Virgin Atlantic » A340-600 » User reviews

NickEvans flew Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy, on a A340-600 (09/04/2012 19:19)

I was disappointed in Virgin Atlantic premium economy.

I've flown both BA and Qantas premium economy and my recent flight with VA from Sydney to London was the worst by a long way. The check in hostess was apologetic that we were sitting in the back row of premium economy and by the end of the flight we understood why.

The seats felt cramped, particularly when the seat infront reclined. I was right next to the toilet which was being freely used by not just the PE cabin but a very full economy cabin as well. Constantly bustled by people waiting and unpleasant smells as they changed occupants.

The food was really ordinary. If this was premium dining, I hate to think what was being served in economy. The low point was waking after some sleep on the HK London leg and hungry because we'd not wanted dinner after leaving HK at the equivalent of 02:00 am Sydney time. We asked for a snack not expecting much but maybe a sandwich and received one rather dry cookie each. Overall really poor value for the significant extra cost.

GeoffOrmond flew Virgin Atlantic Economy, on a A340-600 (05/04/2012 13:27)

This was a truly awful experience. I had never flown Virgin before - and were it not for the excellent experience on the return VS002 in premium economy, I never would again.

The original aircraft scheduled for the flight had a technical issue so a replacement had to be found. However the delay in getting it onto the stand meant that all the passengers had to first of all queue outside and then be crushed together inside a fairly small departure lounge for what seemed like an age.

Announcements were made - 'only another 5-10 minutes', etc, and when boarding was finally announced it was a stampede and a complete shambles.

Once on board it soon became clear that the seat was both cramped and uncomfortable. I am only average height - but once the passenger in front reclined his seat I was literally wearing the seat back and the tv screen. I've never felt so claustrophobic in an aircraft.

The in-flight entertainment programming was poor - especially so considering that Virgin are/were known in the entertainment and music industry.

We were offered an aperitif and then wine with the main meal - but there was no suggestion whatsoever of any second drink and the meals themselves featured some of the worst airline food I have ever been offered.

However by far the worst aspect of the whole unfortunate experience was the crew - they really didn't give a damn. They were all rude and uninterested - It was so obvious that as passengers we were a complete inconvenience to them and they really had better things to do. They chewed gum, they carried on talking between themselves when passengers wanted to ask questions or request something, they literally threw the food and drink items at us and they seemed very pleased to finish serving us and even more so when we landed and they could then 'clock-off'.

Having been late taking-off we arrived more or less on time thanks to the favourable conditions en-route. However when I picked up my suitcase one of the wheels was hanging off and there was a hole in the surrounding area where the case had obviously been dropped.

All in all a flight to forget - although as previously mentioned I am more than happy to give due credit for the totally opposite and positive experience on the return in premium economy.

However it would also be entirely fair to say that I've had vastly superior service on flights with so-called budget airlines - and I will certainly never again fly Virgin in economy class. I'd also think twice about flying on an A340 with any carrier if the seating problems I experienced are typical of what to expect. It is not hard to see why Virgin have been downgraded to a three-star airline.

Personally I'd only rate them one-star - and that's for bothering to turn up and for actually getting me to my destination.

DebraTurner flew Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy, on a A340-600 (15/03/2012 03:54)

I place this review today after checking my youngest daughter in this afternoon with your airline staff.

Wow, what exceptional customer service we received. The check in representative Marianna was just so very helpful and pleasant, we were then asked to move onto the Service Desk for further assistance where we were greeted by Karina & Sue.

Fantastic customer service again with a professional but personal touch to the high level of service I received with a great outcome for both myself and my daughter.

I cannot thank them enough and hope that the service is just as good on her return trip. She was upgraded with out fuss, it appeared to be the pleasure of the Check in Staff as I asked nicely.

Boodles52 flew Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy, on a A340-600 (10/03/2012 02:40)

Quick attentive service with snacks and drinks going round at intervals, cabin crew friendly!

topmedsec flew Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy, on a A340-600 (02/01/2012 07:09)

just back from los angeles on a direct flight vs23.

have to say that going out i was very impressed with the food and the service. i booked premium economy because i had never flown long haul and didnt want to be squeezed in for the 10 hour journey. i had heard various comments about this class and was to say the least sceptical!! i am inclined to agree with other reviews which is that this class does not warrant at all the extorionate extra money that you pay.

firstly the seats are a dark leather purple with wrap around head rests. yes you do get an extra 8 inches wide on the seat and yes there is slightly more leg room, but at at the end of the day you still cannot recline comfortably to sleep, the chair only goes back about 4 inches and you have a leg rest. the only difference with this class is that you get complimentary champagne (a very small glass)! and some extras like an eye mask, ear plugs (which we needed as we seemed to have the brats from hell on the way out and back)! the food is identical other than the fact that instead of a plastic tray you get miniature china dishes. cannot fault the staff at all, they were fantastic, polite, attractive (a must for Virgin!) and could not do enough to help so full marks Virgin for this. the other problem with premium is that yes you get priority boarding.

however you still get the whole of economy trawling past you in the cabin to board and if you dont get up quickly to get off you get caught in the stampede of economy getting off as well!!. all in all i would not fly economy as i always get the screaming brats next to me but then but you will still get the problems of unsavory children and their parents in this class plus you cannot sleep comfortably at all unless you are near to a window so that you can prop your head onto a window.

def not worth the extra £500, i would say vfm only an extra £100.

