Virgin Atlantic Upper Class from JFK to Heathrow. Plus jetlag strategies tested....

[@chriscampbell4938]

You are not being tough. I’m glad there are people like you putting this stuff out. I joined BAs forum and get regular invites to comment on various aspects of their operation. It’s truly alarming to see what niff naff and trivia they ask the public about and my responses always include comments like “when you gonna ask about what really matters?” Like punctuality, comfort, food and price. So keep it up Matt the corporate bods really are living on another planet, oblivious to the customers needs andxwishes

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for that - I'll keep doing what I'm doing!!! Flying BA again next week in a club dorm - that'll be a fun video!!!

[@VisualApproach]

You've successfully put me off flying on Virgin in upper class!

[@MattsPlanet]

I'm always nervous when I make these videos and hear this sort of thing, but very few people are standing up for Virgin in the comments so I think I'm on to something....

[@r12004rewy]

​@@MattsPlanet you told it as it was and that's exactly as it should be That was a terrible flight and had I paid full price I would be after compensation Even what you paid was too much...disgusting VA

[@fastoez]

@@MattsPlanet They used to be great! like a lot of premium cabins as you know doubt already know! Food was good back in the day and 15 years ago i felt quite well off in NYC, a lot has changed since then! BA inc which is a shame, they cant even provide a decent mattress topper, and service again os hit and miss.

[@JoeyLove]

Agreed, I think i'll just keep slumming it in Emirates F class🙂

[@gwatsonme]

I think this is one of the best virgin reviews I’ve seen in ages-it perfectly explains how I feel about the airline and whether I want to travel with them or not!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for that!! Trying to be honest!

[@matthewgordon-banks7553]

Fascinating analysis. I especially liked the detail on how to beat jet lag!

[@MattsPlanet]

Jetlag is more and more of an issue as I get older!!!! I still think a day flight trumps every other strategy....

[@truebrit3578]

Completely agree with the comment bout Virgin Crews being partied out for the return. On one trip back from JFK we were told that the service in business would not be to the usual standard as they were one crew down. i saw the likely suspect being given attention by her fellow crew mates. If you had held a naked flame near her she likely would have ignited.

[@MattsPlanet]

That really is poor isn't it...

[@GavTheFlyGuy]

Awesome review as always matt, I've still yet to do Virgin Upper, so its brilliant to what I can expect. I should however be listening to you more, especially the jet lag information. The Jet lag destroyed me on my recent trip to the US

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks mate. With jetlag, the more you get it, the easier it is to overcome!!!

[@jimmyjames6492]

Thanks for the great info + video!

[@MattsPlanet]

As always my friend, thanks for the view + comment!

[@zaphod4245]

9:30 one advantage of the middle seats is that as they’re in the middle they feel less of the rotational motion of the aircraft, which makes them better for nervous flyers and those who get air sick. I myself am like you and always want a window though. Though I suppose for those who aren’t bothered about looking out but want to chat to a companion the middle seats are better too

[@MattsPlanet]

I am somewhat intolerant of nervous flyers as they really have nothing to be worried about, but I get your point! Not being able to see what's happening outside is probably helpful!

[@raymondleongdiva]

Omg you are the funniest avgeek i ever seen ...i love your humour...❤

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks!

[@timtony7153]

Hi Matt, Strongest opinion? You are still very polite!!! That was shambles, from beginning till arrival! love how you say " BA, or Brunch airlines" is better......love the fact that people's perception is still that it's competition between the 2.....legacy carriers.....I have been flying to FRA, from NCL, or EDI, to connect to Singapore airlines 5th freedom to NY!!!!!! Yes, more expensive, but money well spent I say!!! I love your content, you Sir are great, Regards Thomas

[@MattsPlanet]

I'd hate to offend.... FRA to JFK is certainly an interesting option.... Although I don't love Singapore's long haul seat with the offset footwell.....

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

Pity SIA cancelled its AMS-JFK 5th freedom flight 20+ years ago. It was competition for KLM who, at that time, dominated that route.

[@marcusmyge]

@@alexmcwhirter6611 Love me some 5th freedom routes. Had some fun flying Singapore Airlines from Copenhagen to Rome, and Ethiopian Airlines Oslo to Stockholm. With a regular SAS flight in between. Miss the reopening 5th freedoms, there were some odd ones. Luckily Barcelona to Milano is a staple.

[@ARTibbs94]

I had a great experience on VS recently in upper out to MIA and back from MCO, BUT the major takeaway here is that our pre order meals arrived, we had XL sleep suits available and flew out on a 787 and back on an A350. Crew were excellent both times. But it’s the third review in a row now I’ve seen where people haven’t been happy, it can’t be a coincidence and the more this sort of thing gets out there, the more they will be pushed to improve. Great video as always!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for that... I get the occasional comment along the lines of "I dream of flying in premium cabins but will never afford it" and Virgin's experience can be amazing (they do have great crews, outbound at least) and you can get lucky with food that hits the spot for you....

[@paultaylor1688]

Great video, wished i watched it before taking out my virgin+ credit card. Keep up the great vlogs 👍

[@MattsPlanet]

The points are potentially quite useful now Virgin is in SkyTeam so all is not lost.... Some cracking value on KLM and AF to the Caribbean....

[@JB_Stitch]

Great video. The best flights from NYC to London for beating jet lag are the early morning departures that arrive at LHR in the evening. Yes, you have to get up early on the day of departure but by the time you arrive, get home and factor in the time difference it is a reasonable time to go to bed and get accustomed to being back on GMT/BST. American Airlines has a JFK departure at 10am, arriving at LHR at 10pm (AA142) so you don't even have to get up that early if you don't want to.

