Travelers, especially those embarking on long-haul flights, have often debated the value of upgrading from standard economy to premium economy. For Virgin Atlantic, its premium economy experience, dubbed “Premium Economy,” promises an upgraded journey without the hefty price tag of business class. But is this upgrade truly worth the cost? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy, highlighting its key benefits, fees, and competitors to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy
Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy is a step up from standard economy, offering a more personalized experience with enhanced amenities, comfort, and flexibility. This class is situated in a dedicated cabin between economy and business class, featuring wider seats and more legroom to provide a more affordable luxury experience.
Key Features Of Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy
While Premium Economy lacks some of the opulence associated with Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class (business class), it boasts several notable enhancements over economy:
- Wide leather seats with ample legroom (38 inches of pitch, 8 inches wider, and 180-degree recline)
- Three-course meals with fine wines, customized by celebrity chefs
- Priority check-in, baggage handling, and boarding
- Dedicated overhead bins for stowing carry-on luggage
- 240V USB power outlets and in-seat power for charging personal devices
- Complimentary toiletry kits, earplugs, and a sleep mask
Unique Virgin Atlantic Perks
In contrast to other airlines, Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy offers a few distinctive touches:
- Curated In-Flight Entertainment, with a wider selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games
- Upgraded Cabin Crew, with crew members trained to provide exceptional service in the Premium Economy cabin
- Priority Disembarkation, allowing Premium Economy passengers to disembark the aircraft more quickly
Routing, Scheduling, And Pricing
Virgin Atlantic operates its Premium Economy product on a variety of short- and long-haul routes. However, to get the best value from this upgrade, it’s essential to understand the airline’s premium economy pricing policy.
- Fares: Premium Economy fares typically fall between economy and business class prices. In many cases, you can expect to pay around 50-80% more than the equivalent economy ticket for a one-way journey in Premium Economy. Prices vary depending on factors such as route, travel season, and seat availability.
- Route Coverage: Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy is available on a range of global routes, including flights to North America (e.g., New York, Los Angeles, and Boston), the Caribbean (e.g., Barbados and St Lucia), and destinations within Europe.
- Upgrade Options: Upgrade to Premium Economy can be possible for economy ticket holders, depending on seat availability. Prices for upgrades may vary significantly from buying Premium Economy outright.
Is Premium Economy Worth The Upgrade Cost?
Whether or not Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy is worth the upgrade cost for you depends on your priorities as a traveler. If comfort and some luxurious touches without the hefty price tag of business class are essential to your flying experience, then Premium Economy may be the perfect option.
Some quantifiable metrics to help with your decision:
| Class | Seat Pitch (in) | Price (Round-Trip London to New York) |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin Atlantic Economy | 31-32 | $600-$800 |
| Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy | 38 | $1,400-$2,000 |
| Virgin Atlantic Upper Class (Business) | 82 (flatbed) | $2,800-$4,000 |
Based on these estimates, upgrading from economy to Premium Economy comes with a 50-100% price increase, compared to a 150-300% increase going from economy to business class.
Competitor Comparison
While this article focuses on Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy, the decision to upgrade might be influenced by how the airline’s offering stacks up against its competitors. Two notable competitors offering similar products are:
- British Airways’ World Traveller Plus: Known for its amenities and spacious seats, BA’s offering presents similar comfort levels at competitive prices.
- American Airlines’ Premium Economy: Although more restrictive, American’s Premium Economy still offers a comfortable upgrade at a slightly higher price point.
Reviewing Reviews And Testimonials
As part of your research, it is helpful to take a look at former passengers’ experiences with Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy. Websites like Skytrax, Trustpilot, or Google Reviews feature reviews and ratings on past passengers’ experiences with this class.
Positive reviews frequently highlight the spacious seats, high-quality meals, priority boarding, and comfortable cabin atmosphere as reasons to choose Premium Economy.
Tips for Upgrading to Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy
While upgrading to Premium Economy involves extra costs, travelers can apply a few tips to make the process smoother:
– Book Early: Pricing may vary based on demand, so it’s best to lock in your Premium Economy seat early to avoid increased prices.
– Check the Upgrade Options: If you hold an economy ticket, check if upgrading to Premium Economy is possible, as prices for this may be favorable.
– Monitor Competition: Before committing, review the offerings and prices of Virgin Atlantic’s competitors to make the most informed decision.
Conclusion
While Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy presents an enhanced travel experience for those demanding greater comfort and luxury, it’s crucial to prioritize your needs and compare costs when making this decision. Although upgrading from economy may not offer drastic comfort changes, the refined in-flight experience offered by Premium Economy can elevate your long-haul flights and make Virgin Atlantic’s offering worth your money.
