Virgin Atlantic Food Menu Economy: Complete Guide for 2025
Flying long-haul doesn’t mean you have to miss out on tasty food. The virgin atlantic food menu economy has some really good options that make flying more enjoyable. I’ve flown with them several times this year and know the ins and outs of what to expect food-wise when flying economy.
This guide covers everything about the menu virgin atlantic economy food for 2025, from main meals to snacks, drinks, and how to request special meals. I’ll share what’s on offer and some tips to make your journey more comfortable.
Key Takeaways
- Virgin Atlantic Economy Food Menu 2025: Get familiar with the current meal offerings, including main courses, sides, and desserts available on different routes.
- Drinks Selection: Learn about the complimentary drinks, including alcoholic options and specialty beverages available in economy class.
- Special Meal Options: Find out how to pre-order special meals and what dietary requirements Virgin Atlantic can accommodate for economy passengers.
What’s Included in the Virgin Atlantic Economy Menu
When flying economy with Virgin Atlantic, you’ll get a complete main meal with a starter, main course, and dessert. The exact menu virgin atlantic economy food depends on which route you’re flying and the time of day.
For longer flights, you’ll usually get two meal services – a main meal after takeoff and a lighter second meal before landing. On shorter flights, you might get just one meal plus a snack.
All meals come with complimentary drinks, including water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, beer, wine, and spirits.
Virgin Atlantic Economy Food – Main Meals
The virgin atlantic food economy main meal typically includes a starter, main course, and dessert. Here’s what you might find on your tray:
Starters
Starters on the virgin atlantic food menu economy often include:
- Mozzarella salad with tomato and basil
- Parsnip soup served with a bread roll
- Garden salad with dressing
- Mixed antipasti selection
Main Courses
The virgin atlantic economy menu main courses typically include a choice between meat, fish, or vegetarian options. Popular dishes include:
- Mustard chicken with parsley mashed potatoes and wilted winter greens
- Thai vegetable curry with jasmine rice
- Mascarpone pasta with crispy onions and pumpkin seeds
- Beef with potato gratin and baby carrots
- Vegetable dumpling with seasonal vegetables
All main courses come with a bread roll and butter.
Desserts
Sweet treats on the virgin atlantic food menu economy include:
- Red velvet pancake stack with spiced apple compote
- Chocolate mousse
- British cheese plate featuring vintage cheddar and blacksticks blue
- Fruit salad
Virgin Atlantic Breakfast Menu Economy
The virgin atlantic breakfast menu economy varies depending on your flight time and route, but typically includes:
- Baked egg with streaky bacon and cumberland sausage
- Vegetarian option with meat-free sausage and poached egg
- Continental option with yogurt, fruit, and pastries
- Warm scone with clotted cream and lemon curd
- Belgian waffles with berry compote
Morning flights often feature the popular bacon potato cake which has become a signature breakfast item.
Virgin Atlantic Drinks Menu Economy
The virgin atlantic drinks menu economy offers a wide range of complimentary beverages:
Alcoholic Drinks
- Red wine and white wine
- Beer and cider
- Spirits including vodka, gin, whisky, and rum
- Liqueurs
Non-Alcoholic Options
- Water (still and sparkling)
- Selection of soft drinks
- Tea and coffee
- Fruit juices
- Hot honey and lemon (perfect if you’re feeling under the weather)
Unlike some airlines, Virgin Atlantic offers complimentary alcoholic drinks in economy – you don’t need to pay extra for a glass of wine or beer with your meal.
Special Meals on Virgin Atlantic Food Menu Economy
Virgin Atlantic offers a range of special meals for passengers with dietary requirements. These need to be pre-ordered at least 48 hours before your flight.
Special meal options include:
- Vegetarian and vegan
- Gluten-free
- Diabetic
- Low salt/sodium
- Kosher
- Halal
- Child meals
Gluten-Free Options
The gluten-free special meals on virgin atlantic food menu economy are carefully prepared to avoid cross-contamination. Typical gluten-free meals include:
- Grilled chicken or fish with rice and vegetables
- Gluten-free pasta dishes
- Specially prepared bread and crackers
- Gluten-free desserts like fruit salads or gluten-free cake
- Suitable snacks for longer flights
All gluten-free meals come clearly labeled, and cabin crew are trained to understand allergen requirements. If you have celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, it’s recommended to carry some backup snacks just in case.
How to Request Special Meals
To request a special meal, you can:
- Add it when making your booking
- Add it later through the “Manage Booking” section on the Virgin Atlantic website
- Call Virgin Atlantic’s customer service
Always confirm your special meal request at check-in to ensure it has been processed correctly.
Pre-Order Food Options
Virgin Atlantic now offers a pre order service for economy passengers on selected routes. This lets you choose your main meal in advance – up to seven days before your flight.
The pre select service gives you more choice than the standard onboard options and helps ensure you get your preferred meal.
To use this service:
- Log into your booking on the Virgin Atlantic website
- Select the “Pre-Select Meals” option
- Choose from the available meal options
- Confirm your selection
This service is currently available on flights from London Heathrow and some other major airports.
