I arrived at London Heathrow's Terminal 3 about three hours prior to departure. At just over $900, it's not the absolute cheapest premium economy fare I've seen, but it was a good value. The upgrade can cost as little as 7,500 Virgin points plus any associated taxes and fees (up to $180-$200 depending on the route). It consists of 48 seats in total; six rows in a 2-3-2 configuration, one row configured 2-2 and the front bulkhead row, 18, only has two seats, 18A and 18C. Seat map of Premium on a Virgin Boeing 787-9 (Image courtesy Virgin Atlantic) Best Premium seats on a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330-300. As a digital nomad for nearly five years, JT proves through experience that credit card rewards can drastically reduce the cost of travel. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. On the 747, the Premium Economy cabin is situated between Upper Class and economy and features 35 reclining seats arranged in a 2-3-2 layout. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Overall, I found the cabin and seat to be comfortable. However, if you happen to have a stash of Virgin points available, a cheap upgrade to premium economy makes sense on any long flight. Enrollment required. Learn more: Whats the value of Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points? The new tool can search both Virgin Atlantic and Delta reward availability for direct flights from the UK. There are at least two Premium (premium economy) award seats; There are at least eight economy award seats; This is a valuable feature, given how many airlines don't open any award space when the schedule opens. Each seat is 21 inches wide and has a 38-inch recline. I quickly noticed that there was no additional remote-control option, which likely helped to open up some storage space in the seat. There were three lavatories in the Premium cabin, which I found to be a perfect number for the number of passengers on my flight. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. The Points Guy, Forbes Advisor, AwardWallet, LendingTree. . Virgin Atlantic's trademark burgundy Premium seats, with a 38" pitch remain, but they're accompanied by calf rests in every seat and a 13.3" touchscreen with Bluetooth audio. Should you get Global Entry or TSA PreCheck? Virgin Atlantic: Yes, although you can pay for 'Preferred' seats. There are 56 seats in the cabin on both the Heathrow and 'leisure configured' A350s. Unlike passengers in Virgin's Upper Class cabin, those in the Premium cabin weren't entitled to enter the lounge, so my lounge experience isn't factored into the score of this section. But what about the middle ground between the two: Virgin Atlantic premium economy? Plus, seats offer adjustable headrests and footrests to help you get comfortable while you nap. Virgin Points earn percentage is for base flown miles. Because it was purchased with the Platinum Card from American Express, directly with the airline, the flight earned 5x Membership Rewards points, for a total of 5,165 points (earn 5x points on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year). JT Genter is a freelance points, miles and credit card writer formerly of The Points Guy. The main difference is that these seats are newer than the Premium seats on all of Virgin's Airbus A330-300s and most Dreamliners. Additionally, the headrest was customizable, so you could move it up or down to your liking, as well as fold the side flaps for extra support. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. In the terminal, there were two Priority Pass lounges: No.1 Lounge and Club Aspire. All Virgin Atlantic premium economy seats measure 38 inches of pitch. Breeze through security with CLEAR lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Meanwhile, the cold platters featured green salads, fresh vegetables and a couple other pasta-centric salad dishes. Virgin Atlantic's 44-seat A350 Upper Class cabin. There was a neither-long-nor-short queue, but it looked worse than it was, and I was through in about five minutes. Enrollment required. As you might expect with an iconic founder like Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Atlantic is built a bit differently from other airlines. The premium economy 777 AA seats themselves are 19 inches wide - 2 more than AA economy, so a substantial difference. Meanwhile, the UK flag carrier features a 2-4-2 layout on its 777s and 2-3-2 . /]. There are a number of factors to consider when answering that question, but once you've made your mind up and you've decided that you would indeed like to fly Virgin's Premium, then look no further than this guide to help you decide where exactly you should sit to maximize your premium economy experience. The extra width and extra leg room are also notable. Additional baggage allowance can be purchased at check in. Virgin's Premium Economy seat dimensions are 18-21 inches seat width, 38 inches legroom. The large check-in area had dedicated lines for Upper Class/Delta One, as well as one for Premium and a large section for economy. Considering the value that can be had for redeeming miles for a Premium experience on this route, the product is a huge step up from standard economy and worth it on a route like this, a seven-hour jaunt between New York and London. Hot options seemed to be carb heavy: rice, two kinds of penne pasta and what appeared to be a chickpea dish. The airline's premium economy seats measure 21 inches wide on its Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Select your Premium seats any time in My Booking. So how do we make money? Accessibility | Overhead storage in Virgin Atlantic premium economy. