- Mr Plane Guy
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Plane News: Virgin Atlantic to Launch London to Phuket Route, This Is Thai-Riffic News!
By Mr Plane Guy, Plane Travel News & Reviews with Altitude
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you it keeps this blog flying high (and fuels my overpriced thai holiday addiction).
Virgin Atlantic’s First Flight to Thailand
Virgin Atlantic is finally heading to Thailand and it’s about time. From 18 October 2026, the airline will launch direct flights from London Heathrow to Phuket, operating three times a week. The route marks Virgin’s first ever direct link to Thailand and a major step into Asia’s booming premium leisure market.
After years of focusing on North American routes, Virgin seems ready to embrace the Luxury for Less traveller swapping New York skyscrapers for Thai sunsets. But while the route itself is exciting, there’s one question every frequent flyer will be asking: will those Boeing 787-9s still be flying with the same old Upper Class seats?
Because, let’s be honest, Virgin’s 787 cabin might be sleek from the outside, but inside, its dated “coffin seats” are far from first-class chic. Even Thai Airways now leases ex-Virgin aircraft with those very seats, rebranding them as “Premium Plus.” Make of that what you will.
Phuket: Virgin’s Latest Plane Luxury Escape
Phuket, often dubbed the “Pearl of the Andaman,” is the ultimate Plane Luxury Escape a mix of beach bliss, boutique resorts and budget-friendly indulgence. From rooftop infinity pools to temples overlooking turquoise bays, it’s the kind of destination that fits Virgin’s new identity perfectly: fun, fabulous and just a little fancy.
The route will run three times a week using the 787-9 Dreamliner with three cabins Upper Class, Premium Economy and Economy. Packages via Virgin Atlantic Holidays go on sale from 30 October 2025, with flight-only options from 26 November 2025. This a tempting winter sun escape for travellers chasing luxury for less.
Phuket: Cliffside Glamour & Ocean Views
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Plane Facts: Virgin Atlantic’s New London–Phuket Route
Service: London Heathrow (LHR) ✈ Phuket (HKT)
Operating Season: Winter 2026/27 from 18 October 2026 (seasonal service)
Frequency: 3 flights per week departing Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from Heathrow and Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays from Phuket
On-Sale Date: 26 November 2025 (packages via Virgin Atlantic Holidays available from 30 October 2025)
Flight Numbers: VS214 / VS215
Schedule:VS214 – LHR → HKT 12:00 → 07:10 (+1)VS215 – HKT → LHR 09:20 → 16:00
Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Cabin Configuration: 31 Upper Class | 35 Premium | 192 Economy
Virgin Atlantic 'Coffin Seat'For Now
Virgin has confirmed that its Boeing 787-9 fleet will eventually receive new cabins and upgraded amenities, with the retrofit project scheduled to begin in 2028 and complete by 2030.
So yes those infamous “coffin” Upper Class seats will still be around for a while. That means the new Phuket service will launch with the airline’s current Dreamliner interiors rather than the newer Retreat Suite found on Virgin’s A350s and A330 neos.
It’s a long wait for loyal flyers hoping for a true premium-leisure experience, but at least there’s light (and mood lighting) at the end of the tunnel.
Plane curious? Read my Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy A350 Review a closer look at one of the UK’s most loved (and debated) cabins.
Thailand Travel Is Taking Off
Virgin’s move also heats up the competition to Thailand.
British Airways flies direct from Gatwick to Bangkok, offering Club Suite on select aircraft.
Norse Atlantic Airways now links both London Gatwick and Manchester to Bangkok with low-fare Dreamliners that deliver surprising comfort for the price.
With three UK airlines now flying to Thailand, British travellers have more choice than ever from no-frills fares to full-service glamour.
Plane Tip: Upgrade Smart, Not Hard
If you’re eyeing Virgin’s new Phuket flight, use Virgin Red points to upgrade from Premium Economy instead of splashing out on Upper Class. You’ll save big and still enjoy one of the most comfortable mid-tier cabins in the sky.
And if Virgin sticks to its retrofit timeline, by 2030 you could be flying to Phuket in an entirely new Upper Class suite finally matching the paradise it’s selling.
(Very limited time offer be quick!)
This blog runs on caffeine and affiliate clicks, find your next Virgin Atlantic flight below and keep me flying high!
Final Boarding Call
Virgin Atlantic’s new Phuket route is Thai-Riffic news a bold expansion that perfectly fits the airline’s premium-leisure identity. But if it really wants to deliver Luxury for Less that feels first-class, those Dreamliners will need more than mood lighting, they’ll need a full refresh.
Plane Verdict: Phuket’s a dream destination. The cabin? You’ll need to dream a little longer.
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Related Plane Blog Reading:
A tasteful topless shot in Thailand LOL, don't forget to follow me on instagram
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A former airline insider who’s swapped the jump seat for the window seat. I share honest reviews, travel hacks, and a few behind-the-scenes stories.
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