Virgin Atlantic » Upper Class » User reviews

markscerra flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class (19/02/2012 19:30)

Dreading the Saturday night flight as being the start of a very long week, I was quite pleasantly surprised when I checked in and was bumped up from Premium Economy to Upper Class. At least now, I had the opportunity to catch a few hours rest; what a difference!! Thanks!

Geejay5522 flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, on a A340-600 (02/12/2011 15:10)

After failing to receive a confirmed upgrade on South African Airways, I decided to pay in the difference to try Virgin Atlantic on a return business-class flight from Cape Town to London. I was interested to see the SAA flight depart with plenty of space in business class - so their loss of the revenue and a business customer!

Virgin doesn't operate its own lounge in Cape Town, but one is invited to use the SAA lounge before departure. Having now experienced the Virgin Clubhouse at Heathrow, I can confidently say that I've never seen anything elsewhere in the league of T3 departures! It was certainly the highlight of my flying experience ever.

Having been very excited to try Virgin, I have to admit at being a little disappointed at the Upper Class Cabin. Its herringbone layout certainly makes very good utilization of space, but one really doesn't get the same feeling of exclusivity as offered in other business class cabins, like SAA's Airbus A340-600.

Service was welcoming and pleasant, but seemed to lack authenticity. The crew were just doing their jobs.

The seats were comfortable and I liked the way in which the backrest converted into the base of one's "bed". The cabin crew were always available to assist with this process and it didn't take two minutes to complete.

The IFE system was switched on just after take-off on both legs, and offered a very good selection of movies, TV programs and air-maps. I found the music offering difficult to navigate - and not much of any interest.

We were offered the usual champagne after take-off and other drinks and a bowl of Dorito's as a snack. Whilst I appreciated the notice that alcohol service would be restricted - I did feel that the service on both legs was a little "tight".

My biggest disappointment of Virgin Upper Class was the food. The menu appeared to lack imagination and not all options presented on the menu were available. It was interesting that my desert choice on both legs was unavailable! The fullhouse English breakfast was worse than anything I've had on SAA's economy class flights over the past 10 years. The egg tasted like powder and I'm afraid that I left most of it.

The interesting question will be whether I fly Virgin again, or revert to SAA or BA on this leg. The real drawcard is the Virgin Departure Clubhouse at Heathrow - but I'm not convinced it is worth an inferior 12-hour flight.

grazza48 flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, on a B747-400 LHR Config (28/11/2011 17:38)

wkspang flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, on a A340-600 (04/11/2011 10:42)

Flew back from Narita to Heathrow after a week in Tokyo.

The limo pickup was perfect, had to wait a little while in the queue for check in and managed to get to lounge in good time. The lounge was busy, compact but had spaces for everyone with good service and good selection for breakfast.

The cabin was in good order and the food was good although I sometime feel that the flights attendants are not always on the ball. For example, the bedding was put on the wrong way round. Maybe they were just desperate to get home like I was!

My biggest complaint is the bed itself. Once flat, about 2.5 inches of the foam just beneath where you would put your pillow has sank. The bed is no longer level as it dips from your shoulders to your head. It was most uncomfortable and not conducive to a good nights sleep. I have not experienced this before and I wonder whether this is an age thing and just specific to the plane Virgin use to fly to Narita.

anderson_stephen flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, on a A340-300 (24/10/2011 18:26)

The flight from Montego Bay was extremely good, and the service provided was outstanding, with nothing too much trouble for the crew. A little let down with the food, when it came to our pre-ordered 'Gluten-free' meal!

peterandrew62 flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, on a B747-400 LHR Config (08/10/2011 10:23)

After connecting from Ithaca, found the virgin check in area 3 hours + before the flight was due to depart. Polite member of staff confirmed baggage was through checked and reissued boarding passes, along with direction to the lounge.

The lounge is situated before security near to duty free shopping. Lounge understandably smaller than at LHR, with no views, but polite staff. Drinks were offered and there was food buffet from 6.45, had some salmon with rice, along with champagne.

Staff very attentive and seemed to spot an empty glass offering a refill. WIFI initially wasn't working, but there was TV and plenty of newspapers. Called about 45 minutes before flight was due and went through security to board promptly. Offered drink and duty free requests were taken.

