Virgin Atlantic Premium A330-900 (LHR-MIA) Review
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I recently got to experience the Virgin Atlantic Premium Service in the Miami to London Heathrow direction (see previous review for flying out London). This flight went as expected, this is a solid crew, good food, and updated reclining seating.
How to Book Virgin Premium
I booked this many months before for 14,000 points and around $150 in taxes (now has increased to around $250). Points pricing is dynamic on Virgin Atlantic for their own flights, so keep an eye on your desired dates to book when the fare is tagged as a saver fare.
Flights in this class of service are typically around $1000, so it can be an excellent value on points. Pricing started around 14,000 points, and I would consider a good deal when I have fixed travel dates to be up to 30,000 points. Just be sure to compare to business class tickets, as they can be found starting at 25,000 points.
Skip the hassle of looking for flights! Use my Award Booking Concierge Service. I’ll find the flights on points and let you know exactly how to book. As an experienced traveler, I also build out custom itineraries (with or without points) that let you enjoy the trip without the planning.
Before our flight, we had the pleasure of visiting the Turkish Airlines lounge. They’ve recently updated the seating and changed the food selection, which were all welcome improvements to this lounge I’ve frequently visited. We were able to get in thanks to the Priority Pass on my Capital One Venture X card.
In-Flight Experience on Virgin
Boarding went smoothly, with premium being in group 2, way before many passengers. There was plenty of overhead bin space, even with a full cabin.
I was surprised to see that the buildings class seats were not the coffin seats, but their more updated business class product. There was also a lounge area in between business and premium.
The seats were also newer in the premium section, offering ok recline, a leg rest, plenty of legroom, wireless charging, and a power outlet. The outlet seemed universal, but didn’t work with a US plug, it needed a European adapter. There was also a USB port on the entertainment system.
Our flight departed about 20 minutes later than scheduled, but still would arrive about an hour early.
The entertainment system is touch operated and had a variety of very new movies, albeit not a huge library. It was easy to work and very clear. However it was very bright, even at the dimmest setting which could disturb other passengers.
The cabin was kept dark during the majority of the flight since it was a red eye, which was perfect for those looking to catch up on sleep. I went with catching up on movies.
Amenity Kit
Amenity kits are available for evening flights. The kit contained essentials like an eye mask, earplugs, socks, toothbrush, and toothpaste. The pouch has a simple striped design, and it is a nice touch to elevate the premium service over economy.
Food & Beverage
Upon being seated, a choice of sparkling wine or orange juice was offered. At the seats was a pillow, blanket, headphones, and an amenity kit.
About half an hour after departure, the flight crew offered beverages and a snack bag of Fritos-like chips.
An hour later, dinner service began. Orders were not taken before hand, but you could reserve your meal before the flight to ensure your preference. Options on this flight were gnocchi, cod, and chicken rice.
I went with the cod, which was good, with a mild flavor. It was accompanied by mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. The platter included salad, a cheese plate, bread, a pecan tart, and the famous jet propeller salt and pepper shakers (which do indeed say swiped from Virgin on the bottom).
You are offered a choice of beverage with the meal and after the meal. During the flight, attendants came around with water and juice to hydrate any thirsty passengers while not disturbing the sleep of others.
Instead of the tea time selection, this flight offered a full breakfast before landing. The choices were a full English breakfast, an omelette, or oatmeal. It also comes with a selection of fruit, a cinnamon bun, and a chobani yogurt.
The omelette was good and I was pleased to see it also came with additional sides ,like mushrooms. The breakfast was served an hour before landing, which is great to maximize your sleep, but not great for leaving time to use the toilet before getting ready to land.
Bottom Line
A great way to get across the Atlantic in comfort, without paying the high prices or taxes of business class to London. The food, service, and seat comfort is a big step over economy, bringing a luxurious feel to flying. The amenity kit is a nice touch for evening flights and they keep the cabin at the optimal setting for getting some sleep in before landing. I would highly recommend this flight due to the wide points availability, convenience, and great soft product.
