Airlines

Evaluate: Virgin Atlantic A330neo Higher Class Enterprise Class (LHR-MIA)

For the final portion of my 4 journeys throughout the Atlantic, it was time to fly Virgin Atlantic’s new Airbus A330-900 Higher Class (enterprise class) from London to Miami. The A330-900neo is a contemporary addition to Virgin Atlantic’s fleet, and it incorporates a model new passenger expertise.

I used to be impressed by Virgin Atlantic’s new Higher Class product. The cabin is gorgeous, the meals and facilities have been fairly good, and as normal on Virgin Atlantic, the service was pleasant. Let’s get proper into the evaluation.

How I booked my Virgin Atlantic Higher Class ticket

I booked my Virgin Atlantic enterprise class ticket utilizing Flying Membership factors. There usually aren’t any sensible methods to keep away from Virgin Atlantic’s excessive provider imposed surcharges, and Virgin Atlantic Flying Membership has engaging factors necessities, and the factors are additionally simple to return by.

I booked the next flight in enterprise class for 47,500 Flying Membership factors, plus $760 in taxes, charges, and provider imposed surcharges:

2/13 VS5 London to Miami departing 12:20PM arriving 5:40PM

For context, the UK Air Passenger Obligation (which is due when departing the UK, whatever the airline you’re flying) totaled $226, whereas the provider imposed surcharges (sometimes called gas surcharges) totaled $428.

What’s superior is that Flying Membership companions with main transferable factors currencies, together with Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One, Chase Final Rewards, and Citi ThankYou. I even managed to switch over my factors to Flying Membership when there was a switch bonus, that means I paid even fewer transferable factors ultimately.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class lounge & boarding

Within the earlier installment I reviewed the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Heathrow, which is one among my favourite enterprise class lounges on the earth. My flight was departing from gate 34, with boarding scheduled for 11:25AM, 55 minutes earlier than departure. Certain sufficient, that’s precisely when boarding began, with precedence passenger being invited to board first.

Virgin Atlantic departure gate London Heathrow

Isn’t the Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330-900neo attractive?!

Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330-900neo

Virgin Atlantic A330-900neo Higher Class cabin & seats

I boarded by means of the second set of doorways, which is the place The Loft is situated (which I’ll speak extra about beneath). Earlier than turning left into the enterprise class cabin, I took a fast look on the big 46-seat premium financial system cabin, which appeared fairly snug.

Virgin Atlantic premium financial system cabin Airbus A330-900neo

Virgin Atlantic’s A330-900neo enterprise class cabin consists of a complete of 30 seats, unfold throughout eight rows in a 1-2-1 configuration.

Virgin Atlantic A330-900neo Higher Class seatmap

The enterprise class product on these planes consists of personalized Vantage XL seats with doorways, that are in a staggered configuration. This product ought to look acquainted, because the “bones” of the seats are nearly similar to Delta’s Airbus A330-900neo enterprise class.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class cabin Airbus A330-900neo
Virgin Atlantic Higher Class cabin Airbus A330-900neo

The 2 heart seats within the first row are referred to as the Retreat Suites, and are a particular product. Consider it like a enterprise class “plus” product. In a separate publish, I’ll discuss my tackle this, and whether or not I believe it’s price it.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class Retreat Suite Airbus A330-900neo
Virgin Atlantic Higher Class Retreat Suite Airbus A330-900neo

So far as the window seats go, I’d positively choose a seat in a fair numbered row over seats in an odd numbered row. Seats in odd numbered rows are nearer to the aisle and farther from the home windows, so these aren’t preferrred when it comes to privateness and having the ability to look out. Don’t get me unsuitable, these seats are nonetheless completely good, however simply wouldn’t be my first alternative.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class seat A330-900neo
Virgin Atlantic Higher Class seat A330-900neo
Virgin Atlantic Higher Class seat A330-900neo

My most popular seats are the “true” window seats, that are in even numbered rows. Seats in even numbered rows are nearer to the home windows and farther from the aisle, so these supply essentially the most privateness and the most effective views. I assigned myself seat 8K, the window seat within the final row on the correct facet (admittedly it’s not the most effective seat for views as a result of one lacking window, nevertheless it was the final “true” window seat that was obtainable once I booked).

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class seat A330-900neo
Virgin Atlantic Higher Class seat A330-900neo
Virgin Atlantic Higher Class seat A330-900neo

Whereas the seats are pretty generic, Virgin Atlantic properly differentiates them when it comes to the finishes and tech options. For instance, simply check out the realm to the facet of the seat.

