Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Airbus A350-1000

I recently flew Virgin Atlantic Upper Class on Flight VS25 from London to New York, experiencing their Airbus A350-1000 for the first time. While I’ve flown Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A330 multiple times before, this aircraft added a new dimension to the overall experience.

Having previously experienced the airline’s service, I was eager to explore the specific features and offerings of this Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Airbus A350-1000.

Booking:

I was able to book my mom and I on this journey with 95,000 Delta Airlines points each, taking advantage of the program before its recent devaluation. Our trip started in Lagos, Nigeria where we flew to London Heathrow in the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class on the Airbus A330. A flight I decided not to review due to its’ similarity with the Dreamliner. 

Lounge Experience:

I have previously reviewed the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse London Heathrow, and this lounge remains a great place to unwind before or in-between flights. We spent a couple of hours at the lounge before proceeding to board our flight VS25 to New York. The lounge provided a comfortable and relaxing environment, allowing us to start our journey on a positive note.

Boarding and Cabin Features:

The boarding process proceeded smoothly, after a slight delay to accommodate connecting passengers. Stepping into the Upper Class cabin of the Airbus A350, I was met with a contemporary and stylish interior. The 1-2-1 seating configuration offered privacy and direct aisle access to all passengers, allowing for a seamless and convenient in-flight experience.

Speaking of seating, the seats on the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Airbus A350-1000 were a true standout compared to their other aircrafts. They offered a remarkable level of privacy, allowing me to create my own personal space. The direct aisle access was convenient, enabling seamless movement and ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.

Still trying to settle in, I was greeted with a welcome drink and the flight attendants introduced herself.

There were ample and well-designed storage compartments around the seat ensuring that personal belongings could be conveniently stowed throughout the journey.

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In-flight Entertainment (IFE):

In terms of entertainment, the in-flight entertainment system on the Airbus A350-1000 was top-notch. The large high-definition screens delivered crisp and vibrant visuals, enhancing the overall viewing experience. There were extensive selection of movies, TV shows, and music catered to a wide range of preferences, ensuring something for every mood. The user-friendly interface made it easy to navigate through the entertainment options and frustration-free.

Food and Beverage Service:

Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to culinary excellence was not evident in the food and beverage service on this flight. The menu was lacking a range of options, and I personally think the food and beverage service wasn’t on par with the price tag on this flight. 

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I started the evening with another of the Three Spirit Livener aka the party starter which tasted better this time around and was accompanied by sachet pretzel.

For starters, I opted for the grilled asparagus again since it was either that or the hot smoke salmon which I didn’t find appetizing.

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Main course was the Garlic and ginger prawns which really wasn’t anything to write home about, and I decided not to bother with dessert. To be fair though, the overall dining experience was okay.

Onboard Lounge Experience:

One memorable aspect of the flight was the presence of a young boy who had taken a liking to the onboard bar area, the loft as the airline calls it. Despite his parents being seated in economy class, he chose to spend his time there and even slept in that cozy space throughout the journey. This anecdote showcased the relaxed and inclusive atmosphere within the Upper Class cabin, where passengers can find their own unique ways to make the most of the flight.

Lie-flat bed:

The lie-flat bed in the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Airbus A350-1000 offered a suitable sleeping surface, allowing me to get a decent three-hour rest during the flight. However, it is worth noting that the seat felt slightly cramped in lie-flat mode, and I found myself bumping my legs on multiple occasions.

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Other Amenities Onboard:

Each seat in the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class on the Airbus A350-1000 has international-standard power outlet and USB port as one would expect. The seat controls are also well arranged together for easy access. Noise canceling headphones are provided, but passengers may have to look for them in one of the storage compartments of the seat. 

I found the airlines’ amenity kit, goodie bag as Virgin calls it, to be very interesting, but that’s another post for another day. Pajamas were also provided on this flight, though I had to ask for it before it was given.

The lavatories were kept in a good shape throughout the flight. The sink featured a touchless faucet, a foldable baby changing table on the wall, and there was even a window in the lavatory.

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Still about 2 hours before landing and feeling a bit peckish after waking up from my not so comfortable sleep. I looked through the items under the extra bites section which really wasn’t enticing, which made me settled for the Superfood Salad paired with another “Three Spirit Nightcap – The Dream Maker” which in my opinion wasn’t as invigorating as Virgin Atlantic claimed.

We began our descent into the New York area after about 7 hours of flying in the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Airbus A350-1000. The mood lighting was kept on almost throughout the flight and made the aesthetics of the cabin even nicer.

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Conclusion:

Now, let’s address the crucial question: Is this flight worth the 95,000 points or the $7,000 price tag? 

Considering the overall experience on the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Airbus A350 flight VS25 from London to New York, it’s important to evaluate the value proposition based on individual preferences and circumstances. For 95,000 Delta SkyMiles, I considered this a solid redemption. The cabin, dining options, and attentive service make it a worthwhile use of points.

However, when it comes to the cash rate of $7,000, the equation changes. While the flight offers a premium experience, the hefty price tag is not justifiable for me. The value of cash spent on airfare can often be allocated to other aspects of travel or saved for future adventures. Therefore, from a financial standpoint, paying $7,000 for this flight may not be a prudent choice for most travelers.

Ultimately, the decision to redeem points or pay the cash rate depends on individual circumstances, budget, and travel goals. If you can secure the flight using 95,000 points, it represents a solid redemption and an excellent use of loyalty rewards. However, from a cash perspective, there are more cost-effective options with better service out there.

What do you make of the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class products?