Love at First Flight – Virgin Atlantic
When it comes to travel, the pre- departures preparation is indisputably very important. Within the pre-departures prep is, of course, is choosing the perfect airline. Whenever I think about making a trip across the Atlantic back to the U.K there are many airlines for me to choose from. I could go with the American carriers, like Delta, American, United, and U.S airways or I could travel to another part of Europe with let’s say, Alitalia the famous Italian airline or with Germanys world rebound, Lufthansa. Now, don’t get me wrong, all of these airlines are fabulous to travel with and each offer a unique onboard experience, but for me there is only one airline that will satisfy my needs and get me fully prepared for my arrival in the U.K and that is Virgin Atlantic. In today’s post we will explore the history of virgin, the inflight experience, and the top destinations for this youthful yet extraordinary airline.
History:
Virgin Atlantic came around in 1984 and was in a joint partnership with British Airways. At that time the only flights the airline operated were between London and the Falkland Islands. Later in 1984 the company was bought by its current owner, Sir Richard Branson. The maiden flight of Branson’s new company was on June 22nd 1984 with service to Newark Liberty International from London’s Gatwick. Since that maiden flight the company have expanded and now has mixed destinations to North America, the Caribbean, Africa the middle east and Asia. Today at any large international airport you will see the Virgin Atlantic team preparing for their takeoff to a lavish destination or a homeward bound journey to their main hubs, London’s Heathrow and Gatwick. The Airline also has a secondary home at Manchester’s International Airport.
Types of Aircrafts-
The Virgin Atlantic crew use a variety of aircrafts to get their passengers to their particular destinations. Check out this Link to get more details on each aircraft listed blow,
Boeing 747-400(London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast)
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Airbus A340-600
Airbus A330-300
The Dreamliner is my personal favorite aircraft currently. In April I had the cool experience to fly on Virgin’s new Dreamliner from New York JFK to London Heathrow in the premium economy cabin. The aircraft has larger windows, more legroom, and updated features like chargers on the seats in front. My next favorite aircraft would be the 747 or also known as the jumbo jet. The jumbo jet is actually pretty old but to me it’s still really cool! The 747 has some seats on the upper deck and then on the regular cabin deck there is also a lot more room so passengers can get comfortable, especially on long-haul flights from L.A to London. The airbus aircrafts listed are also great cabins to fly in and so if you find out you’re in one of these aircrafts for your next vacy don’t be disappointed!
On Board:
Well while you’re in the process on booking your first virgin Atlantic flight you’ll want to know which cabin you’d like to call home while in the air, so let me introduce you to the cabins on virgin Atlantic.
Upper Class Cabin:
The Upper Class Cabin is the chief and most prestigious cabin on virgin Atlantic. If your ticket has upper class on it, you’ll most likely be turning left when you enter the aircraft. Once you’ve arrived at your seat, you will enjoy some preflight refreshments including Cru Champagne or Bucks Fizz. After take-off and you are airborne upper class crew will offer you pre dinner drinks which includes a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. At some point during the beginning of the flight you will also be given a menu which comprises of starter, main course and pudding selections for you to choose from. If the three course meal is not your cup of tea, then maybe the Upper Class bar is a better fit for you. Upper Class members are able to get up during the flight and sit by the bar which offers a selection of drinks and snacks including, crisps, savory nibbles, sweet treats and fresh fruit. After your stomach has been delighted you can enjoy the relaxation of your upper class suite. If you’re feeling a little sleepy after a early wake up at Heathrow or a busy day in New York then the Upper class bed is perfect for you. At the touch of a bottom you can make your upright seat into one of the longest beds in any business class. Ask the crew to wake you up so you can refresh yourself before arriving in the hustle and bustle of Los Angles or the hot temperatures of Dubai. If your traveling for business the upper class cabin offers a seat power sockets and lives news feed so you can stay update with your work and still enjoy the luxuries of the cabin. And, if your just trying to occupy yourself while on your long haul flight to Miami, you can enjoy the virgin Atlantic entertainment system which offers 300 hours of movies, television and music! But if you don’t want to sit down the entire flight head to the bar to chat with crew and other upper class members and before you know it you’ll have arriving at your destination.
Another cool element of Upper Class is that you can pre-book a chauffeur to pick you up from your house or office and it will drop you off right at the doors of the airport. Most of the destinations that you fly to will offer this service but make sure to check the virgin Atlantic website to see if you can get a chauffeur.
Costs of the Upper Class Cabin vary on the season and current deals but, if you can I would highly recommend flying upper class at least once with Virgin Atlantic.
Premium Economy Cabin:
The Premium Economy Cabin is the second highest cabin with Virgin Atlantic. This is cabin is great for people who want more leg room but don’t want to travel in the upper class cabin. When you arrive at the airport , a smooth check in process is guaranteed with Premium Economy having a separate check in from economy. Once on the board the aircraft you will have a large leather seat so rest. The virgin PE seats are also one of the largest out of all the airlines and have been known for their class comfort. While in the air PE passengers can charge their phones and use the on board Wi-Fi or watch movies, T.V., or listen to music on the entertainment system. In this cabin you will also be greeted with preflight drinks including orange juice or sparkling wine. Once in the air the crew will come around and offer you a drink of your choice accompanied with some pretzels (a personal favorite). After the crew will come around with a menu for you and from their you will receive a choice of a meat option or vegetarian option with the appetizer and pudding of the day. If your traveling on a night flight then when you wake up you will be served a small breakfast option, if you’re on a day flight a lunch will be provided for you.
Costs for the Premium Economy Cabin also vary but, in my opinion this cabin is the perfect balance of comfort and economic efficiency!
Economy:
The Economy cabin is the most popular cabin with Virgin Atlantic and has the most seats on aircrafts. I enjoy this class because even though it’s a economy cabin it still entails that virgin Atlantic sparkle that most airlines lack. Everyone will have a bottle of water when you arrived on the aircraft to keep you hydrated while in the air. Just like the other cabins you will have the choice of pre-dinner drinks and tasteful pretzels. After you will be served your meal with a meat or vegetarian choice. After your meal enjoy the entertainment system or go for a sleep with the provided pillow and blanket. One of my favorite parts about being in Economy is during the flight from London Heathrow to JFK , about halfway through the flights the crew will offers the FAB ice-lolly, it’s very delightful and very unique!
Costs for the Economy cabin will likely be the best price for people, epically families and youth travelers. Now, I know that other Airlines may have cheaper prices but, those other airlines do not include the dazzling experience that Virgin Atlantic has to offer. So, for me, the choice is crystal clear.
Destinations:
Las Vegas (LAS)
Orlando (MCO)
Atlanta (ATL)
Boston (BOS)
Los Angeles (LAX)
Miami (MIA)
New York Newark (EWR)
New York JFK (JFK)
San Francisco (SFO)
Seattle (SEA)
Washington D.C (IAD)
Delhi (DEL)
Hong Kong (HKG)
Shanghai (PVG)
Johannesburg (JNB)
Dubai (DXB)
Lagos (LOS)
London Gatwick (LGW)
London Heathrow (LHR)
Manchester (MAN)
Glasgow (GLA)
If you liked what you saw on today’s blog about Virgin Atlantic, I highly recommend that the next time you take a trip to consider this very lavish airline and the next time you are at an international airport make sure you say to hello one of the crew members!
Next Week’s Post: Coolest Airports in Europe
Well, that’s all from the Takeoff section today, come back next week to check out the coolest Airports in Europe!
Ciao,
Ash
