Is Flying More Fun with Virgin?? Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic's A350-1000 from London to New York

Virgin Atlantic describes themselves as a "bright red, fun, friendly, fabulous choice that made travel attainable for everyone." Indeed, the London-based airline took the market by storm when they launched in the mid-80s, offering a first class product at business class prices, and challenging the existing norms set by flag carrier British Airways.
With the introduction of "Upper Class," Virgin was one of the pioneers of the "business class plus" model that many airlines are shifting to today. You didn't just get a lie flat seat - you also got a private chauffeur to the airport, a private security channel, an over-the-top airport lounge with a barber shop and spa, and also an ONBOARD lounge to socialize and mingle with other passengers. And for a while during the late 2000s, Virgin probably had one of the most complete business class products in the entire world.
But fast forward to post-COVID, and Upper Class has evolved a bit. Even though Virgin introduced a brand new seat & cabin on its new A350s and A330neos, it has stripped some of the other Upper Class perks such as the private limo. The spa and salon in the Clubhouse Lounge are no longer. And the private security channel was closed when I traveled.
What's it like to travel in Virgin's most premium cabin in 2024? Come along with me and let's figure it out on this 7 hour flight from London Heathrow to New York JFK!!
Flight Details:
Airline / Flight No: Virgin Atlantic (VS) 153
Aircraft Type: Airbus A350-1000 (G-VPOP)
From: London, England (LHR)
To: New York, New York (JFK)
Departure Time: 13 March 2024 2:05pm GMT
Arrival Time: 13 March 2024 6:25pm ET
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
02:21 Arrival and Check-in at London Heathrow Terminal 3
04:43 Post-Security and Virgin's Clubhouse Lounge
10:24 Arrival at Gate and Boarding the A350
12:30 Pushback, Taxi and Takeoff
14:32 Wifi and First Inflight Meal Service
17:53 Lavatory and Cabin Tour - Economy & Premium Class
21:12 Second Meal Service and the "Loft"
21:52 Approach and Landing into JFK
23:27 Final Thoughts (including Ticket Cost)

[@anydroid]

Lots of your personality on display in this video, Flaps10, really enjoyed the fun.

[@donaldknowles9640]

I agree

[@bonjouraviation655]

Virgin Atlantic is awesome! a true boutique airline. Great trip report and history or the airline.👍👍

[@TheStallion234]

Great as always - love all the detail, history, and information you provide in each video.

[@danielberlin5968]

24:57 I agree, that fella in the safety vest is indeed a beast

[@journeyswithj246]

😂

[@theushistorian]

You can order a full English breakfast off the scan menu. There's also a restaurant area where you can be served. I found the food delicious and for those interested, you can scan for your drinks including Champagne. VA service has always been exceptional on all my flights, in every cabin class.

[@irisbrodrick]

I was/still am always curious about VA upper class... Thank you so much! I enjoyed this content very much!

[@donaldknowles9640]

What's cookin good lookin , Peter great to see you back

[@gunvaldsandhaland7757]

The Clubhouse Longe Is The Best Business Class Lounge In Europe My Opinion.Great Video.And Info

[@dakar8993]

You continue to impress. Really love your relaxed attention to detail, start to finish. Can't wait for what's next.

[@rayrogers7458]

Thanks again for your insight and advice, well done

[@nezbrun872]

I was a Virgin lover in the 90s and 2000s mainly due to the Dirty Tricks campaign operated by BA against Virgin, and enjoyed top tier status for many years. Years later, I gradually switched over to BA as Virgin's offering became increasingly downgraded, but more importantly, their route network, particularly eastbound, was decimated. Out went the hot tub, haircut, flowers, second pillow, on-board massage, on-board sit-at bar. Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Vancouver all gone, and all routes I've taken with Virgin multiple times. The only thing that remains consistent with Virgin is in-your-face "current thing" marketing, which, as I get older, I find more eye rolling than eye catching.

[@flaps1019]

Great perspective - I'm sure it was easier to like them when they were more of an upstart & an underdog... despite the recent product innovations and fleet additions it feels like they may have gotten a little complacent compared to the early days

[@margaretpittman9650]

Just stayed overnight at TWA hotel the other night, so awesome!!

[@journeyswithj246]

Enjoyable trip report- not too stuff nor picky.

[@deepalperera4592]

GOOD TRIP REPORT, WELLDONE

[@bobgraham3289]

That was interesting, and I like your glasses. And also the speedo comment, I always pack mine. Just a question of which one.

[@flaps1019]

Thank you and 😂 it’s always a tough choice when you have a drawer full of them!

[@jordancwoo]

Another great review Peter! The Virgin Atlantic experience looks absolutely incredible. Too bad I’ll mainly be flying KLM when I move to Amsterdam in the fall, although they’re good too! 😂

[@flaps1019]

Thank you Jordan... what's taking you to Amsterdam? I'd take AMS as a home airport over pretty much anywhere in the US haha....

[@jordancwoo]

@@flaps1019 going to Utrecht University for graduate school :)

[@praneetk9047]

As a non brit- You'd be the perfect lad to do a review of the infamous Ryan Air (Im positive most of thing ive heard is wrong or just far stretched)

[@lambertmcgaughy8487]

I love this. Very thorough experience. I booked through Delta and have a Virgin Atlantic through codeshare from LHR to ATL. Was sincerely considering to re-book for a Delta flight, though your perspective makes me want to experience Virgin. Many thanks!

