Onboard Virgin Atlantic, flying isn’t just about reaching your destination—it’s about enjoying the journey. From their eye-catching aircraft names like “Purple Rain” to the stylish and quirky cabins, Virgin makes sure every mile is filled with personality and flair. With a dash of boldness, a splash of colour, and a whole lot of charm, they’re not your typical airline.
Virgin Atlantic shows us how travel can be a little more fun and a lot more fabulous.
I am in love with their salt and pepper shakers!
The Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350-1000 Upper Class is notable for its modern design, premium amenities, and innovative features. Here are the key details about the Virgin A350 Business Class.
Virgin A350 Business class
Is the upper class of Virgin A350 Business Class?
Yes, Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class is essentially the airline’s business class, but with a unique twist. While it offers all the premium services and amenities you’d expect from business class—such as luxurious seats, priority boarding, fine dining, and access to exclusive lounges—Upper Class goes beyond traditional business class in terms of style, comfort, and extra features.
Naming and Fleet Details
Virgin Atlantic’s Airbus A350-1000 fleet is as vibrant and personality-driven as the airline itself, with each aircraft carrying a unique name that reflects its brand’s flair and character. Here’s a breakdown of the names tied to their respective tail numbers:
- G-VBOB: Soul Rebel
- G-VDOT: Ruby Slipper
- G-VEVE: Fearless Lady
- G-VJAM: Queen of Hearts
- G-VLIB: Lady Emmeline
- G-VLUX: Red Velvet
- G-VNVR: Wendy Darling
- G-VPOP: Mamma Mia
- G-VPRD: Rain Bow
- G-VRNB: Purple Rain
- G-VTEA: Rosie Lee
Notes on the Naming Theme
Virgin Atlantic is known for its playful and imaginative naming conventions, often inspired by pop culture, British heritage, and Virgin’s quirky brand ethos. For example:
- Ruby Slipper (G-VDOT): Likely a nod to The Wizard of Oz.
- Wendy Darling (G-VNVR): A reference to Peter Pan.
- Purple Rain (G-VRNB): A tribute to Prince’s iconic song and album.
- Rosie Lee (G-VTEA): A Cockney rhyming slang for tea, tying into British culture.
How These Aircraft Names Enhance the Experience
Virgin’s naming strategy adds to the sense of fun and exclusivity for passengers. Boarding an aircraft with a unique and memorable name creates a talking point, adding to the airline’s reputation as a trendy and innovative brand.
These names add a touch of character to the fleet, enhancing the charm of Virgin Atlantic’s brand.
Virgin A350 Upper Class Suite Overview
The Upper Class suite on the A350-1000 has been crafted to provide a personal retreat for every passenger. Here are the features:
1. Window-Facing Seats
- Every suite is angled toward the window, offering unobstructed views and a sense of privacy.
- The cabin features 44 Suites in a reverse herringbone 1-2-1 layout, ensuring direct aisle access for all passengers.
2. Modern Design and Mood Lighting
- The suites come with enhanced privacy screens, creating a semi-enclosed space for uninterrupted comfort. It is not a fully enclosed suite. It is however private enough.
- Virgin’s signature mood lighting is adjustable, allowing passengers to customize the ambiance to their liking.
3. Entertainment and Technology
- Each seat includes an 18.5-inch touchscreen monitor with high-definition visuals.
- Passengers can connect Bluetooth headphones to enjoy the extensive entertainment library, including movies, TV shows, and music. Each seat is equipped with two USB ports, a universal plug socket, and an aux socket, which is very convenient.
4. Space and Storage
- Compartments provide space for personal items.
- The layout ensures everything is within easy reach, enhancing the in-flight experience.
The Neon Lights
- Virgin Atlantic’s signature mood lighting is a hallmark of the Upper Class experience.
- Color Scheme: A dynamic blend of reds, purples, and soft whites transitions throughout the flight to match the time of day or night. It kind of reminds me a little bit of the air new zealand 777 300er business experience i had a few years back.
- Purpose:
- Creates a relaxing environment that reduces fatigue.
- Adds to the sleek and modern aesthetic of the cabin.
Seating Comfort and Bed Mode
- Seat Dimensions:
- Width: 20 inches.
- Bed Length (Fully Flat): Approximately 82 inches (just under 7 feet).
- The seat converts into a fully flat bed, complete with premium bedding and a soft duvet, ensuring a restful sleep. Whether sitting or lying down, passengers enjoy maximum comfort throughout the flight.
