Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class ambitions for a specific feeling of commute: sociable yet personal, dependent without wanting too tough, and just a bit indulgent. The hardware has shifted through the years from secure herringbone pods to privacy-doored suites, and the sense maintains on the flooring in spaces like the Heathrow Virgin Lounge, the place personnel by some means do not forget your face after a protracted nighttime flight. Picking the proper seat at the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 can upgrade that knowledge from reliable to quietly ideal. The nuances remember: window angle, footwell geometry, distance from galleys, and the way the Loft or bar impacts the ebb and circulation of the cabin. If you wish to sleep, or for those who wish to socialize, your gold standard seat is absolutely not the similar.
This guide takes you via what has correctly worked for me and for conventional flyers I confidence, course by route and seat by means of seat.
What units Virgin Atlantic trade category apart
Virgin Atlantic industry magnificence, branded as Upper Class, has a personality. It tilts toward a living room sense rather then natural solitude. The airline calibrates that balance another way throughout aircraft. On the A350, the suite is the megastar: a modern-day seat with a sliding door, forged privateness, and respectable storage for an extended overnight. On the 787, the cabin assists in keeping the older aesthetic, with a bar, a more open sense, and seats that perspective outward from the aisle. Whether you choose the A350’s cocoon or the 787’s club vibe is dependent on your commute flavor.
The delicate product threads equally airplanes together. Crew have a tendency to be heat with out fuss, the wine list leans European with a riskless English gleaming alternative, and the menu basically gives one UK comfort dish alongside a lighter prefer. Bedding has progressed in recent seasons, with a bed topper that certainly softens the seat other than simply smoothing seams. The amenity equipment is useful in place of collectible. Wi‑Fi will also be hit or pass over at altitude, more beneficial on the A350 in my trip, but not but constant adequate to rely upon for a streaming assembly.
If your time out starts or ends at Heathrow Terminal three, the Virgin Atlantic Lounge, stronger generally known as the Clubhouse, warrants arriving early. I most likely budget ninety mins, one hundred twenty if I need a desirable meal and a bath. The breakfast bacon roll is improved than it has any top to be, the pancakes are good, and the bar staff is aware of its approach around a Negroni. Showers are nicely maintained and staff will press a shirt in case you ask right through quieter intervals. The spa healing procedures come and decide on staffing stages and season, so concentrate on them an advantage in preference to a ensure.
The Airbus A350 Upper Class suite
Virgin’s A350 fleet provides the airline’s such a lot innovative Upper Class product. The cabin structure locations suites in a staggered arrangement, angled fairly toward the home windows, with sliding doors that practically about shoulder height while seated. It is not very a lodge room with wings. The door adds psychological privacy greater than acoustic isolation, and crew want it in part open throughout taxi, takeoff, and landing. Still, the difference in perceived house when put next to older cabins is tangible.
Storage is enough for long flights. A slim shelf supports a mobile and water, with a small cupboard for headphones and amenity kit. The footwell is square ample for most sleepers up to approximately 6 foot 2 inch. Taller passengers can still sleep immediately, however you could possibly find a moderate attitude more comfortable. The table slides out easily and is sturdy adequate for a personal computer, even though you desire to intellect your knees. I like the lighting fixtures suggestions, which allow you to dim the overhead glow and depend upon a softer side lamp throughout the time of meal carrier or overdue-night time interpreting.
The Loft replaces the bar on the A350. It capabilities as a social nook with a couch and monitor, much less energetic than the bar yet nonetheless handy in the event you would like to stretch or chat. It receives busier after the 1st meal service and to come back an hour beforehand touchdown. Noise bleed from the Loft is doable in case you stay clear of the nearest rows.
Best A350 seats for sleep
If sleep is every thing, objective for home windows inside the first or final 3rd of the foremost cabin, but no longer the very first or very last row. On such a lot Virgin A350 layouts, rows 2 to five and eight to ten along the home windows strike the premiere stability. Row 1 can journey galley clatter in the course of service transitions, certainly on overnight eastbounds into Heathrow. The ultimate row sees extra traffic to the Loft and washrooms. I find the sweet spot to be a window in row 3 or four for westbound day flights, and row eight or 9 for eastbound overnights whilst the cabin settles sooner.