[@MattsPlanet]

I agree actually.... And because so few people want to do that, the few times I've done it the flights have been very quiet!!!

[@heyimgeorgeuk]

9:14 3 point is for improved comfort and movement while still providing protection making it more comfortable Leo says

[@MattsPlanet]

In the last video it was suggested it was something to do with the distance to the bulkhead in front of you

[@cheekyadz]

Virgin's onboard food is terrible now. I agree with everything you have experienced. That dinner was abysmal.

[@MattsPlanet]

Such a shame....

[@MaryNYC1]

Nice video and glad you enjoyed NYC! I was in London earlier this month for the NY Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings game at Tottenham stadium. I had a great time and love London.

[@MattsPlanet]

I think I watched that on the TV! Saw the Houston Oilers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers years ago (indeed many years ago!!!) but that's the only game I've ever seen live.... Its a sport that's so much better on TV! Glad you liked London though and thanks for coming!

[@barbarianbenji]

Nice review. When flying from the USA to the UK I always treat it as an all nighter and don’t go to sleep during the day. Instead go to bed at around 9pm. I usually sleep for 8/9 hours and have no jet lag.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - my "all nighter" days are well behind me!!!!

[@dospalmascb]

Great Video Matt. Thanks. I always fancied trying Virgin, was looking at them for the TLV route next year as they are one of the only proper Business class products flying now other than ELAL and ELAL are significantly more expensive but 99.9% reliable (and have cool missiles and air defence systems lol). So it's back to BA. Delighted to hear your BA comment lol

[@MattsPlanet]

Even with their shortcomings, a Virgin widebody on the TLV route would have been a real positive....

[@justifyles]

Awesome. As an ex-Bostonian living in London, and with a small family, we really won't take anything other than the daytime flight across the Atlantic. a 5-6 hour redeye just doesn't allow for enough time to feel refreshed and tends to wreck you worse than a 12 hour flight to Asia. Thanks for taking one for the team for this review!

[@MattsPlanet]

Planning a trip to Boston and eyeing the day flight back - its so "easy" its almost not worth splashing for business....

[@justifyles]

@@MattsPlanet It's an absolute delight. With a family we need to stay at a hotel with a 24 hour shuttle (UK and US car seats are different), which is pretty annoying because none of the ones in Cambridge or Seaport have them, but if you're staying in one of those areas, it's literally an 8-12 minute uber, so there's really no downside.

[@YukonGhibli]

Great vid, as always. I will opine that pre-check is still better because one gets to keep shoes on, belts and light jackets on, and does not have to remove laptops from bags. Keep it up sir!

[@MattsPlanet]

Indeed - if you're straight up to the scanner its a dream to pass through with pre-check... If its taken you 30 minutes to get there, the attraction pales a little!

[@davenorth2903]

Nice review Matt. Thanks. I almost always take downgrade options because typically they’ll not only refund the fare difference but, as they did you, offer an empty seat next to you, and throw in a miles bonus.

[@MattsPlanet]

I still don't know if it was the right decision!!!!

[@ziggystardust8784]

I've used both the AA and Virgin arrival lounges at T3 and have to say the AA lounge was a step up which surprised me. The Virgin lounge had a number of showers out of service, and the food was OK but not great. By contrast the AA lounge has loads of showers in excellent condition, great table service and quality options for breakfast and the staff are always excellent.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for that - not tried the AA arrivals lounge but it sounds like I should!!!

[@nickf619]

AA arrivals lounge is pretty good, done in twice in my time now, once on an AA flight and once on a BA long haul flight arriving back into T3. And short haul BA flights into T3 won’t get you access unlike departures

[@markjohnson182]

Interesting to see that TSA-pre was as long as regular security. We flew back from Austin a couple of weeks ago and the TSA-pre was about twice as long as regular security so we just sailed through in around 5 mins whereas TSA-pre had a huge queue!!! Love a Clubhouse Bramble!!!

[@MattsPlanet]

Indeed - you may have to take your shoes off and get your laptop out, but if it gives you 30 minutes of time back (=2 or perhaps 3 clubhouse brambles!!!!) its well worth it!

[@juleslowery2030]

Hi Matt... Good spot!! They'll be the 'hoover plugs' from the 'olden days', then!! This type of review, on tactical booking, weighing up the hard product vs cost according to benefit earned is really helpful and original - makes me think differently myself about how I book my flights. Regarding Virgin, I wonder whether they'd be better of spending the money lost on encouraging petit theft of their salt and pepper shakers on some more cutlery? Only a thought

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks! Those salt and pepper shakers are made of cheap plastic so they'd only cost a few pence each to manufacture.... I'm not sure that's a key to success for Virgin!!!

[@juleslowery2030]

@@MattsPlanet Ha ha. ... and that's why I got the dreaded 'Dear John' email when I applied to them

[@Alex-om1be]

I’ve flown long haul many times before (including 9 hour time zone changes) but the return from New York to UK last week has destroyed me! Thanks for the tips

[@MattsPlanet]

Its a moderate time shift and a radically interrupted night's sleep!!! When you get to my age....

[@cobbyclan3466]

Sounds like it has deteriorated since I flew to JFK on VAUC in 2019. It was a family holiday cruising from NY (had a few nights in the city) to Bermuda and the Caribbean. Sailing out of and into NYH is a wonderful travel experience. Business class flying now seems to be a fairly random experience/experiment! All the best, Keith.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Keith - the morning of this flight I'd sailed into New York and it certainly was a special experience.... Even if I was exhausted for the rest of the day!!!!

[@elizabethhall8968]

Wow. Good informative video. I’ve had great experiences via virgin Atlantic upper class ground & in air. It’s shame you didn’t on these 2 occasions

[@MattsPlanet]

I'm glad you enjoyed it - I have to say the two flights I took a year or two earlier were poor too - both are on the channel too....