Post take off drinks were offered, most of the cabin had decided to sleep, so help was offered to let them get settled first. My friend opted to have a hot chocolate and then had the bed made up. I had the tomato and veg quiche with some salad which was light and more than enough, after a glass of wine I changed into the pyjama suit and bedded down.

Though comfortable I'm a poor sleeper on planes and more dozed and felt a bit warm. Chose the muesli and tea for breakfast, though we were told there was poor visibilty at LHR, after circling we were nearly 30 minutes early. Excellent service, very good staff.

peterandrew62 flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, on a A340-600 (08/10/2011 09:55)

VS11 LHR to Boston (BOS), wouldn't let me check us both in on line, but arrived at LHR to a short queue. Both desks check in staff were on the phone and there was a lady who didn't speak english with a very big case. However the supervisor escorted us to the floor above and we were checked in promptly and got our requested seats.

Through fast track and after some duty free shopping found the Gatehouse lounge. This was excellent with plenty of staff who served us some lovely food and a glass of champagne, I also enjoyed a bramble (blackberry cocktail). We were called about 45 minutes before departure and on arrival at the gate most other passngers seemed to have boarded.

Boarded promply and were offered a drink. We were updated about our departure being delayed slightly by the captain and pushed back about 15 minutes late. I was sceptical about the herring bone formation having read mixed reviews but liked it and could talk to my friend in the row behind still.

After take off aperitifs were offered and food orders taken. I chose pea and basil risotto with prawns and Salmon on a seafood pillow in vermouth, I wasn't disappointed. The dessert and cheese were equally as good.

Service was attentive throughout. Afternoon tea was served a hour or so before landing. We didn't make up the lost time, but this wasn't a big deal. Bagage arrived promptly. An excellent service throughout.

flyhighburnavgas flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, on a A340-300 (08/08/2011 16:18)

ogedike flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, on a A340-600 (27/07/2010 17:30)

peoplesonrules flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, on a A340-600 (07/06/2010 16:13)

We arrived at Heathrow after flying BMI from Manchester. We went strait to the Upper class lounge and it was amazing. It's better than any lounge in the world, this is because, other lounges are too business-like, it's great if you're travelling for business reasons, but if you're not, it's too formal.

The Virgin lounge is informal, with great business facilities and a brilliant bar (which I liked using). Boarding was unbelievably quick, however I'd prefer it if upper class boarded last, so you're not waiting on the tarmac as long and people don't look at you like you're the devil. Food was amazing and the seat was a fantastic length.

For sitting the seat was very comfortable, however it doesn't recline that much, so that's a bit annoying. The onboard bar was great for meeting other passenger's, however, on BA you sit side by side with a screen splitting the two seats. This is great for people travelling in pair's or groups and to meet other passenger's, plus, you can still be anti-social if you want. The cabin Crew were perfect (as always) and they were very willing to help.

frequentflyer1969 flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, on a A340-600 (11/05/2010 09:04)

Travelled from LHR to LAX with my family on VS07. Check in was busy on arrival to T3 - so we were quickly taken upstairs to the drive through chauffeur check in and processed quickly. Arrived at the Clubhouse lounge shortly after to have some breakfast. Tried to book a treatment at the spa for me and my wife - but all appointments were gone which was frustrating as the online / phone booking service has also been stopped - so it pot luck on the day if you can get in or not. Flight was boarded on time and we departed from London 10mins behind schedule. We had prebooked our seats 4A, 4D, 5A and 5D. This is a nice part of the plane as its up the front and away from the noise of the engines. The seats are slightly offset between A and D with A sitting slightly rearwards of the D seats. For us - this was perfect as it allowed my wife and I to keep an eye on the children without having to break our necks. Seats were very comfortable for both sitting and sleeping - though talking to the person next to you can be hard due to the divider unless your seat is upright. The cabin service from the crew and the food was excellent and the eat when you like concept is great when travelling with children. Arrival into LA was on time and by the time the customs clearance had taken place the Upper Class bags were on the carousel. All in all - the best flight we have ever done as a family

simonallardice flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, on a A340-600 (22/01/2010 18:30)

A first class experience!

