Virgin Atlantic » Upper Class

Virgin's Upper Class suite revolutionised business class travel and, several years after its introduction, it continues to be an extremely impressive product. Pitched between business and first (in price, as well as product), Upper Class prefers to describe itself as a first class experience at a business class fare.

Upper Class is extremely popular, not only because of the seat, but because of the service, lounges (Clubhouses) and onboard bar. You can argue about whether flying is cool, but there's no doubt that at the top of its game, Virgin's Upper Class is hard to beat. You can read more about its creation and an interview with its creator in this story from BusinessTraveller.com here

The Upper Class bed is fully flat; 79.5" (202cm) long (82"/208cm on the upper deck) and 33" (84cm) wide across the shoulder area. What's innovative is the herring bone design (referring to the way it looks on the aircraft) and the fact that the seat flips rather than just simply reclining. This allows for different materials to be used on each side for optimum seating and sleeping comfort. The seat's soft leather and the bed's breathable fabric means that it always feels fresh and comfortable to sit and sleep upon. Meanwhile the herring bone design means that everyone gets an aisle seat. with a maximum of four Upper Class Suites across the cabin.

Other advantages include the willingness of the cabin staff to operate this 'flip' for you (it means less beds are broken by passengers trying to do it themselves) and make the bed. You can also have the seat partly reclined for take off, useful when you have to wait for an hour on board as you queue for take off at JFK, for instance.

Unlike other ottoman seats, this one is strong enough for a companion to join you (it has a seat belt for this purpose) and has extra storage underneath.

All seats have a 10.4" personal TV screen, laptop power and a large table. The onboard stand-up bar is always a popular option and Virgin has (almost) solved the problem of noisy passengers using it by putting it right at the rear of the cabin.

For more details, visit what must be the most comprehensive online guide to any airline, at http://www.v-flyer.com. 

From Businesstraveller.com

Virgin rumour mill (04/04/2008)

Virgin increases Upper Class capacity (08/10/2007)

The Virgin Upper Class Suite (01/05/2004)