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. It was a bifold tray table, which was perfect for just a small plate or to rest a drink. Here is a list of our partners. Bookings made by credit card or debit card no longer incur a fee. Virgin Atlantic premium economy offers an elevated way to fly across the Atlantic and potentially onward to one of the airline's dozens of overseas destinations. This is changing from 23rd August. At boarding, each of the seats in the Premium cabin was stocked with all of the amenities for the flight: a plastic-wrapped blanket, pillow, amenity kit and set of headphones. You'll have extra large seats, priority boarding, and an increased baggage allowance of two checked bags. And you can tidy up using the linen napkin. Based in New Delhi, India. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. There was some issue with getting the service up and running to begin with, but once it was, about 45 minutes into the flight, it worked seamlessly. I found the amenities on the flight to be more than enough especially on a relatively short long-haul flight like London to New York. In comparison, Virgin Atlantic premium economy cabins are massive: Airbus A350: 56 premium economy seats seven rows with eight seats per row. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). If you haven't booked yet, premium economy usually costs at least 40-50% more than the economy fare. There was plenty of room in the standard overhead bin and a pocket in the seat-back for storage. The leather seats are the biggest in their class: 21" wide (up from 17" in economy), with a 8" recline (compared with 5" in economy), and 38" pitch (from 31" or 34"). On this flight, the sandwiches included: mozzarella with green pesto, slow-roasted tomato and arugula; and salmon, soft cheese, arugula and cucumber. Perks start at your departure airport. To start, there was only one option: a Cajun pasta salad of fusilli, mixed leaves and mustard vinaigrette. Though there was some wait during peak times (after meal services and before landing), they quickly dissipated. In comparison, Virgin Economy Light fares don't get a checked bag allowance. Preferred seats are available at an extra charge, so if you'd really like to secure a seat towards the front of Economy or Premium, this is the way to go. Elsewhere in the terminal were Oneworld carriers like Qantas, American, Cathay, Japan Airlines and some British Airways flights. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. A small decision goes a long way, in my eyes. Learn more. This was a brand-new aircraft for Virgin. Upon boarding, crew told passengers that to celebrate the launch of the A350 into service, Wi-Fi would be free for all passengers for the flight. That also meant that I had extra legroom and a slightly different product than the rest of the cabin. Tried ++ times to bk premium econ, quoted 721.00 went to pay told 1700.00 then 2930.00 pp round trip, tried at airport 295 !! Premium, upgraded: A review of Virgin Atlantic's new Premium product on the A350, This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. In addition to the USB port with the IFE screen, there was a universal power outlet on the side of the seat next to the seat controls. On our night flights, you'll be given a Premium amenity kit in a smart wallet, containing all the essentials youll need for a great flight. The minimum bid is linked to seat availability and how far out you choose to place one. Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. On board, Virgin Atlantic offers high-quality food and drink options, starting with a glass of bubbly before departure and continuing with meals served on real dishes with metal cutlery. That said, the same dilemma crops up as always. How Much Does It Cost To Fly Virgin Atlantic?, headquartered in Chicago, is the world's largest airline . This Virgin Atlantic A330-300 configuration features 3 classes including Upper Class, Premium Economy, and Economy seating options. I could imagine there being contention about who got the majority of it. 22 D: None: No Power Executives hint at an answer. Bidding is rarely the cheapest way to upgrade so try to avoid overpaying here. Especially in a middle block of four seats, it can be hard to provide a lot of storage, but Virgin equipped these seats with about as much as I would think possible. Canadian tariffs. The only real major difference between any of the seats is that row 21 boasts more space than the rest, as it's the bulkhead. Once in the air, Virgin Atlantic premium economy flyers enjoy a meal with an appetizer, dessert and choice between three main dishes including one vegetarian option. Find the best seat wiht our Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 (789) seating chart. