Virgin Atlantic New Upper Class: What to Expect Onboard in 2025
Flying Virgin Atlantic new Upper Class is one of those experiences that makes you remember why people used to dress up for flights.
This detailed review covers everything you need to know about the new Virgin Atlantic Upper Class suite on the London to New York route, with all the details about what passengers can expect when booking this premium experience.
Key Takeaways
- New Upper Class Suite Design: The Virgin Atlantic Upper Class suites offer privacy doors, customisable mood lighting and luxurious fully flat beds that transform your flight experience.
- Exclusive Lounge Access: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse lounges provide top-tier food, drinks, and relaxation before your flight, setting the tone for your premium journey.
- Enhanced In-Flight Service: From welcome champagne to multi-course dining with restaurant-quality food, the service elevates the entire flight experience beyond typical business class.
What is Virgin Atlantic New Upper Class?
The new Virgin Atlantic Upper Class is the airline’s premium cabin offering that sits above Premium Economy and Economy. It’s essentially Virgin’s business class product, though they’ve always preferred the “Upper Class” branding. In 2023, Virgin Atlantic introduced a refreshed Upper Class cabin on their A350 aircraft, and have since rolled it out across more of their fleet including the A330neo.
What makes the new Upper Class Virgin Atlantic special is the complete redesign of the experience – from the airport to the cabin layout to the dining service. The cabin features a mix of standard Upper Class suites as well as the exclusive Retreat Suites (available for an additional cost).
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Experience
Before even stepping on the plane, the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class experience begins at the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse – the airline’s premium lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 3, which Travel + Leisure has previously included in their list of best airport lounges worldwide.
The Clubhouse is quite different from standard airport lounges. Instead of the usual buffet setup, there’s proper table service with waiters taking orders from a full restaurant menu. The fish finger sandwich has apparently become something of a signature dish here, and is genuinely restaurant quality. Conde Nast Traveller even featured this iconic sandwich in their review of top airport lounge food.
The lounge also features:
- A full-service bar with an impressive selection of cocktails
- Comfortable seating areas for both dining and relaxing
- Shower facilities
- Spa treatments (some complimentary, some paid)
A glass of English sparkling wine is offered shortly after arrival, which is a lovely touch. The staff are attentive without being intrusive, and the whole atmosphere feels relaxed but premium.
Boarding the Aircraft
When flying Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, passengers are among the first to board through a dedicated lane. After having the boarding pass printed at the desk (though most people just use the app these days), travelers are directed to the premium boarding lane.
Walking onto the aircraft, passengers immediately notice the distinctive mood lighting that Virgin Atlantic is known for – those purple and red hues make the aircraft cabin feel more like a trendy bar than a plane.
The cabin crew greet passengers by name and direct them to their Upper Class seat. A choice of water, orange juice or champagne is offered as a pre-departure drink, along with a small goodie bag (the amenity kit).
The New Upper Class Suite
The new Virgin Atlantic Upper Class suite is a significant upgrade from their previous herringbone design. Here’s what you’ll find in your suite:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Seat width | 20 inches |
| Bed length | 82 inches when fully flat |
| Privacy | Half-height door that can be closed |
| Storage | Side compartments and under-ottoman storage |
| Power | AC power outlet, two USB-A ports and one USB-C port |
| Entertainment | 17.3 inch touchscreen TV compatible with own Bluetooth headphones |
The Upper Class seat is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, which means everyone gets direct aisle access. Window seats (A and K) offer the most privacy and are ideal for solo travellers. If you’re travelling with someone, the middle pairs (D and G) work well, though there’s still a divider between them.
What stands out is how much more private these suites feel compared to the old Virgin Upper Class design. The half-height doors make a real difference when wanting to sleep or work without feeling on display.
The seat controls are intuitive, with pre-set positions for take-off/landing, lounging, dining, and sleeping. Converting to a fully flat bed is simple, and the cabin crew will offer to add a mattress pad for sleeping.
There’s decent storage space around the seat, including a small closet for hanging a jacket and compartments for smaller items like phones and headphones. The tray table slides out from the side console and feels sturdy enough for working on a laptop.
