Virgin Premium Economy

If you have travelled across the Atlantic and hate the long flight of 10 hours in a cramped seat with little or no room to move then upgrading to Virgin Atlantic Premium economy may be the way forward for you.

Premium Economy was introduced by Virgin as the middle class on all their flights (not Upper class or Economy). Most families can’t afford the prices of Upper class, but would still like the extra room that Premium Economy gives them. Seat Pitch is increased from 32 inches (Economy) to 38 Inches (Premium Economy).

Having flown Premium Economy once before I must say that I was surprised at how quickly we were through check in. We had our own dedicated check in and as we had got there 3 hours before this was empty. On average there are around 40 Premium Economy seats on the flights to the US. One thing we were a little disappointed with was the fact that even though you are not travelling economy you are not allowed into the lounge.

Once checked in we were sitting upstairs on the 747 (Jumbo). This proved to be very good and a much better experience than when we travelled on the Airbus downstairs. It was a lot more quiet as you have your own cabin. Once onboard you are given a pre flights champagne (very nice) and then left alone until the first drinks run. By the time the first meal had turned up I must have drank about 3 glasses of wine – not good if you are driving the other side.

Meals were the same as Economy got and no extras there. This you feel is not really what you are paying the extra money for. The seats are much bigger and more comfy, thus allowing you to get to Orlando a little fresher.

On arrival I must admit that I did feel a lot more refreshed and not so sore (as I always get a bad back on these long flights). You do have to remember not to carry on drinking too much as you do not want to be over the limit when you arrive!

Overall I would rate the service as very good value for money (out of season). When we enquired peak season the flights there and back were almost double that of off season. On average the seat will cost you around £150/ $250 per leg of your trip, which is not bad value for the length of flight. Where Virgin differs from the likes of AA and BA is you can book only the outward or return leg, this is handy if you can’t afford to do both ways. I would certainly say for large people or tall people it is a very good service for the seat alone and you really do get the extra seat pitch and leg room which helps.