Flying VIRGIN ATLANTIC Flight VS4 to Heathrow in PREMIUM left me feeling HIJACKED!

Flying VIRGIN ATLANTIC Flight VS4 to Heathrow in PREMIUM left me feeling HIJACKED! A brutally honest review of Virgin Atlantic Premium, is it worth paying to upgrade from Economy, what's the cost and is it worth it? Take off with me from New York JFK Flying and landing at London Heathrow International Airport.
#virginatlantic #flying #airplane #review #VS4

[@christanner8104]

We use Virgin a lot to the US and never had a problem when checking in at MAN, JFK or MCO when flying Premium. We always have checked baggage so the priority check in, boarding and priority baggage at the other end is good. Also with premium you get two pieces of baggage which for us is useful (it was in May when returning from MCO!). For me the food on Virgin has been as good as the competition. End of the day it's airline food. Everyone's different! Must admit we do monitor the prices carefully before making a booking, saved us £s over the years as prices can change a great deal from day to day. Only derogatory comment I would have is that having flown on the new A350 (VS73), the older A330s seem tired, roll on the A330 NEOs.

[@MAXLUCHO]

I was abroad in holidays and I confess I missed the daily vlogs for the last 2 weeks, but the bright side I have in front of me a full weekend of Macmaster vlogs happy days cheers 🥂

[@TheMacMaster]

Cheers. :)

[@jasonpetch9403]

What a fantastic video Lee!! You know I always love the flight ones....and a great surprise at the end with the visit to DJs!! Can't wait for the next ones! Many thanks

[@fidgetspinner343]

Loved this video. I've now got a new option to do a cheaper transfer on the Penn trains (quieter) than the grotty subway. 👍

[@johnjg7273]

Top Watching again!. We’re now looking forward to You & Darren in London🇬🇧👀

[@gogsintheborders]

Good video! for the LIRR you mention not being able to use your UK card. I used mine & entered a US zip that I remembered, which one? 90210 of course! 🙂

[@marknicholson6562]

Singapore Airlines. First class on the a380. What an experience .

[@Simon-ko5bj]

Totally didn't agree. The wider seats and leg room in premium are a god send on translantic flights. The extra baggage allowance (which you weren't using so again you wouldn't have been benefiting from part of the whole features part). Never been in a premium seat where I could just step over someone. Felt was quite a harsh review on what is one of the better premium products around. I loved the proper crockery and utensils. Just felt like it gave a premium

[@ant2312]

still wasn't worth the money for what it was. get metal cutlery in economy on Emirates

[@angelawallace6317]

Exactly Lee at the end of the day your still going to arrive at your destination regardless of how much you pay

[@stephenuden6403]

glad you are back safe and sound Lee. I'm going to LA (aviation geek) and was wondering if Virgin had the better Premium than BA, I thibk I will try BA. My personal opinion the best premium economy I've had was Air New Zealand from Heathrow to LA, the seats were brilliant and the service outstanding, it's a shame they have stopped that service.

[@lesliecarter8322]

Those space seats were good, been in those PE on Air NZ.

[@misskitteecatz]

Hi Lee, your travel days are my favourites really. I’ve booked a holiday with Virgin to Florida for 9 days, hotel, transfers and Premium both ways for £1300. Funny how it varies with price. The food menu wasn’t brilliant to be honest, can’t compared with Etihad airways for their Premium and other Asian airlines like Singapore. I must admit I was impressed more with the JetBlue flight you took! As an assignment, I’d love you to do an Amtrak rail journey overnight or a couple of days in their roomettes? The journeys are great across the states.

[@jaydee5640]

how very calming your time will be with DJ after your time spent with martin 😀xx

[@GLG1957]

I think I must be an unusual traveler because the primary thing I care about is the width and support of the seating. I don't pay that much attention to food, cutlery, entertainment choices, wifi, and other things that travel reviewers seem to emphasize. I pay extra in order not to be pushed up against the person next to me. One of my favorite seats is Spirit Airlines' "Big Front Seat". I get all I want without having to pay for that which is not important to me. I wish they had such an arrangement for overseas travel.

[@bsr6823]

JetBlue has won my heart. I flew with them last month and it was incredible. Top service and food that reminded me of the old Virgin.

