Review of Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Lax to London
London Heathrow to Los Angeles International is served twice daily past Virgin Atlantic. Thank goodness information technology is, because having been booked onto the offset flight of the day – VS7 - complications with COVID testing meant I missed that departure. Kudos to Virgin'due south first-class customer service and a no-hassle, no-fee switch onto VS23, parting at 14:30 that afternoon.
The upside to moving my deviation to the later flight was undoubtedly the upgrade from the Dreamliner to the Airbus A350-1000. My flying was to be operated by Grand-VJAM, aka the Queen of Hearts, delivered to the airline ii and a half years ago. I was excited to be flying their wonderful Upper Course, and to see what had changed since I last flew it in 2019.
Information technology had been more than two years since my last Virgin Atlantic experience. Photograph: Joanna Bailey | Unproblematic Flying
Modest changes
On boarding the Airbus, at start glance things seemed pretty much the aforementioned. The Loft was nonetheless looking stunning, and the motel didn't seem to accept inverse at all.
At starting time glance, not much had inverse. Photograph: Joanna Bailey | Uncomplicated Flying
Arriving at my seat, the hits of COVID's impact were apparent. A thoughtful hygiene pack was awaiting, containing everything you need, from wipes to a mask. The other obvious bear on was the very lightly loaded motel, with only around 30% of the seats occupied.
Not many seats were occupied - thank goodness, because I was soon able to motility to a window seat! Photo: Joanna Bailey | Uncomplicated Flying
Once settled in, some of the modifications to the new Upper Class began to prove themselves. Where the suite wall in front of the rider used to be Virgin'due south argument pearlized white (a nightmare for collecting scuffs and dirt), the airline had switched it out for a much more forgiving brownish vinyl handling.
A very welcome improvement was the modification to the tray table. Previously, the tray tabular array had been one solid piece, very large and study. It was first-class in terms of construction, but seriously uncomfortable for the rider. But the slimmest of travelers would get abroad with swinging it around for dining – and even and so, any recline remained impossible.
The biggest comeback was undoubtedly the tray table. Photo: Joanna Bailey | Uncomplicated Flight
The smaller size and extending activity left plenty of space for the rider. Photograph: Joanna Bailey | Unproblematic Flight
To tackle this problem, Virgin has installed a smaller, yet still very sturdy tray tabular array, which can be out to the side, or can slide across in front of the passenger. The smaller size of the table and its sidewards swinging action leaves a much more generous space for the rider. Prissy job listening to feedback Virgin!
Onboard service
With all the challenges of COVID and the lightly loaded cabin, I did wonder if nosotros would exist lacking some elements of Virgin's usually impeccable service. Simply I'm happy to report, all the good stuff was nowadays and correct, even the Mile High Tea!
The only change I could put my finger on was the lack of at seat ordering. Previously, passengers could order things like drinks and burgers at any betoken during the flight. Probable removed for COVID safety, there was still a full service of food bachelor, albeit with dishes protected under plastic covers.
We missed you lot too, Virgin! Photograph: Joanna Bailey | Unproblematic Flight
It was sweet that the IFE welcomed me back, merely I was keen to get the tailcam on equally quickly equally possible. These are such a great feature on Virgin'south A35K. A smoothen and on time departure was followed by Champagne and snacks once the seatbelt sign was off.
The tailcam gets my vote for best deviation and arrival entertainment! Photograph: Joanna Bailey | Unproblematic Flying
A picayune something to proceed passengers going until the repast service. Photo: Joanna Bailey | Simple Flying
For less than the toll of a Starbucks, I signed into the 'messaging' WiFi service. It was decent for the entire trip, and allowed me to go on in bear on with those on the ground via WhatsApp, Messenger and suchlike.
The IFE had enough of options, if you could keep your eyes off the view for long enough. Photograph: Joanna Bailey | Simple Flight
As the view became nothing but the incorrect side of the clouds, I turned my attending to the movies. The huge eighteen.5-inch IFE screen boasted more plenty amusement for the 10-hour trip, with loads of make new films, alongside older classics and multiple Idiot box boxsets. Virgin's racket-canceling headphones are pretty good too, just I establish the promised ability to connect my smartphone to the IFE to be impossible.
Food and drink
The start meal service began with a smoked duck breast served with crostini, a fennel and dill salad and a beautifully sharp orange marmalade. The marmalade and duck really hit the spot, only the toast was soggy. Naturally, the iconic salt and pepper pots were handed back to the crew (flash).
The duck and marmalade were a beautiful philharmonic, just the toast wasn't crispy. Photo: Joanna Bailey | Unproblematic Flight
These guys definitely didn't fall into my bag at all. Photograph: Joanna Bailey | Simple Flying
Main was a choice of pork, trout or vegan spiced pie. I went for the pork because it was cheek, and that's a new cut for me. I was glad I did because it was beautiful, super tender and cook in the oral cavity. The accompanying potato fondant was a chip hard, but it was a groovy main overall.
The meat was soft and flavorsome. Photograph: Joanna Bailey | Simple Flight
To stop, a lemon and coconut dome provided simply the sugar high required to sentinel a movie and and then ride the crash as bedtime approached. Turndown was offered, just these seats are super piece of cake to dress independently, which I adopt. The fully apartment seat is made perfectly comfortable with a supportive mattress, and the bedding is squeamish quality.
Just plenty saccharide to fuel a movie. Photo: Joanna Bailey | Simple Flying
A brusque while after waking, I was brought a lovely loving cup of tea (and so British) by the friendly crew. The only affair ameliorate than the tea was the discovery we were already over mid-Canada, something that became apparent by the view on the footing.
Mile High Tea was served shortly afterwards, a tasty spread of sandwiches, cakes and a warm scone.
The Eric Lanlard-designed Mile Loftier Tea is the highlight of whatever Virgin Atlantic trip. Photo: Joanna Bailey | Unproblematic Flying
The verdict
It wasn't long until nosotros were on arroyo to LAX and descending into a fiery sunset of low-level clouds. The A350's tailcam became my preferred course of entertainment once again, that and the bird's eye view of LA from the window.
Low level clouds lit up similar fire as we approached LAX. Photo: Joanna Bailey | Simple Flying
Touchdown. Photo: Joanna Bailey | Simple Flying
A dramatic evening at the airport. Photo: Joanna Bailey | Simple Flying
Overall, the trip with Virgin was a great feel. The airline took care of me from my distressed and belatedly arrival at Heathrow to deplaning at LAX. The service remains great, with proficient food and potable options despite COVID. I can't say I missed the in-seat ordering function on this trip, and if you didn't know it should accept been there, you lot wouldn't take noticed at all.
The subtle improvements fabricated to the Upper Form suites make all the departure, particularly the tray table. This do-over illustrates Virgin'southward unwavering delivery to listening to its customers. The coin spent on replacement tables will inevitably be well spent because it is making the airline'southward most loyal customers a little bit happier.
Take yous flown Virgin's A350 yet? Let united states know your thoughts in the comments.
Nigh The Writer
Source: https://simpleflying.com/virgin-a350-lhr-lax-upper/