The window aspect of the suite shields you from aisle flow. If you’re sensitive to pale, carry a clip or tape to shield the suite door curtain hole; minor light leakage would be distracting whilst the cabin lighting fixtures dim.
Best A350 seats for privacy and work
For heads-down work, select a window seat faraway from the Loft, ideally mid-cabin. The door allows, but the authentic win is the sightline clear of the aisle. The footwell at the A350 helps a reliable laptop posture, and the energy socket is properly located. Bluetooth audio on the newer IFE installations is a plus for calls if you have noise canceling headphones, and the desk accommodates a 14 to 16 inch laptop computer with no wobble.
Avoid the first row for those who need sustained quiet. Galleys are managed smartly through Virgin crews, yet there may be unavoidable crash and clink when carts circulate or plates stack.
Best A350 seats for couples or social flyers
Couples will not have a true double-seat association. The A350 suites face the similar path and the prime shell limits basic dialog. If chatting concerns, opt for two adjoining seats throughout the aisle within the identical row, or one at the back of the other at the same part so you can lean ahead devoid of tense anyone else. If you plan to spend time on the Loft, seats about a rows away on the related side cut down running at the same time fending off noise. Rows 6 and seven, aisle side, work for those who favor short Loft get right of entry to with no sitting subsequent to it.
A350 quirks and tips
The armrest at the aisle edge once in a while needs a company press to fasten flush previously mattress mode. If it sticks up, you lose a critical inch of drowsing width. Ask team for the mattress topper early, and feature them gentle it whereas you stand, no longer when you’re already reclined. The IFE screen may be vibrant even at low settings; the facet lamp offers warmer gentle for late-night time dining. If you’re tall, sleep fairly diagonal with a knee bent to sidestep footwell rigidity. For day flights in which relaxation is secondary, open the door wholly and perspective the analyzing easy to make the suite believe large.
The Boeing 787 Upper Class cabin
The 787 includes Virgin’s outdated-generation Upper Class. The format puts seats at a moderate outward perspective, with the pinnacle via the aisle and ft toward the window. Privacy comes from the excessive shell partitions and a winged headrest, not from a door. The bar sits in the back of Upper Class, a acceptable social hub the place crews mixture gentle cocktails and the place conversations beginning given that anyone stocks an opinion approximately the cheese plate. If you relish that membership ecosystem, the 787 is the exciting one.
The seat converts to a fully flat mattress with the rush of a button, regardless that the flip-over model from older variations has mostly been up-to-date to a smoother Virgin Lounge at Heathrow Airport recline. Footwells vary via row. Window-facet wall curvature narrows space at a few rows, so when you have broad shoulders or are taller than 6 foot, seat determination issues. Storage is less generous than the A350, with a small shelf and cubby. The IFE reveal is serviceable, however the interface can lag as compared to the A350’s snappier manner. Wi‑Fi feels more variable, and I on a regular basis obtain indicates earlier than boarding.
Best 787 seats for sleep
Window seats away from the bar and galleys are your chum. On so much Virgin 787 layouts, sidestep the remaining two rows simply because bar chatter and foot site visitors peak after meal service. The first row by means of the galley additionally sees early noise throughout the time of boarding and provider staging. A window within the forward half, now not inside the first row, is the typical sweet spot.
The footwell structure makes purely straight drowsing elaborate for taller passengers. If you are 6 foot 2 inch or above, goal for a row wherein the fuselage curve bites less into shoulder space. In train, which means now not sitting at the precise element in which the cabin narrows. Crews can advise you at the door in case you’re versatile, but inventory sometimes locks seats upfront, so set your determination early.
Best 787 seats for privacy and work
The 787 lacks doors, so your privacy is based on seat height and attitude. Choose a window seat mid-cabin, ideally now not aligned with the most aisle break where workforce step across. If your flight is an afternoon region from the USA to London, you’ll in finding the cabin busier, and a mid-cabin window allows you consciousness. The tray desk holds a pc first-rate, but there is a small wobble throughout the time of turbulence. Plug destinations can strength a cable throughout your workspace; a short extension or good-angle adapter maintains it tidy.
