For many people, a holiday begins the moment you check-in at the airport. So, shouldn’t your flight experience do justice to your hotel or resort?
Across all of our preferred airline partners at Inspiring Travel, there are a number of premium upgrades available that can make a huge difference to your holiday. Allowing you to arrive in style, and already feeling totally relaxed, they really can be a worthwhile addition to your luxury travel plans.
Among our most popular are Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy and Upper Class.
But, we often get asked whether it’s really worth making the upgrade.
Virgin Premium vs Upper Class: Is it Worth Upgrading?
Our Travel Specialists are frequent flyers. So, they understand the importance of a smooth, enjoyable flight.
When it comes to upgrading to Virgin Premium or Upper Class, they certainly recommend it to make the most of your holiday. Both classes have dedicated check-in desks and priority, allowing you to bypass queues for a speedier start to your holiday, and special touches to ensure you arrive feeling relaxed.
Upper Class, meanwhile, really ups the luxury. These cabins feature Virgin's flat-lay beds, which are perfect for longer flights where you crave the ability to stretch out more.
To find out more about the differenced between Virgin’s Premium and Upper Class, and whether they’re worth the upgrade for your holiday, see our guide below...
Virgin Premium
What is Virgin Premium?
Virgin’s Premium cabins are among the top upgrades for your flight, just a step down from Upper Class.
When flying Premium, you’ll enjoy a number of benefits. From your seat to your evening meal, with some luxurious special touches along the way, your holiday will get off to a seamless start.
"Virgin's Premium cabin is lovely. It offers that exclusive feeling of luxury, but without a huge price tag. The extra leg room and dedicated check-in area is definitely worth it, though I also love picking snacks from the 'Wander Wall'!" - Catherine, Aviation Manager
What’s included in Virgin Premium Class?
Checking in
On departure day, Premium Check In and priority boarding ensures a smooth journey through the airport. And, once onboard, you'll be offered a pre-flight glass of bubbly and a complimentary newspaper as you relax into your extra large, extra comfy seat.
Your Premium seat
Eager to get some work done? When you upgrade to Virgin Premium you'll benefit from in-seat power and onboard WiFi* to boost your productivity. When you need to recharge, settle down in front of 'Vera', your entertainment hub.
Your on board meal & evening
With Virgin Premium, your delicious meals will be served on china with stainless steel cutlery, and your drinks in glassware.
On night flights, you'll be given a Premium amenity kit with all the essentials you’ll need to settle in for a good sleep. You can also use Vera to enjoy Wellness, Virgin's new healthy travel programme that incorporates collaborations with wellness brands including Headspace and Team Body Project.
What’s the main difference between Economy and Premium?
So, is Premium worth upgrading from Economy?
There are some good benefits that can help your holiday get off to a much smoother start. The dedicated check-in desk and priority boarding reduces the time spent queuing and waiting, allowing you to spend more time relaxing.
The cabin is also a big draw - you'll relax into a comfortable leather seat with a 38in seat pitch, making it one of the most spacious in its class.
Plus, if you’re on a night flight, you're sure to get some sleep after unwinding with your premium amenity kit and in-seat entertainment.
And, for one final perk, you and your baggage will have priority disembarkation, meaning you can get to your resort all the sooner.
Virgin Upper Class
What is Virgin’s Upper Class?
Upper Class is Virgin’s most premium upgrade available. It offers a host of additional benefits which add the most luxurious touches to your flight experience.
"I'd recommend that everybody experiences travelling in Virgin Upper Class at least once. Checking in becomes a breeze, allowing you to feel miles away from the bustle of the crowds. It can really make your holiday something special - and, it's the only time you'll actually be excited to fly home! Worth every penny." - Denise, Product Manager
What’s included in Virgin Upper Class?
Checking in
Like Premium passengers, if you’re travelling Upper Class, you’ll get to head straight to the dedicated check-in desk. If you’re flying from Heathrow, you’ll arrive at the Upper Class Wing where you'll be met by the Virgin team. They'll take care of your baggage and check you in before speeding you through Virgin's private security channel to the exclusive Clubhouse.
Your Upper Class seat
Step onboard and you’ll discover your very own suite – a spacious leather seat that transforms into a fully flat bed. With privacy and space, you can work, dine on restaurant quality food and drink, and relax with Vera, Virgin's onboard entertainment system.
Your on board meal & relaxation
Stroll to Virgin Upper Class' exclusive social space for a drink, perhaps, and sample Wellness, the cabin's new healthy travel programme that blends Headspace meditation, in-seat exercise and soothing ASMR tracks to ensure that you arrive at your destination in excellent shape
Naturally, once you land, you’ll be one of the first to disembark and collect your baggage. With Upper Class, you really can enjoy every little moment.
What’s the main difference between Premium and Upper Class?
If you want to fly in ultimate luxury, it’s definitely worth upgrading to Upper Class - especially for longer flights.
While Premium offers plenty of perks, Upper Class really goes to the next level. You'll breeze through the private security channel at London Heathrow's Upper Class Wing, before unwinding with a cocktail the Clubhouse.
Onboard, you'll be able to totally relax in your private Upper Class Suite with direct aisle access. Enjoy imaginatively designed dishes at your seat or at the onboard social space, which is perfect for chatting and grabbing a drink. And there’s WiFi* and in-seat power to help you stay in the loop.
You'll sleep soundly in your fully flat bed with the help of your luxury amenity kit and cosy sleep suit. And if you’re landing in the morning at Heathrow, you can get ready to take on the day at the Revivals lounge.
* Just so you know, on board Wifi starts from £2.99
Flying with Virgin Atlantic
Ready to fly away? Virgin Atlantic flies to over 30 destinations including Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Cape Town and more.
If you'd like to know more, contact us at Inspiring Travel to speak to our expert Travel Specialists.