Virgin Atlantic Economy vs Premium Food Comparison
If you’re wondering whether to upgrade to premium economy, here’s how the food differs:
| Feature | Virgin Atlantic Economy | Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy |
|---|---|---|
| Cutlery | Plastic cutlery | Metal cutlery |
| Meal Size | Standard-sized meals | Larger portions |
| Napkins | Paper napkins | Cloth napkins |
| Drinks Selection | Standard drinks selection | Enhanced drinks selection (incl. welcome drink) |
| Meal Presentation | Served on a tray | Served on china plates |
The food virgin atlantic premium economy offers is a significant step up, with restaurant-style service and higher quality ingredients. You can find out more about Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy offerings here.
For a detailed look at what’s served in premium economy, check out the virgin atlantic premium economy menu.
Mile High Tea Experience
On afternoon flights, economy passengers can enjoy Virgin Atlantic’s famous mile high tea service. This typically includes:
- Finger sandwiches
- Warm scone with clotted cream and jam
- Sweet treats
- Tea or coffee
This is a particularly British touch that makes flying economy with Virgin Atlantic a bit more special.
Snacks and Extra Food
In addition to the main meals, Virgin Atlantic provides snacks throughout longer flights. You can expect:
- Pretzels or crisps
- Chocolate bars or biscuits
- Ice cream on some routes
- Fresh fruit
The galley usually has a selection of snacks available if you get hungry between meals, and you can always ask the cabin crew for an extra drink or snack.
Virgin Points and Food Upgrades
Members of the flying club home loyalty program can use their earn virgin points to upgrade their dining experience. Options include:
- Champagne or premium spirits
- Special celebration cakes (for birthdays or anniversaries)
- Upgrades to premium economy meals
This is a nice way to make your economy experience feel a bit more special without paying for a full cabin upgrade.
Children’s Menu Options on Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic offers specially designed meals for young travelers on all flights. These kids meals need to be requested at least 24 hours before your flight through the “Manage Booking” section or by contacting customer service.
The children’s menu typically includes:
- Child-friendly main courses like pasta, chicken nuggets, or mini burgers
- Sides such as mashed potatoes or vegetable sticks
- Desserts like chocolate mousse or fruit salad
- A small pack of sweets or chocolate
- Fruit juice or other suitable drinks
All children’s meals come with an activity pack to keep the little ones entertained during the flight. The activity pack usually contains puzzles, coloring pages, crayons, and small toys themed around virgin atlantic characters.
For infants under two years old, virgin atlantic provides baby food and formula milk upon request. Parents should specify any allergies or dietary requirements when booking the infant meal.
How to Make the Most of Virgin Atlantic Food Economy
Tips for getting the best food experience when flying economy:
- Pre-select your meal when possible
- Request special meals 48 hours in advance if needed
- Stay hydrated by asking for water throughout the flight
- Don’t be shy about asking for extra snacks
- Consider bringing your own snacks for longer flights
- Try the hot honey and lemon drink if you’re feeling stuffy during the flight
Recent Changes to the Virgin Atlantic Food Menu Economy
For 2025, Virgin Atlantic has made several improvements to their economy food offerings:
- Introduced more sustainable packaging
- Added more plant-based options
- Enhanced the breakfast offering with items like the bacon potato cake
- Improved the quality of coffee served onboard
- Added more locally-sourced ingredients
Virgin Atlantic regularly updates their menus to keep things fresh and interesting for regular travelers.
Overall
The virgin atlantic food menu economy offers a good selection of meals, snacks, and drinks that make long-haul travel more comfortable. While it doesn’t match the luxury of business class or upper class, the food is generally tasty and portions are reasonable.
The complimentary alcoholic drinks, mile high tea service, and special meal options set Virgin Atlantic apart from some other airlines where you have to pay for everything beyond a basic meal in economy.
If food is really important to you when flying, the upgrade to premium economy might be worth considering, but for most travelers, the standard virgin atlantic economy food offerings will be perfectly satisfactory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is food free in Virgin Atlantic economy?
Yes, all meals and drinks (including alcoholic beverages) are complimentary for economy passengers on Virgin Atlantic flights. You don’t need to pay extra for your meals or standard beverages.
How many meals do you get on Virgin Atlantic economy?
The number of meals depends on your flight length. Long-haul flights typically include a main meal after takeoff and a lighter meal before landing. Medium-haul flights usually have one main meal and a snack, while short-haul flights might just offer a snack service.
Can I request a special meal on Virgin Atlantic?
Yes, Virgin Atlantic offers various special meals including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, diabetic, kosher, and halal options. These need to be requested at least 48 hours before your flight through the “Manage Booking” section or by calling customer service.
Can I pre-order my meal in economy class?
Yes, Virgin Atlantic offers a pre select meal service on selected routes that allows economy passengers to choose their main meal up to seven days before flying.
What drinks are free on Virgin Atlantic economy?
All standard drinks are complimentary, including water, soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee, beer, wine, and basic spirits. Premium alcoholic drinks may have an additional cost.
Is the food different in Virgin Atlantic premium economy?
Yes, the food virgin atlantic premium economy is of higher quality than in standard economy. Meals are served on china plates with metal cutlery, portions are larger, and the menu options are more premium. You also receive a welcome drink upon boarding.
Can I bring my own food on Virgin Atlantic flights?
Yes, you can bring your own snacks and non-liquid food items on board. This can be a good idea for longer flights or if you have specific dietary preferences not covered by the airline’s special meals.
