Virgin Premium Economy Honest Review: Is the Upgrade Truly Worth It?

Are you tired of cramped economy seats but can't quite justify the hefty price tag of business class? You're not alone. Many travelers find themselves in this exact dilemma, searching for that sweet spot of comfort and value. Virgin Atlantic's Premium Economy aims to bridge this gap, promising an elevated experience without breaking the bank. But does it deliver? This comprehensive Virgin Premium Economy honest review will cut through the marketing jargon and give you the real scoop, helping you decide if this mid-tier cabin is the right choice for your next journey.

What is Virgin Premium Economy?

Virgin Atlantic was a pioneer in introducing the Premium Economy concept back in the 1990s, recognizing a demand for something more than standard economy but less luxurious (and costly) than their Upper Class. Today, Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy is a distinct cabin class designed to offer a more comfortable, spacious, and enjoyable travel experience. It's positioned as a middle ground, providing enhanced seating, priority services, and upgraded dining, making it ideal for travelers seeking more comfort without the full business class price.

The Booking Experience & Pre-Flight Perks

The journey in Virgin Premium Economy starts well before you even step on the plane.

Dedicated Check-in and Priority Boarding

One of the immediate benefits of flying Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy is the dedicated check-in counters, which can significantly reduce your time in line at the airport. Once check-in is complete, you'll also enjoy priority boarding, typically in Group 2, allowing you to settle into your seat and stow your carry-on before the main rush.

Generous Baggage Allowance

Forget worrying about baggage fees for that extra souvenir! Virgin Premium Economy tickets typically include a more generous baggage allowance than standard economy. Passengers are generally allowed two checked bags, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs), along with one carry-on bag weighing up to 10 kg (22 lbs). This can be a significant advantage, especially for longer trips or if you tend to pack a bit more.

Lounge Access: A Key Consideration

This is where expectations often differ. While "Premium" might suggest lounge access, Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy tickets do not automatically include complimentary lounge access to their exclusive Clubhouse lounges. These lounges are generally reserved for Upper Class passengers or high-tier Flying Club Gold members.

However, there are workarounds. You might be able to purchase lounge access at select airports, or gain entry through certain credit card benefits or elite status with partner airlines. So, if pre-flight lounge relaxation is a must-have for your Virgin Premium Economy experience, be sure to check your options and plan accordingly.

Onboard Experience: The Seat

The seat is arguably the most critical component of any Virgin Premium Economy review. Is it truly a step up?

Virgin Atlantic's Premium Economy cabin features wider leather seats with significantly more legroom and recline compared to standard economy. You can expect a seat pitch of approximately 38 inches, which is up to 7 inches more legroom than what you'd find in most long-haul economy seats. The seat width typically ranges from 18.5 to 21 inches, depending on the aircraft type (Airbus A330, A350, or Boeing 787 Dreamliner), offering a noticeable improvement in personal space.

The seats also come with an adjustable headrest and a footrest. While some reviews mention the absence of a full leg rest on certain aircraft, the recline of 7-8 inches still allows for a more comfortable resting position than economy. The dedicated Premium Economy cabin also contributes to a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere, which can make a big difference on long-haul flights.

Furthermore, each seat is equipped with a personal entertainment screen (often a 13.3-inch HD screen), power outlets, and USB ports, ensuring your devices stay charged and you have plenty of entertainment options throughout your journey.

Onboard Experience: Food & Drink

Virgin Atlantic aims to elevate the dining experience in Premium Economy beyond what you'd find in the main cabin.

Upon boarding, you'll typically be offered a welcome drink, often a glass of sparkling wine or juice. Once airborne, expect a three-course meal served on china with proper metal cutlery and a linen napkin, a definite upgrade from the usual plastic trays. Menus usually offer a choice of three main entrees, including a vegetarian option. For long-haul flights, a second meal service, such as breakfast or afternoon tea, is also provided.

Complimentary alcoholic beverages, including wines, beers, and spirits, are available throughout the flight. On some aircraft, you might even find a self-service snack area, sometimes referred to as the "Wander Wall," offering a selection of drinks and snacks. And for a quirky touch, Premium Economy passengers often receive the iconic Virgin Atlantic airplane-shaped salt and pepper shakers, Orville and Wilbur.

Onboard Experience: Service & Amenities

Beyond the seat and food, Virgin Premium Economy offers several "soft product" enhancements.

You'll generally experience an attentive cabin crew dedicated to the Premium cabin, aiming for a more personalized service. While not as bespoke as Upper Class, it's a noticeable step up from economy.

For night flights, Virgin Atlantic provides an amenity kit, which typically includes essentials like an eye mask, earplugs, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a pen to help you settle in for a restful journey. A pillow and blanket are also provided at your seat. The headphones offered are also an upgrade from those in economy, providing better sound quality.

The Verdict: Is Virgin Premium Economy Worth It?

So, after this Virgin Premium Economy honest review, is the upgrade truly worth the additional cost?

Pros:

Significantly More Space: The wider seats, increased legroom (38-inch pitch), and enhanced recline offer a much more comfortable experience, especially on long-haul flights.
Improved Dining: Meals served on china with metal cutlery, a welcome drink, and complimentary alcoholic beverages elevate the inflight meal experience.
Priority Services: Dedicated check-in, priority boarding, and increased baggage allowance streamline your airport experience.
Enhanced Comfort Features: Power outlets, USB ports, larger entertainment screens, and amenity kits (on night flights) add to the overall comfort.
Value Proposition: It strikes a balance, offering a substantial upgrade from economy at a price point significantly lower than Upper Class. Many find it offers 70-80% of Upper Class comfort at nearly half the price.

Cons:

No Complimentary Lounge Access: This is a common point of contention for many expecting an "all-inclusive" premium experience.
Seat Consistency: While generally good, seat width and the presence of a full leg rest can vary slightly by aircraft type.
Service Level: While improved, it's not the highly personalized service you'd receive in Upper Class.

Who is Virgin Premium Economy for? Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy is an excellent choice for:

Long-haul travelers: The extra space and comfort make a significant difference on longer flights, allowing you to arrive more refreshed.
Budget-conscious travelers who prioritize comfort: If you want more than economy but can't justify business class, this is a fantastic middle ground.
Travelers with extra baggage: The increased baggage allowance can save you money and hassle.
Business travelers: It offers a more conducive environment for rest or work than standard economy.

Ultimately, Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy offers a notable enhancement over standard economy, providing increased comfort and a more refined experience that many travelers find well worth the extra investment. It’s a smart choice for those seeking to elevate their journey without the full splurge of Upper Class.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy worth the extra cost?

A: For many travelers, especially on long-haul flights, Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy is indeed worth the extra cost. It offers significantly more legroom, wider seats, an upgraded dining experience, and priority services compared to standard economy, all at a price point considerably lower than Upper Class.

Q2: Do you get lounge access with Virgin Premium Economy?

A: No, complimentary lounge access is not automatically included with a Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy ticket. Lounge access is typically reserved for Upper Class passengers or Flying Club Gold members. However, you may be able to purchase access separately or use a credit card with lounge benefits.

Q3: What is the baggage allowance for Virgin Premium Economy?

A: Passengers in Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy are generally allowed two checked bags, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs), and one carry-on bag weighing up to 10 kg (22 lbs). This is a notable increase compared to standard economy fares.

Q4: Is the food better in Virgin Premium Economy than in Economy?

A: Yes, the food in Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy is an upgrade from standard economy. You'll typically receive a three-course meal served on china with metal cutlery, a welcome drink (like sparkling wine), and complimentary alcoholic beverages throughout the flight.