What a great, informative and well produced report - thank you! I've avoided Virgin for a number of years due to several poor experiences but I would consider them again, especially when flying to the States, mainly due to the lack of quality competitors. It's refreshing to see a report that's predominantly focussed on the product rather than the reviewer themself (unlike those from a number of self-absorbed, 'look at me!' reviewers e.g. Josh Cahill, Non-stop Dan etc.)
Awesome review. 3 round trip flights from Tampa to LHR. Since they started the service. Virgin service has been superb. And we have flown on 3 of their newest A 330-900 NEO’s. Next trip from Tampa to LHR shortly and we will be in Upper Class.
This is finally flying directly to my home town, Tampa! It looks terrific! However, I fly home every year to Manchester and clearly they don't want the northern folk flying to the south to board this plane. Because they have like zero connections. The best going from Tampa to Manchester via Heathrow ended up with a wait of like six hours for a connecting flight. I'd love to be able to experience this product, but we still are left with the dreadfully worn out A300-300s to Atlanta. But you are right. I fly Virgin for the food, sure, but the flight attendants are simply the BEST in the air. Warm, friendly, not a snooty one among them. Best anecdote was when this lovely flight attendant saw my cup of tea, she wrinkled her nose and said, let me get you a builders brew in a mug. I could have hugged her. A small humorous touch like that made my flight. Eventually I am sure we will get the neo, but for some reason, Manchester is the orphan child for these planes. Which is a shame. Because they do great business. But I get it. They want American tourists. And let's face it, most want to go to London first.
have heard varying views of virgin atlantic. your flight made me feel better about v.a. i am a bit of a menu collector, so thanks for not rushing through the menu. glad you had a great flight. will be watching for more of your vids, as you are veryyyyyy easy on the eyes.
Just flew Upper Class Seattle to London and back. Service and food were exceptional, and blew the competition from BA out of the park. Very, very good!
Thanks for the trip report. Flying the same route next month and scheduled on a neo on the return flight. Was great to see what we might expect in terms of cabin layout.
Flown upper class to Antigua and flying again next year to St lucia. These have been on the 777 and next years is an a330-300 so both herringbone. Would love to try a newer product when in upper class, but prefer the old models in premium economy as the seats are wider.
Reminds me of the flights I took to Hong Kong in the late 1990’s early 2000 was always a wonderful journey experiencing the large well cushioned seats the herringbone sleeper seats. The on flight massage and the bar… never did work out hoe to plat backgammon when experiencing turbulence. Does the lounge still have the Cow Shed hair dressers - was a great experience cut a haircut while enjoying some very chilled Landon
And sadly the hair dressers have been replaced with Peleton bikes! I also remember those times, along with the epic long upper class cabins on the A340.
@@thedesignairvideo that is sad the Cow Shed was great place have a haircut and glass of bubbly. Yes saw that the bar had gone. Never saw any one playing backgammon when they had the settee and games table there (late 1990,)
Great insight into the neo..ive not flown it upper class yet but have on the airbus a380 and the dreamliner but have to say the dreamliner is my favourite even being a bit dated,but like you also said the bar sets it off,had many a late night chat sitting their
Thank you very much, we are flying Virgin next year business outbound to Miami on their 787 older business and returning on their newer A330-900neo business, we opted for the middle seats returning. Looks like a great product. Flew BA and American Airlines business in the past. BA A380 business looks far inferior to this with a much higher price tag
This was an absolutely beautiful review. It’s been a few years since flying in Upper Class and this does look like a tremendous improvement. We still think VA is the best way to get to the UK. I’ll be on the way next year for another opportunity to visit my lovely UK friends and then another Crossing on QM2. I think you are my favorite reviewer. Stunning video and relevant information. I feel your personality! Can’t wait for more.
Nice cameo by Phoebe the Flamingo at the end! Tampa is home and I will be on this bird soon....many, many, many rows back. ;) Thrilled about the 2-4-2 config in economy though! Even more thrilled Virgin now has a non-stop to LHR!