Virgin Atlantic enterprise class seat options A330-900neo

Every seat has an enclosed storage compartment, which additionally has a small mirror that swings out.

Virgin Atlantic enterprise class seat storage A330-900neo

Additionally to the facet of the seat are two separate panels with easy-to-use seat controls. You may both alter a particular perform of the seat, or can select from 4 pre-sets, from a takeoff place to a completely reclined mattress. There’s additionally a panel that may be raised to show one more mirror, in addition to the leisure controller.

Virgin Atlantic enterprise class leisure controls A330-900neo

The tech in Virgin Atlantic’s new Higher Class seats is prime notch. There’s an AC energy outlet, two USB-A shops, one USB-C outlet, and a wi-fi charging station, to the facet of the seat. Very spectacular, particularly with the USB-A outlet being 60W.

Virgin Atlantic enterprise class seat charging A330-900neo

The tray desk extends from the aisle-side armrest, and could be folded over in half. The underside a part of the tray desk has a round form, presumably in order that bigger passengers can sit extra comfortably (particularly since these seats are in any other case pretty tight). That’s a considerate contact.

Virgin Atlantic enterprise class seat tray desk A330-900neo

As you’d anticipate for this sort of staggered configuration, every seat has a footwell, which is how area is utilized effectively, because it’s to the facet of the seat in entrance. The footwell was on the tight facet, however not terribly so.

Virgin Atlantic enterprise class seat footwell A330-900neo

After all one other cool characteristic of this product is the door. That is fairly simple to make use of, and may simply be pulled open or shut. Word that the door doesn’t completely shut, however slightly there’s a really small hole. This appears to be the case with lots of a majority of these merchandise, and I believe it’s to forestall the loud noises of the door and seat banging collectively if there’s turbulence.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class suite door A330-900neo
Virgin Atlantic Higher Class suite door A330-900neo

Every seat additionally has an overhead studying mild and particular person air nozzles, which is a pleasant contact.

Virgin Atlantic overhead console A330-900neo

In the event you ask me, this is a superb arduous product. That is pretty much as good as A330-900neo seats get, with the additional advantage of an aesthetically pleasing design, and prime notch tech.

Admittedly the A330-900neo isn’t as broad as another jets, and also you positively really feel that within the seats, because the area is a bit tighter. However that’s to be anticipated. Personally I believe this product is method higher than Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9 Higher Class and Airbus A330-300 Higher Class.

Whether or not it’s higher than Virgin Atlantic’s A350-1000 Higher Class is a matter of non-public choice. The A350 seat feels a bit extra spacious, however doesn’t have a door, and doesn’t have tech that’s pretty much as good.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class facilities

Virgin Atlantic gives some fairly strong facilities in enterprise class. Ready at every seat upon boarding was an amenity equipment. The equipment is manufactured from recyclable kraft paper, and is stuffed with sustainable merchandise. This isn’t your typical amenity equipment in that regard. I believe it’s a cool initiative, although the fabric of the bag does really feel a bit unusual, and the fabric makes me much less more likely to reuse it.

The amenity equipment consists of eyeshades, socks, earplugs, a pen, a dental equipment, and a number of other merchandise from REN, together with cream, lip balm, and hand cream.

Virgin Atlantic enterprise class amenity equipment

There have been additionally headphones ready at every seat. The standard was wonderful, although Virgin Atlantic has bluetooth audio with its inflight leisure, which makes me not care in regards to the high quality of the headphones.

Virgin Atlantic enterprise class headphones

A can of water was additionally ready at every seat. The usage of canned water is one among Virgin Atlantic’s different environmental initiatives, because it’s extra sustainable than plastic bottles.

Virgin Atlantic enterprise class canned water

The menu for the flight was additionally positioned at every seat previous to boarding.

Virgin Atlantic enterprise class menu

Virgin Atlantic has wonderful Higher Class pillows, that are giant and effectively padded. The remainder of the bedding was offered afterward through the flight, after the primary meal service (although is obtainable upon request earlier).

Virgin Atlantic enterprise class pillow

Virgin Atlantic is without doubt one of the few airways to supply pajamas in enterprise class, although they’re solely obtainable on in a single day flights.

Towards the top of boarding, pre-departure drinks have been supplied, with the selection of champagne, orange juice, or the signature “Ruby Sipper” drink (which is champagne with raspberry rhubarb tonic). I figured I’d combine it up from my typical champagne, and take a look at the specialty drink.

