The best premium economy seats on the Virgin Atlantic A350-1000 are absolutely those in the first and last rows of the cabin in seats A,C or H,K - in pairs of two. Prior to landing, the crew came through the cabin offering water or juice as a prearrival drink. I headed to Gate 22 about 10 minutes before boarding was set to begin. All Virgin Atlantic premium economy seats measure 38 inches of pitch. The premium economy 777 AA seats themselves are 19 inches wide - 2 more than AA economy, so a substantial difference. Enrollment required. The only real major difference between any of the seats is that row 21 boasts more space than the rest, as it's the bulkhead. Though I didn't use it to sleep, I think it would have been more than sufficient. Virgin Atlantic received its first-ever Airbus A330-900neo aircraft on Friday, which will replace its aging A330ceos. Premium economy is the cabin that gets us all talking with the first question usually being, "Is it worth it?" The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. The Premium cabin on the Virgin A350 comprised a total of 56 seats across a single cabin. If you're planning to check two bags, factor the cost into your decision between economy and premium economy. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. You'll have extra large seats, priority boarding, and an increased baggage allowance of two checked bags. If you decide on upgrading your next trip with Virgin Atlantic to Premium instead of economy, this guide should help you in some way to make sure you pick the right seat to get the most out of your experience. The best seats depend on whether you want more legroom and speedier service, albeit with the risk of the bassinet being used at the front of the cabin (row 21) or you'd rather be able to recline for the entire flight and have at least some kind of view from behind the wing at the back of the cabin (row 27). Bookings made by credit card or debit card no longer incur a fee. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Premium Economy: Seat Dimensions. Though there wasn't a ton of storage in the seat, I found there to be about as much as expected for a premium economy seat. For daytime flights, the perks of premium economy are more difficult to justify as essential, especially if there is a sizeable price difference from economy. The fleece material of the blanket felt almost worn, but I liked that the blanket had a special neck cutout, which made it easier to cover yourself in an upright position in Premium or economy. [tpg_rating tpg-rating-score="85" ground-experience="5" cabin-seat="21" amens-ife="12" food-bev="23" service="24" pros="Fast Wi-Fi, great crew, solid food and a fun experience overall." There are 48 seats, which is an increase of 13 seats compared to the 787-9. It didn't have the luxurious feeling of a leather or solid kit, but it does the trick for me knowing that it was helping to reduce single-use plastics and be less harsh on the environment. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. However, your experience will vary between aircraft types. Overall, I found the lounge to be good for a rest before a long-haul flight. Best Premium seats on a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330-300. Virgin Atlantic premium economy offers an elevated way to fly across the Atlantic and potentially onward to one of the airline's dozens of overseas destinations. No lounge access or priority security: While Virgin Atlantic premium economy passengers get airport perks like priority check-in and priority boarding, they don't get priority security or lounge access. However, passengers can also choose to bid for an upgrade. I think that even with a full cabin of 56 passengers, the three lavs would've sufficed. Virgin Atlantic: Yes, although you can pay for 'Preferred' seats. Each of the bulkhead seats had the advantage of both a leg- and a footrest. Though there are some flaws in the product, such as a narrower seat and poor headphones, I found the experience to be well worth the cost. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. We've picked the best seats based on the one that would be best for a solo traveler. Additional baggage allowance can be purchased at check in. You'll find the largest, 13.3-inch screens on Airbus A350 aircraft, but only 10.5-inch screens on Airbus A330-300 aircraft. For those unfamiliar, Virgin Atlantic offers premium economy (branded as Premium) on all its aircraft. Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. While Virgin's premium economy cabin on the A350-1000 has come under fire for its compact nature, the airline has gone some way to making it up to us. Premium check in . 22 D: None: No Power From personal experience, bids for premium economy usually begin . The most recent Airbus A350-1000 that Virgin Atlantic took delivery of featured an all new configuration, intended for leisure routes. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. Economy To Premium Economy On Virgin Atlantic: Is The Upgrade Worth It. West Coast to Europe w/ Virgin points-flying Delta metal-is no more, since Delta has virtually stopped making award seats available to Virgin for West Coast-based flights. In comparison, Virgin Economy Light fares don't get a checked bag allowance. A 46-seat Premium cabin is located behind the Upper Class section . Virgin Atlantic charges extra for bulkhead and other seats which have more legroom. Premium economy seats feature lots of extra legroom, a deeper recline, larger in-flight entertainment screens and a footrest. Unbeknownst to me, Gate 22 was about a 15-minute trek away. If you want to fly in ultimate luxury, it's definitely worth upgrading to Upper Class. This cabin is also a win for the window-seat lovers, as six out of the 10 window seats in the cabin have views that are unobstructed by the wings. Find reward seat availability for British Airways and Virgin Airlines. The past two months have been busy ones for the commercial aviation industry in the UK. The better seats, with more recline and legroom, offer a better chance of a good night's sleep on tiring red-eyes. It's full of sweet and savoury treats - so take your pick!*. Economy Light: Free at the airport or via online check-in, prior to the airport: 30 ($38) for standard seats and 40 ($56) for preferred seats. Enjoy comfortable journey in the world's largest airline. You won't get priority security or lounge access in the airport. Your first checked bag will run you $75 out of pocket, while the second is $100. The upgrade can cost as little as 7,500 Virgin points plus any associated taxes and fees (up to $180-$200 depending on the route). There is also a pull-out footrest - or if you are in the front row the attendant brings a footrest all of your own. Economy Delight allows you to check in at Premium Economy check in desks, enjoy priority boarding, and get first dibs on overhead storage. Virgin Atlantic's remaining A350 deliveries will feature a total of 407 seats, including: 16 Upper Class business class seats. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. However, premium economy passengers have reported receiving them on daytime flights across the Atlantic. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. Or stay connected and power-up your personal playlists. Unlike passengers in Virgin's Upper Class cabin, those in the Premium cabin weren't entitled to enter the lounge, so my lounge experience isn't factored into the score of this section. DAL appears to be using a 767-400 and VA uses the A330-300 to LHR and the A330-200 to MAN. British Airways: No (for non-Silver and Gold customers) Norse Atlantic: No. I had a glass of the Casa Piero sauvignon blanc from Spain, which was bright and crisp. is The Points Guy's Global News Editor and is based in London. There was the standard recline, the legrest option and a footrest option. Find Reward Seat Availability If you're looking for reward flights for your air miles, we'll monitor your flight dates and send you an alert when seats become available . This was a brand-new aircraft for Virgin. It consists of 48 seats in total; six rows in a 2-3-2 configuration, one row configured 2-2 and the front bulkhead row, 18, only has two seats, 18A and 18C. I got a glass of prosecco, which was tasty and light and fit on one of the armrests. And while our site doesnt feature every company or financial product available on the market, were proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward and free. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. Tickets with Cheap Flight Tickets. 9. Each seat is 21 inches wide and has a 38-inch recline. Cookie statement | This kit contains the essentials: an eye mask, brush, pen, earplugs, toothbrush and toothpaste. [flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Amenities and IFE" tpg-rating="12" tpg-rating-max="15" screen="13.3" movies="104" tv-shows="140" live-tv="No" tailcam="Yes" headphones="Yes" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" /]. Executives hint at an answer. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). Ron says: March 5, 2020 at 3:51 am . Upon boarding, crew told passengers that to celebrate the launch of the A350 into service, Wi-Fi would be free for all passengers for the flight. This Virgin Atlantic A330-300 configuration features 3 classes including Upper Class, Premium Economy, and Economy seating options. Inside, they were pretty standard economy-size lavatories with no special features or extras. Enjoy 3 more inches than the rest of economy. NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539, NMLS Consumer Access|Licenses and Disclosures, California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #60DBO-74812, Property and Casualty insurance services offered through NerdWallet Insurance Services, Inc. (CA resident license no. Find the best seat wiht our Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330-300 (333) seating chart. The seats are wide, the drinks are cold, and the atmosphere is calming. 3 reasons to fly premium economy (and 1 reason not to), early retirement due to the coronavirus pandemic, 6 features that set the 787 Dreamliner apart from the rest, install an entire new Premium cabin on the A330-200s, Virgin Atlantic reveals 5th A350 destination, from London (LHR) to New York (JFK) on the A350, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Hot options seemed to be carb heavy: rice, two kinds of penne pasta and what appeared to be a chickpea dish. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. Related reading: Virgin Atlantic reveals 5th A350 destination. Virgin's Premium Economy seat dimensions are 18-21 inches seat width, 38 inches legroom. Meanwhile, the rest of the seats in the Premium cabin had just a pedal attached to the seat in front there was no legrest. One of the primary reasons to book premium economy instead of economy is to get a larger seat with more legroom. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Though there was some wait during peak times (after meal services and before landing), they quickly dissipated. Choose Economy Classic for the great value service you know and love, including 23kg baggage allowance, plus hand luggage and free seat selection. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. With 35 seats in total in a slightly staggered 2-3-2 configuration, the cabin is cozy and compact. Heres what you need to know about Virgin Atlantic premium economy so you can decide whether it's worth booking for your next international flight. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. The section's increased seat recline feature was NOT hampered by being in the last row in front of a solid wall separating it from the economy seats, and the extra recline definitely offers extra comfort for sleeping. Virgin cramped up the cabin and seat by shrinking the width of its Premium seats to just 18.5 inches. The lack of AC power in economy and tight legroom can be deal breakers for many and 7,500 points is a great deal on flights as long as London-New York or Delhi. I tried a bite of it and didn't go back. Additionally, I was a fan of some of the small design features of the seat. The upgrade can cost as little as 7,500 Virgin points plus any associated taxes and fees (up to $180-$200 depending on the route). The Airbus A330neo will be the first aircraft in Virgin Atlantic's fleet with a brand-new Upper Class seat, a refreshed social space, and The Retreat Suite - the most . . And that starts while still on the ground. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. It consists of 48 seats in total; six rows in a 2-3-2 configuration, one row configured 2-2 and the front . Additionally, because I was in the bulkhead row, my inflight-entertainment screen could be ejected from underneath the armrest. This works out at just 62.50 per person per flight. Top picks: Similar to the best economy seats, before the aircraft went into early retirement due to the coronavirus pandemic, the winner in this category was, without doubt, the tiny, exclusive Premium cabin on the upper deck of the legendary 747. After being one of the first carriers to introduce a proper premium economy cabin, Virgin launched its A350 with new seats, larger inflight-entertainment screens and a supposedly more comfortable experience. If you'd rather speed through the airport using Premium check in desks and priority boarding (to get first dibs on overhead storage), Economy Delight offers all this, plus extra legroom on board. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. View the current offers here. Plus Ups are excluded. The new tool can search both Virgin Atlantic and Delta reward availability for direct flights from the UK. This seat has an additional 4" of legroom compared to Economy Class seats. But what about the middle ground between the two: Virgin Atlantic premium economy? Virgin Atlantic advertises that premium economy passengers get "premium" headphones. To start, there was only one option: a Cajun pasta salad of fusilli, mixed leaves and mustard vinaigrette. Just before landing, the cabin crew came around with a final treat: Swizzels Love Hearts. . Instead, Virgin let passengers connect their phone to the screen via Bluetooth and then control it from there. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Use this seat map to get the most comfortable seats, legroom and recline before booking. Taiwan's EVA Air and the UK's Virgin Atlantic were the ones who pioneered the in-between service class in the early 1990s, . The desks were well-staffed, and there was no queue, so I went with the more personal approach and spoke to an agent who was extremely friendly and welcoming. I swear I was considering going back and taking a forward facing seat in Premium Economy. Based on TPG's most recent valuations, those points were worth $103, not a bad return. Other aspects of the "soft" product are also improved, such as priority service in the airport, an amenity kit and better headphones. He published over 2,000 articles on The Points Guy before becoming a freelance writer. Economy vs. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. Baggage 1 x 10kg hand luggage 2 x 23kg checked bag* Priority baggage delivery. Breeze through security with CLEAR lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more. Top picks: 20A, 20K or row 25. Hours of entertainment for everyone. Upgrades for infants not occupying a seat will be charged at: Economy to Premium - 1,000 points per flight Premium to Upper Class - 2,500 points per flight This is changing from 23rd August. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. Legroom and recline before booking offers that appear on the Points Guy 's Global News Editor and based! 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