The Retreat Suite Option
If you want to take your Virgin Atlantic Upper Class experience even further, the airline now offers Retreat Suites on some aircraft. These are larger suites at the front of the cabin with additional features:
- Extra width (22 inches vs 20 inches for standard suites)
- Ottomans that can accommodate a companion for dining
- Larger screens
- Extra leg room
These come at a premium above the standard Upper Class cabin price, but might be worth it for special occasions or particularly long flights.
In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity
The entertainment system in the new Virgin Upper Class features a 17.3-inch touchscreen that can also be controlled via a handheld remote. The selection of movies and TV shows was extensive and up-to-date.
One of my favourite features was the ability to connect my Bluetooth headphones directly to the system – no more dealing with airline headphones or adapters. The system also includes:
- Live TV channels
- Moving map
- Games
- Music playlists
Wi-Fi is available throughout the flight, with various packages depending on your needs. Upper Class passengers receive a complimentary allowance, but you’ll need to pay for additional data if you’re planning to work throughout the entire flight.
The system includes USB-A ports and a USB-C port for charging your devices, plus a universal power socket that accepts UK, US and European plugs.
The Upper Class Dining Experience
Food is where Virgin Atlantic really stands out from some competitors. The dinner service begins with drinks and warm nuts, followed by a proper three-course meal with options for each course.
A typical flight menu includes:
Starters
- Sesame crusted salmon with wasabi mayonnaise
- Burrata with heritage tomatoes and baby gem lettuce
- Roasted butternut squash soup
Main Course
- Butter chicken with jasmine rice and naan bread
- Gravy pan roasted cod with crushed potatoes
- Mushroom and truffle risotto
- Steak with peppercorn sauce
Dessert and Cheese
- Warm chocolate brownie with fresh cream
- Dark chocolate mousse
- Cheese board featuring Coastal cheddar, Shropshire blue cheese and Camembert with crackers and a baby pear
The meal is served course by course, just like in a restaurant, rather than everything arriving on one tray. Each course comes with proper china, glassware, and metal cutlery – no plastic in sight. The meal service feels unhurried and special.
A few hours before landing, there’s a second lighter meal service. On morning arrivals into New York, this is typically a full English breakfast, but options vary depending on the flight time.
Between meals, passengers can order from an “Extra Bites” menu that includes items like toasties, salads, and cakes.
The Sleep Experience
When it’s time to sleep, the cabin crew will offer to make up the bed with a mattress topper, duvet and full-size pillow. The seat converts to a fully flat bed at the touch of a button.
The bed is about 6’7″ long, which is generous even for taller passengers. With the suite door closed and the mood lighting dimmed, it feels surprisingly private.
The bedding is of good quality, though not quite as luxurious as what might be found in First Class on some other airlines. Still, many passengers report getting about 5 hours of solid sleep on overnight flights, which is pretty good by airplane standards.
The Amenity Kit
The Virgin Atlantic amenity kit (or “goodie bag” as they call it) comes in a reusable pouch and contains:
- REN skincare products (hand cream, lip balm, face cream)
- Bamboo toothbrush and toothpaste (dental kit)
- Pen
- Earplugs
- Eye mask
- Socks
- Sustainability-focused extras like bamboo cutlery
It’s a decent selection that covers the essentials without going overboard on luxury items that often go unused.
Service and Staff
The flight attendants in Upper Class strike a good balance between being attentive and giving you space. There’s a dedicated flight service manager for the cabin who introduces themselves at the beginning of the flight.
What passengers appreciate about Virgin Atlantic staff is their less formal approach compared to some other airlines. They’re professional but friendly, and seem genuinely proud of their product.
Service highlights include:
- Regular drink refills without having to ask
- Addressing passengers by name
- Flexibility with meal times if passengers want to sleep first
- Quick response to the call button
Is Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Worth It?
Whether Virgin Atlantic Upper Class is worth the premium over Premium Economy depends on several factors:
- Flight length (more valuable on overnight flights)
- How much you value lounge access
- Whether you need to work or sleep properly
- Your budget or Virgin Points balance
For overnight flights, the fully flat bed alone can be worth the upgrade if you need to arrive well-rested. For daytime flights, the improved food, service, and comfort still make for a much more pleasant journey, but the value proposition isn’t quite as strong.
According to SeatGuru, the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class seat pitch and width measurements put it among the more spacious business class offerings across major airlines.
As a rough guide, expect to pay 2-3 times the Premium Economy fare for an Upper Class ticket when paying cash. Using points can sometimes offer better value, as highlighted by The Points Guy in their analysis of premium cabin redemptions.
