The Ultimate Guide to Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy: Is It Worth It?

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Have you ever wondered if it’s worth upgrading to Premium Economy on your next long-haul flight? If you’re looking for more comfort without breaking the bank on Business Class, Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy might be the perfect solution for you. In this article, we’ll dive into all the benefits of this cabin class and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your next trip. You’ll discover how wider seats, enhanced service, and priority boarding can elevate your flying experience, making your journey more comfortable and enjoyable at a reasonable price. With years of experience in the travel industry, we’ll provide an in-depth analysis to help you make an informed decision. We’ll cover everything from the differences between Premium Economy, Economy, and Upper Class, seat features, included amenities, extra benefits, and tips on how to make the most of your flight. Ready to find out if Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy is the best choice for your next adventure? Keep reading for all the details!

The Ultimate Guide to Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy: Is It Worth It?

What is Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy?

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy, officially called “Premium,” is the airline’s mid-tier cabin class that bridges the gap between standard Economy and luxurious Upper Class. Launched in 1992, Virgin Atlantic was actually one of the first airlines to introduce a Premium Economy product, demonstrating their commitment to innovation in passenger comfort.

This cabin class offers wider seats, increased legroom, enhanced dining options, priority boarding, and other amenities designed to make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. It’s particularly valuable on long-haul flights where the extra space and improved service can significantly enhance your travel experience.

Why Choose Premium Economy?

Premium Economy vs. Economy

When comparing Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy vs. Economy, the differences become immediately apparent:

Wider seats with up to 38 inches of pitch (compared to 31 inches in Economy)
Enhanced dining with welcome drinks and premium meal service
Dedicated check-in counters for faster processing
Priority boarding before Economy passengers
Increased baggage allowance (usually two checked bags vs. one in Economy)
Superior amenity kits with premium products
Larger entertainment screens with noise-canceling headphones

These benefits can transform your flying experience, especially on overnight or long-haul flights where comfort directly impacts how rested you feel upon arrival.

Premium Economy vs. Upper Class

While Premium Economy offers significant upgrades from standard Economy, it’s important to understand how it differs from Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class:

Seat type: Premium Economy has wider recliner seats, while Upper Class offers fully-flat beds
Privacy: Limited in Premium Economy, substantial in Upper Class with suite-like seating
Dining: Premium dining in Premium Economy vs. restaurant-quality in Upper Class
Lounge access: Not included in Premium Economy but standard with Upper Class
Price: Premium Economy typically costs 30-60% more than Economy, while Upper Class can be 2-4 times the Economy price

For travelers who can’t justify the substantial cost of Upper Class but still want enhanced comfort, Premium Economy represents an excellent value proposition.

Seat Overview

Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy seats vary slightly by aircraft type, but all offer significant improvements over standard Economy seating.

A350 Premium Economy Seats

The newest addition to Virgin’s fleet features their most modern Premium Economy cabin:

38 inches of seat pitch
18.5 inches of seat width
7-inch recline
Adjustable headrests with side wings
In-seat power outlets and USB ports
13.3-inch touchscreen entertainment system
Leather upholstery with adjustable leg rests

A330 Premium Economy Seats

On the Airbus A330 aircraft, you’ll find:

38 inches of seat pitch
18 inches of seat width
8-inch recline
In-seat power outlets
10.5-inch entertainment screens
Leather upholstery

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Premium Economy Seats

The Dreamliner offers:

38 inches of seat pitch
18.5 inches of seat width
8-inch recline
Adjustable headrests
In-seat power and USB ports
11-inch touchscreen entertainment system
Enhanced mood lighting specific to the Dreamliner

The 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 seating configuration (depending on aircraft type) means fewer middle seats and easier access to aisles compared to the 3-3-3 or 3-4-3 layouts in Economy.

Amenities

Welcome Drinks

Your Premium Economy experience begins with a welcome drink served shortly after boarding. Typically, you’ll be offered champagne, orange juice, or water—a pleasant way to start your journey and a taste of the enhanced service to come.

Food & Beverage Service

Virgin Atlantic takes dining seriously in Premium Economy:

Pre-flight drink service with options including champagne
Printed menus with multiple main course options
Meals served on china dishware with proper glassware and metal cutlery
After-dinner liqueurs and complimentary wine throughout the meal
Between-meal snacks on longer flights
Pre-landing light meal or breakfast

Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice through the Virgin Atlantic customer service team. The quality and presentation of food are significantly better than Economy, though not quite at the level of Upper Class.

