This year marks the 40th anniversary of Virgin Atlantic, the airline that broke the norms of in-flight comfort and style when it took to the skies in 1984. While a lot has changed over the past four decades, flying Virgin remains a unique flying experience, and that experience differs depending on which cabin class you fly.
While Upper Class is the crème-de-la-crème of Virgin Atlantic’s offering, we’re taking a look at the airline’s “best of both worlds” offering; the Premium cabin. Positioned between Economy and Upper Class, Premium is the ultimate sweet spot (both cost- and comfort-wise) between the airline’s Economy and Upper Class, enabling passengers to travel in comfort and style without breaking the bank. Here are some of the key differences between flying Economy and Premium on Virgin Atlantic:
Virgin’s Economy cabin is spacious and designed for comfort, offering a relaxed atmosphere, with seats measuring 17-18 inches wide with a pitch of 31 inches, providing adequate legroom. Each seat comes with a personal entertainment screen, USB power and an adjustable headrest. On the airline’s 787s there is extra headroom, dimmable windows, dynamic lighting and cleaner air for a more refreshing journey. And, with onboard WiFi, you can easily stay in the loop.
The airline’s Premium cabin has all of the above. However, the cabins are smaller (in terms of less passengers) and are therefore more exclusive, offering a quieter and more private environment. Importantly, the leather seats are wider at 21 inches with a pitch of 38 inches, offering significantly more legroom. These seats also have a more extensive recline, lumbar support, a footrest and come with larger entertainment screens.
Passengers in Economy enjoy complimentary meals and snacks. The food options include main course, dessert and drinks, including wine, beer and soft drinks. Meals are served at scheduled times with a choice of main dishes, typically including a vegetarian option.
In Premium, passengers receive an upgraded meal service with wider menu options, usually presented on china with metal cutlery. The menu includes a welcome drink (typically bubbly!), a selection of gourmet meals, snacks and a wider selection of wines and beverages. Meals are served with a greater emphasis on presentation and service, enhancing the dining experience. And, if you’re feeling peckish during the flight, Premium passengers can help themselves to snacks from the “Wander Wall” at any time. Another bonus is that Premium passengers can choose their own meal in advance from a selection of three dishes, which ensures you get your first meal choice. Passengers can browse the menu and make the selection via the airline’s online My Booking platform from 7 days to 24 hours before their flight.
The cabin crew in Economy are attentive and aim to make your flight as comfortable as possible. Economy passengers receive a basic amenity kit with essentials like a toothbrush and eye mask.
The service in Premium is, however, more personalised, owing to the attention of dedicated cabin crew members. Premium passengers also receive a more comprehensive amenity kit, including additional comfort items such as socks and premium skincare products.
Economy passengers have access to standard check-in counters and baggage allowance. Lounge access is not included for Economy passengers, but can be purchased separately.
Premium passengers, on the other hand, benefit from dedicated check-in counters, priority baggage handling and priority boarding and disembarkation, all designed to ensure that Premium passengers speed through the boarding and de-boarding process.
While lounge access is generally not included in Premium, passengers can access the lounge for an additional fee, or if they hold a relevant frequent flyer status or credit card.
While Virgin Atlantic’s Economy is award winning and a standout compared to many other international airlines’ economy cabins, there are clearly several key benefits to upgrading to Premium, particularly for long-haul flights. These include:
Increased Comfort: Wider seats, more legroom and greater recline provide a more comfortable experience.
Enhanced Service: Dedicated cabin crew and personalised service make the journey smoother.
Better Dining Experience: Gourmet meals, a broader selection of beverages and the “Wander Wall” of help-yourself-snacks elevate the in-flight dining experience.
Additional Amenities: A more comprehensive amenity kit and additional perks like priority check-in, priority boarding and disembarkation and priority baggage handling add convenience and value.
All in all, upgrading to Premium on Virgin Atlantic for long-haul flights offers a significant enhancement in comfort and style. Whether you're travelling for business or leisure, when you weigh up the additional benefits versus the relatively small additional cost, the improved experience is well worth it.
Sure Travel partners with Virgin Atlantic to offer clients Premium fares at the best prices. Search our online flight portal here, or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for the latest deals.
