Extra legroom . Are there some things I would have designed differently about the seat? But first, the flight had to be approved by our flight operations management and then have a … Since Virgin Atlantic launched their new Airbus A350 there has been a lot of talk surrounding the new Suite product. Considering the value that can be had for redeeming miles for a Premium experience on this route, the product is a huge step up from standard economy and worth it on a route like this, a seven-hour jaunt between New York and London. Get first dibs on overhead lockers and settle in early. Would the A350 talk be just that: talk? Be in the know. We use ads to keep our content free. In row 45, the first two of economy, the seats have a massive pitch and are not even ‘Delight’ so don’t require extra payment. Aviation geeks should appreciate the fact that this is the first Virgin jet to feature a … In Economy, super-thin chairs leave plenty of legroom, while the screens are now a whopping 11.6 inches - that’s even bigger than Virgin’s old Upper Class screens. Early 2020, I flew with Virgin Atlantic in Business Class (or Upper Class, as it’s called by the airline) from London to New York. Instead, in comes what the airline is calling the loft – which Virgin Atlantic describe as: The Loft is a unique space for Upper Class customers, and the largest social space across any of Virgin Atlantic’s fleet. The configuration is 3-3-3 throughout. While it’s certainly something special, the airline has made some serious upgrades down the back of the plane too. There are no A350s in the up to date schedule for winter 2020/summer 2021. Here’s why we love the economy cabin on the A350, and why it could be a gamechanger for Virgin. Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350 Upper Class Loft Lounge Seating All of our initial A350 deliveries will be based at London Heathrow. The cabin is laid out in a 3-3-3 arrangement and is Virgin’s largest economy class barring that onboard the 747. The A350 will also be the first aircraft in Virgin Atlantic’s fleet to feature its new Flying Icons, which are set to replace the airline’s famous Flying Ladies. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. It is designed to be 30 per cent more fuel and carbon efficient than previous aircraft that Virgin Atlantic has used. LHR Cape Town 787 9 . The real gamechanger here has to be that stunning inflight entertainment screen. In fact, there has been so much talk about it that I forgot there was even an economy product onboard. While in Virgin’s famous Upper Class, it’s a world of luxury. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. It’s a very high-tech and extremely comfortable aircraft to fly. Premium economy is a great way to fly, particularly when the price is right, which can be just above economy but thousands below business class. The Virgin Atlantic Airways Airbus A350-1000 is the flagship of the airline's fleet (July 2019). In terms of price, Virgin is on a par with all the lowest priced carriers operating out of LHR to JFK. Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330-200 economy seat map (Image courtesy Virgin Atlantic) Best economy seats on a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350-1000. Virgin Atlantic Upper Class A350 Bottom Line. Yet due to the short red-eye flight, I didn’t have time to test it out. The A350 will also be the first aircraft in Virgin Atlantic’s fleet to feature its new Flying Icons, which are set to replace the airline’s famous Flying Ladies. Last year, the airline also added a range of perks for economy passengers. Virgin Atlantic A330-300 Upper Class …the new Upper Class cabin in the Airbus A350-1000 offers a 1-2-1 layout with vastly superior seating, more privacy, better connectivity, more storage space and a couple-friendly seat layout in the center rows of the cabin where the seats face inwards (towards each other) rather than outwards as they do on most other aircraft which offer similar seats. Row 45 is the first row of economy and isn’t a “delight” seat, which means it can be acquired even on lower fares. At the time of writing that was all the information that was was generally available but now we may know a little more. Everyone’s talking about that stunning new Upper Class product onboard Virgin Atlantic’s A350-1000. With the descent into London well underway now, I was feeling mixed emotions about my experience on VS138. ... All of the aircraft will have 56 Premium Economy … The cabin is laid out in 3-3-3 configuration. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Comments are subject to our community guidelines, which can be viewed, Passengers can see their journey via the tail cam, Every Upper Class passenger gets an eco-friendly amenity bag. There’s the obligatory USB port for charging, more storage and a six-point adjustable headrest for trying to get some shut-eye. A 32-inch television screen allows up to 8 passengers to pair Bluetooth headsets to the screen. Virgin Atlantic. 13 of 15 Attribution: Virgin Atlantic. Please Support us by turning off your adblocker. "We’ve looked at every detail of the aircraft from the upper class suites, the Loft social space, premium seats to the economy cabin. View our online Press Pack. Seats feature movable headrests which can be moved up and down as well as reshaped to cradle the head. Virgin Atlantic A350-1000. Virgin’s iconic bar area has been replaced by The Loft. The configuration. Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350-1000 Economy Review Since Virgin Atlantic launched their new Airbus A350 there has been a lot of talk surrounding the new Suite product. While a trip to Gatwick would get you to JFK for up to £35 less with low-cost long haul specialist Norwegian, why would you bother? Weighing in at an incredible 11.5 inches, these screens are bigger than those in Virgin’s old Upper Class! Entering via The Loft immediately sets the tone that this is a great aircraft; something really special. Advanced seat assignment . At a time when multiple airlines are tearing out seatback screens in favor of a bring your own device policy, it’s great to see a carrier willing not only to commit to in-seat IFE but also to make it one of the best products out there. Photo: Virgin Economy. Ian’s idea, if he could make it happen, would cost far less than commercial air to air photography services. The remaining Airbus A340-600s (of which I believe there are just five or six remaining in Virgin Atlantic’s fleet) will be phased out soon, with the airline’s soon-to-arrive Airbus A350-900s (LHR-JFK is the 1st route announced beginning “late summer”) and a “rumored” order for Airbus A330-900neos likely to be announced at the upcoming Paris Air Show. In the seat itself, the ergonomic design makes for a generous amount of legroom (pith number isn’t always everything) and the bi-folding tray means it’s easy to get in and out of the seat, even with a drink to take care of. The seat width comes in at 17.4 inches, which is 0.2 inches narrower than British Airways’ A350. Airbus A350-1000 (351) Boeing 747-400 (744) Boeing 787-9 (789) Check-in; Baggage; Infants; Minors; Pets; Seat(s) Class Seat Type Power Video Review; 1 A: None : No Power: Seat 1 A is an Upper Class Suite with a seat that transforms into a fully-flat bed. Enjoy 3 more inches than the rest of economy. While this is a lot, the high ceilings and straight sidewalls of the A350 give a sense of space, preventing it from feeling claustrophobic. But what was it really like? luvatl. In total, the carrier offers 235 seats here. The final verdict on Virgin Atlantic A350-1000 economy class. Virgin has remastered the premium economy experience with its Premium A350 product. While there’s nothing too unusual about Virgin’s seat dimensions, it’s definitely on the comfortable side of things. The aircraft continues the airline’s investment in a more sustainable fleet. Flight Review: Virgin Atlantic A350 Economy. The airline’s largest in-air communal space yet, it feels more like a hotel lobby than a pub, making it a better space for those who don’t drink. Premium economy on Virgin Atlantic’s A350. Virgin Atlantic's new A350 aircraft features the completely redesigned Upper Class suites with a lounging area as well as a bigger in flight entertainment screen. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Virgin Atlantic’s A350 economy class cabin is made up of 235 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. The new Virgin Atlantic A350 is a beautiful addition to the skies. Passengers can choose their seat online as soon as they book. Virgin Atlantic A350-1000 “The Loft” Premium Economy. Find our best fares on your next flights to the US and beyond, with a fantastic choice of food, drinks, award winning entertainment and onboard WiFi. 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