Virgin Atlantic Airways - VIR > Reviews > Are you a Virgin

Author's product rating:   

Food Quality	Good
Customer Service	Outstanding
Punctuality	Satisfactory
Space	Fairly Comfortable
Value for Money	Satisfactory

Advantages:	The service is great .  Good food and friendly staff
Disadvantages:	Not a lot wrong here

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I travel two or three times a year to the States on business, and up until last year my company’s airline of choice was always BA.
But this has now changed since they couldn’t get me on the flight I wanted, and instead had to use Richard Branson’s Virgin Atlantic.
Now when I have to go to America, I always ask them to book me on Virgin, as I find the trip that much more pleasant.

It’s not that the seating is much better than you get with BA or any other carrier. The seating is typical economy class, with very little legroom, and if the person in front decides to recline their seat, then you’re left with not too much choice but to do the same.
I’ve had a peek into first class, and if I could persuade my boss, this is definitely the way I’d choose to go, as the seating looks far more comfortable and spacious. But it is a lot of extra money for a six to seven hour flight!

What make Virgin stand out for me is the extra attention they take with their passengers, and the little extras you just don’t seem to get with other airlines.

The TV screen set into the back of the seat in front is fantastic.
Not only do you not have to strain your neck or eyes, but there is a fabulous choice of different channels and films, with headphones so you don’t get distracted. I believe you can even play Nintendo games if you get really bored!

Their little complimentary pack is also a nice touch.
Here you get a pair of warm slippers to keep the tootsies cosy, a toothbrush and toothpaste to freshen up, as well as a small comb.

The food, although still pre-packed airline fare, seems to be better than normal, and they even have a selection especially for vegetarians. The seafood is my own particular favourite.
And they don’t skimp with the old vino either, giving you a good-sized bottle of wine to keep you happy.

The cabin crew are friendly and extremely helpful, and go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable and have everything your little heart desires to make your journey a pleasant one.
On my last trip, there was an OAP couple (sorry, senior citizen, must be PC these days) sat in front of me, and they did nothing only moan and complain about everything and anything they could think of.
Had it been me, I would have bitten the head off them after about half an hour, but not the Virgin cabin crew. They kept their composure, and even managed to smile the whole time. (or was it a grimace)

I’m not too sure how they compare on price with the other airlines, but it must be OK, otherwise my skinflint company would never allow me to fly with them.

This is one of his many ventures of which Mr. Branson can be justly proud.