ODD QUESTION: Going from JFK TO LHR - Virgin Upper. Will have 10 hour wait at LHR. For a 10 hour connection - does that mess up luggage where it gets forgotten about, or is it usually ok. Thanks
@@thedesignairvideo Appreciate the reply - thank you. One more: Flight from JFK to LHR....when landing in LHR, is it a very long walk to the Virgin Clubhouse? Thanks
not flown Virgin for sometime now, as we use BA from Gatwick to Tampa to our holiday home. Keep thing of giving it a try but their prices are much higher than BA business class. Nice video what do you think between the tow airlines and price point?
Currently planing for my 2025 holidays, and think Upper Class is a must. But have a question, Im a fussy eater, so when it comes to meals, how is this fixed
Thanks for the video! I flew on the Tampa route back in March and absolutely loved it...loved the technology with the charging mat and the fact that I could pair up my earbuds to the bluetooth. I too missed the bar...The Loft wasn't used at all on my flight which was a shame. VA cabin crew are so good, nothing was too much trouble.
Great tripreport! Thanks for sharing it with us! It's too bad that they don't have an onboard bar! That looked so special! The food looks tasty and I love Virgin for having such a strong brand image
I absolutely love VA but a question about the NEO and pressurisation it’s an A330 which is dated I know the engine and interiors are vastly improved but is not the advantage of the 787 & A350 is less jet lag because of lower cabin pressure or am I wrong on that?
much better upper class seats now with privacy (still have issues with upper class not having separate exit and only having 1 toilet cannot fault the service as we have never had a bad experience flying upper class. with Virgin
I don’t normally watch narrated videos as the ‘host’ makes it about them not the flight and services, and I find that irritating. I am glad to say that I very much enjoy your videos even the Anne Robinson wink I can cope with 😉🙄. Surprised you don’t also include hotel reviews. Looking forward to the next trip!
Ah thanks so much! Glad you can cope with the wink. Please spread the word! I might start a hotel review channel too! You can see some of the hotel reviews on our site!
I'm glad to see i'm not the only one who's pinched some things from the service on airplanes. I have a whole set of Finnair glasses and now building a collection of BA's current glasses. And btw you're quite handsome.
The Virgin social spaces can create problems. I could not sleep in the right-side window seat closest to that social space because of the noises and laughter from it, and I was tired before I went on board. Some of its users were clearly holidaying Virgin staff from their raised-voiced chatter. The attendant was only able to express his sympathy... If you want to sleep, stay away from the social spaces on Virgin aircraft.
That's always been true on the A340-600s and 787s with the bar spaces, in fact many eons ago, they used to have a sleep zone at the front of upper which was curtained off and lights dimmed after take off for those wanting a few more zzzz's.
Upper class is either business or first on other airlines. Yet, the British have to go one step higher promoting themselves and their products as being superior though they are the same as everybody else! Go figure, upper class! 😂
For a title like the Designair, flying economy is a better way to see how the airline delivers vision, style and quality. UA-cam is full of gushing business class reviews.
Why don’t you do a review on economy class instead of whining about what someone else is reviewing? Or better yet pay for a ticket for Designair to review it?
I've tasted fish in the U.K boy, was it nasty. Plain & bland. Like they pulled it out the ocean, took out the bones, threw it in a fryer & said eat. 20 min of free wifi for a 20 min flight, I assume 😂.
Awesome review. 3 round trip flights from Tampa to LHR. Since they started the service. Virgin service has been superb. And we have flown on 3 of their newest A 330-900 NEO’s. Next trip from Tampa to LHR shortly and we will be in Upper Class.
I think you've managed to create an elegant trip report, without too much drama that some other reports have. Kudos!
Love your clean, crisp voice and pronunciation and the detailed, yet un-fussed description.
My favorite airline. Every cabin class on VA is great. The crew is always outstanding.