[@redcomusic]

I almost ran into Daddy Matt in New York! I flew on jetBlue's inaugural service to Long Island-Islip (from Orlando) on Thursday morning, and my onward flight was out of LaGuardia that evening. That video should be up later today.

[@MattsPlanet]

Its a big city so it was unlikely but nearly.... Next time!

[@charliebrown5]

Thank You ✈️

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for watching

[@williamavery5322]

This looks spot on Matt. Flew with them from JNB to LHR last yr and the ground game really was exceptional. JNB had a fund BBQ going and food was ace alongside really charming staff. But in the air it was distinctly average if not poor when one considers that weird old seat that feels like a coffin and you can't look out the window. The food was so underwhelming I can't recall what it was. However, the arrivals lounge as one of the first passengers, was a really nice experience for breakfast. Great food and coffee even if the ambiance was a bit bland. Shower was decent as well. Even if the whole thing feels like you're being hosted by a non flagship Regus. Lot to criticise with BA but only flown the old seat and it is possibly a better experience in terms of the basics and getting sleep. Spot on that Virgin are still relying on brand but the substance is meh.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - Virgin's old seat was their response to BA's old seat to attempted to solve the big problem, which was not having aisle access... Which meant Virgin had to slant its seats radically.... Its a fascinating evolution to experience but both now look ridiculous compared to modern seats

[@williamavery5322]

@@MattsPlanet true and ultimately the evolution of this seat is most modern reverse herringbone configs, right? Where the old BA seats win (and shout out to Qatar's unloved but personally think brilliant old 777 seat) is the comfort value of the bed itself imho. Just more comfortable for feet position. All that said, it is funny how perception changes. I recall first experience on the Virgin seat and thought it was one of the most comfortable beds then. Last experience I thought it was practically weird.

[@hendrikdevries9725]

I'll have my first ever Virgin. post cruise, flight from MIA to LHR mid December. Bought an exit row seat. Keeping my fingers crossed for the experience!

[@MattsPlanet]

I'm sure it will be good - after a cruise you may be less keen to gorge on the food and drink as you may have been flying out!

[@nickflintoff8077]

Matt I think you're spot on in your conclusions about Virgin, and that not handing out fresh cutlery is a real pet peeve of mine. Not kidding re the cost of NY as well, hotel prices outrageous these days. My last couple of trips have used hotel points to ease the pain - accumulate points in the rest of the world, spend 'em in the US seems to be the most cost efficient way to do it.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - living and working in the most expensive part of the word then going on holiday in the cheapest works a lot better than doing that the other way round....

[@mikefish8226]

@@nickflintoff8077 According to the NYP, 16,000 hotel rooms in NY are being used to house migrants out of a stock of just under 120k. This is bound to push up hotel prices as it knocks out the lower end.

[@nathanlyttle3]

Great video. Any plans to review the JetBlue Mint product? I’ve been hearing good things about it

[@MattsPlanet]

I flew the domestic version a few years back - its on the channel... I looked at a transcon a few days back and they were quite a lot more expensive than BA and Virgin which surprised me...

[@ianworthington2324]

Too short a flight duration is one of the reasons I'm not so happy flying out of Boston anymore. Love the lounge there, love boarding from said lounge, but don't like arriving with only enough sleep to actually make me feel worse. Best return i had in that respect was ex gru: time enough for dinner, a movie, and a proper sleep. Walked off the plane the best I'd ever felt. Thanks TAM, rip.

[@MattsPlanet]

I once booked a trip that back-tracked to Charlotte before the transcon - it ended up being about a 40 minute longer flight and I still felt terrible when I got off....

[@iainharris4566]

Hi Matt, thanks for your honest and beautifully spoken content, quite an orator. I’m interested in your views on the changing nature of food, or lack thereof, provision on ever increasingly expensive flights. I have the pleasure of flying for work, in excess of several hundred over the last 10 years. It used to be business, with KLM, or BA, and now it’s PE. The need for people to buy more and more food/drink to cover the long haul flight hunger chasm is shocking, especially on ever increasing ticket prices. The BA PE brunch product is a joke, especially when you wait 7 hours for a pastry as your next feed. Also, my jet lag tip: 1. Don’t eat on the flight until breakfast. And you’ll probably need to bring your own.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Iain - appreciate the comments. I hear rumblings that BA's recent changes will be reversed which is necessary - that was just a stupid decision.... Been a while since I did PE but I do remember the offering being on the scrawny side... I think airlines think the food wastage rates they see coming from customers not being hungry - and they reduce the offering accordingly. Whereas people don't eat it as its a) not very nice or b) they expect it to not be very nice so they self-cater. Which would explain the downward spiral we find ourselves in....

[@brianquinn8242]

Fair review Matt. I wonder if the airlines for business class pax on this route are thinking the food on board is less important if people eat on the lounge to maximise sleeping time. Hence less focus on a prime dining experience on board. The meal here didn't really look like a proper meal. More a series of "bites" and not very good ones at that. It sounds like BA is going down the bites type catering route as well. So perhaps they're just thinking nobody is really out of line with competitors.

[@MattsPlanet]

I really hope not.... A comment on the outbound video revealed that Virgin doesn't serve beef (in the air or in the lounge) as they've deemed it a "non-sustainable" meat... As pork is also a no-no there's relatively few proteins left to make a meal from.... I hear BA is already winding back on its menu changes - there should be a way of cutting down on food wastage but starving everyone equally isn't it....

[@richardmorris7508]

Matt great review… and very timely as I have some US flights planned in the near future and was going to take advantage of the 70% uplift on the points when you buy extra. I used to love virgin but flew out to NY early October in Prem and was completely underwhelmed… and looking at the upper class version looks like the food is no better… really disappointing…. Thanks for the reviews really useful.

