- Mr Plane Guy
- Oct 18
- 9 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy A350 Review: Has Virgin Premium Lost Its Sparkle?
By Mr Plane Guy, Travel Blogger, Flight Expert & Ex Virgin Crew
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this blog running (and fuels my habit of buying overpriced airport lattes). Thanks for your support! Note: I’m also not a financial advisor just sharing my experience.
New York & Orlando
in £220s-£290s rtn in Economy
Tempted by Premium or Upper Class?
Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy cabin used to be the trailblazer, the distruptor to the industy with the BEST premium economy in the business. Proper glassware, purple mood lighting, an after dinner tipple, wonderwall snack concept of items to help yourself too, bottles of water, lovely hot towels from dedicated cabin crew and that famous Virgin flair. So, has it still got the magic, or has the sparkle faded a little? I recently flew Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy on the A350, and honestly, it didn’t feel quite as “premium” as it once did, lets get straight into the review cruising altitude.
How I Booked My Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Flight for Free
Well actually before the flight here is how much it cost and all that stuff, you wont belive this!
Let’s start with the best part, the ticket price: £0.(Just tax to pay)
Thanks to my Tesco Clubcard auto-convert to Virgin Points setup, I snagged this flight for free. (to be clear I did pay my taxes on the fare which was just over £300 I recall)
You can read exactly how I did that (and how you can too) in my guide:
Virgin’s refer-a-friend offer is also a hidden gem, you can earn 2,000 Virgin Points just for signing up a friend. A few referrals later, and you’re well on your way to a reward flight. Not sure where to start with Virgin Points? Don’t worry my Guide to Virgin Red explains it all.
Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Ground Experience, Heathrow Terminal 3
Check-in wasn’t exactly what I’d call premium. There was no dedicated queue, no sleek counter, and no sense that this was a step up from Economy. In fact, I was waved over to the same spot where Virgin cabin crew drop their bags, ironic, since I used to do exactly that as cabin crew ten years ago. He's back!
This blog runs on caffeine and affiliate clicks, find your next Virgin Atlantic flight below and keep me flying high!
Heading to the USA?
Virgin Atlantic has some of the best long-haul flights from the UK.
London (LGW) to New York (JFK) £236
Plane Flight Deal: See more cheap flight offers with Jack’s Flight Club Here
Best Airport Lounges at Heathrow T3 for Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Passengers
If you’re flying Premium Economy, you won’t get access to Virgin’s iconic Clubhouse Lounge, that’s reserved for Upper Class passengers.
But there are excellent alternatives:
No1 Lounge, Heathrow T3 – My top recommendation for food, drinks, and runway views.
Clubrooms Lounge – Stylish but underwhelming. You can read my full review here.
My Lounge – Great for families, with a relaxed vibe and self-serve snacks.
American Express Centurion Lounge – For Amex Centurion and Platinum cardholders, always a solid choice.
Priority Pass Lounge Access, Save 30% with This Exclusive Offer
Exclusive Offer: I was kindly given a 30% off link for Priority Pass and if you travel regularly, it’s one of the best-value perks you can grab.
If you love escaping the chaos of the terminal, Priority Pass is your golden ticket to over 1,700 airport lounges worldwide. Whether you’re flying from Heathrow, Manchester, or halfway around the world, it gives you calm, food, and Wi-Fi before take-off.
Why Priority Pass Is Worth It:
Global access: 1,700+ lounges across every major airport, including Heathrow T3.
Massive savings: Even if you only fly a few times a year, it pays for itself.
Comfort guaranteed: Food, drinks, and Wi-Fi no more fighting for a seat at the gate.
For frequent flyers, it’s a no-brainer.
Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Seat & Cabin Review, A350
Let’s talk about the seat. Virgin’s Premium Economy cabin on the A350 is laid out 2-4-2 , wider than standard Economy with generous legroom, but still closer to “Economy Plus” than true Premium.
The leather seats look smart, but the cabin felt big and impersonal, more like a mini Economy section than a boutique upgrade. The lighting was good, the entertainment screens excellent, but there was a sense of something missing.
No amenity kit
No printed menu
No “Virgin magic”
The little extras that once defined Virgin’s Premium Economy seem to have quietly disappeared.
Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Food & Service Review
Food quality was decent, hot, tasty, and served on china with real cutlery, but the presentation and experience was a bit meh.
