Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Review- Worth it? (A330)
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Is it worth the extra points or cash to book a premium economy flight? The premium economy experience can vary drastically between different airlines. Here’s my experience on Virgin Atlantic’s Airbus A330, premium economy, from LHR to MIA.
I was truly impressed. I had flown economy with Virgin Atlantic from MIA to LHR, which was by no means luxurious, but adequately comfortable. Premium Economy felt like a huge step up on the return flight.
How I Booked: NCE-LHR-MIA
I snagged this seat during an award sale for 22,500 virgin points and 205.46 euros, on the connecting itinerary NCE-LHR-MIA, with the first leg being in Air France economy. To compare, the economy price on the same route was 15,800 virgin points and 221.69 euros.
Ground Service in London Heathrow
While I was able to get a mobile boarding pass for the Air France flight, I had to see a gate agent during my connection to get a boarding pass for the next flight on Virgin. Lo and behold, I got the dreaded SSSS on my boarding pass. Despite having already been through multiple security screenings, I would now be subject to another one before boarding. During the two hour layover we first went to the No1 Lounge, but it was full, so they were directing Priority Pass members to the Club Aspire Lounge. The Club Aspire Lounge (T3) had a continental breakfast style spread.
When it was time to board we headed to the gate. Boarding was a bit chaotic and ran late so it was ironically nice to be penned off from the rest of the passengers in a more secure screening area while we waited for the plane to be ready. Another perk was being able to board first as we were already cleared and by the gangway.
On Board the Airbus 330
The cabin is a 2-3-2 configuration. The seats are quite wide, comfortable, and offered a lot of recline. The inconvenience with the recline is that if the person in front of you decided to fully recline their seat then it was very obtrusive. There is also a foot rest and plenty of leg room. When you arrive at your seat there is a pillow, blanket, and headphones. I was in seat 22A.
Once getting seated, I was promptly offered a beverage, and I gladly started with a glass of champagne. Upon takeoff we were given a snack and a wide selection of beverages to choose from; I got a fever-tree ginger ale.
Dining in Premium Economy
I had pre-chosen my meal a few weeks before the flight, and they had it ready for me first before proceeding to distribute meals to the rest of the cabin. In the photo you can see the options of a breaded chicken with potatoes, a pork chili, or truffle macaroni and cheese. It is the truffle mac and cheese that I selected beforehand, and I highly recommend it! This is the vegetarian meal option.
The meal also came with hummus and bread as a starter, a cheese plate, and a lemon dessert. Also to note are the super cute salt and pepper shakers shaped like air plane propellers. All the food was served in real dishes and with proper cutlery which really elevated the experience. I choose wine to go with my meal, which was fine, but it was from a canned selection. Available throughout the flight was the ‘Wander Wall,’ in the galley by the restroom, which had a self-service selection of chips, snacks, water and juice.
Entertainment System
Now as someone who watches movies the entire flight, the entertainment display was a serious let down. Navigation was cumbersome by means of a remote. The screen had poor picture quality and was difficult to see due to some kind of privacy screen, especially since they kept the lights on for the entire flight as it was a daytime flight. There was enough of a selection of films to keep me busy throughout the flight.
Virgin Atlantic Tea Time
I was most looking forward to the tea time I had heard about Virgin Atlantic serving in premium economy. It was indeed served towards the end of the flight. The options vary between the sweeter ‘Mile High Tea’ and the more savory ‘Mile High Picnic.’ I went with sweet, as did the majority of the cabin. The desserts were quite good, and the sandwich was fine. You are then offered a beverage of choice. I’m not typically a tea drinker, so I went a little more unorthodox to fill my craving for something bubbly, a beer. The BrewDog Lost Lager was rather good and gave me the energy to push past the jet lag.
Would I book premium economy again?
We landed on time and I felt well rested, in fact I unpacked that very same day. I wouldn’t hesitate to book another premium economy flight on Virgin Atlantic, although I would probably bring my own entertainment.
If you are looking to get a more premium travel experience without upgrading your cabin, I would suggest you check out my article here on airport lounges. Researching your lounge options beforehand can make sure you board having already eaten, had some bubbly, a nap, or even a shower.