[@MattsPlanet]

I hope it helps.... A small sample but the 4 Upper Class flights I've taken have all been disappointing on Virgin....

[@trimley]

Oh Matt - we did upper class a couple of times a few years ago and to newbies it was excellent, but my points stash is now going on rewards not flights - I’ll be ditching the Virgin card soon and running down all my points as the taxes on redemptions put me off - we enjoyed the ride while it lasted especially both virgin lounges! Mind you BA are have downgraded meal options (Brunchgate) so they are all at it 😢

[@MattsPlanet]

I'm lucky to be able to fly in a few premium cabins, and your first time in any of them is amazing, but Virgin's just doesn't benchmark well.... Get in a Qsuite and you'll be amazed!!!

[@rebornitsybitsy7515]

Great intro

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks!

[@LibertasScotland]

Your no sleep at all strategy is exactly the strategy that I adopt when flying back from anywhere on the east coast including longer flights from MCO / MIA. I don’t bother to sleep the day of arrival at home and am then sort of back to normal the next day; it’s pretty tough though and I make sure there are no decisions I need to make whilst ‘zombie-fied’…..I find it really hard to sleep on aircraft irrespective of class so this strategy is sort of forced upon me. Great trip report, that catering is completely unacceptable. I have 2 cousins that are cabin crew for VS, I’ll ask them if they get much direct feedback on this.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - personal question but I assume you're a little younger??? I'm 53 and staying awake nearly kills me these days!!!!

[@LibertasScotland]

@@MattsPlanet I’m 47, and yes it’s getting much much harder. If I am to change it, then I’ll perhaps incorporate 3 hours ASAP when I get home l 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@NumiStacker-q4o]

I always fly Virgin though I am a DL Platinum 1MM as 90% of the trans atllantic flights from LHR are on VS metal. The weak point is definitely the in flight food experience which is usually just not very good. However VS Upper class passengers in JFK can use the Delta One lounge which is magnificent and dine there and sleep the whole way over. The A330-900neo and A350 are both excellent but the A330-300 and Dreamliner have a different MUCH more dated upper class and get swapped out too often.

[@MattsPlanet]

I am kicking myself that I didn't visit that lounge..... The possibility didn't even occur to me... Very highly rated from what I've seen... I had plenty of time too....

[@NumiStacker-q4o]

@@MattsPlanet Its not obvious it can be used - but any passenger flying business class on DL or VS can use it and it has a full ala carte restaurant with great food and wine for the asking. Most of the JFK flights are better to have the lousy crisps and a glass of English Sparkling Wine and go to sleep.

[@MattsPlanet]

@@NumiStacker-q4o No-one at Virgin drew any attention to it!!!!

[@MonsieurWaffle]

Love seeing a video posted 8 mins ago! Keep up the good work!

[@MattsPlanet]

3pm every Sunday...

[@MonsieurWaffle]

@@MattsPlanethighlight of my week! Gonna have to join that Patreon soon…

[@AftabKhan-yq5sk]

Excellent review Matt. You are spot on about the food. The portion sizes on the flights in upper are tiny now ! Maybe they expect everyone would be full from the lounge and just want to serve a “snack”🤔One trick is order a special meal ( iv gone through Halal/ Kosher / Asian Veg / etc 😊will be better . VS ground and lounge experience plus their staff are far better than BA but VS are seriously lacking on catering and don’t feel as premium now as the competition who are improving !

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - BA perhaps thinks that there's so much wastage and they assume that's from people eating in the lounge - that they're cutting back on the meals... If the meals were better, people would eat them!!!!

[@stuarthodson6284]

Hi Matt, always brilliant and informative videos. Have you seen the Business AUH to CGK Sri Lankan Airlines fares now? All over 2k. Is this because of the hostilities around the region?

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - I have indeed seen SriLankan and have bought a black armband to feature in a video (not joking - I literally have!!!!) I suspect they've seen themselves paying thousands to accommodate premium travellers on other airlines when they cancel a flight and have realised that charging hundreds to do so is lossmaking....

[@nickf619]

Great review, thanks Matt. Whilst I have done quite a few BA flights now I’ve yet to try Virgin. Everything I’m hearing from frequent travellers is generally not positive, seems they’ve really lost their way. That food on board just looked miserable and a tiny portion (in fairness Seems also BA are starting to play games with their food in long haul business too), this never used to be the case, sadly gone downhill it seems. Interesting to hear about the overall comfiness of the bedding. Something BA could learn a thing or two with their terrible mattress topper. Just be glad you didn’t have an equipment swap as this also seems too common. Agreed with preferring a slightly higher points requirement and lower surcharges. However VS are gutting their scheme in a few days with the removal of guaranteed redemption (saver) seats. What could Virgin do to win back your custom in upper class?

[@MattsPlanet]

It sounds like BA is already backtracking.... The fact that Virgin hasn't announced the details yet is concerning, although I did some maths and it may not be a bad thing for people (like me) who are flexible and can travel off peak.... Virgin doesn't sell all its seats so may make them cheaper as redemptions in order to sell them.... And if all of this is cover for them reducing the cash component it may be ok in the end.... But the on-board experience is just not good to they'd need to radically overhaul that for me to be a customer again. Remember, I turned down a completely free trip with them!

[@lamontcranston4436]

Another great video, if not a great experience for you, I'm sorry. I'm headed back out of Boston on BA soon so will try your jetlag strategy as those 5-hour overnighters are hellish! Such a shame The Loft is a dud, I wonder if in future they will follow Branson's desire and restore the bar, but I suppose that's down to the Delta overlords...