[@samhenwood5746]

Airplane food didn’t look to bad & l loved the salt n pepper shakers 🥰 Glad you got back safely 🤗🛬

[@jeanettedemosthenous2685]

Watched a few of your videos but had to subscribe after this one because I really enjoyed it. I totally admire your knowledge as a traveller - how to get to places using different modes of transport. I would have had no breakfast on that flight as I could not have eaten that bacon - just a lump of fat !!! Lovely to see Darren at the end - top man x

[@TheMacMaster]

Thank you. 😎

[@Andy7907]

Me too re: the bacon - it was a disgrace!! Pity as the bap/bun looked good!! TBH, I'd have struggled with eating on the plane. I have Chron's and a lot of food just goes through me! Awful condition when you're having to rely on toilets being closeby!! :(

[@TigersTimelessTreasures]

YT decided I just HAD to watch this video. And since I just flew Condor in Economy to FRA and Premium back (because I needed the extra luggage allowance and the price was not too bad), I was interested in your experience. Love your editing and the entertainment value compared to other trip reporters I watch. Keep it up, I just subbed.

[@TheMacMaster]

Hey thanks. Welcome my friend. 🕶️

[@LoremIpsum1970]

I love how you have such a positive outlook on life...🤣

[@adamingleton8529]

just flew virgin premium back from Antigua, solid product, was impressed but depends on the price. I used airmiles which meant it was good value i thought for the product, but the cash price was definitely not worth the upgrade.

[@Yournansaman]

Did you just find a way to sneak a food review in this video? That’s cool!

[@oggie1967]

Great vid as usual Lee, apart from the soundtrack on the train in the UK! That Clicking sound was doin my head in!!😬😩

[@johnbowyer6902]

Welcome back home, Lee. I noticed the Bacon Butty and thought it was more fat than bacon. The Elizabeth line looked great. And hello to D.J.

[@elizabethcotton4659]

To be fair, the airport burger and chips looked good 👍

[@samhenwood5746]

The railway station building looked beautiful 😍 Burger looked tasty 😋 Airplane food

[@junemccann5981]

Hi Lee. That's shocking leaving you standing all that time. They are certainly not fulfilling what's on offer. Food looked basic too Your burger looked much better. Lol! Glad you had a safe flight. Have a lovely weekend with DJ. 🥰🌞🥰Xxx

[@angelagraham9533]

Agree with you about people talking on their mobiles.

[@Malabus73]

Used to be a free bus to and from JFK from Jamaica. Thats going back a bit though, 25 years. Looks like you had fabulous weather during your trip.

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Premium - is still Premium Economy whether they’ve changed the words or not. Virgin Upper Class is a Business Class product (J Class) - the equivalent of Club World on British Airways. It isn’t and never has been a First Class product like they have on BA or Emirates - (F Class) - but I guess their marketing is so good that people think it’s First Class even though it isn’t. 😵‍💫

[@martinholroyd7605]

Just when I think that you've peeked with your vlog's you then go to another level...Yet AGAIN another QUALITY vlog best yet ( having said that I've said that to previous vlog's)....Really enjoyed your trip to the States & the comedy genius that is the Silver...LEEDS LEEDS LEEDS. Fox...A big THANKS to giving us all an alternative viewing compared to the crap that on the TV....Quoting you....you knocked it out of the ball park....All the very best Lee...by the way I'm going to miss the Silver Fox 😭...👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@andrewsharp4753]

Brilliant big Mac,I could watch you all day,there's nothing better of an evening with you and a couple of glasses of chardonnay 🖐

[@TheMacMaster]

Thanks Andrew. Cheers.

[@hershmon]

I don't know how you do it Lee,I am still knackered after Nashville.Now you are going on a mega drive.Good luck mate.

[@jeremypearson6852]

I’ve traveled on VA between Miami (home) and LHR (old home) for about the last twenty years. I’ve flown mostly in FC (using points) and PE and it’s always been a good experience. The crew have always been friendly and professional. I won’t fly in FC domestically in the US, but I’ll spend the extra money going transatlantic for the extra room.