Plane Tip: Don’t forget the little comforts. I never board without my noise-cancelling earbuds and travel adapter with USB-C ports both from Amazon, both worth every penny on long-haul flights. You should also get a airplane bluetooth adaptor, now you could pair your headsets on Virgin Atlantics A350 but it may not be possible on lots of other aircraft so its worth having!
Pre-ordering online worked well (a smart bit of tech that avoids the classic “only vegetarian left” problem), but there was no printed menu and no pretzels with your drink. (tbf I think the crew member forgot to offer the pretzels, I will get over it!)
Mile High tea, how Virgin and smutty!
Cabin crew were efficient, friendly, and authentic, none of that robotic service you sometimes get on Middle Eastern carriers. Wi-Fi was available for £6 an hour and worked reliably when I used it for an hour over the Atlantic!.
Economy Delight vs Premium Economy: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Is Premium Economy worth the upgrade from Economy Delight? Maybe, maybe not.
Feature | Economy Delight | Premium Economy |
Legroom | 34 in | 38 in |
Seat Width | 17 in | 18.5 in |
Food | Standard Economy | Served on china, slightly better quality |
Lounge Access | No | No |
Check-in Priority | No | Sometimes, not consistent |
Price Difference | £150–£300 each way | — |
If all you want is a bit more space and early boarding, Economy Delight might actually be better value. Premium Economy adds refinement, but not much sparkle.
Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Verdict, Plane Honest
Was it premium? Not really.Was it comfortable? Yes.Would I pay extra for it? Probably not.
The A350 felt modern, but the cabin itself felt flat. It’s still a solid product, but these days it only needs to compete with BA and United, not Emirates or Singapore.
For a free flight booked entirely on Virgin Points, I can’t complain, but I will.
Economy vs Premium Economy, Is It Worth It?
So, is Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy worth the upgrade?
If you’re expecting a business-class-lite experience, probably not. You’ll get:
Extra legroom and a wider seat
Improved meal service and crockery, like a little cheese plate
Priority boarding, although I did't on my flight
But you won’t get:
Lounge access
Menus or amenity kits
A truly separate premium feel
If you’ve flown Economy Delight, you’ll find Premium Economy not that far ahead.
Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Baggage Allowance
You’ll get two checked bags at 23kg each, plus one cabin bag and a personal item, the same generous allowance that used to set Virgin apart. It’s a great perk, especially for longer trips or shopping-heavy destinations like New York.
Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Baggage Allowance
If you’re flying Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy, you’ll enjoy one of the most generous luggage allowances in the sky, ideal for travellers who don’t want to compromise between style and space.
Grab the CabinMax anode luggage set today, its an absolute Bargain!
That’s where the Cabin Max Anode Luggage Set (40 L + 100 L) really shines.The 40 L cabin case measures 55 × 40 × 20 cm, making it a perfect fit for Virgin’s cabin bag limit it slides easily into overhead bins without stress.The 100 L checked suitcase comes in at 76 × 50 × 29 cm, giving you maximum packing space while staying within the 23 kg checked bag allowance (with room to spare if you pack smart).
Together, they’re the Plane Perfect combo for Premium Economy travellers light, durable, and designed to keep you flying fee-free.
Shop the Cabin Max Anode Set on Amazon a stylish, travel-proven set that fits Virgin’s rules to the centimetre.
Plane Tip: This was a game changer for me, I bought too much in New York!
Shrink your clothes by up to 70%. That’s basically doubling your space.
No bulging bag. Everything is flat, neat, and easy to slide into the sizer.
Stay organised. Separate outfits, keep dirty laundry sealed away.
Vacuum Travel Packing Bags. 👉 Check them out here
Get 10% off with code MRPLANE10 pack smarter, travel lighter!
Hotels in New York
If you’re heading to New York, I’ll soon be sharing my review of the Arlo Hotel a boutique spot I’ve had my eye on for a while. (Stay tuned for the full review coming soon.)
Where to Stay in New York
If you’re flying Virgin Atlantic to New York, you’ll want a hotel that keeps the glamour going after you land, somewhere stylish, comfortable, and ideally with a skyline view.
I usually book through Lastminute.com for flexible rates and those flash luxury-for-less deals that make spontaneous city breaks even sweeter.