[@MattsPlanet]

Cheers - give my jetlag plan a try - although sleep the night before!!!! I fear the "Delta overlords" comment is bang on....

[@richardpym5346]

I’m going to NY with my daughter in December and am taking the first morning flight back from JFK. I hope that helps with the jet lag !

[@MattsPlanet]

The day flight is a very good way of managing that flight - an early start though...

[@msm2267]

Aerlingus food eastbound is good

[@MattsPlanet]

Flying them early next year!

[@LloydieVideos]

Another very interesting video Matt. I’m clearly more of a Virgin Atlantic fan than you are, although I think you make some really important points about their offer. On the ground game, you’re right, Virgin have BA beat. From the Upper Class Wing at Heathrow to the lounges - much, much better. The BA lounge experience is average at best. On my last two Virgin flights I actually found the crew coming back overnight way better than going out. I think the takeaway there is definitely that the onboard standard is clearly patchy. I like the A330 Neo seat and I’ve never had a bad food experience, but yours looked truly awful, and I’d have been pretty disappointed too. I haven’t tried the new BA business class product on a transatlantic flight, and given the points / carrier fees situation you’ve highlighted, I think it might be time for me to try it out.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for that - appreciate the balanced comment!!! I do quite like the BA Club Suite - it superficially looks like the Virgin A350 seat, but the BA one seems to be made out of something more substantial than the balsa wood Virgin uses!!! And inconsistency is still BA's main shortcoming - when they get it right, its great. They don't try to be flashy and trendy, but it often can be a very good experience. Well worth a try I'd say...

[@LloydieVideos]

@ I’ll have to get some Avios saved for my next NYC trip (also, I now can’t hear that word in my head without your unique pronunciation)

[@steve-marsh]

Virgin Atlantic is the only non-economy experience I've ever had, so you'd think I'd be blown away by the on board dining. Well, I wasn't. It felt Premium Economy at best. I think I'd try to go BA next time, Do&Co seems to be the way to go? Good effort on this experiment, I can see why you ended up sleeping though!

[@MattsPlanet]

BA in club can still have its issues but it can be a decent experience... Do & Co know what they're doing.... Let me know when you're planning a long haul flight on BA!

[@VisualApproach]

@@MattsPlanet BA best avoided until the brunch fiasco is over!

[@IanPratt-p2e]

I think you hit the nail on the head when talking about Virgin still trying to be quirky and fun and failing to realise they’re actually mainstream and falling behind the competition. I used to fly back and forth across the Atlantic a lot with Virgin or Delta and quickly realised the latter was more professional and higher quality. Prefer BA too for the same reason, though you do get some occasional inconsistency.

[@MattsPlanet]

Spot on - BA's inconsistency is their Achilles heel still - plus stupid decisions handed down from corporate - brunch at 2pm??? Not flown Delta transatlantic but have flown American and am booked on United so I think I should try to get aboard them....

[@kalivar01]

Nice video Matt, just did Mumbai to India, would love to see your review of upper class on that leg! Apparently it is dire, seats facing away from window, screen in awkward position and poor food, you cant really sit upright either, not great on a 10 ht ✈️!!

[@MattsPlanet]

I reviewed the 787 seats a couple of years ago and they are weird... Not terrible if you're tall though and can sleep in a seat where everyone can look at you!

[@visions1970]

I'm still to travel on Virgin, everything work wise is through BA. However, something jumped out at me during the video... Lego! I think we should have a Lego build in business class video soon!

[@MattsPlanet]

Ah yes - that would be a niche topic within a niche topic!!! No-one's done it before though!

[@peetbothma1500]

Great review, thank you Matt. As a meat lover from a country that produces excellent meat, I would have been insulted by the lounge offering in New York. An all vegetarian menu, really🤔 In SA some of us view chicken as a vegetable😂. After your experiences I would reach the UK with Ethiopian or Kenya airways in need. Both business classes are just fine, and the food by the looks of it a lot better😋 Happy to see you beat the jetlag👍😎🇿🇦. A better way of avoiding that is to visit us down south🥂🍾🥂🍷

[@MattsPlanet]

Cheers Peet.... A commenter on my previous video shared that Virgin doesn't serve beef as its "not a sustainable meat".... Hard to know what to say to that... And a trip to South Africa may be on the cards early next year.....

[@peetbothma1500]

@@MattsPlanet Just drop me a note and I will happily share any information and insights, who knows we might even be able to force down some sreak and red wine🍷👍

[@brianquinn8242]

​@@MattsPlanetI think many organisations are changing catering to predominantly or all vegetarian as part of a lower carbon strategy. I think the airlines are on the same trajectory. Plus it saves them money too.

[@Matthew4TheWin]

That check in agent is the face of Virgin “customer service” at JFK. Wow. Just wow.

[@MattsPlanet]

Probably best I don't comment!!!

[@albedo0point39]

I stopped travelling Virgin years back when they dropped their carry on weight allowance to a daft 10kg (whereas with BA it’s effectively unlimited). I can’t be bothered checking luggage any more and I won’t take the risk that my stuff gets chucked in the hold if it’s slightly over 🤷‍♂️

[@MattsPlanet]

Checking luggage is a real pain - Global Entry means you could be through an hour before your baggage is!

[@adamingleton8529]

Currently having a game of top trumps with virgin atlantic in Upper class with the new dynamic pricing.....winner so far after 10 minutes of searchinf is LHR to Maldives at 660,000 per person return

[@MattsPlanet]

I'm sure there's a million hiding out there somewhere....

[@adamingleton8529]

@MattsPlanet Will keep looking....I'm sure it's possible if u combine a delta flight from America to LHR, then virgin to Maldives would top 1 million points .....