Fleet Differences
Not all Virgin Atlantic aircraft feature the new Upper Class cabins yet. Here’s a quick guide:
| Aircraft | Upper Class Type |
|---|---|
| Airbus A350 | New Upper Class suite with The Loft social area |
| Airbus A330-neo | New Upper Class suite with Retreat Suite option |
| Airbus A330-300 | Original herringbone Upper Class seat (being phased out) |
| Boeing 787-9 | Original herringbone Upper Class seat (scheduled for retrofit) |
When booking, you can usually see which configuration your flight will have by checking the seat map. The new suites are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, while the older herringbone seats are in a 1-1-1 layout.
How to Book Virgin Atlantic Upper Class
There are several ways to book Virgin Atlantic Upper Class:
- Directly through the Virgin Atlantic website or app
- Through travel agents
- Using Virgin Points (Virgin’s loyalty currency)
- Using partner airline miles like Delta SkyMiles
For the best experience, I’d recommend booking directly with Virgin, as this makes any changes or special requests easier to handle.
If you’re using points, you’ll typically need around 50,000-60,000 Virgin Points for a one-way Upper Class redemption between London and the US East Coast, plus taxes and fees.
Overall
Virgin Atlantic new Upper Class delivers a premium experience that manages to feel both luxurious and fun – something that’s quite unique in the airline industry. The new suite design addresses previous privacy concerns, and the overall product now competes well with other major business class offerings. Airline Ratings awarded Virgin Atlantic high marks for their premium cabin comfort and service in their most recent airline excellence awards.
The highlights are definitely the Clubhouse lounge experience, the comfortable fully-flat bed, and the quality of the food and drink service. If you’re looking to treat yourself or need to arrive well-rested, it’s a splurge that’s generally worth the extra cost.
While there are still some fleet inconsistencies as Virgin continues rolling out the new product across all aircraft, the direction is promising. For anyone who values both style and substance in their flying experience, Virgin Atlantic Upper Class should be high on your list to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Virgin Atlantic Upper Class cost?
Virgin Atlantic Upper Class typically costs between £2,000-£5,000 return depending on the route and how far in advance you book. Using Virgin Points requires approximately 50,000-95,000 points each way plus taxes.
What is the difference between Virgin Atlantic Upper Class and Premium Economy?
The main differences are the fully flat bed vs recliner seat, exclusive Clubhouse lounge access, superior dining with restaurant-style service, and more attentive service with a better staff-to-passenger ratio.
Does Virgin Atlantic Upper Class include lounge access?
Yes, all Upper Class passengers receive access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse where available, or partner lounges at other airports.
What amenities are provided in Virgin Atlantic Upper Class?
Amenities include a fully flat bed, premium bedding, noise-cancelling headphones (or connectivity for your own Bluetooth headphones), multi-course dining, an amenity kit with REN products, and dedicated flight attendants.
Is there Wi-Fi in Virgin Atlantic Upper Class?
Yes, all Virgin Atlantic aircraft offering the new Upper Class have Wi-Fi available. Upper Class passengers receive a complimentary allowance, with additional packages available for purchase.
How early should I arrive for a Virgin Atlantic Upper Class flight?
Virgin recommends arriving 2-3 hours before your flight, which gives you enough time to enjoy the Clubhouse facilities. Upper Class passengers also benefit from priority check-in and security.
Can you choose your seat in advance in Virgin Atlantic Upper Class?
Yes, Upper Class passengers can select their seats free of charge at the time of booking.
What is the baggage allowance for Virgin Atlantic Upper Class?
Upper Class passengers receive a generous baggage allowance of two checked bags weighing up to 32kg each, plus hand luggage and a personal item.
Does Virgin Atlantic offer chauffeur service with Upper Class?
Unlike some competitors, Virgin Atlantic no longer offers complimentary chauffeur service with Upper Class tickets. This service was discontinued in 2018, as confirmed by Business Traveller magazine.
Are there any differences between day and night flights in Upper Class?
The main difference is the meal service timing and the emphasis on the sleep experience. Night flights typically offer a quicker meal service option for those who prefer to maximise sleep time. Sleep Foundation recommends taking advantage of lie-flat beds on overnight flights to help reduce jet lag and arrive more rested.