Top picks right now:
Arlo Nomad skyline views, Midtown energy, and great value
YOTEL Times Square fun, affordable, and brilliantly central
citizenM Bowery design-led with a buzzing rooftop bar
But for a true Plane Luxury Escape, you’ll find plenty of luxury-for-less gems across the city hotels that feel five-star without the price tag.
Explore the latest New York hotel deals on Lastminute.com and find your next Plane Luxury Escape.
add in code FAO25 for a cheeky $25 off if you book direct
However I found it to be cheaper on Lastmiute.com.
Plane Tip: I’m all for luxury for less and in New York, that means skipping individual tickets. The Go City Explorer Pass bundles 100+ attractions into one smart app. Think Empire State views, ferry rides, museums, and even The Edge, for roughly half the usual cost. Big-city fun, small-city prices.
Heathrow Car Parking
Before you fly, don’t forget airport parking. Heathrow’s official parking can be pricey, but there are some great alternatives nearby that offer easy shuttles and secure storage.
🔹 Compare Parking Prices UK
The UK’s trusted airport parking comparison site. Search deals instantly and save up to 75% at London Heathrow and beyond.
✅ Meet & Greet, Park & Ride, and Onsite options
✅ Free SMS confirmation
✅ Trusted by 30,000+ travellers daily
Final Boarding Call: Has Virgin Lost Its Sparkle?
Virgin’s Premium Economy on the A350 is okay, the seats are comfortable, the food is decent, and the crew are friendly. But that sense of flair and magic that used to make Virgin stand out has faded.
It’s not bad, far from it, but it’s no longer the product that made people fall in love with flying Virgin. Compared to BA Premium Economy or United Premium Plus, Virgin still holds its own, but it doesn’t lead the pack anymore.
And here’s the shocker, I’d just flown JetBlue Economy with an extra-legroom seat, and honestly? It felt better than Virgin Premium. I was addressed by name, had live TV, text updates throughout the flight, a snack pantry, fresh meals by New York restaurant DIG, and free Wi-Fi the entire way (not £6 for an hour). The single-aisle A321 neo felt intimate, quick to board, and easy to get off a small plane with big-airline polish.
Still, for the right fare, Virgin Premium remains a comfortable way to cross the Atlantic especially if you’re clever about earning or redeeming Virgin Points.
More Virgin Atlantic Reviews
Check out my other Virgin posts here:👉 All Virgin Atlantic Articles
If you’re wondering what you get when you upgrade again, I’ve also reviewed Virgin’s Upper Class on the 787 lie-flat beds, champagne, and that famous onboard bar included.
Read it here: Virgin Atlantic Upper Class 787 Flight Review
Follow me on Instagram for the latest lounge reviews, PLANE tips, and PLANE deals.
About Me
a former airline insider (Virgin insider even, that sounds so wrong) who’s swapped the jump seat for the window seat. I share honest reviews, travel hacks, and a few behind-the-scenes stories.
Sign up for my Plane News This Week newsletter for the latest airline updates, flight deals, and my brutally honest travel takes.
Thanks for reading, Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy A350 Review: Has Virgin Premium Lost Its Sparkle? Flown Virgin recently? What do you think, let me know in the comments......
👉 Subscribe Here
For Fun Things to do in New York, Click HERE
Plane Extras
The PLANE Smart Way to Take Off
Here are my go-to travel extras that help keep this blog (and me) airborne.
🅿️ Airport Parking Compare prices and save up to 75 % at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and more with Compare Parking Prices UK →
🍸 Lounge AccessWhy wait at the gate when you could sip a pre-flight prosecco?
Get 30 % off a Priority Pass membership → and access 1 ,700+ lounges worldwide.
🌍Travel Insurance Don’t fly without cover. Coverwise (by AXA) offers annual European cover from £10.20, including medical consultations and pre-existing conditions.
🎒 Plane Essentials My must-pack travel gear, from cabin-size backpacks to neck pillows that actually work. Shop my curated Amazon Storefront →
📱Stay Connected Avoid roaming shock. Arlo eSIMs → give you instant data in 180+ destinations, no SIM swap required.
💳 Boost Your Avios Earn faster and fly farther with my Amex Gold referral → or track reward seats via Reward Flight Finder →.
Comments