Is upper class virgin worth it?

I had a decent flight on Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class. While their business class is pretty good, in some areas it lags behind rivals. The herringbone seat is narrow and lacks privacy, the amenity kit bag was cheap and the alcohol selection wasn't the best.



In 2026, Virgin Atlantic Upper Class is widely considered "worth it" if you prioritize the "Clubhouse" lounge experience and social atmosphere over a traditional "quiet" business class. The Heathrow Clubhouse remains the "gold standard" of airport lounges, featuring exercise bikes with tarmac views, a-la-carte dining, and dedicated sleep areas. Onboard the A350-1000 or the new A330-900neo, the seats are stylish and offer direct aisle access; however, peer-to-peer reviews often note that the 787-9 Dreamliner seats are "cramped" and lack a halfway recline. For a 2026 traveler, the "worth" depends on the aircraft: the A330-900neo "Retreat Suite" is a world-class experience with massive privacy, whereas older planes might feel like "standard" business class. If you can secure an upgrade or book on a newer aircraft, the combination of the lounge, the social "Loft" space, and the high-energy service makes it one of the most unique ways to cross the Atlantic.

People Also Ask

Our Upper Class experience includes:
  • Extra large seats.
  • Fully flat bed.
  • 2 x 70lb (32kg) checked luggage.
  • A glass of bubbly when you board.
  • Luxury 4-course fine dining with pre-order options.
  • Fast-track, private security.
  • Access to Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses.


MORE DETAILS

Virgin is the only airline to offer Upper Class, a combination of Business and First Class.

MORE DETAILS

Our Upper Class experience includes: Fully flat bed.

MORE DETAILS

The main differences between Upper Class and Premium are that Upper Class has lie-flat seats, multi-course meals, pajamas, extra checked and carry-on baggage, and access to a social space onboard, plus lounge access on the ground.

MORE DETAILS

Simply tell us how much you're willing to pay for an upgrade, by making a bid. Bids can be made up to seven days before your flight is due to depart. If your bid is accepted, congratulations, you've just bagged yourself an upgrade. We'll send you an email to let you know.

MORE DETAILS

When flying Virgin Atlantic first class, also known as upper class, you'll experience luxury every step of the way. Your experience starts with a chauffeured ride to the airport, and then continues with exclusive airport lounges — and that's all before your eventual departure. Bag allowance.

MORE DETAILS

If you're already booked in Economy or Premium, you can bid to upgrade to the ultimate VIP experience in Upper Class.

MORE DETAILS

If not for the wider seats, you should definitely upgrade to Virgin's Premium economy for a superior meal. Back in economy, you may receive a packaged meal with much fewer options, but I was quite impressed with the meal service I had.

MORE DETAILS

On almost every flight, the passengers who get upgrades are either the ones who pay for them (whether in dollars or miles) in advance or frequent fliers with elite status who receive complimentary upgrades as part of their perks. There are very few exceptions, so don't expect to score a free upgrade by just asking.

MORE DETAILS

On almost every flight, the passengers who get upgrades are either the ones who pay for them (whether in dollars or miles) in advance or frequent fliers with elite status who receive complimentary upgrades as part of their perks. There are very few exceptions, so don't expect to score a free upgrade by just asking.

MORE DETAILS

If you hold a valid, confirmed ticket issued by Virgin Atlantic, for a Virgin Atlantic operated flight, you can bid to upgrade to the next cabin of service via the “Your Bid” auction service website anytime up to 2 days before the scheduled date of departure of your flight.

MORE DETAILS

46 Premium seats. 30 Upper Class suites – plus two 'Retreat' Upper Class suites (see below)

MORE DETAILS

It depends on a variety of factors, including the airline, the route, the time of year, and the availability of seats. In some cases, upgrading at the airport can be a cost-effective way to experience Business Class perks without paying full price. In other cases, it may end up being more expensive.

MORE DETAILS

The A350-1000 is Virgin Atlantic's 2nd best plane ( the A330neo is their best ) and features very good iteration of the Upper Class seat and service, and London Heathrow Terminal 3 is where you get the flagship Virgin ground experience replete with private check in: Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Check-in.

MORE DETAILS

Thirty new Upper Class suites — arranged in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration — surround the two special Retreat Suites in the front cabin. Each seat will face forward, convert to a fully flat bed and have direct aisle access — a huge improvement over the existing A330 Upper Class seats.

MORE DETAILS