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.

steveyp flew Virgin Atlantic Economy, on a A340-600 (10/11/2011 16:27)

I flew Virgin Atlantic from LHR to JFK Fri 4th and returned the following Monday in Economy.

I've never flown with Virgin Atlantic before and have to admit I was very impressed.

Im not short coming up at just over 6ft 3 so leg room is always a big issue and Virgin were absolutely fine, it was a comfortable trip over the atlantic with ample leg room. Though no economy airlines will have fully stretch out leg room, this was by the far best ive seen, far superioir to the airline I use most, BA.

Not just the legroom that was better, the food and IFE were far superior. The attendants were attentive too, drinks and snacks were available almost instantly during the flight.

I will definately fly Virgin again, with possibly the only fault i could find is that the departure lounge was quite small and crowded and the aircraft looked like it could have done with a bit of maintenence with regards to the seats, the one in front of mine's upholstry looked tatty and there was litter in the tray on the seat infront.

I'm a rather excitable flyer so sleeping did not occur during the flight, but again as with most economy flights for someone my height, it probably wouldnt have been the easiest or most pleasant experience

Overall a great flight.

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.

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.

camholgate flew Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy, on a A340-600 (27/04/2011 04:07)

We recently flew with Virgin to New York. We'd flown Premium Economy in the past, and had always been impressed by the service.

Boarding was quick, and Premium Economy passengers were given priority ahead of Economy passengers - unlike British Airways.

The cabin was clean and the wide purple seats stood out as soon as we entered the aircraft. The seats themselves were very comfy, with adequate incline. We were given menus and 3 choices of meals - unlike BA.

Drinks were served in glass tumblers and the meal - which was nice - was served in china dish-ware with metal cutlery. This was a class above BA. The IFE screens were big, however the IFE wasn't fully functioning on the aircraft. The system had to be rebooted several times.

Overall, a pleasant experience onboard the A340.

smokeybacon flew Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy, on a A340-600 (10/04/2011 12:19)

Does Virgin Atlantic Really Care about Customers?

The Virgin Atlantic brand has been built on the perception that it cares for its customer. It has fought the good fight against the big airlines and played on its role as the underdog. We can all remember the issue with BA using Virgin’s customer data to gain a competitive advantage. Virgin Atlantic cried foul and rightly so according to the courts.

And yet, when the tables are turned, when Virgin Atlantic are pitted against the individual passenger, their corporate value structure is immediately forgotten. In these circumstances, caring seems to be the last thing on their mind, far behind the opportunity to make profit.

Last year, I booked a trans-Atlantic flight with Virgin. Unfortunately my father died the week before we were due to fly. Each of the providers of the services, hotels, car hire, airport parking and theatre tickets all refunded monies in the light of tragic circumstances, ignoring their standard terms and conditions. And yet, Virgin Atlantic referred to the small print and kept their money. To rub salt into the wounds, they also refused to credit any air miles on the basis that we never actually flew – unbelievable I know!! One would think this is one part of the organisation not knowing what the other part were doing, but when pressed and highlighted the situation, their inappropriately named ‘Customer Care’ team stood firm.

I strongly advise anyone to think very seriously about dealing with such a callous, double standard organisation in the future.

LinguaFranca flew Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy, on a A340-600 (20/02/2011 19:29)

After being on a recent journey in January to Las Vegas with Virgin in a B747-400 having no complaints in the Premium Economy configuration, that cannot be said for the Airbus long haul.

Departed with one of my favourite airlines to Cape Town 9 Feb 2011 [Virgin Atlantic] in Premium Economy on a A340-600. Designated seats were at the rear of cabin - 23D and 23F - disgusting. No leg room in comparison with Economy row 31 A / C / H & K who pay far less. There is no value in paying Premium Economy for such poor seats on the A340-600.

After being disturbed throughout my flight as the seats were adjacent to the toilets used by both cabins, an email to Virgin prior to my return flight on Friday 18 Feb has still had no response.

Come on Virgin - you can do better than this - get your seat configurations sorted.

angel83 flew Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy, on a A340-600 (01/09/2010 09:46)

I flew with Virgin Atlantic on the "kangaroo" run from Sydney to Hong Kong in 2009.

My agent had recommended the premium economy seat before I booked, and going with his advice, I grabbed it.