What a great, informative and well produced report - thank you! I've avoided Virgin for a number of years due to several poor experiences but I would consider them again, especially when flying to the States, mainly due to the lack of quality competitors. It's refreshing to see a report that's predominantly focussed on the product rather than the reviewer themself (unlike those from a number of self-absorbed, 'look at me!' reviewers e.g. Josh Cahill, Non-stop Dan etc.)
Thanks so much for the really kind words! I hope you've subscribed!
Awesome review. 3 round trip flights from Tampa to LHR. Since they started the service. Virgin service has been superb. And we have flown on 3 of their newest A 330-900 NEO’s. Next trip from Tampa to LHR shortly and we will be in Upper Class.
This is finally flying directly to my home town, Tampa! It looks terrific! However, I fly home every year to Manchester and clearly they don't want the northern folk flying to the south to board this plane. Because they have like zero connections. The best going from Tampa to Manchester via Heathrow ended up with a wait of like six hours for a connecting flight. I'd love to be able to experience this product, but we still are left with the dreadfully worn out A300-300s to Atlanta. But you are right. I fly Virgin for the food, sure, but the flight attendants are simply the BEST in the air. Warm, friendly, not a snooty one among them. Best anecdote was when this lovely flight attendant saw my cup of tea, she wrinkled her nose and said, let me get you a builders brew in a mug. I could have hugged her. A small humorous touch like that made my flight. Eventually I am sure we will get the neo, but for some reason, Manchester is the orphan child for these planes. Which is a shame. Because they do great business. But I get it. They want American tourists. And let's face it, most want to go to London first.
Thank you! I’ll be flying virgin’s upper class next week and your video was super helpful
have heard varying views of virgin atlantic. your flight made me feel better about v.a. i am a bit of a menu collector, so thanks for not rushing through the menu. glad you had a great flight. will be watching for more of your vids, as you are veryyyyyy easy on the eyes.
Good to see a review where someone FINALLY partakes of the cheeseboard on Upper Class. I was beginning to think I was the only one who selects this.
Just flew Upper Class Seattle to London and back. Service and food were exceptional, and blew the competition from BA out of the park. Very, very good!
Thanks for the trip report. Flying the same route next month and scheduled on a neo on the return flight. Was great to see what we might expect in terms of cabin layout.
Virgin Atlantic A330-900Neo Upper Class Is The Best Business Class Cabin In Virgin Atlantic Fleet My Opinion.Great Trip Report
I've flown this product back from Miami, it's hands down VA best offering! I hope you enjoyed your flight!
I did! It’s a great seat
Great Video/I wanted to thank you for showing the over bin.....we are flying NY to London next month....Thank again!
Flown upper class to Antigua and flying again next year to St lucia. These have been on the 777 and next years is an a330-300 so both herringbone. Would love to try a newer product when in upper class, but prefer the old models in premium economy as the seats are wider.
That’s true, those old premium class seats are certainly comfortable
Virgin has never flown the 777
That was excellent- I have not yet flown on VS- but hope to soon
Thanks hope you get to too
Flew to Tampa last November on G VTOM’s first fare paying passenger flight in Upper Class, I will not be flying to Tampa with BA again!
Not sure why they bothered with the “lounge” area, it’s really a thoroughfare.
Reminds me of the flights I took to Hong Kong in the late 1990’s early 2000 was always a wonderful journey experiencing the large well cushioned seats the herringbone sleeper seats. The on flight massage and the bar… never did work out hoe to plat backgammon when experiencing turbulence. Does the lounge still have the Cow Shed hair dressers - was a great experience cut a haircut while enjoying some very chilled Landon
They discontinued the inflight massage at least 10 if not 15 years ago.
@@johniii8147 yes I know cases of RSI brought against Virgin Atlantic
And sadly the hair dressers have been replaced with Peleton bikes! I also remember those times, along with the epic long upper class cabins on the A340.
@@thedesignairvideo that is sad the Cow Shed was great place have a haircut and glass of bubbly. Yes saw that the bar had gone.