Sustainability
- Virgin Atlantic highlights the fuel efficiency of the A350-1000, which burns significantly less fuel than older wide-body aircraft, aligning with the airline’s sustainability goals.
Key Advantages
- Modern Interior Design: The A350-1000 cabins feature Virgin’s iconic red and purple lighting, contributing to a relaxing and stylish atmosphere.
- Enhanced Air Quality: The A350-1000 boasts advanced cabin pressurization and filtration systems, which reduce jet lag.
- Noise Reduction: The aircraft is quieter than previous models, enhancing the inflight experience.
Virgin A350 Upper Class Seat Maps & Configuration
Virgin Atlantic’s Airbus A350-1000 comes in two configurations for its Upper Class cabin, with The Loft being a feature of one setup and The Booth on the other.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of both configurations:
Comparison: The Booth vs. The Loft
| Feature | The Booth | The Loft |
| Purpose | Private space for two, focused on intimacy | Social lounge for up to six, ideal for mingling |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | 6 |
| Unique Amenities | Personalized service for dining or drinks | 32-inch TV with Bluetooth and tailcam |
| Availability | Four A350 aircraft | Seven A350 aircraft |
The Loft – Virgin A350 Upper Class
The Loft replaces Virgin’s traditional onboard bar with a modern, multipurpose lounge. It’s a standout feature on seven of Virgin Atlantic’s A350 aircraft. These are the tail numbers:
G-VDOT
G-VJAM
G-VLUX
G-VPOP
G-VPRD
G-VRNB
G-VTEA
Features of The Loft
Social Space: Designed for passengers to gather, relax, and socialize.
Seating: Offers comfortable sofa-style seating for up to six people, with seatbelts for turbulence.
Dining Option: You can enjoy a drink or dine here with friends or fellow travelers.
Entertainment: A 32-inch touchscreen TV where you can:
Watch a selection of shows or live flight footage via the tailcam.
Connect Bluetooth headphones for private listening.
Experience:
The Loft is ideal for passengers who want to stretch their legs, socialize, or enjoy a shared experience during the flight. Its sleek, vibrant design complements Virgin’s signature mood lighting. The loft is located behind seats 11D and 11G.
The Booth – Virgin A350 Upper Class
The Booth is a luxurious, private space designed for two passengers in Upper Class. It offers a cozy and exclusive environment, perfect for:
- A romantic dinner at 35,000 feet.
- Enjoying a change of scenery from your seat during the flight.
Features of The Booth
- Seating for Two: Intimate, semi-private seating arrangement with a small table.
- Dining Experience: Ideal for shared meals, featuring tailored service.
- Mood Lighting: Complemented by Virgin’s iconic cabin lighting to enhance the ambiance.
- Design: Stylish and modern, with Virgin Atlantic’s signature quirky and bold touches.
How Virgin Tailors the Experience
Virgin Atlantic’s inclusion of both The Loft and The Booth reflects its commitment to offering diverse premium experiences:
- The Loft: For passengers who enjoy mingling and a lively atmosphere.
- The Booth: For those seeking a quieter, more personal experience.
These features showcase Virgin Atlantic’s innovative spirit and appeal to travelers who value quirky, customizable options in their premium cabin experience.
Best Seats in Virgins A350 Upper Class
For Privacy:
- Window Seats (A or K): Ideal for solo travelers seeking solitude and scenic views. 1A or 1K has a tad more leg room.
I would avoid 1D and 1J as they face the toilets 🥴
For Social Travelers or Couples:
- Center Seats (D and G): Designed for shared experiences, with a retractable divider for flexibility.
Dining and Service
Virgin Atlantic elevates the in-flight dining experience with dine-on-demand service and touch screen ordering. You can also order snacks and drinks from the touch screen which saves the back and forth from the cabin crew. Passengers can choose from a curated menu of gourmet dishes inspired by global cuisines. Meals are served on fine tableware, complemented by an excellent selection of beverages.
Barista-Style Coffee: Freshly brewed coffee is available, along with a variety of premium wines and spirits.
Salt and Pepper Shakers
Virgin Atlantic is famous for its quirky salt and pepper shakers shaped like mini airplanes. They make a great and unique gift to travellers. 🫢
Design Details:
- Made of shiny silver material with a retro design.
- They’re stamped with the words “Pinched from Virgin Atlantic” at the bottom, a playful nod to passengers tempted to take them home.
What Makes Virgin Atlantic Quirky?
- Playful Branding:
- Neon mood lighting gives the cabin a fun, nightclub-like vibe.