[@tonyracks2956]

hi matt i think that you was to kind to virgin with this review the food ..crew etc when i went with virgin ( UC ) to mia it was very good .....keep fit mate

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - I try to be polite even if I'm not enjoying myself!!!!

[@BWIATriStar]

Great video as always Matt and I consider your opinion matters on this subject. I was thinking about applying for a Virgin CC in order to get promotional points etc to fund a trip in Upper Class, but I don’t think I will bother and stick with my BA CC. It feels like VA have had a chunk taken out of them from Delta in my opinion, and there on flight product looks cheap and very plastic. Not for me - keep up the good work 😊

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks so much. Not many are arguing with me in the comments so I think I'm drawing the right conclusions....

[@sash41]

Are you buying miles on the virgin points sale? Ends in a few days

[@MattsPlanet]

No. Although I would have no real issue doing so as I think there's still good value to be had with Virgin's SkyTeam partners.... I did buy some to secure an Air France seat, only for the availability I was seeing to end up being "phantom" on Virgin's system. "Happens all the time sir, IT is looking at it...." But I did redeem onto KLM and thought it was good value so I'm not opposed to buying their points.... I just have every trip planned out for about the next 7 months so there'd be no opportunity to use them. Buy them, but only do so if you know what you'd spend them on - and double check with Virgin that the redemption seat you're looking at actually exists before clicking buy... I actually got my points purchase refunded when the seat I was after disappeared.....

[@GLAFly]

Really surprised at how poor the food offerings appeared onboard - think that's even worse than BA (recent "brunch" changes notwithstanding!). Bed looked great but will need to see how their dynamic pricing model for redemption changes things, as I wasn't in a huge rush to use my Virgin miles with such high fees in the first place.

[@MattsPlanet]

Indeed - if I'm reading the Virgin changes correct, they're not making any redemptions cheaper - although their lowest pricing may reflect the price you could get during sales.... And I hoped this would be an opportunity to rebalance fares between points and cash, but it doesn't look like this happened either....

[@GLAFly]

@MattsPlanet there's been some scary redemption numbers over on HfP - and as with all these things, they are run for the benefit of the airline - not the customer!

[@MattsPlanet]

@@GLAFly A wise man once said....

[@thevirgintraveller]

I've had my worst VA experience in Upper Class from JFK - LHR, the crew weren't the best either. I'm doing the route in economy next month, I don't have high expectations.

[@MattsPlanet]

Not done Virgin economy for a long time - Premium (as they call it) was ok but it was a day flight so it ended up being a bit weird - video is on the channel....

[@johncallow5184]

Ive always wanted to fly the MAN routes, but the cash prices have always been horrendously expensive and its been mucj cheaper to go via Heathrow with BA. I've got Virgin Red points building up and was thinking of using them for upoer class, but this series of flights you've had have put me off (the redemption fees seem to have also become very high as well). I may well just use it for Eurostar tickets or Virgin Experience vouchers instead....

[@MattsPlanet]

Using points on a skyteam partner is a good option too...

[@nickf619]

Yes would recommend using it on AF

[@r12004rewy]

Vrgin in the early days used to be different, dynamic and the must fly airline to the US How times have changed, your upper class experience was extremely below average. VA have deteriorated big time since Delta's involvement. Has to be BA for me on Trans Atlantic .

[@MattsPlanet]

BA for the win.... Between 11:31 and 20:59 of course....

[@raymondleongdiva]

I don't tske window seat if i fly economy only when in business or first class!

[@MattsPlanet]

Short haul I suppose it doesn't really matter.... I quite like the window as, apart from the view, it means I can lean against something....

[@b0ejens0n25]

How much did they offer to bump you off the flight? I watched the whole video but couldn't find that bit :(:(

[@MattsPlanet]

A return, upper class flight, anywhere in the world with no expiry.... You don't have to pay the taxes, but you do need there to be reward availability for the flights you want to take.

[@b0ejens0n25]

@MattsPlanet hmmm I have to say I might have taken that as a trade off for a premium econo seat one way. I'm sure you would have too if you knew what experience was waiting ahead on that flight ahaha

[@nickf619]

@@MattsPlanetBut from 30th every flight will have reward availability so i wonder if you could use a select voucher on a super peak redemption like HfP are forecasting highest amount around 700k return (crazy)

[@MattsPlanet]

@@nickf619 We will see.... Barbados at Christmas may be 700k, but New York in Feb may get cheaper....

[@Immi_croissant]

That was a shocking meal service you had - I'm sorry to see it. I was recently served a dish of refrigerated coronation chicken with literally nothing else in Club Europe CDG-LHR recently. Pretty disappointing as breakfast en route to Paris was delightful. I know its only short haul but I'm paying more money so I expect better. (*First world problem and probably not something I'd vocalise to friends! LOL.)

[@MattsPlanet]

Indeed - a short flight is always going to be a bit of a lottery but frozen chicken isn't great!!!! That Virgin meal wasn't great....

[@JJ-vy2rh]

As a Aussie that's a short flight, why is the catering so bad?

[@MattsPlanet]

You are spot on! 5 and a bit hour flight - you're barely out of Aussie airspace!!!! 14 hours to LAX used to be a normal length flight for me when I lived there!!!

[@heyimgeorgeuk]

omg central park nyc!!!!!!

[@MattsPlanet]

It is quite a place....

[@Locutus]

The food looks like Premium and normal Economy food!

[@MattsPlanet]

It really wasn't good... Even allowing for it having been loaded in the US!

[@alfaa_44]

I have flown on virgin once before and I had a dreadful flight the food was terrible and I also got food poisoning. I now never fly virgin. Thank you for the video though!!!!!

[@MattsPlanet]

I always worry about drawing broad conclusions from a small sample of flights, but I've had far more comments like this than comments telling me I'm completely wrong....

