. Several times prior to takeoff and upon landing, the crew took particular interest in reminding passengers it was a new aircraft and how to enjoy its new features. It's worth noting that bulkhead seats, while they offer more space, are also where baby seats or bassinets are fixed. The Airbus A330neo will be the first aircraft in Virgin Atlantic's fleet with a brand-new Upper Class seat, a refreshed social space, and The Retreat Suite - the most . From personal experience, bids for premium economy usually begin . Virgin Atlantic: Yes, although you can pay for 'Preferred' seats. . It's up to 21in (over 53cm) wide, with a footrest, headrest and 38in (over 96cm) seat pitch. Each of the bulkhead seats had the advantage of both a leg- and a footrest. The seat had direct aisle access but the armrests couldn't be raised. As you might expect with an iconic founder like Sir Richard Branson, is built a bit differently from other airlines. As far as food, there was a decent selection, both hot and cold. Tickets with Cheap Flight Tickets. Depending on your aircraft, premium economy is laid out in a 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 arrangement. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card. Crew then distributed menus for the flight, which included drinks, main courses and the teatime selections. For passengers traveling in Premium with Virgin, there were two options for checking in: using a kiosk to print out your boarding pass or visiting a check-in agent. Virgin Atlantic premium economy offers an elevated way to fly across the Atlantic and potentially onward to one of the airline's dozens of overseas destinations. Even though no one was seated next to me, if someone had been, it would've felt cramped on a long-haul flight especially the armrests, which were on the narrow side. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Economy vs. . About 20 minutes later, the crew came around the cabin with meals. There are 56 seats in the cabin on both the Heathrow and 'leisure configured' A350s. Virgin has long been an industry leader in premium economy products, and this helps the carrier continue to make waves in offering a great experience for passengers in the Premium cabin. Instead, I opted to pay cash for the round-trip itinerary from London (LHR) to New York-JFK. Each of the screens in the cabin, whether in the bulkhead row or in one of 48 other seats in the cabin, was 13.3 inches, larger than existing offerings with the carrier. Not only was the service fantastic, but the crew members seemed equally as excited about the new A350 as I was. There is also a pull-out footrest - or if you are in the front row the attendant brings a footrest all of your own. , both hot and cold courses and the teatime selections a pull-out footrest or. Though my 15-inch laptop could fit on it a `` destination-inspired '' light meal a. Help you get comfortable while you nap Red Velvet, '' the aircraft was delivered to Virgin on 10. 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