Ah, Upper Class on the Dreamliner. Sounds bougie, feels bougie until you realise the seat stares into the aisle like it’s people-watching at Pret. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
In This Post
Booking: A Miles-Fuelled Mission
Thanks to the Virgin Atlantic Reward+ credit card and some suspiciously targeted spending, I’d been hoarding Virgin Points like a squirrel in autumn. Miami was calling with an upgrade voucher burning a hole in my Flying Club account (earned by spending £10k in a year, don’t judge).
I fired up SeatSpy, the avgeek’s crystal ball, and began stalking availability. It took a couple of weeks, but lo and behold, two Upper-Class seats magically appeared one morning. Like a points-fuelled hawk, I pounced, booked two Premium Economy tickets, and called in the upgrade voucher cavalry.
The result? Two lie-flat beds to Miami for just 57,500 points each, plus taxes. And yes, I used my Virgin credit card for those fees because every point counts. Call me thrifty. Or obsessive. Both work.
Pro tip: Call Virgin the minute their lines open if you value your sanity. Their agents are brilliant, but the hold music will haunt your dreams.
Upper-Class Wing: The VIP Vibes Start Here
Forget the chaos of Terminal 3. If you’re Upper Class (or Delta One), you glide in via a secret driveway, yes, really. There’s a private entrance, a personal welcome, and agents who meet you curbside. Bags? Handled. Documents? Sorted. You barely lift a finger except to sip the complimentary coffee.
If you’ve already wandered into the terminal like a mere mortal, don’t worry. There’s a backdoor to the private wing. Just flash your boarding pass and stride through like you own the place.
The Clubhouse: Where Lounges Go to Party
Virgin doesn’t do boring. The Clubhouse at Heathrow is equal parts cocktail bar, spa, photo studio and pool hall. As soon as we made it up the staircase, a Virgin host winked and said, “You’re not going to the terrace without a glass of champagne, are you?” Ma’am, say less.
Breakfast was a proper spread, with eggs, pastries, a Bloody Mary (or three), and the cocktails kept flowing. Three deep before 10 a.m.? Don’t judge, we were on holiday time.
From Peloton bikes to pool tables and backlit selfie spots, it’s less “lounge“ and more “Virgin-branded playground.”
The Flight: Service Gold, Seat… Not So Much
Now, let’s talk seats. The 787 Upper-Class cabin has a 1-1-1 layout, which sounds premium until you realise the seats face away from the windows and towards your fellow passengers. Want to look outside? Prepare for a neck workout worthy of a chiropractor’s TikTok.
That aside, the service was unreal. Virgin cabin crew aren’t just polite; they’re fun, like, actual people you’d grab a pint with. There were no forced smiles, no robotic greetings, just proper warm hospitality.
Meal service kicked off with drinks and pretzels (classy). I went for:
- Asparagus starter
- Chicken main (solid)
- Passionfruit dome (gorgeous)
Add a snack bar mid-cabin stocked with soft drinks and nibbles, and you’ve got a flight that makes Economy feel like another dimension.
Entertainment-wise, the screen was crisp, the handset came with a mini display (a nice touch), and noise-cancelling headphones were waiting at the seat. It’s a Standard Upper-Class kit but solid all around.
Verdict: Would Fly Again – But Can I Face the Window Next Time?
Virgin’s customer service is next-level, from the Clubhouse to the cabin. Yes, the seat design on the 787 is a bit awkward, but the vibe, food, and crew more than makeup for it.
Will I fly Virgin Upper again? Absolutely. Will I hope for a different seat layout (hello, A350)? Also yes.
Ready to Join the Club?
If you’re wondering how I pulled this off with points and a voucher, check out my full review of the Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card. You could be sipping champagne in the Clubhouse sooner than you think.
Your Turn:
Flown Virgin lately? Loved it? Loathed it? Did you spill your mimosa mid-turbulence? Tell us everything in the comments below.
1 comment
Great review! I recently traveled through the Virgin Atlantic Manchester Terminal and was impressed with the amenities and smooth check-in process. Your detailed insights into the Virgin Atlantic VS5 flight make me excited for my next journey. Thanks for sharing such helpful information—it’s always good to know what to expect!