Virgin Atlantic enterprise class pre-departure drink

Virgin Atlantic A330-900neo Higher Class leisure & Wi-Fi

Virgin Atlantic’s A330-900neos have a innovative leisure system. Higher Class seats have 17.3″ excessive definition screens, that are simple to make use of.

Virgin Atlantic leisure system A330-900neo

Virgin Atlantic’s leisure choice is massive, with round 120 films, 110 TV exhibits, audio, and extra.

Virgin Atlantic leisure system A330-900neo
Virgin Atlantic leisure system A330-900neo
Virgin Atlantic leisure system A330-900neo

The interface for the leisure system was the identical as in Air France’s new 777 enterprise class. There was a straightforward characteristic on the prime of the display the place you could possibly all the time test the progress of the flight.

Virgin Atlantic leisure system A330-900neo

As I discussed above, Virgin Atlantic’s new A330-900neos even have bluetooth audio, so to use your personal headphones with the leisure system. This was simple to hook up with — you simply pushed the bluetooth image on the prime of the display, and will then pair your machine.

Virgin Atlantic leisure system A330-900neo

Virgin Atlantic’s A330-900neos even have an superior map characteristic, which you’ll be able to customise relying on the view you like.

Virgin Atlantic leisure system A330-900neo

One other big improve with Virgin Atlantic’s A330-900neos is that these jets characteristic Viasat Wi-Fi, which is about pretty much as good as inflight Wi-Fi will get. There have been two Wi-Fi pricing plans, each with no information caps:

  • A one hour move price 5.99 GBP
  • A full flight move price 18.99 GBP
Virgin Atlantic Wi-Fi Airbus A330-900neo

You may even swap between units on the identical plan, must you need to use a laptop computer for a part of the flight, and a smartphone for one more a part of the flight.

Virgin Atlantic even gives 20 minutes of free Wi-Fi when you watch an advert, although that is restricted to as soon as per machine through the flight.

Virgin Atlantic Wi-Fi Airbus A330-900neo

As you’ll be able to see, each tech and leisure are an actual spotlight of Virgin Atlantic’s latest jets.

Virgin Atlantic A330-900neo departure from London

Boarding was fairly environment friendly, and was accomplished by 12:05PM, at which level the door closed. The flight was fairly full — financial system and premium financial system have been principally full, and enterprise class had six seats empty (together with each of the Retreat Suites).

Pushing again London Heathrow Airport

Towards the again of the Higher Class cabin, I appeared to be surrounded by a floor of about eight Dutch seniors, who weren’t precisely the quietest. Along with actually having fun with the drink choice (which I don’t fault them for), they have been doing loads of screaming throughout the cabin to speak with each other.

Across the identical time that the door closed, the captain introduced our flight time of 9hr32min. I’ve to commend him for the way upbeat and friendly-sounding his announcement was. Typically pilots simply seem to be they’re going by means of the motions and are irritated, and I appreciated this man’s enthusiasm. As soon as his announcement was full, the security video was screened.

We pushed again at 12:15PM, and 5 minutes later began our taxi to the departure runway. Our taxi was fairly fast, however then there was a considerable takeoff queue, so we needed to look forward to round quarter-hour.

Taxiing London Heathrow Airport

We took off at 12:40PM, and it was such a beautiful afternoon. Since we departed towards the east, we made a pointy proper flip after takeoff, which made for some nice views of Heathrow.

View after takeoff from London Heathrow Airport
View after takeoff from London Heathrow Airport

Our climb out was clean, and the seatbelt signal was turned off about quarter-hour after takeoff.

View enroute to Miami

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class lunch service

Lunch was served after takeoff, and yow will discover the menu and drink checklist beneath.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class menu
Virgin Atlantic Higher Class menu
Virgin Atlantic Higher Class menu
Virgin Atlantic Higher Class menu
Virgin Atlantic Higher Class drink checklist

Service started with heat towels being distributed round 25 minutes after takeoff.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class lunch service — heat towel

About half-hour after takeoff, one of many pleasant flight attendants got here by means of the cabin to take drink orders and ask passengers in the event that they have been acquainted with the suite, and wanted any assist with the options.

Service was positively a bit on the gradual facet on this flight, although I didn’t thoughts the leisurely tempo, on condition that it was a reasonably lengthy daytime flight. The primary drink was served about 60 minutes after takeoff, with a facet of chips (or crisps, for my pals on the opposite facet of the pond).

