- Mr Plane Guy
- Jul 9
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 12
Virgin Atlantic Upper Class 2025 and Beyond! Free WiFi, Dreamliner Comfort, Lounges and the Future of Flying in Style
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For years now, Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class has been one of those rare flight experiences that makes flying feel like something to look forward to. Whether it’s a glass of fizz at the onboard bar, stretching out on a lie-flat bed, or soaking up the vibe in their iconic Clubhouse lounges, it’s never just about getting from A to B.
I’ve flown Upper Class on the 787 Dreamliner and lounged at both Heathrow and LAX and every time, it feels just a bit different from its rivals. But Virgin isn’t standing still.
With free WiFi rolling out across the fleet, an AI-powered concierge service on the horizon, and even changes to the Flying Club loyalty programme promised, Virgin Atlantic is putting its own spin on what the future of premium travel looks like.
So what can Upper Class passengers expect in 2025 and beyond? And does it still deliver that signature Virgin charm that keeps me coming back? Here’s my take.
Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic, commented;
In the last four decades, we’ve evolved from a challenger to a leader and a premium, long-haul flag carrier. We exist to make our customers smile, it’s that simple – obsessing over finding new ways to delight our guests, delivered by our amazing people, on our journey to become the most loved travel company. We are investing billions to fly the youngest fleet across the Atlantic; the first UK airline to have free, streaming quality, fleet-wide Wi-Fi; more premium cabins and a full retrofit of the 787 fleet; alongside a new app featuring the world of Virgin Atlantic in your pocket, all delivered by our amazing teams. The best is yet to come.
The Big News: Free WiFi for All, AI Concierge and More
Virgin Atlantic has just announced its boldest series of upgrades in years. First and most headline-grabbing: free WiFi for every passenger, on every route, by the end of 2025. That’s across all cabins, not just Upper Class!
This a smart move, and one that puts Virgin ahead of most competitors.
On top of that, they teased a multi-year loyalty programme overhaul. Details are still thin, but if it makes Flying Club miles more valuable and redemptions easier to find, that can only be a good thing.
Perhaps most intriguing is the plan for an AI-powered digital concierge, designed to make booking, managing, and even personalising your journey much smoother. A bit gimmicky? Maybe, but if it means more tailored service, I’m all for it.
The Clubhouse Experience
If you’ve read my review of the LAX Clubhouse, you’ll know I think Virgin’s lounges are still the best part of the Upper Class experience. Heathrow’s flagship Clubhouse remains the gold standard in the UK, with proper dining, cocktails and a stylish vibe you won’t find anywhere else at Terminal 3.
The fact Virgin continues to invest in these spaces is good news and frankly, with rivals often cutting back on lounges, it’s a reminder of why paying for Upper Class (or saving up points) is still worth it.
Flying from Heathrow? Blog Post: Clubrooms Airport Lounge Now Open at Heathrow Terminal 3
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The Seat: Big Changes Coming to the 787 and A330neo
Here’s where Virgin Atlantic has some catching up to do and thankfully, they’re finally addressing it.
The current Upper Class suite on the 787, which I flew and reviewed here, was innovative when it debuted… over 20 years ago. I remember it well because I was actually cabin crew with Virgin back then, in the early 2000s, when this lie-flat seat design first hit the skies. At the time it was groundbreaking, a fully flat bed when competitors were still offering angled seats.
But two decades later, it’s feeling very tired. Many regular passengers have taken to calling it the coffin, thanks to its narrow width and slightly claustrophobic shell. And after flying it again recently, I can’t say I disagree, it works, but it no longer feels premium compared to what rivals now offer.
The good news? That’s all about to change.
Virgin has confirmed a complete cabin refurbishment of the entire Boeing 787-9 fleet, rolling out from 2028 and finishing by 2030. Every single cabin, Economy, Premium, and Upper Class, will be reimagined, inspired by the much newer and more stylish A330 neo design. Upper Class in particular will jump from 31 to 44 seats per aircraft, and for the first time ever on the 787, Virgin will install the flagship Retreat Suite, with eight of them in each Upper Class cabin.
If you haven’t seen the Retreat Suite yet, it’s a world away from the “coffin.” Originally launched on the A330neo, it features a fully flat 6ft 7” bed, a 27-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, Bluetooth, and even an ottoman that doubles as a second seat, perfect for dining or working with a companion.
Virgin Atlantic's Premium Economy is getting some love too, with more seats (up from 35 to 56) and a refreshed look, while Economy shrinks slightly, a clear signal that Virgin is leaning harder into the premium experience that sets it apart.
And you won’t have to wait until 2028 to see these upgrades hit the skies. Starting in Q3 2026, Virgin will begin taking delivery of ten brand-new A330 neos, each configured with even more premium seating than the current fleet: 48 Upper Class seats, 56 Premium, and just 128 Economy. These A330 neos will also feature six Retreat Suites per aircraft (up from four currently), giving more passengers the chance to experience Virgin’s most luxurious product yet.
The Service: Consistently Good, Occasionally Great
One thing I love about flying Virgin is that it feels informal in the best possible way. Crew tend to be friendly, approachable, and happy to have a chat without ever seeming unprofessional.
On my last Upper Class trip, the service was efficient and personable, with just the right amount of attention. It’s that balance of premium and relaxed that makes Virgin stand out. If the AI concierge can enhance this even further by remembering passenger preferences and smoothing the little details, I think it could be a real win.
Are you a member of Virgin Atlantic's flying club? You may like this Blog post: How I Turned My £34 Worth of Tesco Clubcard Points into a Flight from London to New York
Final Thoughts: The Future Looks Red!
Having worked for Virgin Atlantic back when the Upper Class suite was first introduced, it’s wild to see it still flying over 20 years later. Back then, it felt like the height of innovation, but in 2025, it’s clear that times have moved on, and Virgin needs to catch up. The good news is, they’ve heard the feedback and are finally taking action.
Free WiFi across the fleet, a smarter loyalty programme, AI concierge service, continued investment in lounges, and a full cabin refresh for both the A330 neo and 787-9 show that Virgin is serious about making Upper Class feel premium again.
For me, that sums up why I still rate Virgin so highly. They don’t always get everything perfect the first time, but they don’t just sit back either, they evolve, and they keep that playful, stylish edge that makes their product feel like more than just another business class.
By the time the refurbished Dreamliners start flying in 2028, the so-called “coffin” seat will finally be retired, replaced by something worthy of the Virgin name. And when that day comes, you can bet I’ll be one of the first onboard to put it to the test, purely in the name of research, of course.
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Hello I’m Paul a travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline. I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!
I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity! I hope you enjoyed this Virgin Atlantic Upper Class 2025 and Beyond! Free WiFi, Dreamliner Comfort, Lounges and the Future of Flying in Style do let me know in the comments........
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