[@johnrimmer4841]

Hi Lee great travel vlog , by the way last week when I flew on United they actually served the " infamous " cous cous salad, I couldn't believe it, LOL, I think we've talked about airport *fast food before never up to par.that overnight flight to England is tough! AND I was on premium economy. Not worth it if I had too pay but since I fly with them a bit they upgraded me So I agree with you.cant wait for your trip to Australia! By the way Iake care

[@TheMacMaster]

Thanks John. 👍🏼

[@Groot-zc5rz]

I flew BA premium aconomy and the leg room is what I enjoyed the most im 6ft 4. Metal Cutlery on a plane was a novelty but for me it was all about the space.

[@roastedicons1234]

When I went to ghana in end of May there wanted 3000 pounds for first class I ended up just getting extra leg room bigger seat for 200 pounds we got every the same except champagne 🍾 rip off If you ask me

[@stevejones8392]

I beg to differ. First class is a vastly different experience.

[@davidnm21]

Great travel vlog yet again Lee. Probably definitely not worth the upgrade on that Virgin flight. You had hardly any leg room there. Great to call in on DJ and give him a surprise call. How about another gummy bear challenge No.2? Keep up the great work👌😉

[@chaZa111]

Great footage Lee! Awesome 👍

[@Vegas_small_timer]

Thank you so much, Macmaster, for this vlog. It’s been really helpful as hopefully I’ll be flying at long last to Vegas again soon. IMO I think you’ve saved me from potentially wasting extra money upgrading.

[@ashleybennett6532]

At jfk you have to put 99999 in the machine to use a uk card…. Done this many times myself when in nyc… 100% works 👍🏼

[@chuckbardiamond9382]

I am new watching your uploads,I watched,I liked.

[@capnpugwash5403]

Long haul as in to the Caribbean daytime flight coach, but it helps if you are tall for the overnight leg, as 10 hours stuck in a no legroom seat is not fun. During the day you can walk around, but it won't be popular to walk around at night.

[@evanmclafferty3020]

I done Los Angeles to Heathrow virgin a350 premium class last November, great service

[@hettychadwick8560]

Fab vlog Lee take care and stay safe

[@MarkJones-sf4cn]

Not cheap Lee. Enjoy your trip Lee.

[@sharonhumphrey1452]

I live in Midwest and will stay here. Went england in 1990s loved it.

[@geofffrance5759]

Great to see you getting around Lee 😀 We are old timers from your early tenerife days

[@TheMacMaster]

Hey. Hi Geoff. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@7509Christina]

Love the menu, I would've had the chicken fajita for my main and for breakfast the Belgian waffle with apple juice.

[@russeljohn3471]

Good honest review 😊👍

[@algernonblack]

Serves you right really, why pay lots of money for a second class airline.

[@ant2312]

strange comment, no one 'deserves' it

[@andywright3450]

Hey lee so muched love the America videos but you can't beat being back in england yipeeeeeeeee ...... So love you and DJ together so wonderful 💯😊💯😊

[@TinaR622]

Hi Lee, love your travel day vlogs….Virgin Premium…not great for the price. Nice to see DJ at the end 👍👍😀

[@pameladuffin9011]

Have fun you 2!! Lee do a vlog sometime on Emirates x

[@ianchristopherson1973]

I got a litre of Jamiesons on my Ryanair flight from Malaga to Liverpool 14 euros, about 12 quid, great vid mate!

[@davemulready]

"THAT WAS A Great VLOG " Nice One Lee ♥

[@TheMacMaster]

Thanks Dave. Hope You're well :0)

[@Johndeplume.]

Top stuff, Lee! Yet another great upload. You're absolutely spot on... definitely not worth the extra money! It's essentially Economy Class. Don't give the airlines any more of your money, unless it's a major upgrade. That food was definitely Economy Class food! No bigger portions, and exactly the same food (okay, maybe with a slice of cheese-cake thrown in). In your last video you said you moved back home from the US just before the pandemic. I assume that your kids were born in the US then, and are also US Citizens? Interesting that, as in my head I thought it would've been in your early years that you were there, with you shredding up the dance-floors of New York. 😀 *SPOILER ALERT FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T SEEN THIS VIDEO* (look away now)... Great to see DJ at the end. He's a top man! Well done, Lee, on another great US series. Thoroughly enjoyed! 👍

[@cabottaxi]

Bit of a swizz that flight. Best laugh is you can't take metal knives and forks through security and yet they hand you them onboard .

