Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy: Full Cabin Review for 2025

Flying with Virgin Atlantic in 2025 offers several cabin options to suit different budgets and preferences. For many travellers, premium economy provides the perfect middle ground between the standard economy experience and the luxury of upper class.

The premium cabin on Virgin Atlantic has built quite a reputation over the years, but what exactly can you expect if you book this option in 2025? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy experience, from booking to landing.

Key Takeaways

• Premium Economy Value: Learn about what makes Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy worth the extra cost compared to standard economy options, including enhanced comfort, improved dining, and additional perks.
• Seat Features and Comfort: Find out about the wider seats, extra legroom, and improved amenities that make the premium cabin experience significantly better than economy.
• 2025 Service Updates: Discover the latest changes and improvements to the Virgin Atlantic Premium service for 2025, including updated menus and enhanced in-flight offerings.

What is Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy?

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy sits between the airline’s economy options and their upper class cabin. It’s designed for passengers who want more comfort than economy provides but don’t need or want to pay for the full business class experience.

The premium cabin offers a noticeable step up from economy with several key differences:

• Dedicated cabin separate from economy
• Wider and more comfortable premium seats
• Enhanced food and drink service
• Additional baggage allowance
• Priority boarding and other airport perks

For 2025, Virgin Atlantic has continued to refine this product, maintaining its reputation as one of the better premium economy offerings in the sky.

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy vs Other Cabins

Before going into the details, it’s helpful to understand how Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy compares to the airline’s other cabin options.

Feature	Economy Light	Economy Classic	Economy Delight	Premium Economy	Upper Class
Checked bags	0	1 x 23kg	1 x 23kg	2 x 23kg	2 x 32kg
Seat pitch	31″	31″	34″	38″	Lie-flat beds
Seat width	17.5″	17.5″	17.5″	21″ (about 3.5 inch wider)	22″
Priority boarding	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Priority check	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Lounge access	No	No	No	No (except Red members)	Yes
Premium menu	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Welcome drink	No	No	No	Yes	Yes

As you can see, the premium economy option offers several advantages over standard economy, though it doesn’t include all the perks of upper class. The big difference comes in seat size, food quality, and airport experience.

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Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Booking

When booking Virgin Atlantic tickets in 2025, you’ll find the premium economy option clearly labelled on the airline’s website and through travel agents.

Premium fares are typically 30-100% more expensive than standard economy, depending on the route and how far in advance you book. While this represents a significant increase over economy light or economy classic, it’s still substantially cheaper than upper class passengers would pay.

For 2025, Virgin Atlantic continues to offer good value by including:

• Two checked bags (23kg each)
• Priority boarding
• Premium seats with extra space
• Enhanced dining
• Dedicated cabin crew service

If you’re a Flying Club member, booking premium economy will earn you more Virgin Points than economy would, making it a better option for those building up miles for future rewards.

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Airport Experience

The premium economy experience starts before you board the aircraft. Virgin Atlantic Premium passengers enjoy several perks at the airport.

Check-in and Bag Drop

Premium passengers benefit from dedicated check in desks at most airports, separate bag drop areas, priority boarding when it’s time to get on the plane, and fast track security at select airports including London Heathrow.

This means less time queuing and a smoother start to your journey. It’s not quite the upper class experience (which includes lounge access and chauffeur service on some routes), but it’s a significant improvement over the standard economy process.

While premium economy passengers don’t typically get lounge access, those with elite status in Virgin’s Flying Club or a Priority Pass membership can still use lounges separately from their ticket type. For many travellers, this more streamlined airport experience is one of the key benefits of choosing premium economy over standard economy options.

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Seat Experience

The seat is where you’ll notice the most significant difference between economy and premium economy.

Seat Size and Comfort

Virgin Atlantic Premium seats offer:

• Extra space with approximately 38 inches of pitch (compared to 31-34 in economy)
• Width of about 21 inches (3.5 inch wider than economy)
• Adjustable headrests
• Footrests
• Extra legroom compared to all economy options
• Enhanced recline

The seats are arranged in a 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 configuration depending on the aircraft type, which means fewer middle seats and easier access to aisles compared to the 3-3-3 or 3-4-3 layouts in economy.

Best and Worst Seats

Not all premium seats are created equal. The best options are typically:

• Bulkhead rows for maximum legroom
• Window seats for views and a wall to lean against
• Aisle seats for easy bathroom access

Seats to potentially avoid:

• The last row in the premium cabin, which may have limited recline
• Seats near galleys or toilets, which can be noisy
• Middle seats in the centre section

The Virgin Atlantic website offers a seat map when booking, allowing you to select your preferred position in the cabin.

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy In-Flight Experience

Once on board, the differences between economy and premium economy become even more apparent.

Welcome and Service

Premium economy passengers receive a welcome drink (typically prosecco, orange juice, or water) upon boarding, which immediately sets the tone for the enhanced service. You’ll also enjoy hot towel service before meals, dedicated flight attendants specifically for the premium cabin, and a complimentary amenity kit with essentials like socks, eye mask, earplugs, pen, toothbrush and toothpaste.