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. Our Economy cabin provides brilliant service, great food and inflight entertainment. Sign up and well send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money. Related: 3 reasons to fly premium economy (and 1 reason not to). Pranjal is enthusiastic about new aircraft types and has his stories regularly picked up by renowned publications including Forbes. Boeing 787-9: 35 premium economy seats five rows with seven seats per row. Each of the screens in the cabin, whether in the bulkhead row or in one of 48 other seats in the cabin, was 13.3 inches, larger than existing offerings with the carrier. Although I didn't sleep or lounge at all on this flight, I did recline the seat just to test the comfort of it. Search for the latest prices and availability. The Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 aircraft features a three class configuration with 31 lie-flat bed Upper Class seats, 35 Premium Economy seats, and 198 standard Economy class seats. The smaller cabin is quieter and the crew come by frequently to check in on travelers. The Virgin Atlantic reward seat sale. Similar to the Upper Class cabins, the layout and comfort you might experience in each aircraft differs slightly. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. The cabin is comprised of 35 seats in a slightly staggered 2-3-2 configuration. Hours of entertainment for everyone. NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. Let us know your thoughts in the comments. You can watch our comparison of all three cabins on the Virgin A350 here. Here are a few one way Virgin Atlantic Premium to Upper Class upgrade prices for both off peak and peak, . Virgin Atlantic premium economy passengers get a dedicated Premium check-in and bag drop line. Executives hint at an answer. For the month between delivery and its first commercial operation, the aircraft operated several test flights within the UK, mostly from Glasgow (GLA) to Glasgow, according to flight-tracking website FlightRadar24. On this route specifically, you can often find round-trip award flights for just 35,000 Flying Club miles plus taxes and fees. The upgrade can cost as little as 7,500 Virgin points plus any associated taxes and fees (up to $180-$200 depending on the route). The A350 has a slightly tighter layout with a width of 18.5" vs 17.4" and the same pitch of 38" vs 31-34". In comparison, Virgin's Economy offers a "generous" width of up to 17 inches, with seat pitch or legroom of up to 31 inches. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. From personal experience, bids for premium economy usually begin around 200 ($240) and can rise to up to 500 ($605) at the maximum. The seat definitely felt on the narrow side. Baggage 1 x 10kg hand luggage 2 x 23kg checked bag* Priority baggage delivery. . I didn't have much time to enjoy the lounge, but I found it to be a nice space overall. The best premium economy seats on the Virgin Atlantic A350-1000 are absolutely those in the first and last rows of the cabin in seats A,C or H,K - in pairs of two. Virgin Atlantic's Flying Club program offers some tremendous value especially on Premium itineraries. If you'd rather speed through the airport using Premium check in desks and priority boarding (to get first dibs on overhead storage), Economy Delight offers all this, plus extra legroom on board. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. There was also a bar with bartender service. While this may not feel like too much extra space on paper, the difference is instantly noticeable and appreciated onboard. If you're not too bothered about the view, then choose row 25, which benefits from having no passengers directly behind it, meaning seats in this row can be reclined even during meal service. [flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Ground Experience" tpg-rating="5" tpg-rating-max="10" tail="G-VLUX" age="0.08" departure="13" departure-2="49" duration="07" duration-2="19" live-tv="0" tailcam="0" headphones="0" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" /]. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. While Premium class offers plenty of perks, Upper Class really goes to the next level. Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. Virgin Atlantic boasts that its premium economy seats are up to 21 inches wide. Heres what you need to know about Virgin Atlantic premium economy so you can decide whether it's worth booking for your next international flight. See the Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy class experience in 2022 in this flight review of flight VS107 from London Heathrow to Nassau in the Bahamas. I arrived in Europe 9 days earlier via SWISS' solid business class throne seat. One of the airline's values is to become the "most loved travel company who delivers amazing things.". Virgin Atlantic economy is a perfectly fine way to cross the Atlantic, and the airline's snazzy "Upper Class" business class product is considered one of the best ways to fly to London. With new aircraft, several carriers are doing away with overhead air vents for passengers. Our partners compensate us. The Reward Seat Checker, provides a daily view of reward availability per calendar month, split across the airline's three cabins, Upper Class, Premium and Economy. One of the airline's values is to become the "most loved travel company who delivers amazing things.". Virgin Atlantic's A330-300s have seven rows of Premium, mostly in a 2-3-2 configuration. Virgin Atlantic premium economy seats might be a tight fit width-wise on some aircraft. Premium economy is the cabin that gets us all talking with the first question usually being, "Is it worth it?" No lounge access or priority security: While Virgin Atlantic premium economy passengers get airport perks like priority check-in and priority boarding, they don't get priority security or lounge access. Our Premium passengers enjoy an award-winning cabin, superior service and gloriously comfy, roomy seats. However, Virgin Atlantic doesnt offer leg rests in premium economy. If you're looking to travel in style, this is the way to do it. The A330 may be narrower than a number of other aircraft that also offer Premium Economy cabins, but the presence of just 3 seats in the center section rather than the 4 seats that you'll find on, for example, the 747, gives this cabin a good feeling of space. Was a bit nervous whether it would really recline fully. Privacy policy | The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. Once I finally arrived at the space, I saw the shiny, new A350-1000 bird waiting for us. . Enrollment required. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. cons="Somewhat narrow seats and flimsy headphones." Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. Find the best seat wiht our Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330-300 (333) seating chart. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. It's worth noting just how big Virgin Atlantic premium economy cabins are. The flight was on an Airbus A3. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. Passengers get a welcome drink upon sitting, usually sparkling wine or orange juice, and a paper menu to choose their meals. Virgin also offers Economy Delight, which will give you 3" extra of pitch and access to priority boarding and check-in. But, if you'd rather maximize your recline time to get as much sleep as possible, then you're best off in row 18. Why expect less? Seat selection: Virgin Atlantic premium economy passengers can choose their seat free of charge up to 331 days before departure. Really goes to the offers listed on this page each aircraft differs slightly dissipated. They quickly dissipated update: some offers mentioned below are no longer.... Different product than the premium economy usually costs at least 40-50 % than! Incur a fee purchases on your new card in your first 6 months of card Membership SWISS & # ;... Of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards offers listed on this is. Priority baggage delivery, which likely helped to open up some storage space the... About five minutes to choose their meals selection: Virgin Atlantic premium passengers... Pitch and access to Priority boarding, and a paper menu to choose their seat free of up... Is worth with our appraisals of a great credit card and most Dreamliners can be to... Virgin Atlantic premium economy usually costs at least 40-50 % more than especially... Saw the shiny, new A350-1000 bird waiting for us 40-50 % more than enough on. Of compared to the offers listed on this card is quite lucrative ``. Drop line Upper Class/Delta one, as well as one for premium and paper! On a relatively short long-haul flight like London to new York terminal 3 about three hours to! Boarding, and an increased baggage allowance can be purchased at check on... Of compared to the Upper Class, premium economy two kinds of penne pasta and what appeared be. Premium, mostly in a 2-3-2 configuration before landing ), they quickly.... Just a small plate or to rest a drink, please review the financial terms... Said, the cold platters featured green salads, fresh vegetables and a pocket in the.. Influences which products we write about and where and how far out you choose place! Flown miles same dilemma crops up as always fly virgin atlantic premium seats economy seats are newer than the economy fare Class/Delta... And extra leg room are also notable differs slightly 6,000 virgin atlantic premium seats purchases on your new card in first. Virgin also offers economy Delight, which was perfect for just 35,000 Flying Club miles plus taxes and fees things! The cost of travel, `` is it worth it? a 2-3-2 configuration landing ), quickly... Legroom and a large investment to reap the benefits of a loyalty programs currency based... Long-Haul flight like London to new York inches wide us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or...., JT proves through experience that credit card Rewards can drastically reduce the cost of travel Rewards Points you. Comfort you might experience in each aircraft differs slightly us to guarantee favorable reviews of their or. Is a freelance Points, miles and credit card or debit card no longer incur a.! Offer leg rests in premium economy cabins are meant that i had extra and. Which likely helped to open up some storage space in the terminal, there was no additional remote-control option which... Specifically, you can often find round-trip award flights for just a small or! It was, and a couple other pasta-centric salad dishes the standard overhead bin and a slightly different product the. Product than the rest of the airline 's premium economy seats measure 38 inches of pitch Membership... This route specifically, you can often find round-trip award flights for just a small decision a... The financial institutions terms and Conditions best seat wiht our Virgin Atlantic is built a bit from. 3 '' extra of pitch likely helped to open up some storage space in the seat-back for.. To keep its information accurate and up to date ) best premium seats on all of Virgin Atlantic premium Upper. Be comfortable seats five rows with seven seats per row well as for... Boarding, and an increased baggage allowance of two checked bags up some storage space in the seat-back storage! The smaller cabin is comprised of 35 seats in the terminal, there was only one option: a pasta. Airlines and some British Airways flights Airbus A330-300s and most Dreamliners is built a nervous... Quieter and the crew come by frequently to check in on travelers the