From the lounge to the staff onboard, flying as a UC Pax with Virgin is an experience to behold. Spacious seat with plenty of room and comfort for sleeping whilst hurtling toward your destination, all in the the A346 is also a much quieter aircraft than the lumbering 744 - hopefully they'll keep it on the SFO-LHR route for a while.

inthelounge flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, on a B747-400 LHR Config (23/06/2009 22:00)

Generally excellent, even after all this time, though after flying some other business/first classes which are more recent you notice things like the small IFE screen and the fact you need an adaptor for the in-seat power.

The film choice is good, but not quite as top of the range as it used to be. The staff are still remarkable, it must be hard to make us all feel like we are pop or film stars when we're just overwieght business travellers. but they manage it on most trips.

During a day flight I'd pick cabin 2 close to the bar, on night flights cabin 1 or upstairs. Avoid 24 and 25 unless you enjoy listening to people explain to the barman how cool they are.

jimmcgreg flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, on a A340-600 (21/04/2009 20:28)

Boarding: We turned up at the Virgin departure area at Heathrow for our afternoon flight to New York to find it pretty crowded. There was only one door available to board through on the A340-600, whereas when I've used Lufthansa from Munich there has been a separate skybridge for first and business class. There was priority boarding for Upper and Premium Economy, but this was also with "parents with children" and it seemed a bit of a free for all, to be honest, because as soon as we reached the check-in the standard boarding was also called.

Seat for Sitting: Okay, I guess I should admit this now, but we were upgraded from Premium Economy! Ya beauty! I was given seat 16 and my wife in 17 - she was right next to the washroom and bar - but neither of us were complaining.

The seats are laid out in a herring bone pattern meaning they are very private and excellent if you’ve fallen out with the wife and don’t want to speak to her for seven hours. Otherwise you have to stand up to chat, or sit perched on the edge of the footstool, which feels slightly awkward. In standard position, the seat feels slightly laid back and is facing away from the window, causing me to strain my neck ‘round at take-off, when I like to look out as we soar into the blue. But you’re not directly facing anyone and privacy is ensured. This means you can fiddle with the buttons to find the optimum seating position for yourself. It was very comfortable.

Seat for Sleeping I asked the stewardess to flip the seat into the bed position, and she kindly obliged, making it up with sheets too. She didn’t offer to “lie with me”, as a friend of mine swears happened to him on a flight to Japan with an Asian airline, but I was more than happy to sprawl out on it. It’s roomy, doesn’t feel claustrophobic at all, and does feel more like a mattress than a seat. I was asleep in minutes, despite feeling it was a bit of a shame not to stay awake and enjoy yet another glass of chilled white wine.

Service: I found service very friendly and not at all as formal as I sometimes feel on BA or Lufthansa. I took the champers before take-off and my first glass of wine arrived pretty quickly. The second was longer in coming, so I nipped to the bar area for that. Subsequently, the wine seemed to arrive every five minutes – or had they sussed me out? – until I felt I was verging on bad form, or an amateur flier, instead of the card carrying BMI Gold Card member that I am. (I wondered if my Gold Card had got me the upgrade, but I never asked. There is some sort of affiliation between Virgin and Star Alliance on rewards.) But I really enjoyed the relaxed and attentive service from start to finish.

In-flight Entertainment: It looked pretty comprehensive, but I couldn’t be bothered watching one of the many films on offer. I opted for a Horizon documentary, and spent it wondering who had selected this episode as it bored me rigid. Hence the need for bed. Screen was big, easy to see but I was disappointed that they didn’t have the nose camera that I’ve enjoyed watching on Emirates. The “interactive map” promised to be fun, but turned out to be not much more than the standard stuff you see everywhere else.

Food and Drink: Yes, really nice it was, whatever it was. I can’t remember now. Served on a white tablecloth, presentation was immaculate, and I ate everything on offer. The table itself, which folds out from the back of the neighbouring pod, was big and quite heavy to put in place. Best letting the staff do it for you.

Punctuality: Heathrow and JFK? It might have been punctual if there hadn’t been fifteen ‘planes in front of us for take-off (on the return, JFK managed to double this queue on the tarmac.) I don’t blame Virgin for this.

Baggage: No problems. The only good thing about American immigration is that by the time you’re through it, your bags have long arrived.