[@richardd1329]

I was going to pay extra to upgrade our seats (3) for our upcoming trip from Toronto to Amsterdam on KLM. After looking at the terrible reviews on Seat Guru I decided it was better to keep the seats I had booked and save the money. As far as airline food is concerned I think whatever level you decide to fly it's mediocre at best, the only exception I have had to that was once flying from Amsterdam to Toronto in the mid 80's on KLM when we where upgraded from business class to Royal Class the food and drink where exceptional.

[@ttbko]

I have to say, my experiences with KLM over a number of years has always been really good. I upgraded to business class for my return flight from Panama City, Panama to Amsterdam, (because it's an 11 hour transatlantic crossing with absolutely nothing to see but ocean) and am glad I did! KLM are certainly my preferred airline.

[@joedarkness808]

The flight prices to UK from Tokyo are insane even in the off times 1000 UKP doesn't sound to bad for your US Trip .. Premium With VA is a waste of time paid for it about 6 years ago Tokyo to London and I see it hasn't changed much .. the Shake burger looked better than the Tokyo one that I had last week. enjoy the racing !!!

[@davidjewood]

I had the same delay due to 6am Landing at Heathrow. I was knee deep to in Die Another Day by the time we took off.

[@meisterlymanu5214]

flying into LHR when you live in SW London, literally seeing your street from the plane, but then having an hour or more to tube home after a long flight is unbearable. Its the shitty location which kills you.

[@sandrastubbins3715]

Loved the American vlogs hope we see martin again at some point here's to dJ and hopefully craicmaster 👍👍

[@lesliecarter8322]

7 for the burger and fries at NY Airport. Plane ride, fair bit extra for PE, been there done that. Seating and food just ok. Give the flight overall 7. Nice apartment DJ has got, great views. Enjoy. Fork out some dosh and go business class next time, way to go, nice seats, space, good food and service.

[@rotty66]

The salt and pepper in Upper are still plastic but just with a chrome effect, the PE was good when they used to be on the upper deck of the 747, Virgin UC is very good though I have only ever booked it with miles as you say

[@jglasernyc]

I have flown on Virgin Atlantic and was not impressed. Small planes as well! Great Vlog!

[@Chris_UES]

VS A350 PE has a narrower seat compared to the old PE. And nothing beats the old PE on the top deck of the 747. The only reason I pay for PE is legroom as I’m 6”1. No point paying for PE unless you are tall. As you noted the other frills are minimal. I’ve been flying transatlantic for 30+ years and have reached an age where it’s UC on the night flight (purely for the lay flat bed) and PE on the day flight back to the US for that extra legroom.

[@dingleydell3250]

I felt exactly the same Lee the VM premium cabin is not premium flew the same plane type to Atlanta, it used to be a lot lot better when they had the bigger planes and i agree if someone in the seat in front reclines you physically cannot get out, will not fly again waste of the extra cash.

[@jenlfc9720]

Love the Banter with Darren John

[@Dragonbreath2807]

Free pen! Well worth the extra spondulicks.

[@jamesturkington1807]

the mid-meal facial expressions are amazing 😂

[@JG-bq2si]

Didn't think much of that bacon roll look to fatty to me in my opinion 😉 But I agree with you Lee it not worth the upgrade for what you get I would just book economy save your money book exit/bulkhead seats first row for more leg room depending on airline 💺🦵🦵 But normally first row as no access to underneath storage with that in mind 🤔👜🛍🎒 I've normally only have hand luggage with a small bag with what I need on flight then when on plane take small bag with what I need in it phone/laptop book pillow💤🤣💺 out of hand luggage before I put it up so I don't have to get up a down getting things out from overhead Happy flight 😊🤷‍♀️👍lovely to see DJ again 👍😘x

[@lindascotland]

Virgin economy delight is what we always fly,3 inches more legroom,it doesn't sound much but it makes a huge difference...the food is usually rank on VA and the menu never looks any better in Premium Economy for me.

[@lindascotland]

@I Love Aviation Virgin Economy Delight still has 3 inches more legroom than the regular economy seats,we have them booked again for December.