[@flaps1019]

That's awesome - enjoy it! Definitely a little spicier than Delta and you can still earn your Delta miles if you booked w cash!

[@lambertmcgaughy8487]

⁠much appreciated. Decided to do ATL->LHR upper class in Virgin A330 and back on the Virgin A350. Very much looking forward to Virgin’s upper class experience, as I’ve been a Delta snob for years. Would you rate non-US airlines as better?

[@dospalmascb]

I'd love to see disabled/mobility impaired reviews of flights, I know how good BA are at their assistance but I haven't tried Virgin. Great Review! Thank you.

[@brian402]

Virgin Atlantic is doing what they do best - Sticking it right up B.A and rotate! & up we go✈

[@salaciouscrumb555]

And women.

[@danielberlin5968]

Nice shirt

[@airlinesarefun]

Virgins original upper class was 38/40" inches It's first flat bed was a slope style seat before the "suite"

[@porombpeter]

I've tried A350 and A330-900neo with VS but I couldn't find the tailcam. Once I even asked the cabin crew and he did not know if there is or isn't. I will keep looking for it ,but I think many people love that feature.

[@flaps1019]

100%, especially if you don't have a window seat - the tailcam makes a huge difference

[@obamtl]

Looks pretty great! On a different note, hope you get a chance to re-do KLM with their new 777 business class cabin.

[@flaps1019]

I hope so too... it's on the list for sure... just gotta find a good deal. If you know any routes that aren't crazy expensive let me know!! My mileage balances are dwindling 😭 so the next one might need to be a cash fare

[@Ben-yz4jh]

Love this video - but please be careful of using video with so much flicker! Not good for some viewers

[@flyboy747uk]

The A350 looks nicer than the 787 Upper Class. I found the 787 seating configuration not very good and the seat actually quite uncomfortable. personally if you can get a good deal for Upper Class go for it, but I wouldn’t throw a lot of money at it as I just don’t find the onboard service and food premium enough.

[@salaciouscrumb555]

Stopped flying with virgin when they gave a man the woman of the year award. Do disrespectful to all those hard working women, like Marie curie nurses etc. BA for me now.

[@SuperPapiChurros]

How do you stay is great shape eating all that food every time you travel? 😂

[@seyley2901]

Thanks for not being like 'non stop Dan' and whining about everything. Even though you look like him.....cough.

[@flaps1019]

Thanks for stopping by 💪and lol I think it was the shirt and the glasses... I promise we're not related 😂

[@jonnyb2774]

Branson suggested calling economy Riff Raff class lol

[@flaps1019]

😂

[@jiangni2236]

VS definitely has the stylish elements down, kinda bling but somehow likable. I flew VS a few times, but you know, I kinda get the same vibe as Delta - they both got the branding down, but cut corners in a subtle way. Like you said, chips instead of nuts on a stylish ramekin looks good and is much cheaper to do. The new A350 seats also look stylish, but they don't wear too well (again kinda like the Delta 764 and A330neo) and some of the hardwares just felt flimsy and are already breaking down. The meal portions are just sooooo small, which is also the case for the Clubhouse made-to-order dishes. They're more like appetizer size mains (not just for an American stomach). The crew are very good though, with the exception of maybe the JFK Clubhouse staff...

[@jxnathanmark7661]

The airline doesn’t serve nuts due to the amount of nut allergy passengers that fly. Once one person with a nut allergy boards then no nuts can be served. This is why you get potato chips instead. It’s just something to nibble on whilst you have your first drink. With 44 seats in business the vast amount of food has to fit in the ovens. You cant have obese American portions of food as it wouldn’t fit. That’s why the portions are the size they are. Plus if your having the crisps, bread, starter, main and dessert then it’s more than enough food. I always carry a snacks on me if I’m hungry later.

[@flaps1019]

Well said… and on the clubhouse dishes, I’m glad they weren’t massive portions. Plus you can always order more if the American stomach rears its ugly head 😂 Regarding the food onboard, the portions were VERY generous in my assessment

[@colinrenfrew48]

If you are flying economy, BA is better. Much better!

[@ZombieKiller1965]

Looks like Virgin is growing up into an adult airline in most areas. Still a few childish things here and there but they're growing up. Thanks for the video.

[@flaps1019]

Haha that's a good way to put it. They're a little less "mature" by most standards, but I think they like it that way 😂

[@user-dw8ud2hw5d]

"one world buffoons" - not very polite (@13:15)

[@edwardwilcox6606]

It`s called `humor` although you may be to young to remember it.

[@Andygarrett357]

What do you mean by "inclusive, and "progresive""? Or are you just getting the current day weasel words into your video?

[@denniswhite1399]

I avoid Virgin I fly Delta better service flight attendants are awful on Virgin

[@user-ez4jy6jj4g]

Please when you go on holiday or make flight reviews don’t talk about calories etc, it is just stupid.

[@frosa33]

HEY, I DONT REALLY KNOW HOW I GOT TO THIS POINT, BUT I JUST WANTED TO SHARE THAT I WILL SHORTLY BECOME A CREW MEMBER WITH F( (FRONTIER) I AM AN AVIATION ENTHUSIAST AND LIKE "LIKE-MINDED" GUYS, MY NAME IS FELIPE AND I LIVE IN PUERTO RICO (SJU) FRONTIER HAS JUST OPENED A SJU BASE, MAYBE FLY AND HAVE A CHAT!! SAFE FLYING- FELIPE