- Cheeky elements like the “Pinched from Virgin Atlantic” salt and pepper shakers and witty in-flight announcements showcase its sense of humor.
- Social Spaces:
- Features like the Loft and The Booth encourage mingling, which appeals to extroverts and travelers looking for a social experience.
- Some passengers, however, prefer a quieter, more private environment.
- Cabin Crew Personality:
- Virgin’s crew is known for being friendly, fun, and casual, which creates a relaxed atmosphere but may feel less formal compared to airlines like Singapore Airlines or British Airways.
- Design Choices:
- The bold purple and red lighting and avant-garde cabin designs exude a youthful, modern aesthetic. Some might find this energizing, while others might prefer the understated elegance of carriers like Lufthansa or Cathay Pacific.
The airline has built its brand around a fun, playful, and unconventional approach to air travel. From the unique and creative names of their aircraft, such as “Ruby Slipper” and “Purple Rain”, to the stylish and vibrant cabin designs, Virgin Atlantic embraces individuality and personality. They also incorporate elements like mood lighting, bold colour schemes, and spaces like The Loft and The Booth in their A350-1000, which set them apart from other airlines.
Additionally, their customer service and marketing campaigns tend to be more casual and informal compared to traditional, corporate brands, further reinforcing their quirky and distinctive image. Its quirkiness is a big part of what makes Virgin Atlantic stand out in the airline industry.
Who Loves Virgin Atlantic?
- Young Professionals and Creatives:
- The vibrant branding, fun atmosphere, and modern style appeal to travelers who want an enjoyable journey rather than just transportation.
- Couples or Honeymooners:
- The Loft and social spaces provide a romantic, unique experience perfect for celebrating special occasions.
- Solo Adventurers:
- The private suites and friendly crew make it appealing for independent travelers who want a mix of privacy and social options.
Who Might Find Virgin Less Appealing?
- Traditionalists:
- Passengers who prefer a classic, understated luxury (like British Airways or Lufthansa) might find Virgin’s branding too bold or unconventional.
- Business Travelers:
- While Virgin Atlantic caters to premium passengers, some business travelers prefer the more formal tone offered by competitors like Qatar Airways or Singapore Airlines.
- Introverts:
- Social areas like the Loft or onboard bar may feel unnecessary or intrusive for those who prefer quiet and solitude.
General Reviews
Pros:
- Comfortable Seats: Passengers praise the spacious suites and lie-flat beds, noting excellent sleep quality.
- Dining Experience: The à la carte menu and beverage selection are consistently rated highly, with standout offerings like premium champagne and barista-style coffee.
- Innovative Spaces: Both the Loft and Lounge are beloved for offering something beyond the standard cabin experience.
- Service: Virgin’s cabin crew is often described as friendly, fun, and attentive, enhancing the premium feel of the flight.
- Ambiance: The mood lighting and cabin design win praise for their stylish and relaxing qualities.
Cons:
- Privacy in Middle Seats: While ideal for couples, the middle suites can feel less private due to their proximity to one another. If you are travelling in couples you literally have to twist to talk to your companion, so that is quite uncomfortable.
- Half Sliding Doors: Half Sliding doors do not enclose the suite, compared to mini-suites on other airlines.
- Footwell Space: Some passengers mention the footwells are a bit tight in bed mode, especially for taller individuals.
- Loft/Lounge Access: These social areas may feel underutilized on flights where passengers prefer staying in their suites.
- Lack of Storage: There are overhead lockers in the middle aisles so there is ample of space to store belongings there, however unlike other premium airlines they lack compartment enclosed spaces within the suite itself. The shelves that they provide next to the seat must remain empty at take off and landing.
- Tray table: Whilst sturdy and easy to slide out it does not adjust back and forth. This means you cant have it closer or farther away from you.
Final Verdict: Is Virgin Atlantic for Everyone?
Not necessarily—but that’s part of its charm. Virgin Atlantic is perfect for travelers who want to break from tradition and enjoy a journey that’s stylish, fun, and luxurious. For those seeking a more serious or traditional luxury experience, airlines like British Airways, Singapore Airlines, or Qatar Airways QSuites might be a better fit.
Virgin Atlantic isn’t just an airline—it’s an experience. With its bold, quirky style, innovative cabin designs, and commitment to making air travel enjoyable, it continues to stand out in a crowded sky. Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, Virgin Atlantic makes sure you’re not just reaching your destination, but enjoying the journey in a way that only they can deliver.
Finally, if need help packing, feel free to download this ultimate travel packing list for some items and tips you may not have considered!
Happy travels!
