Is Virgin Economy Delight Worth It? A Deep Dive for Savvy Travelers

Are you planning a Virgin Atlantic flight and wondering if shelling out a bit extra for Economy Delight is truly worth it? In the world of airline fares, where every inch and every minute counts, making the right choice for your comfort and convenience can significantly impact your travel experience. This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about Virgin Economy Delight, helping you decide if it's the smart upgrade for your next journey.

We've all been there: crammed into a standard economy seat, counting down the minutes until landing. Virgin Atlantic, understanding this common traveler's dilemma, introduced Economy Delight as a middle-ground option, promising more comfort and convenience without the full premium price tag. But does it deliver on that promise? Let's explore.

What is Virgin Economy Delight?

Virgin Atlantic offers three distinct economy fare types: Economy Light, Economy Classic, and Economy Delight. Economy Delight is positioned as the most premium option within the economy cabin, designed for travelers seeking enhanced comfort and convenience. It's crucial not to confuse it with Premium Economy, which is a separate cabin entirely.

So, what exactly do you get when you choose Economy Delight?

Key Features of Economy Delight

• Extra Legroom: This is often the biggest draw. Economy Delight seats offer a 34-inch seat pitch, which is typically 3 inches more than Economy Classic or Light seats (which have up to 31 inches). While 3 inches might not sound like much, it can make a noticeable difference, especially on long-haul flights, allowing taller passengers more room to stretch.
• Free Seat Selection: Unlike some lower economy fares, Economy Delight allows you to select your seat for free at any time, from the moment you book. This means you can secure your preferred window or aisle spot without extra fees.
• Priority Check-in: Economy Delight passengers benefit from priority check-in, often with dedicated desks or access to Premium facilities at major hubs like Heathrow Terminal 3. This can significantly reduce your time spent queuing at the airport.
• Priority Boarding: You'll be among the first economy passengers to board the aircraft, typically after Upper Class and Premium passengers. This can be a huge advantage for securing overhead bin space for your carry-on luggage.
• Checked Baggage: Like Economy Classic, Economy Delight includes one 23kg (50lb) checked bag. This is a key differentiator from Economy Light, which is hand luggage only.
• Complimentary Food and Drink: All Virgin Atlantic economy fares, including Delight, come with complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
• In-flight Entertainment & Amenities: You'll have access to Virgin's extensive in-flight entertainment system, including movies and TV shows, along with a blanket, pillow, and headphones. In-seat power for your devices is also typically available.
• Flying Club Miles & Upgradability: Economy Delight tickets generally earn more Virgin Flying Club miles than lower economy fares and are upgradeable to Premium or Upper Class using miles.

Economy Delight vs. Economy Classic: The Real Differences

The core decision for many travelers often boils down to Economy Classic versus Economy Delight. While both include a checked bag, free seat selection, and complimentary food/drinks, Economy Delight adds those crucial elements of extra legroom, priority check-in, and priority boarding.

Consider the following:

• Legroom: The 3 inches of extra seat pitch in Delight can be a game-changer for taller individuals or anyone who values the ability to stretch out, especially on long-haul flights.
• Airport Experience: Priority check-in and boarding streamline your airport journey, reducing stress and wait times. If you dislike queues or travel with carry-on luggage that you want to ensure fits in the overhead bins, these perks are valuable.
• Cost: The price difference between Economy Classic and Economy Delight varies but can range from £40 to £100 per flight, or more, depending on the route and booking time. For instance, a round trip from JFK to LHR might see Delight costing about $100 more than Classic.

When Is Virgin Economy Delight Worth It?

Deciding if Economy Delight is worth the extra cost depends heavily on your personal travel priorities and the specifics of your trip.

• Long-Haul Flights: For journeys lasting several hours, the additional 3 inches of legroom can significantly improve comfort and reduce fatigue. If you're flying transatlantic or beyond, this comfort upgrade is often cited as a major benefit.
• Taller Travelers: If you're over 6 feet tall, that extra legroom isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity for a tolerable flight. Many tall travelers report that it makes a "painful experience into an excellent one".
• Travelers Who Value Efficiency: If you despise airport queues and want a smoother, faster experience from check-in to boarding, the priority services offered by Delight can be highly appealing.
• Those with Carry-On Bags: Priority boarding ensures you get early access to overhead bin space, which can be crucial on full flights where space is at a premium.
• If the Price Difference is Minimal: Sometimes, the cost difference between Classic and Delight isn't substantial. In such cases, the added perks of Delight become a "no-brainer". It's always worth checking the exact price difference for your specific flight.
• Families (especially with young children): While not explicitly stated for families, priority boarding can be helpful for settling kids and their belongings, and the extra legroom might provide a bit more space for restless little ones.

When Might You Skip Economy Delight?

• Short-Haul Flights: For shorter flights (e.g., within Europe, if Virgin offered them), the benefits of extra legroom and priority services might not justify the additional cost.
• Budget-Conscious Travelers: If your primary goal is the absolute lowest fare and you don't mind standard comfort levels or airport queues, Economy Classic or even Economy Light might be more suitable.
• If You Can Get an Exit Row Seat: Some travelers suggest that if you're looking for maximum legroom, an exit row seat (which might be purchasable with an Economy Light or Classic fare for a fee) could offer more workspace than Economy Delight, though this depends on availability and aircraft type.
• If You Are Using Points/Miles: Currently, Economy Delight cannot be booked directly with Virgin points or upgraded from a Classic award ticket using cash or miles, which is an "odd restriction". If you're redeeming points, you'll likely be booking into Economy Classic.

Conclusion: Making Your Decision

Is Virgin Economy Delight worth it? For many, especially on long-haul flights, the answer is a resounding yes. The combination of extra legroom, priority services, and the peace of mind that comes with a smoother airport experience can significantly enhance your journey. While it's not a full Premium Economy experience, it offers a tangible upgrade from standard economy without the much higher price tag.

Ultimately, the value of Economy Delight comes down to your personal priorities and budget. If comfort, convenience, and a less stressful travel day are high on your list, then paying the extra for Virgin Economy Delight is likely a worthwhile investment.

Have you flown Virgin Economy Delight? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the main difference between Virgin Economy Classic and Economy Delight?

A1: The main differences are that Virgin Economy Delight offers extra legroom (34-inch seat pitch vs. 31 inches), priority check-in, and priority boarding, in addition to the benefits of Economy Classic like free seat selection and a checked bag.

Q2: Can I upgrade to Economy Delight using Virgin Flying Club miles?

A2: Currently, Virgin Atlantic Economy Delight cannot be booked directly with Virgin points or upgraded from an Economy Classic award ticket using cash or miles. However, Economy Delight tickets themselves are generally upgradeable to Premium or Upper Class using miles.

Q3: Is food and drink included with Virgin Economy Delight?

A3: Yes, complimentary meals, snacks, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included with all Virgin Atlantic economy fares, including Economy Delight.

Q4: How much more legroom do you get with Virgin Economy Delight?

A4: Virgin Economy Delight seats offer a 34-inch seat pitch, which provides approximately 3 inches more legroom compared to the standard 31-inch pitch found in Economy Light and Classic seats.