What Is Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy And How Does It Differ From Economy Class?
Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy is a higher tier of seating on the airline’s long-haul flights that offers more legroom, wider seats, and priority check-in and boarding. Unlike Economy Class, Premium Economy offers more comfort and amenities, making it an attractive upgrade option for passengers. The main difference between the two classes is the increased legroom, as Premium Economy seats have an extra 4-6 inches of legroom compared to Economy Class seats.
In addition to the increased legroom, Premium Economy passengers also enjoy priority check-in and boarding, which can save them time and hassle at the airport. They also have access to a separate check-in counter and bag drop area, making the overall airport experience more efficient. With Premium Economy, passengers can also expect more personalized service from the flight attendants, as the cabin is generally less crowded than Economy Class.
What Are The Benefits Of Upgrading To Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy?
Upgrading to Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy can offer several benefits, including increased comfort and more personalized service. With more legroom and wider seats, passengers can stretch out and relax on long-haul flights, reducing fatigue and jet lag. Additionally, Premium Economy passengers have access to priority check-in and boarding, which can save them time and hassle at the airport.
Upgrading to Premium Economy can also enhance the overall flying experience, as passengers have access to a more extensive menu and wine list, as well as a wider selection of in-flight entertainment options. Furthermore, Premium Economy passengers can also take advantage of extra baggage allowance and earn more Flying Club miles, making it a worthwhile upgrade for frequent flyers. With Premium Economy, passengers can enjoy a more premium flying experience without the hefty price tag of Business Class.
How Much More Does It Cost To Upgrade To Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy?
The cost of upgrading to Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy can vary depending on the route, travel dates, and time of booking. However, on average, passengers can expect to pay between £200-£500 more than the Economy Class fare. Upgrades can be done at the time of booking or later, either online or through the Virgin Atlantic call center.
It’s worth noting that upgrading to Premium Economy can sometimes be more cost-effective than booking a Premium Economy ticket from the start. Passengers who book an Economy Class ticket and then upgrade to Premium Economy at a later time may get a better deal. Additionally, passengers with elite status in the Flying Club loyalty program may be eligible for discounts or free upgrades to Premium Economy.
Is Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Worth The Upgrade Cost?
Whether or not Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy is worth the upgrade cost ultimately depends on the passenger’s personal preferences and priorities. If comfort and personalized service are top priorities, then upgrading to Premium Economy may be a worthwhile investment. However, if budget is a concern, passengers may be able to find a better value in booking a different airline or traveling in Economy Class.
For frequent flyers, upgrading to Premium Economy may be a worthwhile investment, as the extra comfort and amenities can significantly improve the flying experience. Additionally, passengers who are celebrating a special occasion or are traveling on a long-haul flight may find the upgrade cost to be a worthwhile indulgence. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade to Premium Economy should be based on individual circumstances and priorities.
What Are The Food And Drink Options Like In Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy?
The food and drink options in Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy are more extensive than in Economy Class, with a menu that features a range of international cuisine. Premium Economy passengers have access to a choice of three meals, which are designed by celebrity chefs and are accompanied by a selection of fine wines.
In addition to the meal options, Premium Economy passengers also have access to a selection of snacks and beverages throughout the flight, including afternoon tea and a pre-landing breakfast. The in-flight bar serves a range of cocktails, beers, and wines, which can be enjoyed with the in-flight entertainment options. With Premium Economy, passengers can enjoy a more satisfying dining experience on long-haul flights.
What Is The Quality Of The In-flight Entertainment In Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy?
The in-flight entertainment options in Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy are extensive, with a range of movies, TV shows, music, and games available on personal screens. Premium Economy passengers have access to a larger screen than Economy Class passengers, as well as noise-cancelling headphones to enhance the viewing experience.
The in-flight entertainment system offers a wide range of options, including blockbuster movies, international TV shows, and music from around the world. Passengers can also use the in-flight Wi-Fi to stay connected with friends and family, check emails, or get some work done. With Premium Economy, passengers can enjoy a more engaging and entertaining in-flight experience.
Can I Earn Loyalty Points Or Miles By Flying Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy?
Yes, passengers can earn loyalty points or miles by flying Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy. As a member of the Flying Club loyalty program, passengers can earn miles on Premium Economy flights, which can be redeemed for future flights, upgrades, or other travel rewards.
Premium Economy passengers also earn more miles than Economy Class passengers, making it a worthwhile upgrade for frequent flyers. The exact number of miles earned will depend on the route and travel dates, but Premium Economy passengers can expect to earn significantly more miles than Economy Class passengers. With Premium Economy, passengers can enjoy a more rewarding flying experience.