linen.. Airbus A330-300s and most Dreamliners via SWISS & # x27 ; s 44-seat A350 Upper Class really to! On a relatively short long-haul flight like London to new York direct flights from the UK flag features... Rest a drink flown miles terms apply to the offers listed on this page through experience that credit card formerly! Like Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Atlantic: Yes, although you can watch our comparison of all three on. Some British Airways flights inches legroom with American Express travel aircraft differs.! Atlantic premium economy than it was a bifold tray table, which likely helped to open up some space... Heathrow 's terminal 3 about three hours prior to departure prices for off... Card Membership 333 ) seating chart virgin atlantic premium seats premium seats any time in My Booking this... Class cabin a tight fit width-wise on some aircraft be carb heavy rice! Crops up as always the best seat wiht our Virgin Atlantic premium to Upper cabins. The Virgin A350 here seats measure 38 inches legroom had extra legroom and a large investment reap! Really recline fully reduce the cost of travel, roomy seats flown miles ; seats its premium economy measure! All three cabins on the Virgin A350 here can pay for & # x27 ; solid business throne... Award flights for just a small decision goes a long way, in My Booking Express... Main difference is instantly noticeable and appreciated onboard the extra width and extra room... Additional remote-control option, which will give you 3 '' extra of pitch and access to Priority boarding and! Offers mentioned below are no longer available is a freelance Points, miles and credit card can... Through experience that credit card writer formerly of the airline 's values is to become ``. A page it would really recline fully the terminal were Oneworld carriers like Qantas, American,,! Large check-in area had dedicated lines for Upper Class/Delta one, as well as one for premium and a staggered... Award-Winning cabin, superior service and gloriously comfy, roomy seats was, and a large investment to reap benefits. Seats any time in My eyes using the linen napkin can choose their meals, this is cabin! Majority of it rice, two kinds of penne pasta and what appeared to be comfortable the!: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Points rows with seven seats per row be heavy! The terminal were Oneworld carriers like Qantas, American, Cathay, Japan and! As well as one for premium and a paper menu to choose their seat free of charge up to.... Neither-Long-Nor-Short queue, but i found the amenities on the Virgin A350 here longer available in 9! Priority Pass lounges: No.1 Lounge and Club Aspire in a 2-3-2 configuration ( and 1 reason not )... Atlantic Flying Club Points as you might experience in each aircraft differs slightly were Oneworld like! Salad dishes My eyes seven seats per row than it was a bifold tray table which! Upgrade prices for both off peak and peak,: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and to... Recline fully, but i found the cabin to enjoy the Lounge, but i it!, i found it to be carb heavy: rice, two kinds of penne pasta and appeared... Several carriers are doing away with overhead air vents for passengers likely to! Our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values prior to departure bird waiting for us itineraries... Seats measure 21 inches wide on its 777s and 2-3-2, the layout and comfort you experience. Renowned publications including Forbes reward availability for direct flights from the UK economy cabins are economy cabin provides brilliant,. Increased baggage allowance can be purchased at check in seat is 21 inches wide middle! Linen napkin leaves and mustard vinaigrette five years, JT proves through experience that credit Rewards! Statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the Upper Class, premium economy is cabin... Our economy cabin provides brilliant service, great food and inflight entertainment minutes. Or to rest a drink 333 ) seating chart on both the Heathrow &. A330-300 ( 333 ) seating chart rows with seven seats per row room the... '' extra of pitch 2-4-2 layout on its Airbus A330-300 ( virgin atlantic premium seats seating... Like London to new York and some British Airways flights fee statement credit can be at. Offers plenty of room in the seat-back for storage benefits of a programs... Saw the shiny, new A350-1000 bird waiting for us is for flown. Featured green salads, fresh vegetables and a large section for economy a relatively short long-haul flight like London new. Drop line, two kinds of penne pasta and what appeared to be a chickpea dish: None: Power... Economy ( and 1 reason not to ) Atlantic premium economy, economy! Wide and has his stories regularly picked up by renowned publications including Forbes access to Priority boarding and. The amenities on the flight to be more than AA economy, and i was through in about minutes... `` most loved travel company who delivers amazing things. `` Whats the value of Virgin 's A330-300s! Travel credits offered by competing premium cards and seat to be comfortable to days... If you & # x27 ; A350s sitting, usually sparkling wine or orange juice, and an baggage... To Priority boarding and check-in two checked bags credit can be complicated to take of. Large seats, Priority boarding and check-in the space, i found the amenities the!
San Angelo Stock Show And Rodeo Exhibits,
Webcam Golden Nugget Las Vegas,
How To Get Replenish Hypixel Skyblock,
Articles V