[@robertmawby3021]

I travel to the USA about every 18 months. I am lucky enough to travel 1st class and always use BA. I once decided to try Virgin………what a mistake to make! After crossing to America I cancelled the return flight and rebooked with BA. Never again will I travel Virgin, it was awful.

[@MattsPlanet]

Back in the day Virgin was up there.... Not now!

[@jamesmillington2001]

You definitely messed up not taking the downgrade. The Virgin select vouchers can be redeemed on any flight with reward availability and no taxes to pay. By contrast I recently had a invol downgrade on a BA Club Europe flight and was given £30, which I didn't even bother to email in to claim as it was such derisory sum.

[@MattsPlanet]

BA owes you 75% of the fare difference for the downgrade - even if they offer you something else I believe you still have the right to claim it...

[@adamingleton8529]

After a recent non stop Dan virgin atlantic video...they seem to be getting the same reputation as qatar for equipment swaps and overbooking upper class etc I booked upper class for my honeymoon with virgin and would be mega upset if I was downgraded, it cost 100,000 points one way for two and would have expected a full compensation package to even consider swapping given the special occasion.

[@MattsPlanet]

I like Dan but he's young and I fear he's overly influenced by the fluff and frills Virgin offer.... Downgrades should be rare and I think you'd be unlucky but it it ruins a special trip no compensation would really work

[@jamesa0330]

Excellent video full of detail. I gave up regularly flying with Virgin some time ago. 20 years! Nothing, not one aspect of their product has enticed me to spend my hard earned money on these dreadful products. Give me classy BA any day.

[@MattsPlanet]

The "love" for BA is starting to build.... I really hoped Virgin would be true to their roots, but they weren't!

[@paololim3513]

Hotels in the US pretty expensive, especially in cities where public transport is ubiquitous. If you want to enjoy European prices for US hotels, make sure you are able and willing to drive. It makes me wonder how to people who stay in New York for a few days afford it.

[@MattsPlanet]

Indeed. I really like NYC but its soooooo expensive to visit these days.....

[@SAFFY7411]

The dining experience in the air looked really stingy in terms of portion size. And those fees! How is it at all a redemption if you're still parting with a grand at the end of it? lol. Great video nonetheless and I agree with the conclusion, Virgin have lost it.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - paying more in fees than TAP sometimes charges for a full fare is hard to defend....

[@oliver6426]

The seatbelt is needed because if the plane comes to a sudden stop your head would be jolted forward. The seatbelt stops it from hitting the screen infront. In economy is is not needed because the seats are so close the passangers would not gain enough speed before hitting it to sustane serious injuries. For some seats seats (such as first class) is not needed because for most passangers if their head is thrown forward they would not hit the screen, therefore the seatbelt is not needed.

[@MattsPlanet]

Its interesting that the QSuite is so close that you don't need a three pointer, but the Virgin suite is far enough (but not so far) that you do....

[@oliver6426]

@@MattsPlanet The QSuite on the A350 has a 3 point design for the seats that are facing forward, however not for the seats in reverse. The 777 does not have the 3 point design. It is quite strange why they have it on the a350 but not the 777. I think that the reverse seats do not have a 3 point design because if there is a deceleration the head would be supported by the seat and headrest. (why the brace position are different).

[@GodAtum]

Why did you need to email Blade, just book through their website?

[@MattsPlanet]

You'd think wouldn't you??? My phone number wasn't recognised as being on "a major network" so the online form refused to work....

[@ukdavepianoman]

Great video and I don't think you were being over-critical at all. From what I've seen and experienced, I'd rather fly BA at the moment, especially Club Suites. Used to love VA but they have really dropped in standards (much like BA did, but BA are turning things around, at least in premium). That food was embarrassingly bad!! What's the point of the Loft if there are no drinks/snacks?! You know a business(Upper) class is bad if you wished you'd taken a downgrade...

[@MattsPlanet]

I still don't know if it was mad to turn down the free ticket.... Although a month or two on I still don't know what I would have used those free flights on....

[@sandippatel1969]

vacillated between Club World and Virgin before choosing Virgin UC. Now rather apprehensive...

[@MattsPlanet]

The equipment makes such a difference to the Virgin experience too....

[@simondavey7787]

It looks like Virgin has deteriorated as they used to be my favourite trans Atlantic airline. I now normally fly JetBlue.

[@MattsPlanet]

I flew JetBlue from BOS to LAX and really enjoyed them.... Need to get on a transatlantic - even if they have no lounges!

[@lipkinasl]

​@MattsPlanet I was also going to highly recommend JetBlue Mint for NY-LON route. They have lounges under construction at JFK and BOS. I hear Jan 2025 for opening lounge at JFK. Also 2 flights per day into Heathrow, one is red-eye, the other is daylight all the way.

[@SJF15]

jetBlue LGW to JFK and back was a really great experience!

[@MattsPlanet]

@@SJF15 I was looking this afternoon actually and was surprised that JB was pricing up higher than Virgin....

[@guillodean]

Whether in economy, premium or upper class I've never had any issues with the service or food on Virgin, but the lack of storage, terrible durability and upkeep of the UC seats seems pretty poor, the A350 in particular. I've been alternating between the BA and Virgin cards for rewards and once I obtain my next Virgin one I'll probably flick back to BA and stay there, even if they are stingier with food/drink and have blander service - ultimately their taxes are significantly lower on redemptions.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - I was hoping to get on an A350 this trip as the last one I flew was literally held together with velcro....

[@guillodean]

@@MattsPlanet snap - the panel gaps were so huge you could get your finger in them

[@richardstreet7518]

Minced lamb indeed.... however full premium cabins on BA (brunch gate 😅) and VS probably make airline exec's think there is " room to cut back here" so they do, ..