Summary: Overall, I thought it was superb. I’ve flown BA and Lufthansa Business long-haul a couple of times to compare against, and Virgin just edges it with the privacy and friendly service. I also have done First Class on South African to Cape Town in 2008, and Virgin was better than this service.

I was looking forward to using the wee bar at the rear of the Upper Class section, but it seemed to be used by the staff for stacking empty glasses and bottles most of the time, in ugly big orange crates. In the last two hours of the flight, they brought three passengers from cattle class to sit at the bar who, I think, had been feeling unwell. They were still there as the undercarriage dropped for landing and had to be prised out the seats. But I don’t blame them. Once you’re in Upper Class, you really do not want to leave. In fact, it was so good, I’d even be prepared to pay for it out of my own money, and that is saying something!

So thanks for the Upgrade Virgin, you’ve won a future customer.

tartanterror flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, on a A340-600 (25/02/2009 09:56)

I arrived at HK International Airport in plenty of time and since the Upper Class queue was empty I headed straight there with a colleague.

Check-in was a little convoluted due to some ticketing issues but they were resolved by a friendly enough check-in employee and we headed off to the lounge.

Although small, the lounge is one of the best in HKIA, with waitress service and some genuinely tasty snacks. There was no announcement but we headed off in good time and boarding was smooth.

Once on board, we were greeted (although not by name) and offered a welcome drink. I was in seat 16G, which is a middle seat at the very back of the UC cabin. The ottoman seat allowed me to have dinner with my colleague and plan our schedule for arrival.

Not feeling too tired, I spent half an hour at the bar chatting to fellow passengers and once we entered some turbulence and the bar service was halted I headed back to my seat. The flat bed worked a treat and I even slept through breakfast service, arriving in Australia refreshed and able to handle a series of meetings without the normal mid-day drop in energy levels.

The only caveat about the seat is that it is close to the bar and while flight attendants keep good order, I'm sure there must be occasions when it gets a little noisy.

BAGoldcard flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, on a B747-400 LHR Config (03/01/2009 21:53)

The seat is great for sleeping, although it is annoying that there is a vent at the back of the seat that one is not allowed to cover, so there is less room than first appears.

It is not good for sitting in, as it does not recline very far - very poor.

Cabin crew quality is mixed; the food and wine generally poor and champagne generally runs out!

The bar is ok but is often used for serving the cabins and is not always relaxing.

The car service to and from the airport is excellent and the Clubhouses are pretty good.

Boarding is far from premium, especially at LHR T3.

The UD [Upper Deck] is probably good. I found the forward cabin on the main deck quite relaxing and the extra space is good.

slinky09 flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, on a A340-600 (02/10/2008 09:30)

Of all the business class long haul airlines I have tried, Virgin Atlantic still stands above the rest. Of course, it's not flawless, but the UCS and bed and all aisle layout is fantastic, the interiors especially of the 346 are great for working and relaxing - and the ability to relax at the bar a perfect antitode to a long flight and work.

Rumpole flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class (29/09/2008 18:46)

I've been flying Upper Class with Virgin intermittedly since they started out in business including the new Upper Class suite - 6 sectors in the last 8 months - and I have to say that the current configuration is my least favourite to date. As a former swimmer and rower I have reasonably (but not excessively) broad shoulders and sitting in the seat they touch both sides of the "suite". Those plastic walls are solid with no give. I stand 5' 10" and sitting down the suite walls come just above my eye line. With only a (sideways) direct line of sight out of the suite, being pinned in on both sides made me feel the most claustrophobic I've ever been on a plane. As a bed, the seat was more comfortable (I guess the seats are wider further out from the cabin wall) but if I have to take Virgin again I'll be "downgrading" myself to the very comfortable Premium Economy seats until the next Upper Class revamp. That will be a shame as the Clubhouse (in LHR) is great and the onboard service and IFE both very good. The on-ground Upper Class facilities in both Delhi and Mumbai are both way below what one expects from Virgin. Cramped, hot and with poor catering. The Mumbai lounge even had a collection of mosquitoes droning around untroubled by any attempt to spray them.

Diplomat flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, on a B747-400 LHR Config (29/09/2008 17:28)

Great lounge at LHR. Row 2/3 are best on the upper deck for getting some undistured sleep!