Best 787 seats for couples and social flyers
If you get pleasure from the bar, pick out seats several rows forward of it at the identical aisle. You get easy get entry to devoid of the fixed heritage noise. Couples who wish to talk could decide on two seats throughout the aisle. Sitting straight away in the back of your partner is workable should you lean out right through communication, regardless that it truly is much less average than across-aisle pairing. Some crews inspire a midflight drink on the bar; they tend to have in mind names and orders, that is portion of the charm of Virgin Atlantic business type on the 787.
787 quirks and tips
Overhead bin house can feel tight simply because Upper Class passengers in general lift paintings equipment. Board early when you rely upon local stowage. The seat armrest won't drop utterly flush; ask for the mattress topper and blanket to be laid to smooth gaps. Request a 2d pillow in the event you’re a side sleeper, and tuck one underneath the knee to alleviate tension. If the cabin runs hot, mention it early. The 787 can preserve warm in Upper Class for the duration of the 1st hour.
Comparing the A350 and 787 for key routes
On dense industry routes like Heathrow to New York, the A350’s suite wins for most travellers who significance rest. Jet lag at the eastbound overnight will also be brutal, and the door plus enhanced bedding hints the scales. For rest routes in which the flight time is longer and also you prefer the sociable area of Virgin, the 787’s bar has its appeal. Still, I could no longer settle upon the 787 over the A350 strictly for the bar if sleep or work productivity is a concern.
Cabin humidity and power experience appropriate on equally plane in comparison to older widebodies. The A350 in general runs cooler, which supports with sleep, whereas the 787 can run somewhat hotter in Upper Class. Noise phases are similar, with an part to the A350 at cruise. On the flooring, the finding out aspect is ordinarily the lounge. If you’re departing Heathrow, point in time on the Clubhouse, mostly which is called the Heathrow Virgin Lounge. The pre-flight meal can help you skip the first onboard carrier, supplying you with an extra forty five to 60 minutes of real sleep.
The Lounge element at Heathrow
The Virgin Atlantic Lounge at Heathrow Terminal three sets the tone. It isn't very just the gap, despite the fact that the typical faded and runway perspectives support. It’s the means the team arrange the circulate. If you arrive at a peak time, they will nudge you to quieter corners or counsel an early meal so you’re now not queuing later. Showers are crisp and brief to show over. Power retailers are ample, even supposing you now and again desire to seek alongside the banquettes. If you ask effectively, they’ll convey your coffee in your seat with a glass of water, a small touch that helps to keep work going.
For overnight flights to the East Coast, I consume a full dinner inside the Clubhouse and preserve the onboard meal mild. For longer West Coast or Johannesburg flights, I’ll split it, taking starters at the floor and a prime after takeoff to anchor the frame clock. If you go back and forth with a colleague, the nook booths give you privacy to check slides without feeling like you’re at a nutrition court. The living room menu rotates seasonally. Expect not less than one vegetarian alternative that reads as extra than an afterthought.
Sleep approach: timing, nutrients, and lighting
Seat option is handiest one piece of the sleep puzzle. On London to New York day flights, don’t chase sleep until your schedule calls for it. The cabin is vivid, crews stay lively, and also you’ll land mid-afternoon. Use the time to paintings, then nap calmly after the first provider, or keep unsleeping and reset with daylight hours on arrival.
On New York to London overnight flights of approximately six to seven hours gate to gate, the window between the end of meal carrier and the ninety-minute past-to-touchdown wake-up will likely be skinny. If sleep subjects, devour within the Heathrow Virgin Lounge earlier departure in the westbound route, or elect the show meal onboard that clears the desk briefly at the eastbound. Ask for your bedding good after boarding. Change into loungewear earlier pushback so you can recline as soon because the seatbelt sign goes off. I retailer earplugs in in spite of noise canceling headphones; the double layer improves relax.
Wake-up lighting varies by using team. On the A350, the softer lamp can ward off the jolt that incorporates the intense overhead, fairly if you ask to prolong your breakfast through 15 minutes. On the 787, convey a nap mask in case the cabin stays brighter than you’d like.
