Virgin Atlantic Economy Meal Review

When embarking on a long-haul flight, one of the most common questions that comes to mind is: "What will the food be like?" For many travelers, the in-flight meal can significantly impact the overall journey, turning a standard trip into a more enjoyable experience. If you're flying Virgin Atlantic Economy, you're likely wondering what culinary delights await you at 35,000 feet.

This comprehensive Virgin Atlantic Economy Meal Review will unpack everything you need to know about the food and drink service, helping you set realistic expectations and perhaps even look forward to mealtime on your next flight.

Your Virgin Atlantic Economy Meal Review: Setting the Scene

Virgin Atlantic aims to make its Economy class experience more than just a seat from A to B. Beyond comfortable seating, in-flight entertainment, and friendly service, the airline puts considerable effort into its meal offerings, striving for a "Econo-yummy" experience. They focus on providing good quality food, consistently prepared with simple, seasonal ingredients and presented elegantly.

Complimentary meals, snacks, and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are included with your Virgin Atlantic Economy ticket on long-haul flights.

Diving into the Virgin Atlantic Economy Meal Service

Virgin Atlantic's meal service in Economy is designed to keep you well-fueled throughout your journey, offering a balance of light, healthy dishes and comforting favorites.

What's on the Menu? A Typical Offering

On long-haul flights, you can expect a full meal service, which typically includes a starter, a choice of hot main courses, and a dessert. Virgin Atlantic usually offers two hot main courses, with at least one vegetarian option always available. Some reports indicate a choice of three hot main dishes.

Past and seasonal menu highlights have included:

• Marinated chicken breast in sunblush tomato cream sauce.
• Porcini garlic mushroom macaroni cheese (vegetarian option).
• Sausage and colcannon mashed potato with gravy and braised red cabbage.
• Tomato and mascarpone pasta with pesto and cheddar.
• Chicken and mushroom pie with truffle, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and greens.
• Pan-roasted cod with panang sauce.
• Pumpkin girasoli (stuffed pasta).
• Teriyaki chicken with jasmine rice.
• Maple syrup glazed potato wedges with beef chili.
• Mushroom, cream, and garlic pasta.

Meals are often accompanied by a bottle of water, cheese, and bread.

Beyond the main meals, Virgin Atlantic also provides snacks and a wide array of beverages. You can choose from soft drinks, fruit juices, fizzy drinks, and a selection of hot beverages like coffee and Twinings tea. For those looking for a tipple, complimentary red, white, and rosé wines, as well as premium spirits like Bombay Sapphire gin and Jack Daniel's bourbon, are available. They even offer non-alcoholic Lucky Saint beer.

A standout feature is their signature Mile High Tea, often served on flights from the UK to the USA and Caribbean. This delightful offering typically includes dainty finger sandwiches, a warm scone with clotted cream and jam, and a decadent chocolate truffle. On some flights, it might be an individual box with teatime snacks like wraps, crisps, and a sweet treat. Depending on the flight duration and time, you might also receive a breakfast box or a light meal later in the journey. Daytime flights might also feature a "movie treat" like ice cream or sweets.

Beyond the Standard: Special Meal Requests

Virgin Atlantic is well-equipped to cater to various dietary needs, offering a comprehensive range of special meals. These include:

• Vegetarian (lacto-ovo)
• Vegan
• Gluten-intolerant
• Lactose-intolerant
• Kosher
• Halal
• Hindu (non-vegetarian and vegetarian)
• Muslim
• Vegetarian Jain
• Low fat
• Low sodium
• Diabetic
• Fruit platter
• Child meal
• Baby meal
• Pureed meal

It's crucial to request special meals in advance. Most special meals require a minimum of 24 hours' notice before departure, while Kosher meals need 48 hours' notice. You can typically order these through the "Manage My Booking" section on the Virgin Atlantic website.

The Verdict: Quality, Taste, and Portions in Virgin Atlantic Economy

So, how does Virgin Atlantic's Economy food stack up? Reviews are generally positive, with some variation.

Taste Test: Flavor Profiles and Freshness

Many travelers find the food to be of "decent and good quality for the money spent." Some describe the meals as "good" and "excellent for economy class." For instance, a chicken curry was noted for being well-seasoned, and the rice not too dry. Virgin Atlantic aims for "creative twists on British and international classics," made with quality fresh ingredients.

However, taste is subjective, and some reviews mention dishes being "a bit too bland" or "not particularly noteworthy or impressive." One traveler found a pasta dish "smothered in an excessive amount of cheese" and "very bland."

Portion Sizes: Will You Be Satisfied?

Portion sizes are a common point of discussion on any airline. While some find the meals satisfying, others have noted that portions can be "a bit small." The aim is to ensure you don't arrive at your destination on an empty stomach, with offerings like the main meal followed by a light meal or afternoon tea.

Presentation Matters: A Look at the Meal Tray

Virgin Atlantic strives for an elegant presentation of its Economy meals. While airline meals are inherently constrained by space and logistics, the airline aims to serve dishes "with a flourish." The meal often comes with a full tray including a starter, main, dessert, and accompaniments.

Maximizing Your Virgin Atlantic Economy Meal Experience

Want to make the most of your in-flight dining? Here are a few tips:

• Pre-order Special Meals: If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, always pre-order your special meal well in advance (at least 24-48 hours before your flight). This ensures your specific needs are met.
• Check Seasonal Menus: While not always published far in advance, Virgin Atlantic does change its menus seasonally.
• Stay Hydrated: Beyond the meal service, flight attendants regularly offer drinks. Make sure to stay hydrated throughout your flight by drinking plenty of water.
• Bring Your Own Snacks: Even with comprehensive meal service, having a few favorite snacks on hand can be a lifesaver, especially if you have specific cravings or a larger appetite.

Virgin Atlantic Economy Meal Review: The Bottom Line

Overall, Virgin Atlantic's Economy meal service is generally considered a strong offering within the economy class cabin. They provide complimentary full meals, a variety of drinks, and the much-loved Mile High Tea on many routes. While individual tastes vary, the airline strives for quality and caters to diverse dietary needs, making the journey more comfortable and enjoyable.

Have you flown Virgin Atlantic Economy recently? What was your experience with the meals? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are drinks free on Virgin Atlantic Economy flights?

Yes, on long-haul Virgin Atlantic Economy flights, a wide selection of drinks, including soft drinks, juices, hot beverages, wines, and spirits, are complimentary.

Can I request a special meal on Virgin Atlantic?

Absolutely! Virgin Atlantic offers a comprehensive range of special meals for various dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and halal. You can request these through the "Manage My Booking" section on their website, typically at least 24 hours before your flight (48 hours for Kosher meals).

What time are meals served on Virgin Atlantic flights?

Meal service usually begins once the aircraft reaches cruising altitude. Depending on the flight duration and time of day, you can expect a main meal, followed by additional services like breakfast, a light meal, or the signature Mile High Tea closer to landing.

Is Virgin Atlantic food better than other airlines?

Many travelers find Virgin Atlantic's Economy food to be of good quality and often better than what's offered on some other airlines, contributing positively to the overall flight experience. However, taste is subjective, and experiences can vary.