Some people get to travel once a year on their holidays, some of them making it into Europe, more lucky ones making it more long haul. I've been a little more luckier than that. Luckier than most, to be honest. Have been to Singapore, Australia, Canada, Germany, USA... Some of them several times.
I've also been lucky to fly with many airlines and in all classes. This is good as it gives me a unique view of how to judge airlines.... So, I've decided to update my rather poor review of Virgin with a much better one!
So, where have I been with Virgin this year? I've flown to both Newark (New York) and Los Angeles. I've flown in all three classes (Economy, Premium and Upper Class), and on both Airbus A340 and 747 Aircraft....
Website: The Virgin website upholds the funky brand that Virgin has everywhere. It’s easy to use, bright and cheerful, and does have the cheapest flights on the web. At several times through the year, there are also limited availability prices for both Economy and Premium classes. An example of prices at the moment in the special offers section is:
Destination Economy Premium Miami £312 732 Orlando £312 732 New York £252 672 Boston £273 693 Washington £272 692 Los Angeles £312 732 San Francisco £312 732 Las Vegas £337 757
I could go into more, such as the destinations that Virgin serve, but I’m sure you can find them easy at www.virgin-atlantic.com
The website also allows you to sign up for their frequent flyer scheme, and if you have the airline locator code for your journey, it allows you to input your frequent flyer number, change meal requests and also view and change your seat numbers.
Planes: Richard Branson is a canny chap. Whilst various American Airlines are going into chapter 11 protection (from bankruptcy) because of concentrating on their home markets, Virgin have concentrated on funky (read profitable) locations. This benefits us all, as he has also concentrated on levels of services also. I believe Virgin were one of the first to offer seat back entertainment – In one instance, he required the systems be updated and after seeing the costs, he just bought new planes instead! Most flights also offer a little kit of items (ear plugs, toothpaste, eye shades, etc), something you only get on other airlines in Business class! Kids even get a little rucksack (the contents of which I’m not familiar with). Most of the fleet is reasonably new, although one flight was an older airbus, and seriously needed updating…. More later on that.
Check in: I’m lucky in the fact I can use premium / upper class check ins due to my frequent flyer status. These are normally empty at the best of times. Economy doesn’t seem to be too bad. There are sometimes large queues, although we aren’t talking Easy Jet here…. The queues move fast and the check-in staff are always friendly, helpful and efficient! Virgin also allow you to DIY check in. You can do this in two ways…. Print out your boarding cards 24 hours before you fly at home, or just scan in your passport at the DIY point at the airport. If economy is busy, this is a much faster way of doing stuff.
Virgin lounges: There are some naff lounges in the world. Very poor indeed. North American airlines especially! However, the Virgin lounges are incredible! The ones I speak of especially are located at Heathrow and include both their Normal lounge and “revivals” lounge, which is when you return! The food, service, drinks….. Massage, etc, are all free and fantastic. I really cannot put into words how good they are. And the one at Heathrow is to double in size!
The Planes: Economy: The seat pitch (the distance between the back of your seat and the back of the seat in front) is one of the smallest… 30 inches I believe. I’m a short arse (inside leg 29”) and don’t have much room…. It’s also quite narrow…. But not too bad.
If you want an emergency exit seat, Virgin charge you. However, the last few flights I:ve been on, I’ve managed to get one without paying. When you book your ticket, try and get a seat close to an emergency exit seat… On many flights, the seats are the last to be reserved, and once the doors are closed, the staff allow you to change seats…. Having a chat with a member of staff beforehand ensures that a seat is reserved for you!
However, the inflight entertainment systems make up for it. Rolling out across the fleet is an ‘on demand’ system…. No missing the start of movies and more. This also allows you to fast forward, pause and rewind films! The selection of films is good, and includes recent movies (movies that might have already been shown in major cinemas but where places like Cleethorpes might still be waiting for!). The screens are of a reasonable size and the controls are easy to use.
The food: Well, it’s not bad, and you get fed twice on a normal transatlantic flight. You also get served an ice cream during the movies also, which is great! One thing I do love about the Virgin staff is that they encourage you to move around the cabin. They also pre pour loads of water and orange juice and leave them around the service areas so that you can help yourself!
The staff are generally very friendly, and very helpful (and normally very attractive!). Not qualms there……
Premium economy: This confuses some people. It’s a cross between a more traditional business class and economy. However, you do get a 38 inch seat pitch, which is more than enough for me, a foot rest and head rest. You also get pre flight drinks and a dedicated check in. The seats are also much wider as well, although the arm rests don’t fold up, so if you want to get jiggy with your lover (or a complete stranger!), no chance! You do get the same food, although with less people to serve (on some flights, you are served before the peasants – Sorry, those in economy!) you get your food a lot quicker.
The screens for the inflight are also bigger, although the older airbus I flew on to LA recently had a really old system, with the smallest screens I’ve ever seen! I think the screen on my Play Station Portable is bigger!
The best bit, of course, is being able to get off the plane quicker, and also get your bags quicker!
Upper class: Most of us only get a sneak peak into upper class. On a recent flight I was lucky enough to get upgraded! If ever one of the staff come up to you and ask you to move (they won’t say where), the chances are you’ve been upgraded!
Anyway, the facilities are fantastic. Much bigger screens for the TV, much more space – As Virgin say: 79.5" (202cm) long (82"/208cm on the upper deck). 33" (84cm) wide across the shoulder area. The biggest flat bed in the air…
If you don’t want to sleep, there is other stuff to do. There is a masseur, who wasn’t bad and who comes to your seat to ask if you want one (!), and also a bar. Being able to be away from your seat and speaking to other passengers was fantastic! The seats also have a foot stool (an ottoman) which also allows other passengers to sit opposite you. This is because the seats face partly towards the centre of the cabin, making sure that you don’t have to climb over sleeping people to leave your seat.
You also get a chauffeur from within the Home Counties, and also one at the other end to your hotel. You are also allowed to check in by the car…. None of this mixing with the working class!
It’s a fantastic service… Some people say it’s not worth the money. I believe it is. It knocks one day off the amount of time you need to recover from the flight…. At least one!
Anyway, I have mentioned as much stuff as I can about Virgin. I’m sure there is plenty more at www.virgin-atlatic.com
If you are flying to a destination that Virgin serves, I’d recommend that you use them. To be honest, I can’t see why people fly anyone else! In all classes, they are fantastic!
More details
Class flown most frequently
Business Class
How often do you travel with this airline
Frequently
Where did you book
Travel Agent/Tour Operator
Safety
Very safe
How well does it cater for disabled people
OK
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