Dining and liquids worthy looking out
Virgin’s menu perpetually provides a salad or lighter starter, a tough main like a quick rib or chicken with a British twist, and a vegetarian preference that has progressed in seasoning. The cheese plate is bigger on flights departing the United Kingdom, unsurprisingly. Dessert is many times effortless. Wine lists rotate, but the English clean wines instruct good at altitude, and a mid-differ Bordeaux or Rioja seems to be mostly. If you select cocktails, the group can combine a gin and tonic with a crisp slice of citrus that hits the good note previously bed. Hydration things extra than wide variety on overnight flights; ask for a monstrous nonetheless water after dining and hinder it on the shelf.
If you need to maximize sleep, request the only-tray provider or cold option. Crews are used to time-delicate requests and will tempo hence. On the A350, the door is helping create a bubble for eating, which makes the revel in sense greater non-public than the 787’s open cabin. On the 787, I love to dine early, then stream to the bar for a brief stretch, then to come back to the seat to transform to bed.
Service rhythms and how they have an effect on seat choice
Virgin’s service rhythm aas a rule runs: welcome, pre-departure drink, takeoff, drink and dinner, lighting fixtures down, midflight snacks on request, lighting fixtures up for breakfast, touchdown prep. The A350 cabin absorbs this float quietly. The 787’s bar injects a 2d wave of electricity an hour after dinner. If you would like uninterrupted close-eye, decide on a seat mid-cabin and clear of the aisle on each aircraft, towards the window on the A350 and away from the bar at the 787. If you are curious approximately the social aspect, sit some rows from the Loft or bar and deal with it as your stretch spoil.
How to prefer the properly Upper Class seat, quickly
- On the A350, decide upon a mid-cabin window for those who wish sleep or work point of interest. Avoid the primary and last rows. If you propose to go to the Loft, take a seat a few rows away at the identical side. On the 787, make a selection a ahead window clear of the bar and galleys for sleep. For socializing, choose seats a couple of rows forward of the bar for mild get right of entry to without consistent noise.
Booking tactics, enhancements, and plane swaps
Virgin’s web content assigns seats at booking for Upper Class, but the correct positions will also be held back for fame or released in the direction of departure. If you spot merely aisle selections, payment back seventy two to 24 hours formerly the flight. Flying Club repute improves your odds, as does booking early on busy routes.
Aircraft swaps occur, pretty on transatlantic routes all over peak upkeep seasons. If your reserving indicates an A350 yet later flips to a 787, reconsider seat determination with the brand new map. The opposite change is more often than not welcome if you happen to worth the suite door, but it should influence couples who planned to chat greater readily. If the switch is excellent for your plans, a well mannered name to Virgin can frequently shift you to a departure that assists in keeping the aircraft you desire, mainly while you booked a flexible fare.
Upgrades with elements from Premium to Upper Class are most popular secured all the way through gross sales or whilst stock opens around T‑seventy two hours. The change in comfort on an overnight justifies the elements while you face a brief layover after touchdown. If you most effective upgrade one sector, do it eastbound into London.
When the living room matters more than the seat
If your schedule is tight and also you need to step off the airplane all set, the front room might be the anchor. The Heathrow Virgin Lounge bargains a applicable meal, showers, and a quiet nook to reset. The workforce can prioritize your food should you point out you might be aiming for the 1st boarding call. A nicely-timed living room habitual can beat a slightly more desirable seat at the plane. For instance, I will take a marginal seat at the A350 with time in the Clubhouse over an incredible window on the 787 if I desire sleep, because the pre-flight meal shall we me close down rapid onboard.
Final seat alternatives at a glance
- A350: for sleep and privacy, window seats in rows roughly three to 5 or eight to ten. Avoid the primary and last rows and those nearest the Loft. Best for solo travelers and all of us who values a door. 787: for rest, ahead window seats faraway from galley and bar, skipping the first and closing rows. Best for guests who experience the bar and a livelier cabin, with the industry-off of less privacy.
Virgin Atlantic commercial magnificence gives you a wonderful event on the two airplane. The A350’s suite feels latest and calm, a enhanced cocoon for an in a single day dash into Heathrow. The 787 trades a bit of of solitude for a vintage Virgin vibe at the bar, with crews who avoid the mood handy. Pair the suitable seat with a smart living room procedure on the Heathrow Virgin Lounge, and also you stack the chances in desire of a rested arrival.