Food and Drink

The food and drink offering is a significant step up from economy with a premium menu featuring enhanced options, complimentary drinks throughout the flight, meals served on proper plates with real glassware, salt and pepper shakers rather than packets, and meal service with tablecloths.

For 2025, Virgin Atlantic has refreshed their premium dining options. A typical meal service might include starters such as smoked salmon or goat cheese salad, followed by main courses like braised beef with vegetables, Thai vegetable curry (which many reviewers find absolutely delicious), roasted chicken with potatoes, and various pasta options.

For breakfast on overnight flights, you might receive fresh fruit, yogurt, pastries, and hot options including Cumberland sausage with scrambled eggs. All meals come with dessert options and a selection of wines, beers, spirits, and soft drinks.

According to One Mile at a Time, a leading travel blog that regularly reviews airline food, Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy meals are “consistently among the best in the premium economy market,” with particular praise for their main course options and dessert selections.

Entertainment and Connectivity

Premium economy passengers have access to enhanced inflight entertainment systems, noise-cancelling headphones, USB ports and power outlets at every seat, and Wi-fi (available for purchase).

The Virgin Atlantic entertainment system offers hundreds of movies, TV shows, games, and music options to keep you entertained on long haul routes.

Is Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Worth It?

Perhaps the most important question: does Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy offer incredible value or is it better to save money with economy or splash out on upper class?

When Premium Economy Makes Sense

Premium economy tends to be worth the extra cost in these situations:

• On long haul routes where the extra comfort really matters
• For daytime flights when you won’t be sleeping much anyway
• If you need the extra baggage allowance
• When the price difference from economy isn’t too steep
• If you’re tall and need the extra legroom

When to Consider Alternatives

You might want to stick with economy or upgrade to upper class when:

• Flying short distances where comfort is less important
• The premium fares are very close to upper class prices (occasionally happens with sales)
• You specifically need lounge access (only guaranteed with upper class)
• You want a lie flat seat for proper sleep on overnight flights

Value Compared to Other Airlines

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy generally compares favourably to other airlines offering similar products. It’s typically considered better than British Airways World Traveller Plus, offering more spacious seats and better food service.

Where Virgin Atlantic truly stands out in 2025 is their consistent service quality and the cheerful, attentive flight attendants that the airline is known for.

How to Upgrade to Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy

If you’ve already booked an economy ticket but are having second thoughts, there are several ways to move up to premium economy:

Using Virgin Points

Flying Club members can use Virgin Points to upgrade, with the exact amount depending on the route and original fare class. This is often one of the best-value redemptions for your points.

Upgrade Vouchers

Elite status Flying Club members receive upgrade vouchers which can be used to move from economy to premium economy on the same route.

Paid Upgrades

Virgin Atlantic often offers paid upgrades:

• During online check-in
• At the airport (if space is available)
• Through the “bid for upgrade” system where you can offer what you’re willing to pay

These last-minute upgrades can sometimes represent good value, especially on long haul routes where the comfort difference is most noticeable.

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Fleet Differences

Not all Virgin Atlantic aircraft offer exactly the same premium economy experience. Here’s what to expect across the fleet in 2025:

Airbus A350-1000

The newest aircraft in the Virgin Atlantic fleet offers the most modern premium cabin with 56 premium economy seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. You’ll enjoy 18.5-inch HD touchscreen entertainment systems with an extensive library of content. Some configurations provide access to “The Booth” social space, where you can stretch your legs during the flight. The A350 also features the latest mood lighting technology and a quieter cabin than older aircraft, resulting in a more restful journey, especially on overnight flights.

According to AirlineRatings.com, the A350 offers the best premium economy experience in the Virgin Atlantic fleet due to its modern amenities and superior cabin comfort. The newer pressurization system also helps reduce jet lag, making it an excellent choice for longer routes.

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

The Dreamliner features 35 premium economy seats in a more intimate 2-3-2 configuration, which some passengers prefer for the slightly more exclusive feel. The aircraft is known for its large windows with electronic dimming instead of window shades, giving every seat better views and natural light control. The Dreamliner also provides better air quality and cabin pressure than older aircraft types, which can help reduce fatigue and jet lag according to Boeing research. The entertainment screens are slightly smaller at 11 inches, but still offer the full range of inflight entertainment options.

Airbus A330neo

The latest A330neo aircraft include 46 premium economy seats in a 2-3-2 layout that strikes a good balance between capacity and comfort. A unique feature on these planes is the “Wander Wall” social/snack area, where premium passengers can help themselves to additional snacks and drinks during the flight. The updated premium cabin design features enhanced lighting and air quality systems similar to those on the A350, creating a more comfortable environment throughout the flight.

The A350 generally offers the best premium economy experience in the fleet according to FlightGlobal’s passenger satisfaction surveys, so it’s worth checking which aircraft operates on your route if this matters to you. You can find this information during the booking process on the Virgin Atlantic website or by using third-party services like FlightRadar24 to check which aircraft typically serves your chosen route.