I made a decision to combine issues up and order a glass of the English glowing wine slightly than the champagne, since Virgin Atlantic likes to focus on native wines. It was fairly good.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class lunch service — drinks & chips

About quarter-hour later the desk was set for the flight. Virgin Atlantic performs all service instantly on a desk setting on the tray desk, which I fairly admire, slightly than bringing every part out on trays.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class lunch service — desk setting

Additionally, you’ve gotta love Virgin Atlantic’s salt & pepper shakers!

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class lunch service — salt & pepper shakers

The starter was served round 1hr25min after takeoff. I chosen the rooster parfait with an apricot chutney and crostini. It wasn’t in any respect what I anticipated — I noticed two folks seated close to me ship this again, and albeit it smelled like pet food and appeared like SPAM. Nonetheless I made a decision to strive it, and it was really pretty tasty.

That being stated, I believe that is most likely one thing Virgin Atlantic ought to take off the menu, based mostly on the scent and the response from different passengers.

A choice of bread was additionally supplied, to associate with this. To drink, I made a decision to modify to a New Zealand sauvignon blanc with my starter.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class lunch service — starter

Every passenger’s starter was cleared at their very own tempo, after which I used to be introduced my principal course round 1hr40min after takeoff. For this I chosen the miso and sesame crusted salmon with candy potato puree, bok choi, and a honey and ginger sauce. This was each scrumptious and properly introduced. I like how Virgin Atlantic principal programs are (clearly) plated onboard, slightly than coming in casserole dishes and simply being reheated, like on another airways.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class lunch service — principal course

As soon as my principal course was accomplished, I used to be supplied dessert. There have been two choices, and I selected the black forest gateau with coconut vanilla cream and raspberry flakes, which I loved. Whereas I requested for a cappuccino to associate with, I used to be knowledgeable that the frother was damaged, so I used to be as an alternative supplied a espresso. I like Virgin Atlantic’s mugs.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class lunch service — dessert

Lastly, to complete off the meal I used to be supplied a cheese plate, which consisted of cheddar, blue, and brie cheese. This choice was extra attention-grabbing than your typical airplane cheese plate.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class lunch service — cheese plate

All-in-all, I believed the meal was nice. The presentation was good, service was pleasant, and meals high quality good. I believe there’s room for enchancment with the starter, however aside from that, effectively finished.

Virgin Atlantic A330-900neo Higher Class The Loft

Virgin Atlantic is thought for its onboard bars and lounges. Whereas the aircraft doesn’t have a bar, it does have The Loft, which is a social area situated between enterprise class and premium financial system. The world can seat a handful of individuals, with a solo seat on one facet, and an extended bench on the opposite facet. There’s a big leisure display above the bar, the place the map characteristic is often enjoying.

Virgin Atlantic “The Loft” Airbus A330-900neo
Virgin Atlantic “The Loft” Airbus A330-900neo
Virgin Atlantic “The Loft” Airbus A330-900neo

There’s additionally a fridge at The Loft, which on daytime flight is stuffed with ice cream. That’s a enjoyable characteristic!

Virgin Atlantic “The Loft” snacks Airbus A330-900neo

There was additionally a snack basket, with some mild packaged snacks.

Virgin Atlantic “The Loft” snacks Airbus A330-900neo

The crew can also be completely satisfied to serve you drinks right here, must you need to stretch your legs and socialize.

One (I assume) quirk with the A330-900neo is that there’s no curtain between enterprise class and premium financial system. The bathrooms behind enterprise class are shared between the 2 cabins, and there’s no apparent restriction stopping premium financial system passengers from utilizing the lounge space.

I’m undecided if that’s presupposed to be allowed, however virtually talking I noticed a number of premium financial system passengers stress-free within the lounge, having fun with the snacks and ice cream, and so on. Like I stated, I’m undecided if that’s the intent, nevertheless it differs from the truth on Virgin Atlantic’s different planes.

Virgin Atlantic A330-900neo Higher Class bathrooms

Virgin Atlantic has three enterprise class bathrooms on the A330-900neo. One is situated on the very entrance of the cabin, whereas two are situated behind the cabin. As talked about above, those behind the cabin appeared to be shared with premium financial system.

Whereas the bathrooms have been fashionable, they have been on the tight facet, and bought fairly soiled, particularly towards the top of the flight.

Virgin Atlantic bathroom A330-900neo
Virgin Atlantic bathroom A330-900neo

The bathrooms additionally had toiletries from REN, very similar to you’ll discover within the amenity kits.