[@MattsPlanet]

Brunch gate is truly awful.... Just as BA was pulling clear of the competition....

[@scottprice4813]

Money or points you’re committing resources you have worked for to have a good experience . I’ve got a UAL transcon flight in their 787-9 business class in April Newark to San Francisco (30,000 mileage plus points for premium economy then took their $319 upgrade ) Cash fare between $ 1300 and $ 1500-$5.60 in fees . You’re not wrong about Virgin- id be beside myself .

[@MattsPlanet]

A good point - I tend to get avios quite cheaply so probably do undervalue them in my calculation...

[@well-blazeredman6187]

Taxing pre-flight drinks is a silliness we can do without. Poor VFM. I would have taken the downgrade offer. Good video.

[@MattsPlanet]

As it turned out, the downgrade could have made sense...

[@well-blazeredman6187]

@@MattsPlanet Just looked at their destinations. Sydney, I think.

[@heyimgeorgeuk]

dont u get after security if flying business virgin from jfk

[@MattsPlanet]

If you mean fast track - even fast track's not going to be the same as TSA-pre as there's a whole pre-qualification process to go through .

[@heyimgeorgeuk]

@@MattsPlanet thank u

[@cfclol]

Imagine if you'd been on the 787...sheesh!

[@MattsPlanet]

I've flown it in the past and it is indeed a weird experience

[@cfclol]

​@@MattsPlanet It does throw up an interesting question though with regards to the experience and the pricing thereof. I am working my way through your back catalogue at the moment, so you may very well have addressed this, but BA charging the same price for the Business Class hard product on the A380 vs the A350-1000 is a challenging one to defend, I'd wager! (Similarly with Virgin and to a lesser degree Air France)

[@MattsPlanet]

@@cfclol Its a good point. And they won't offer any concessions if you book on a club suite and the equipment changes so you're downgraded to a club dorm seat, as happened to me last week...

[@simonnlaroche5438]

Spot on, BA every day rather than Virgin.

[@MattsPlanet]

Wouldn't have said that 10 or even 5 years ago...

[@VeganWithAraygun]

Please tell me or simply lie to me that New York is less expensive than London. I'm going Virgin Atlantic in the 2nd week of December. One way to LHR in premium economy and one way returning in Upper Class row A. I haven't finalized accommodations via Booking or Agoda but the least for 7 days is more (£) pounds than a hippo, unless as a 70 year old I should settle for dorm rooms with twenty & thirty somethings and shared bathrooms.

[@MattsPlanet]

I'd have to lie... You're best bet would be a place well out of town but on a subway line

[@robert79051]

I went with them in premium economy to LA and Boston thought the food was good

[@MattsPlanet]

I'm sure there are good meals in their repertoire... I haven't had one in the 4 Upper Class flights I've had though!!

[@christuck-n7e]

wow that is some comment that will hurt Virgin. about time they upped their game especially for a Business class product.

[@MattsPlanet]

I'm not sure some bloke making a video is going to wound a large corporation.... Even if it perhaps should!!!

[@rjt6372]

I despise VA. Always feel like I'm getting in the way of the crew heading on their jollies. Happy with BA.

[@MattsPlanet]

I really love comments like this.... Direct and to the point, without being offensive. I don't disagree!!!!

[@DriverJD]

I think you're on the mark with your conclusions Matt. I think most people have had enough of the "Virginification" and would actually prefer a decent in flight experience with solid, simple food done well. I've been at the receiving end of too many instances of poor customer service from Virgin now for me to put it down to a bad day at the office by individual employees. I now simply conclude that Virgin is a bad airline.

[@MattsPlanet]

I'm almost depressed to draw that conclusion as I really want Virgin to be brilliant... But 4 flights now and they're not!!!!!

[@DriverJD]

@@MattsPlanet My personal opinion (not that it matters) is Shai Weiss has to step down for the airline to succeed. The deterioration of the service afforded to Upper Class and Flying Club status holders has become more apparent since he took his post as CEO. Yes the accountants would rightly say that the airline needs to ultimately turn a profit, but I feel they have gone too far and previously loyal customers like myself are becoming alienated and shifting to BA.

[@sharifur]

Thanks Matt! The system of bumping people off overbooked flights or asking people to downgrade their cabin booked seems to be more prevalent in the US, compared to Europe and Middle East - would you concur? Have you ever accepted a downgrade or have you ever accepted leaving the flight ever?!?

[@MattsPlanet]

This was probably on the second or third time I remember being asked and I think it is more prevalent in the US - certainly more prevalent where airlines aren't clobbered by EU261 if they make people late.... I would accept an offer in most situations although these days I don't tend to linger anywhere too long so being a day late may unwind the entire trip so it would probably only be the last leg where I'd be keen these days

[@aidantaylor660]

Unfortunately the easiest way for my to earn points is with virgin so what a way to rain on my parade 😂

[@MattsPlanet]

All is not lost!!! The experience on SkyTeam partners can be a lot better... KLM/AF to the Caribbean is a really attractive use of Virgin points

[@mikefish8226]

Your gate lice comment is very timely given AA decision to enforce boarding groups. People are very positive in comments about AA doing this.

[@MattsPlanet]

It shouldn't be difficult!!!!

[@raymondleongdiva]

Police baton 😂

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for noticing!

[@kevinnolan8586]

A very disappointing product Matt,And Yes the downgrade option would have been a better option, Great video, Thanks.

[@MattsPlanet]

I'm still undecided as to whether I did the right thing.... I probably didn't!!!!

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

Miserly catering onboard. Matt. Seems DL, which holds the purse strings, is making economies at VS.

[@MattsPlanet]

Unfortunately BA seems to be following....