[@Mrpegs1]

Jameson 1 litre is £25 at Morrison regular price £30 at most supermarkets $32.00 is £26.36 best buying UK...

[@flysteve100]

Lee, it's good to see you eating something that isn't covered in batter, curry sauce or mushy peas.

[@EddieManning]

Not hijacked but shot down in flames! Things with Virgin Atlantic really deteriorated when they got into bed with Delta. Virgin are still best of a bad bunch transatlantic (compared to Delta, American, United and British Airways) in my experience. The flight and cabin crew are great though. Seriously? 4 across seating in centre of PREMIUM FFS! I hate the A330s - B787 or A350 are the best.

[@Simon-ko5bj]

He was on an A350-1000. Literally showed you on his safety card.

[@ant2312]

@@Simon-ko5bj he didn't say he wasn't

[@nezbrun872]

They've been going downhill for a lot longer than just the Delta influence I'm afraid. At some stage, an airline has to make a profit. Whether it's the onboard flowers, the onboard massage, the hot tub (a favourite of mine but admittedly not many others!), the second pillow, the onboard bar, Champagne downgraded to not Champagne, removal of the Tokyo & Sydney routes: it's been the race to the bottom for at least fifteen years. Sadly the differentiators between Virgin and its competitors are now so minimal, it's only the thin veneer of PR and (mostly) decent cabin crews that make any difference: not too many years ago I'd go out of my way, and pay more, to travel VS if I was travelling in business/Upper. Certainly going East, I'm now far more likely to suffer a midnight transit in the Middle East than I was ten years ago, partly due to Virgin's almost complete withdrawal. Going West, well, I've been avoiding that for the past five to ten years on any airline if I possibly can: I have zero desire to stand in line for an hour and a half at immigration after being wined & dined in a biz or First Class seat, only to suffer a frankly miserable ground experience.

[@r12004rewy]

Have also flown to the US with Virgin Premium and similar with BA totally agree with your comments, lots of extra £s but not really anything extra to show for it, I did BA business in November 21 certainly a far better experience and you get the opportunity to use the lounges but is it worth the serious extra £s ?

[@anderson-coletheresa4453]

OM Goodness A lot of trains, plains and automobiles, in one day. LOL

[@sago8875]

Great review again. an absolute Fan of yours. Can you please let me know in premium economy class, which airline provides enough space so you can get out of your seat without disturbing the seat next to you? I start traveling again but don't have money for business class so need some advice on that. As you said you had to ask the lady next to you to get out, and I totally agree with you on this one as you pay premium price so you should have the space

[@TheMacMaster]

Thank you. Unfortunately they are all short on space. My advice would be to get a front seat right at the front. That way you could get out. Personally I like Jet Blue. Favourite so far smaller planes but top class. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@raybrown2197]

Caution Wet Floor ----- This is not an order.

[@terrykemp8131]

Cheer up Lee. A great video. I suspect that due to the pandemic airlines are grabbing as much money as possible, from fellow travellers. I also believe that globally, air travel will be made as uncomfortable as possible, in order to reduce its carbon footprint and a conscious effort will be made, to decrease the amount of people travelling by air in the future.

[@davidregan8152]

Lee the money you payed for that flight we got off a great deal with virgin We flew from Manchester in May we had three days in New York and four days in Las Vegas, we stayed in the Luxor in Vegas and the New York in New York for £700 you paid for that flight back home to Heathrow, absolutely not worth it as you say, we had economy seats but completely comfortable and we were well fed and watered all the way! Great video really enjoyed it brought back memories

[@seamusm84]

Here in Ireland about €38 for a litre of Jameson so that's not a bad price in the duty free there.

[@striker0103]

You have made rethink my plans about flying Virgin Atlantic next year to London.

[@TheMacMaster]

Wouldn't bother if you can fly Jet Blue.

[@striker0103]

I have looked at JetBlue also but we are going to Paris and returning from there back to JFK.

[@matty6848]

Wouldn’t even dream of giving my money to Richard Branson. Especially how he behaved during the pandemic. All the money that man has and he’s fleecing the government and tax payers money for the Furlough scheme? Why didn’t he use any of his own funds and billions wrapped up in other businesses to pay his staff, rather than expecting the British tax payer to fund his staff? The man clearly has zero ethics and morals.