Never saw any one playing backgammon when they had the settee and games table there (late 1990,)
Great video! I was scheduled to fly the Neo in Upper Class too but they changed it to the A350, still enjoyable though. :)
Let me know when you've flown both which you prefer!
Great insight into the neo..ive not flown it upper class yet but have on the airbus a380 and the dreamliner but have to say the dreamliner is my favourite even being a bit dated,but like you also said the bar sets it off,had many a late night chat sitting their
Smart choice Virgin Atlantic Airlines ordering the Airbus A330neo jets. It's an amazing aircraft and quite.
That very tall blond stewardess was so attractive. She is the ideal English beauty.
Thank you very much, we are flying Virgin next year business outbound to Miami on their 787 older business and returning on their newer A330-900neo business, we opted for the middle seats returning. Looks like a great product. Flew BA and American Airlines business in the past. BA A380 business looks far inferior to this with a much higher price tag
Really well put together video. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
LHR-MIA in December, can’t wait
This was an absolutely beautiful review. It’s been a few years since flying in Upper Class and this does look like a tremendous improvement. We still think VA is the best way to get to the UK. I’ll be on the way next year for another opportunity to visit my lovely UK friends and then another Crossing on QM2.
I think you are my favorite reviewer. Stunning video and relevant information. I feel your personality! Can’t wait for more.
Thanks Richard, that's really great to hear! You might have just seen the Etihad video I've posted too!
Excellent review
Thank you so much
Yes I really enjoyed watching this!
Great review. Can you get 2 starters on all business class flights?
Nice cameo by Phoebe the Flamingo at the end! Tampa is home and I will be on this bird soon....many, many, many rows back. ;) Thrilled about the 2-4-2 config in economy though! Even more thrilled Virgin now has a non-stop to LHR!
ODD QUESTION: Going from JFK TO LHR - Virgin Upper. Will have 10 hour wait at LHR. For a 10 hour connection - does that mess up luggage where it gets forgotten about, or is it usually ok. Thanks
You’ll be fine! Never had an issue like that at Heathrow yet
@@thedesignairvideo Appreciate the reply - thank you. One more: Flight from JFK to LHR....when landing in LHR, is it a very long walk to the Virgin Clubhouse? Thanks
Having flown a few times and had passengers so drunk and unruly I am glad to see the bars go! it's also not fair on those sitting closes to them
Wow you really sold Virgin great looking product unfortunately flying the wrong way for me, why isn’t BA offering the same 👍
not flown Virgin for sometime now, as we use BA from Gatwick to Tampa to our holiday home. Keep thing of giving it a try but their prices are much higher than BA business class. Nice video what do you think between the tow airlines and price point?
Another great video! Fabulous interior design in Virgin!
Thank you so much! Yeah, they certainly invest in the finer details
Is upper class same price as business class? Whats the difference if there is any?
Upper Class is what Virgin Atlantic calls its business class product.
Currently planing for my 2025 holidays, and think Upper Class is a must. But have a question, Im a fussy eater, so when it comes to meals, how is this fixed
That's one heck of a lounge!
I flow VAA last year on in UC, service great food great. Only thing that let them down was how dirty the plane was from LHR which i did not expect.
That's a shame, usually the planes are spotless
Nice review, would be interested to hear what you think about their UC in 787 and A350-1000, I'm not too sure that the difference is?
I have a 787 review on my channel and there’s an A350 report on my site TheDesignAir.net
Thanks for the video! I flew on the Tampa route back in March and absolutely loved it...loved the technology with the charging mat and the fact that I could pair up my earbuds to the bluetooth. I too missed the bar...The Loft wasn't used at all on my flight which was a shame. VA cabin crew are so good, nothing was too much trouble.
You have to be the handsomest airline video reviewer in the business.
How does the a330 compare to an a350 ? Noise levels etc
We're flying the A330neo to LHR in 7 days ! Do they weigh your CARRY ON bags ? Also, why didn't you utilize the Upper Class check in wing?
Nicely edited. Good video.