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Routes

Virgin Atlantic operates premium economy cabins on all their long haul routes. In 2025, these include UK to US destinations (New York, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Boston), Caribbean routes (Barbados, Antigua, Jamaica), South Africa (Johannesburg, Cape Town), India (Delhi, Mumbai), China and Hong Kong, and Australia (in partnership with other airlines).

According to the Official Virgin Atlantic Routes Guide, some routes are particularly well suited to premium economy due to their flight duration and aircraft assignment. For instance, the London to New York route frequently features the newest A350 aircraft with the latest premium cabin design.

The exact schedule changes seasonally, so it’s worth checking the Virgin Atlantic website for the most up-to-date route information.

Tips for Making the Most of Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy

To get the best experience from your premium economy flight in 2025:

Before Your Flight

Before heading to the airport, make sure to select your seat early, with window or aisle positions typically being preferred by most travellers. It’s worth checking if your flight will feature the newer A350 or A330neo aircraft for the latest cabin experience and amenities. Downloading the Virgin Atlantic app for easy check-in and flight updates can also make your journey smoother. If you haven’t already, consider joining Flying Club to earn points on your premium journey that can be used toward future flights or upgrades.

At the Airport

When you arrive at the airport, make full use of the dedicated premium check-in desks to avoid the longer queues at standard economy counters. Take advantage of your priority boarding privilege to get settled in your seat without the rush of general boarding. If you’re particular about audio quality for movies or music, consider bringing your own headphones despite Virgin providing a pair, as personal headphones often offer better sound and comfort.

During Your Flight

Once onboard, pace yourself with the welcome drink and pre-meal snacks to save room for the full premium menu experience, which is one of the highlights of the premium cabin. Remember that complimentary drinks are available throughout the flight, so don’t hesitate to ask for sparkling water or other beverages whenever you’d like. Make good use of the power outlets at every seat to keep your devices charged throughout the journey. If you’re on an overnight flight, the amenity kit eye mask and earplugs can significantly improve your sleep quality, especially in combination with the extra recline of your premium seat.

Overall

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy continues to offer a compelling middle ground between economy and upper class in 2025. With extra large seats, enhanced food and drink, priority boarding, and additional baggage allowance, it provides a significantly improved experience over standard economy.

For many travellers, especially on long haul routes, the additional cost represents good value, providing much of what matters in a premium travel experience without the full business class price tag. The extra space, improved dining, and better service make a noticeable difference to the overall journey comfort.

While it doesn’t include lounge access or lie flat seats, Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy hits the sweet spot for travellers who want a bit more comfort without breaking the bank. It’s particularly worth considering for daytime flights where sleep isn’t a primary concern.

According to a recent study by Skytrax, Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy consistently ranks among the top premium economy products globally, with particular praise for seat comfort and cabin crew service. This is supported by numerous positive reviews on TripAdvisor where travellers frequently mention the value proposition compared to both standard economy and business class alternatives.

In 2025, as airlines continue to compete for premium travellers, Virgin Atlantic maintains its position as offering one of the better premium economy products in the sky, especially on their newest A350 and A330neo aircraft. For those looking to maximize comfort without the substantial cost of upper class, it represents one of the best value propositions in the industry according to recent airline comparison studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much extra legroom do you get in Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy?

Premium Economy seats on Virgin Atlantic offer approximately 38 inches of pitch compared to 31 inches in standard economy. This 7-inch difference makes a significant impact on comfort during long haul routes, according to SeatGuru passenger reviews.

Do Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy seats recline more?

Yes, premium seats recline up to 8 inches, almost double the recline of standard economy seats. The seats also feature adjustable headrests with wings that provide better head support while sleeping.

Is food better in Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy?

The food is noticeably better with a premium menu offering meals served on china plates with real glassware. Popular dishes include Thai vegetable curry and various meat options. Virgin has also introduced locally-sourced ingredients and more plant-based options for 2025.

Do Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy passengers get lounge access?

Standard premium economy passengers don’t get lounge access. However, those with elite status in Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club or a Priority Pass membership can access lounges separately. Only upper class passengers automatically access Virgin Clubhouse lounges.

How many checked bags do you get with Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy?

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy includes two 23kg checked bags, double the allowance of Economy Classic or Economy Delight (one 23kg bag) and significantly more than Economy Light (no included luggage).

Can I upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy after booking?

Yes, through several methods: using Virgin Points (10,000-30,000 points depending on route), upgrade vouchers for elite status members, paid upgrades during check-in or at the airport, or Virgin’s bid-for-upgrade system.

What is the difference between Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy and Upper Class?

Upper Class provides lie flat seat beds, exclusive lounge access, à la carte dining with dining-on-demand, chauffeur service on certain routes, and dedicated bar areas. The price difference is substantial, with Upper Class typically costing 2-3 times the price of Premium Economy.

Is Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy better than British Airways?

Most travelers consider Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy superior to British Airways World Traveller Plus. Virgin offers wider seats (21″ vs 18.5″), more attentive service, better food and drink options, and a more modern cabin experience on their A350 aircraft. However, British Airways offers more extensive routes through London Heathrow.