Virgin Atlantic Upper Class - Opinions?

[pointwilliams]

HI there

Flying to LHR in April on Virgin Atlantic Upper class, just wanted some opinions and advice on the cabin, service, any tips, anything really?

 

[Princess Fiona]

HI there

Flying to LHR in April on Virgin Atlantic Upper class, just wanted some opinions and advice on the cabin, service, any tips, anything really?

SkywalkerLAX has done a superb comprehensive Trip Report on this it is in the Travel forum
Sorry cant post link as I'm on my iPhone

 

[anat0l]

I last flew VS Upper Class in 2009, so my opinion might not be as relevant now.

In general, a good seat if you don't mind the herringbone arrangement (better if you are of the right "size", i.e. not plump).

Food is pretty boring and, if you ask me, not good at all. But there are a number of reviews out there that say that the food is quite good if not better than satisfactory.

Try the inflight bar - if only for the shiggles and possibly chatting with a few other pax (keep the noise down if it's sleeping time, though).

Amenity kits are pretty basic - just a shoe bag which you will fill with other items taken from a basket.

If you have a chance to use the Clubhouse in LHR T3 (i.e. on the way back), you'll find it's probably one of the best, if not the best, Business Class level lounge in the world, and hot on the heels of some First Class level lounges (well, mostly referring to the USA based airlines who don't know style and service if it hit them on the head). If you are arriving into LHR, you'll have access to The Arrivals lounge provided by VS.

If you've booked your Upper Class service in cash, you should be entitled to limo service on both ends of the journey. If unsure, call Virgin Atlantic and confirm this, then book as necessary.

An album of photos from my Upper Class experience is found here: FlyerTalk Photo Albums :: VS Upper Class and The Clubhouse LHR T3: LHR-HKG

As I said, these photos are from my experience in Dec 2009. The flight was LHR-HKG, leaving LHR about 2140 and arriving HKG 1700.

 

[RB]

My experience in 2011 was fine. Used points for one way trip SYD-HKG & we enjoyed it. We actually thought the food was quite good, bar was fine, amenity kit is basic & pjs were very small despite the size marked on them! The staff on our leg were very attentive

 

[openseat]

My most recent flight was SYD-HKG in January. I was surprised that the food has improved as well as the wine quality (I don't have menus). The seat I sometimes find hard to be comfortable in. They are showing their age with frayed edges and also my tray table failed - but that was ok since I was given another seat to eat meals in - some guy asked me did I know someone to be treated this way, lol.
The crew were reasonable, rather 'senior'. It was an interesting sight to see at SYD the VA crew walking through the terminal to the VA LAX flight causing heads to turn - they did look happy, motivated and smart - just like that VS 25 year commemoration advertisement. The VS crew on the other hand were not smiling and didn't look exactly motivated.

As always YMMV.

 

[The Rok]

I last flew VS Upper Class in 2009, so my opinion might not be as relevant now.

In general, a good seat if you don't mind the herringbone arrangement (better if you are of the right "size", i.e. not plump).

Food is pretty boring and, if you ask me, not good at all. But there are a number of reviews out there that say that the food is quite good if not better than satisfactory.

Try the inflight bar - if only for the shiggles and possibly chatting with a few other pax (keep the noise down if it's sleeping time, though).

Amenity kits are pretty basic - just a shoe bag which you will fill with other items taken from a basket.

If you have a chance to use the Clubhouse in LHR T3 (i.e. on the way back), you'll find it's probably one of the best, if not the best, Business Class level lounge in the world, and hot on the heels of some First Class level lounges (well, mostly referring to the USA based airlines who don't know style and service if it hit them on the head). If you are arriving into LHR, you'll have access to The Arrivals lounge provided by VS.

If you've booked your Upper Class service in cash, you should be entitled to limo service on both ends of the journey. If unsure, call Virgin Atlantic and confirm this, then book as necessary.

An album of photos from my Upper Class experience is found here: FlyerTalk Photo Albums :: VS Upper Class and The Clubhouse LHR T3: LHR-HKG

As I said, these photos are from my experience in Dec 2009. The flight was LHR-HKG, leaving LHR about 2140 and arriving HKG 1700.

VS added a new menu and inflight dining experience recently, in January this year if I remember correctly. The salt & pepper shakers are now gone, relaxed with something else. :-(

 

[pointwilliams]

Thanks everyone...can't wait for the experience, being able to lie down on such a long trip is something I'm really looking forward to!

 

[ClubClass]

Hi,

I flew last year from LGW to LAS in upper class and had a great experience. The staff were friendly and not stuck up. The food was good for airline food and the seat and pitch made my flight perfect.

I would highly recommend them .

 

[A_traveller]

I fly SYD-LHR on VA a few times a year, and, for me, are the best airline for using my points. J class seating is herringbone, in a capsule, but works fine for me. The seat flips over to form the bed, and I am able to sleep at least 7 hours on the long leg.

Food is pretty good, but I don't generally have dinner, as I'm straight to sleep. Breakfast is average.

I find the arrivals lounge at LHR to be a fantastic facility, getting a good shower and shave on landing, followed by a cooked breakfast, before picking up the hire car. The Lounge at T3 departure is fantastic with a great atmosphere, cooked dinners, a deli, and coughtail bar.

Always my first preference.

 

[pointwilliams]

Thanks again to all... Only 3 more sleeps (internal yippee)!

 

[k3nnis]

Have a great trip! I am planning to go SYD-HKG-SYD on VS Upper Class end of this year.

Thanks again to all... Only 3 more sleeps (internal yippee)!

 

[JohnK]

I did HKG-SYD recently.

Nothing special but it was OK as I used points mainly earned through car hire and Hilton stays.

- Lounge in HKG is quite OK. I ordered a sandwich and it was delicious but I have since forgotten the ingredients.
- I do not like herringbone. The seat is quite OK if you are sitting up. Once you decide to have the "bed" made though it is pretty useless if you cannot sleep.
- The middle aged crew appeared to be disinterested although the service was satisfactory. Food was OK.

I would do it again although I am keen on trying premium economy SYD-HKG at Christmas.

 

[k3nnis]

Give PE a go. I did try syd-hkg in PE and it was good. The seat is as wide as upper class to me.

 

[JohnK]

I have just been having a look at VS website. No availability in Premium economy but availability is there for business class.

I am running out of options getting to HKG on December 25 or December 26.

 

[k3nnis]

hmm just go VS J then. or when PE becomes available change to that. But not sure what the penalty may be

 

[JohnK]

I am guessing I need to stop procrastinating and to book the seat quickly. May end up losing the business class seat as well. Can try premium economy next time.

 

[k3nnis]

Yeah just book it.