As a travel blogger, I have had the opportunity to fly with many different airlines and I have been curious to find out if Virgin Atlantic is a good airline or not.
In this review, I will be discussing my personal experience with Virgin Atlantic and the airline’s history, size, and fleet.
Overview of Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic is a British airline based in Crawley, United Kingdom.
It is the second largest long-haul airline in the United Kingdom, behind British Airways.
The airline serves over 30 destinations in the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East.
Fleet of Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic operates a modern fleet of aircraft, including Airbus A330-300, Airbus A340-600, Boeing 787-9, and Boeing 747-400.
The airline also operates a number of cargo aircraft, including Boeing 747-400F and Boeing 767-300F.
Pros of Flying Virgin Atlantic
Flying with Virgin Atlantic is a great experience for travelers looking for a reliable, comfortable, and enjoyable flight.
As an avid traveler, I have flown with Virgin Atlantic multiple times and can attest to the great service they provide.
Excellent Customer Service
Virgin Atlantic is well known for their excellent customer service.
On board, flight attendants are always friendly and helpful, and they go above and beyond to make sure passengers have a pleasant flight.
They are also very attentive to any special requests or needs that passengers may have.
Additionally, the ground staff are very helpful and accommodating.
Comfortable Seats and Amenities
The seats on Virgin Atlantic flights are very comfortable, with plenty of legroom and adjustable headrests.
The cabins are also well-maintained and clean.
In addition, the airline offers a variety of amenities, such as blankets, pillows, and complimentary drinks and snacks.
In-Flight Entertainment
Virgin Atlantic offers a wide selection of in-flight entertainment, ranging from movies and TV shows to music and games.
Passengers can also access the internet and stay connected during their flight.
The airline also offers a variety of meals and snacks, so passengers can enjoy a delicious meal during their flight.
Loyalty Program
Virgin Atlantic has an excellent loyalty program, which rewards frequent flyers with points that can be redeemed for discounts and other benefits.
The airline also offers a variety of special offers and deals, so travelers can save money on their flights.
Smooth Flight Experience
I have had the pleasure of flying with Virgin Atlantic multiple times, and have always had a smooth and enjoyable flight experience.
The flight attendants are always friendly and helpful, and the cabin is always clean and comfortable.
The in-flight entertainment is great, and the meals and snacks are delicious.
I have also had great experiences with the ground staff, who are always accommodating and helpful.
Cons of Flying Virgin Atlantic
Limited Flight Routes
Virgin Atlantic offers limited flight routes, especially from the US.
Most of their flights are concentrated on the East Coast, with the majority of their flights departing from New York and Washington DC.
This means that if you’re traveling from the West Coast, you may have to take a connecting flight to get to your destination.
In the UK, Virgin Atlantic operates primarily out of London Heathrow and Manchester airports, so if you’re looking to fly from a different location, you may have to take a connecting flight which can be inconvenient.
High Prices
Virgin Atlantic flights tend to be more expensive than other airlines. Virgin Atlantic is a premium airline and their prices can be higher than other airlines, especially for premium seating options like Upper Class.
This is especially true for flights from the US to Europe, where the prices can be significantly higher than other airlines.
This can be a major deterrent for budget travelers who are looking for a more affordable option.
Limited Destinations
Although Virgin Atlantic flies to a number of destinations around the world, its network is still smaller compared to some of the larger airlines, which may limit your options if you’re looking to fly to a specific location.
FAQs
What is the cost of tickets on Virgin Atlantic?
The cost of tickets on Virgin Atlantic can vary depending on the route, class of travel, and time of year.
Generally, tickets start from around £250 for short-haul flights, and from around £400 for long-haul flights.
Prices can increase during peak times such as school holidays, so it’s always best to book in advance to get the best deal.
What are the fees for checked baggage on Virgin Atlantic?
Virgin Atlantic charges fees for checked baggage on most flights.
The fees depend on the route, class of travel, and the number of bags.
For short-haul flights, the fee for one bag is £20, and for long-haul flights, the fee for one bag is £35.
Additional bags will incur an extra fee.
Does Virgin Atlantic have a loyalty program?
Yes, Virgin Atlantic has a loyalty program called Flying Club.
Flying Club members can earn points for flights and other purchases, which can then be redeemed for rewards such as upgrades, free flights, and discounts.
Members also get access to exclusive offers and discounts.
What is Virgin Atlantic’s baggage allowance?
Virgin Atlantic’s baggage allowance depends on the route, class of travel, and membership level.
Generally, economy class passengers are allowed one piece of hand luggage and one piece of checked baggage, with a maximum weight of 23kg for checked baggage.
Upper-class passengers are allowed two pieces of hand luggage and two pieces of checked baggage, with a maximum weight of 32kg for checked baggage.
Does Virgin Atlantic offer any promotions or discounts for booking flights?
Yes, Virgin Atlantic offers promotions and discounts for booking flights.
Customers can take advantage of special offers and discounts on flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Customers can also sign up for the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, which offers rewards and discounts on flights and other services.