[@yorkshireoz9416]

Another great vlog Lee I hate the person in front dropping the seat back - how do you handle it?

[@ant2312]

everyone pays for a seat that reclines so they have the right to use the feature

[@williamb.8059]

Thanks for this video. Appreciate your opinion.

[@elizabethcotton4659]

Great vlog 👍

[@rhythmchyc3089]

I’m new to the channel and must say that I’ve been waiting for this vlog ever since you landed in NY a few weeks back. Thank you so much for such a thorough review from start to end. You are pretty much the only vlogger that covers check in and security during all of your trips and it is soooooo appreciated. Can’t wait for your next international trip review!

[@TheMacMaster]

Thank you. 😎

[@johnbond5567]

Love the Mac 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@lesliepounder8838]

Hi lee great vlog as usual, my question to you is what was the first vlog you did on Tenerife can you remember as I want to look back on all your old vlogs if Tenerife please

[@markg975]

Go to videos tab, select "sort by" date added(oldest) and find ☀Playa de las Américas - Los Cristianos (Tenerife Travel Guide 2019)

[@truebrit3578]

Is Virgin’s Upper Class now sold as First Class (which you kept referring to)? I always thought it was closer to Business. Note that British First Class on the route is way more expensive than Upper Class.

[@bobbi7180]

I dunno dude, I think its hard to pick a favorite between that Shake Shack burger and the Cheeseburger you had at the Palace Cafe in London 🤣🤣

[@davidedwards5920]

Great video Lee, how come you had to change trains at Paddington on the Elizabeth line I thought the idea behind that line was a continuous route from west to east and visa versa across London with no need to change trains.🤔

[@TheMacMaster]

It's in 2 parts.

[@keiranhyre750]

Brilliant vlog

[@EvilSie]

Nearly 7k to upgrade to first class? I know I've suggested about you vlogging first class previously but not at that price. Enjoyed the shots of the A380 double decker, I've always wanted to go on one but never had the chance (all my long haul flights have been 747s or Dreamliners). As much as you weren't a fan of Premium, it looked a lot more comfortable than Jetblue. Nice to see DJ appear in the video. Now that his son has moved in has the Lee's Room sign been replaced? 😁

[@susiewatts1982]

The Air Train 🚆 Looked really Cool 😎 mate Xx

[@d.rodrickeamon6133]

What? Mayo on fries????? ANATHEMA! heheh Good on ya for being Brit. lol

[@CocoaBeachLiving]

Funny, I've always wanted mayonnaise on my fries, people looked at me oddly. When I visited Brussels, they gave me ketchup. I asked for mayo and they said, 'but you're American, Americans use ketchup! It took a little convincing, but I got my cone of fries with mayonnaise ;)

[@richardstreet7518]

PE looks tight on the A350

[@edwardjones7065]

Hello Lee, you obviously felt cheated at £398 extra. Let me help you with that, booked 3 nights 4 * Dusseldorf city centre with breakfast plus flight from Manchester for £240 on E****ia. Bank Holiday weekend as well, booked 2 weeks ago. As well a €9 monthly for regional trains anywhere in Germany, yes €9. Trip to Cologne and Venlo Holland planned. You need to look at Germany Lee. Loved the video, brilliant. I see you are with DJ now, look forward to watching.

[@paulcrawley390]

Ya DJ is back

[@benwalmsley7607]

With the Nottingham goose fair back this year,would you ever do a vlog of it? Showing the rides on offer and the food and maybe go on the rides yourself?

[@TheMacMaster]

Sure. 👍🏼

[@michaelrogers6574]

I always enjoy your travel videos and have noticed you have used Virgin Atlantic several times, but in general you seem unhappy with them. From wasteful use of plastics in the Economy meals and 'dodgy' flavours in the meals themselves, not thinking the Economy 'Delight' product was worth it for a few extra inches, and in this video not really rating the 'Premium' product as being worth the extra money. Have you ever flown British Airways or would you, and maybe do a comparison video or the two British airlines? This may well help us less well travelled persons choose an airline when we go on holiday. Keep up the great videos!