In-flight Entertainment (IFE)

Entertainment options in Premium Economy include:

Larger screens (10.5-13.3 inches depending on aircraft)
Noise-canceling headphones (though not as premium as those in Upper Class)
Extensive content library with movies, TV shows, music, and games
Vera, Virgin Atlantic’s entertainment system, offering hundreds of hours of content

Amenity Kits

Premium Economy passengers receive a stylish amenity kit containing:

Eye mask
Socks
Earplugs
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Pen
Lip balm and hydrating facial cream

Comfort Items

For enhanced comfort during your flight, you’ll receive:

Premium pillows (larger than those in Economy)
Soft, plush blankets
Dedicated overhead bin space

Service Experience

Check-in and Boarding

Premium Economy passengers enjoy:

Dedicated check-in desks at most airports
Priority boarding ahead of Economy passengers
Faster disembarkation upon arrival

In-flight Service

The service level in Premium Economy strikes a balance between Economy and Upper Class:

More attentive service with better staff-to-passenger ratios
Personalized attention throughout the flight
Faster response to call buttons
More frequent check-ins during long-haul flights

While not as exclusive as Upper Class service, the difference from Economy is noticeable and contributes significantly to a more pleasant journey.

Baggage Allowance

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy offers a generous baggage allowance:

Two checked bags of 23kg (50lbs) each
One carry-on bag up to 10kg (22lbs)
One personal item (handbag, laptop case, etc.)

This enhanced allowance (double the standard Economy checked baggage on most routes) provides significant value for travelers who need to pack more items or are returning with shopping purchases.

Lounge Access

Unlike some competitors, Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy does not automatically include lounge access. However, there are several ways to gain entry to Virgin Atlantic’s renowned Clubhouse lounges:

Purchase a single-use pass where available
Hold Elite status with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club or partner programs
Possess certain premium credit cards with lounge benefits
Upgrade your lounge access using Flying Club miles

If lounge access is important to you, check Virgin Atlantic’s current policies or contact Virgin Atlantic customer service for the most up-to-date information.

Upgrade Options

There are several ways to secure a Premium Economy seat:

Paying with Cash

Book directly through Virgin Atlantic’s website
Look for Premium Economy sales, which occur regularly
Consider off-peak travel times for better rates

Using Miles

Redeem Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles for Premium Economy awards
Take advantage of virgin atlantic transfer bonus promotions from credit card partners
Use miles from partner airlines like Delta SkyMiles

Bidding for Upgrades

Virgin Atlantic operates an upgrade bidding system called “Upgrade Auction” where Economy passengers can bid for Premium Economy seats. This can sometimes result in upgrades at a fraction of the regular price difference.

Pricing

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy typically costs 30-60% more than Economy, depending on the route, season, and demand. For example:

London to New York might range from £600-950 in Premium Economy compared to £350-550 in Economy
London to Los Angeles could cost £800-1,200 in Premium Economy versus £450-650 in Economy

While not inexpensive, the price difference can be worth it for longer flights where comfort becomes increasingly important.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Impact

Membership in Virgin Atlantic’s frequent flyer program, Flying Club, enhances your Premium Economy experience:

Earn more miles: Premium Economy earns 150% of the miles flown (compared to 100% in Economy)
Tier points: Accrue tier points faster toward elite status
Redemption opportunities: Use miles for upgrades from Economy to Premium Economy or from Premium Economy to Upper Class
Partner benefits: Access benefits across Virgin Atlantic’s partner airlines, including Delta Air Lines

If you fly Virgin Atlantic regularly, joining Flying Club is essential to maximize the value of your Premium Economy experience.

Who is Premium Economy Ideal For?

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy is particularly well-suited for:

Business travelers with modest corporate travel policies
Leisure travelers seeking comfort on long-haul flights
Couples celebrating special occasions without splurging on Upper Class
Tall passengers who need additional legroom
Light sleepers who benefit from the quieter, more spacious cabin
Value-conscious luxury seekers who appreciate upgraded service at a reasonable premium

Pros and Cons

Pros

Significantly more comfortable than Economy
Enhanced dining experience
Increased baggage allowance
Priority check-in and boarding
Better rest on overnight flights
More attentive service
Good value for the price increase over Economy

Cons

No lounge access included
Not a fully-flat bed like Upper Class
Can be expensive during peak travel periods
Limited privacy compared to premium cabins
Service levels can vary between flights

Comparison to Other Airlines’ Premium Economy

When comparing Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy to competitors, it generally ranks among the best:

British Airways World Traveller Plus: Virgin typically offers better food and more attentive service
Delta Premium Select: Similar quality with slight differences in seat design and amenities
Air France Premium Economy: Virgin usually provides more spacious seating
Lufthansa Premium Economy: Virgin offers a more stylish experience with better amenities
American Airlines Premium Economy: Virgin typically ranks higher for food quality and service

Virgin Atlantic’s longtime experience with Premium Economy shows in the refinement of their product, though some newer entrants are closing the gap.

Conclusion

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy strikes an excellent balance between comfort and value. With significantly enhanced seating, superior dining, increased baggage allowance, and improved service over Economy, it’s an appealing option for travelers who want more comfort without the substantial cost of Upper Class.

Whether you’re flying from London Heathrow to JFK or exploring other routes served by Virgin Atlantic, Premium Economy can transform your journey from merely tolerable to genuinely enjoyable. Check Virgin Atlantic flight status before your trip, and consider enhancing your itinerary with this upgraded experience.

Ready to experience Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy for yourself? Book your next adventure today and discover how a little extra comfort can make a world of difference in your travel experience.