What a great idea! The service upon entering was distinguishable compared to what I had been used to in the economy area of the plane. I was offered beverages the moment I sat down.

The food was also a class above than that in economy, with three options on the menu, compared to that on the regular economy pla.

Cannot also help mentioning the seat pitch and leg room, with the reinforcement in the middle, which makes for a long flight, more comfort.

Definitely would recommend Virgin Atlantic to everyone for the Sydney to Hong Kong leg. Not bad value for around $2000.00 AUD return.

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

odedfarhiA1 flew Virgin Atlantic Economy, on a A340-600 (20/07/2010 08:32)

went on a business trip using economy class. Online checkin was available only 24 hours before flight time. When trying to choose seat, most of the seats were unavailable - these were being held for those willing to pay more for "extra leg room". Airport baggage drop went smoothly, as did the borading. However, we were not offered a seat upgrade option either during check in or at the aiport (possibly the flight was full). Seat space was awful - we were in row 45 in the 4 middle seats and it was impossible to move within the row. The bag compartment of the seat in front of me was permanently lodged between my legs during the entire 10 hour flight. When the passenger in front lowered his seat the IFE screen was barely an inch from my face. Service was acceptable, but the food quality was atrocious and we were not given suffcient food on the outgoing flight. On the flight back we were offered at least 2 more meals/snacks - why, when its exactly the same distance? I would strongly recommend avoiding Virgin economy (cattle) class long haul flight unless you can upgrade your seat to economy plus.

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

debrablakemanbarratt flew Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy, on a A340-600 (01/05/2010 12:48)

EdwardFerrell flew Virgin Atlantic Economy, on a A340-600 (21/04/2010 11:55)

Virgin Atlantic's A340s - window seats in coach. With the 2-4-2 configuration and several extra inches between the window seat and the wall, this is one of the most comfortable economy seats available (esp when compared to 747s and 777s).

peoplesonrules flew Virgin Atlantic Economy, on a A340-600 (01/03/2010 16:49)

I finally got a Virgin flight with the V:Port IFE, and what a system. It is the best IFE system of any airline I've ever been on! The service and cabin crew were impeccable (as always) and the food was pretty good. However the legroom is a little small and the chair doesn't recline that far back. Boarding was quick, however, the gate closes 30 mins before departure, you only have to wait 20 on BA and less on United. Overall though, an excellent flight.

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.

Massig1 flew Virgin Atlantic Economy, on a A340-600 (28/11/2009 17:33)

Terrible service, uncomfortable seat, poor food ... Virgin seems to me is all marketing and not much substance.

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.

High-Flyer flew Virgin Atlantic Economy, on a A340-600 (14/10/2008 10:34)

I travelled with Virgin Atlantic to New York and was very impressed. The check in was quick and efficient, especially as I'd already checked in online. We boarded quite quickly and the cabin crew were very helpful throughout the flight. Virgin's onboard entertainment has always been the best, and on the basis of this flight, it still is. I could choose which films or TV programmes I watched and when I wanted. Given that I was in Economy, the seat was comfortable enough, I just wished that I'd paid to sit in an exit row seat as they have so much more space.

slinky09 flew Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy, on a A340-600 (02/10/2008 09:33)

Comfortable, spacious, good IFE to while away the time, PE on Virgin Atlantic is IMO a very good offering. Recent service improvements have added to this. Areas for improvement still include the breakfast service though, and on the 343 planes it doesn't seem as good as on the 346s or 747s. Overall, beats most of the competition in this class hands down.

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.

goswrang flew Virgin Atlantic Economy, on a A340-600 (30/09/2008 11:55)

Virgin Atlantic // London - New York (June 2008) return. Virgin Atlantic promotes itself as an airline with award winning service. Unfortunately this is far from the truth.

Even seated at Economy you should expect not to have to "fight" your way onto the plane. I fully understand that Upper Class and Premium Economy are prioritized before economy, but when Virgin do not manage to get their Upper and Premium passengers in their own line it is bound to cause trouble. It all ends in chaos.

Finally onboard Virgin staff served good food and offered great entertainment on their video on demand system.

Landing in New York two hours delayed the airline managed to lose our luggage. Things like these sometimes happens, but at least you expect to be met with some sort of decent service. No help, no toiletries, no instant compensation. Just a number to Virgin Atlantic Baggage Service. A help desk you might as well not call. No help whatsoever. They never called back, and never did anything to help us. We started our holiday with no luggage at all. Today (September) Virgin Atlantic has still not called us back, or showed any sign to help us. We have called them about fifteen times.

On the way back the flight was over four hours delayed and they managed to lose our (newly bought) luggage once more. Virgin Atlantic did not manage to book us on a connecting flight, which in the end was done by very helpful British Airways staff.

So Virgin Atlantic did not impress much...