Additionally, customers can join the Virgin Atlantic Credit Card program, which offers discounts on flights and other services.
What is Virgin Atlantic’s policy for changing or canceling flights?
Virgin Atlantic’s policy for changing or canceling flights depends on the type of ticket purchased.
For tickets purchased through the Virgin Atlantic website, customers can make changes or cancel their flights up to 24 hours before their scheduled departure.
For tickets purchased through a travel agent or other third party, customers must contact the agent or third party to make changes or cancel their flights.
Additionally, customers may be subject to change or cancellation fees depending on the type of ticket purchased.
How comfortable are the seats on Virgin Atlantic’s planes?
Virgin Atlantic offers comfortable seating on its planes.
The airline offers a variety of seating options, including Economy, Premium Economy, and Upper Class.
Economy seats feature adjustable headrests, reclining seats, and adjustable leg rests.
Premium Economy seats feature additional legroom and recline further than Economy seats.
Upper-Class seats feature extra-wide seats, adjustable leg rests, and a personal entertainment system.
Does Virgin Atlantic have in-flight entertainment options?
Yes, Virgin Atlantic offers in-flight entertainment options.
Customers can enjoy a variety of movies, TV shows, music, and games on their personal seatback screens.
Additionally, customers can access the Virgin Atlantic Wi-Fi network to access the internet and stream content from their personal devices.
Does Virgin Atlantic serve meals on its flights?
Yes, Virgin Atlantic serves meals on its flights.
Depending on the type of flight and the route, meals may include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
Economy passengers receive complimentary meals and drinks, while Upper-Class passengers receive a menu of freshly prepared dishes with a selection of wines, spirits, and beers.
Does Virgin Atlantic offer WiFi on its flights?
Yes, Virgin Atlantic offers WiFi on its flights. Passengers can purchase WiFi access for the duration of their flight.
WiFi access is available on all Virgin Atlantic planes, including the A330, A340, and A350 aircraft.
Does Virgin Atlantic allow advance seat assignments?
Yes, Virgin Atlantic allows passengers to select their seats in advance.
Passengers can select their seats when they book their flights, or they can log in to their account and select their seats at any time before their flight.
Does Virgin Atlantic allow pets on its flights?
Yes, Virgin Atlantic allows pets on its flights, but only on certain routes.
Pets must be approved by the airline in advance and must meet certain requirements.
Pets must be kept in a pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of the passenger, and the pet must remain in the carrier for the duration of the flight.
How friendly and helpful is the airline’s staff?
Virgin Atlantic’s staff are known for their friendly and helpful attitude.
They are always willing to help passengers with any queries they may have and have been praised for their excellent customer service.
Passengers have reported that the staff are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that their journey is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Does the airline offer any special services for travelers with disabilities?
Yes, Virgin Atlantic offers a range of services for travelers with disabilities. These include special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, wheelchair assistance, and a range of other services. Passengers can contact the airline in advance to arrange any additional assistance they may require.
How easy is it to book a flight with this airline?
Booking a flight with Virgin Atlantic is very easy.
Passengers can book their flights online, by phone, or in person at one of the airline’s many ticket offices.
The airline also offers a range of flexible payment options, making it easy for passengers to pay for their flights.
What is the airline’s on-time performance record?
Virgin Atlantic has an impressive on-time performance record, with over 90% of its flights arriving on time.
The airline is committed to providing a reliable service and works hard to ensure that its flights are on time.
Passengers can check the status of their flight online, or contact the airline for more information.
Does Virgin Atlantic have a good safety record?
Yes, Virgin Atlantic has a good safety record.
The airline has received numerous awards for its safety standards, including the AirlineRatings.com award for the “Best Long-Haul Airline” in 2017.
Virgin Atlantic also has an excellent record of on-time performance, with an average on-time rate of over 90%.
What is Virgin Atlantic’s policy for lost or damaged luggage?
Virgin Atlantic’s policy for lost or damaged luggage is to reimburse passengers for any reasonable expenses incurred as a result of the delay or loss.
If the luggage is lost, passengers can claim up to $2,000 per passenger in compensation.
If the luggage is damaged, passengers can claim up to $1,000 per passenger in compensation.
How extensive is Virgin Atlantic’s route network?
Virgin Atlantic’s route network is quite extensive, with flights to over 30 destinations in the United Kingdom, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the United States.
The airline also has codeshare agreements with several other airlines, allowing passengers to connect to even more destinations.
Does Virgin Atlantic have any partnerships with other airlines or hotel chains?
Yes, Virgin Atlantic has several partnerships with other airlines and hotel chains.
The airline has codeshare agreements with several airlines, including Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Australia.
Virgin Atlantic also has partnerships with several hotel chains, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, and IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Final Thoughts
The staff were friendly and helpful, and the flights were comfortable and on time. The in-flight entertainment was great, and the food was tasty.
An alternative airline to consider is British Airways, as both airlines are based in the UK and operate transatlantic flights.
Here’s a video review of this airline.
I would definitely recommend flying with Virgin Atlantic for anyone looking for a good airline experience.