Virgin Atlantic bathroom facilities A330-900neo

Virgin Atlantic A330-900neo Higher Class mattress

After lunch, I made a decision to check out the mattress. Virgin Atlantic gives turndown service, whereby the crew is completely satisfied to make your mattress for you. Virgin Atlantic’s bedding is great. Along with the usual pillow at every seat upon boarding, there’s additionally a mattress pad and a comfortable cover.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class bedding
Virgin Atlantic Higher Class bedding

Virgin Atlantic’s A330-900neo Higher Class mattress is on the tight facet, however that’s to be anticipated given the width of the plane. Except you’re petite, you positively gained’t have the ability to transfer round all that a lot when you recline.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class mattress Airbus A330-900neo
Virgin Atlantic Higher Class mattress Airbus A330-900neo

Between the nice bedding and the air nozzles, I bought a superb nap in throughout this flight, and wakened round 4hr30min earlier than touchdown, after finishing our transatlantic crossing.

Progress enroute to Miami

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class pre-landing meal

Virgin Atlantic’s second meal service is on demand, and obtainable anytime after the primary meal service and till round 40 minutes earlier than touchdown. Virtually talking, a overwhelming majority of individuals select to eat this whenever you’d historically have your pre-arrival meal. I requested to eat round two hours earlier than touchdown.

Progress enroute to Miami
Progress enroute to Miami

Under yow will discover the pre-arrival snack menu for this Virgin Atlantic flight.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class menu

Virgin Atlantic’s pre-landing snack is a bit on the stingy facet, within the sense that I imagine the intent is to order only one factor off the menu. The crew will fortunately serve you extra if it’s obtainable, although one among these snacks actually isn’t loads of meals.

I made a decision to order the chickpea fritter and vegetable samosa, with candy chili pickle and carrot, cucumber, and onion seed salad. I loved this, because it was good and spicy.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class meal

I used to be nonetheless a bit hungry, although, so requested for the cream tea, consisting of heat plain and fudge scones with clotted cream, salted caramel unfold, and strawberry jam. It was sinfully scrumptious.

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class meal

Virgin Atlantic Higher Class service

Virgin Atlantic is extremely constant in the case of having effectively intentioned workers. Throughout the board, I discover that Virgin Atlantic workers act like they take pleasure in their jobs, and that makes all of the distinction when it comes to providing a fantastic passenger expertise.

This crew was no completely different, and was heat, enthusiastic, and attentive. I did get the sense that staffing ranges weren’t pretty much as good as they could have been pre-pandemic, as there have been usually prolonged waits. That’s not as a result of the crew wasn’t hustling, however slightly as a result of there appeared to be pretty few flight attendants working Higher Class.

Regardless, the distinction right here was evening and day between this flight and my British Airways first-class flight within the different course, which had lackluster service.

Virgin Atlantic A330-900neo arrival in Miami

At round 4:30PM Miami time the captain introduced that we have been at 40,000 toes, and round 250 miles from Miami. He defined that we’d be touchdown at round 5:15PM, and would have a ten minute taxi from there.

About 25 minutes later the seatbelt signal was turned on, and the cabin was ready for arrival. We had a very cool method, as we primarily flew parallel alongside the Atlantic coast, which made for some nice views of Fort Lauderdale and past.

View approaching Miami

We had superior views of Miami Seaside on method.

View approaching Miami
View approaching Miami
View approaching Miami

We touched down in Miami at 5:10PM. Sadly our gate wasn’t prepared but, so we needed to wait 20 minutes on a taxiway till our spot opened up. We ultimately pulled into our parking place at 5:35PM, proper subsequent to an Air France 777 and Lufthansa A350.

Air France Boeing 777 Miami Airport
Lufthansa Airbus A350 Miami Airport

I rapidly headed by means of immigration, and was excited to be again dwelling after a enjoyable however exhausting journey!

Backside line

Virgin Atlantic’s new A330-900neo Higher Class is a winner. The airline has snug new suites with doorways and nice bedding, in addition to distinctive tech, together with bluetooth audio, prime notch charging, quick Wi-Fi, and an enormous leisure choice.

Add in Virgin Atlantic’s pleasant service, and I discover Virgin Atlantic to be one of the constant and dependable airways throughout the Atlantic.

Admittedly there are some minor areas for enchancment, and there are specific limitations to how spacious seats could be on A330-900neo, however general I’d extremely advocate this product.

What do you make of Virgin Atlantic’s A330-900neo enterprise class?

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