Great tripreport! Thanks for sharing it with us! It's too bad that they don't have an onboard bar! That looked so special! The food looks tasty and I love Virgin for having such a strong brand image
Thank you for the nice words
I absolutely love VA but a question about the NEO and pressurisation it’s an A330 which is dated I know the engine and interiors are vastly improved but is not the advantage of the 787 & A350 is less jet lag because of lower cabin pressure or am I wrong on that?
much better upper class seats now with privacy (still have issues with upper class not having separate exit and only having 1 toilet cannot fault the service as we have never had a bad experience flying upper class. with Virgin
The privacy is great for sure! I think all the Upper Class variants i've flown on (apart from the leisure config) have more than one toilet?
I don’t normally watch narrated videos as the ‘host’ makes it about them not the flight and services, and I find that irritating. I am glad to say that I very much enjoy your videos even the Anne Robinson wink I can cope with 😉🙄. Surprised you don’t also include hotel reviews. Looking forward to the next trip!
Ah thanks so much! Glad you can cope with the wink. Please spread the word! I might start a hotel review channel too! You can see some of the hotel reviews on our site!
👏
That flight attendant is super hot
I'm glad to see i'm not the only one who's pinched some things from the service on airplanes. I have a whole set of Finnair glasses and now building a collection of BA's current glasses. And btw you're quite handsome.
Ahhh, the Ultima Thule champagne glasses? Yup, I got six of them in my cupboard too! (although they were a gift...!)
Do they turn on the neon led during flight. Fine for boarding but think it would annoy the hell out of me all through the flight. Like cheap disco :)
They do on all their flights the lighting changes in colour & intensity according to the time flow it’s fab
I will be flying upper class with them in Oct on my way to Hawaii for a month.
Let us know how it goes!
The Virgin social spaces can create problems. I could not sleep in the right-side window seat closest to that social space because of the noises and laughter from it, and I was tired before I went on board. Some of its users were clearly holidaying Virgin staff from their raised-voiced chatter. The attendant was only able to express his sympathy...
If you want to sleep, stay away from the social spaces on Virgin aircraft.
That's always been true on the A340-600s and 787s with the bar spaces, in fact many eons ago, they used to have a sleep zone at the front of upper which was curtained off and lights dimmed after take off for those wanting a few more zzzz's.
anyone know what the bed length is?
Great video. One day it'll be me🤞
8:24 ❤
Do you suppose folks do not use the on-jet lounge space simply because they are not used to flying this class and feel uncomfortable in doing so?
I'd feel a bit 'on display' just there
How munch did you pay for the rocket
*POV:* if im gonna make an airline
Airline name: butter airlines
Planes: A-330 , B-747 , B-777
Cost: 806.9$
Per travel cost: 500$
Upper class is either business or first on other airlines. Yet, the British have to go one step higher promoting themselves and their products as being superior though they are the same as everybody else! Go figure, upper class! 😂
Thought you were getting your hot towel served to you from a member of the public. Make uniform far too casual
never flew on virgin but virgin atlantic seems like a W 100% 10/10
looks like europe’s qatar airways
For a title like the Designair, flying economy is a better way to see how the airline delivers vision, style and quality. UA-cam is full of gushing business class reviews.
Why don’t you do a review on economy class instead of whining about what someone else is reviewing? Or better yet pay for a ticket for Designair to review it?
@@cbsguy6363 might make for a better review, than one that the airline paid for. Good design isn’t about money.
This is promotion lol
I'd rather eat an entrée than a 'starter'.
WOKE staff , Men in skirts and makeup, NOPE 👎 not for me,
I've tasted fish in the U.K boy, was it nasty. Plain & bland. Like they pulled it out the ocean, took out the bones, threw it in a fryer & said eat. 20 min of free wifi for a 20 min flight, I assume 😂.
No one asked xx
Awesome review. 3 round trip flights from Tampa to LHR. Since they started the service. Virgin service has been superb. And we have flown on 3 of their newest A 330-900 NEO’s. Next trip from Tampa to LHR shortly and we will be in Upper Class.