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Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Review London to New York (A350): Lounge Luxury & Points Perfection

By Joe
Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Review London to New York (A350): Lounge Luxury & Points Perfection

🔥 Sights, Flights & Boyfriends FLIGHT RATING:

  • Score: ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️ (5/5)
  • Short Summary: Effortless, Stylish, Utterly Virgin Atlantic
  • Route: LHR → JFK
  • Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000
  • Class: Upper Class
  • Price Paid: 95,000 Virgin Points + £700 taxes
  • Watch our flight vlog here: Coming soon to YouTube

Table of Contents

Why This Flight Caught Our Attention

The Virgin Atlantic Upper Class A350 from London Heathrow to New York JFK had been on our list for ages — mostly because the A350 was the last aircraft in Virgin’s fleet we hadn’t flown. We’re big fans of the plane itself — it’s quiet, beautifully designed, and has that faintly futuristic hum that makes you feel you’re going somewhere exciting.

This 11 a.m. departure was ideal for a daytime transatlantic: civilised start, breakfast at the Heathrow Clubhouse, and landing in New York in time for dinner. We booked this round-trip with 95,000 Virgin Points plus £700 in taxes, which is a solid deal these days — especially given how dynamic award pricing can sometimes border on absurd.

As always, we were reminded why we love Virgin Atlantic: their crews, the touches of personality, and that feeling that even a flight is something to look forward to — not just endure.

Booking & Pricing Reality

We booked this using Virgin Points through the Virgin Red ecosystem, which continues to be one of the best-designed loyalty programs out there — especially if you know how to play it right.

What We Paid

  • 95,000 Virgin Points return (Upper Class)
  • £700 in taxes and fees
  • Booked roughly two months in advance

The Points & Tier Perk

A huge plus for Virgin: even on reward fares, you still earn tier points — meaning every redemption flight can nudge you closer to Silver or Gold status. It’s a small but brilliant policy that most other airlines have abandoned.

Between Virgin Red’s shopping portal (which we always go through for online purchases) and the Virgin Atlantic Credit Card, you can effectively double-dip on points while stacking toward your next reward trip.

Top Tip: Always click through the Virgin Atlantic Shopping Portal first. You’ll earn Virgin Points on top of your card points — perfect for stacking toward an Upper Class treat.

Dynamic Pricing: The New Reality

Virgin’s dynamic pricing has been controversial — sometimes rewarding flexibility, sometimes demanding a laughably high number of points. But if you’re adaptable, Upper Class redemptions to New York can be as low as 28,000 points each way, which is phenomenal value. For our September flight, the rate was mid-tier, but still fair for the A350 experience.

Verdict: The mix of value, tier-earning potential, and Virgin’s charm makes this a redemption that genuinely feels worth it.

Pre-Flight: Airport & Lounge Experience

You can’t talk about Virgin Upper Class without talking about the Heathrow Clubhouse. It’s hands-down one of our favourite airport lounges in the world — and we’ve been in plenty.

The Upper Class Wing check-in was as smooth as ever: straight from the car to the private security channel, with a staff member escorting us the whole way. Within minutes, we were perched at the Clubhouse bar, sipping cappuccinos and planning our New York brunches.

Breakfast in the Clubhouse is reliably good — fresh smoothies, poached eggs done properly, and an early glass of fizz (for “hydration,” of course). The vibe feels more private members’ club than airport, helped by that rooftop terrace and Virgin’s signature playlist hum in the background.

WORTH THE TIME? Absolutely. Arrive early, enjoy every second, and don’t skip the pancakes.

Boarding & First Impressions

Boarding started bang on time at Gate 18, with separate lanes for Upper Class and Flying Club status holders. The crew’s warmth hit instantly — cheerful, informal, and clearly proud of the product.

First impressions of the A350 Upper Class cabin: stylish, modern, and beautifully lit — though after flying the A330neo, we do slightly prefer that cabin’s more cocooned, spacious feel.

The welcome drink choice (sparkling wine or orange juice) came quickly, served with a smile and a quick chat about the weather in Manhattan — Virgin crews have that rare knack of being friendly without overstepping. It’s the human warmth that keeps us loyal.

The Seat: Design, Comfort & Functionality

Virgin’s A350 Upper Class cabin has a 1-2-1 configuration, giving every passenger aisle access. Each seat faces slightly toward the aisle — modern and elegant, but a little less private than the A330neo’s new herringbone layout.

Design & Comfort

The seat itself is comfortable, with plush upholstery and solid padding. The convert-to-bed mechanism works smoothly, and the bedding — a crisp duvet and proper pillow — makes it easy to nap, even on a daytime flight.

Storage is decent (side cubbies for phones, laptops, and water bottles), and the adjustable lighting lets you create your own little cocoon. The large 18.5” touchscreen feels snappy and clear — very A350.

The Social Space

The famous “Loft” social area is a highlight — perfect for a mid-flight chat or a top-up of wine. It’s less of a party bar than Virgin’s older planes, more a quiet cocktail nook with leather benches and soft lighting. We spent an hour there chatting with another couple who were flying on honeymoon — exactly the kind of social energy Virgin excels at.

Verdict: Beautiful design, excellent comfort, but the A330neo just edges it for privacy and polish.

Food & Beverage Service

We’ve always said Virgin does food and fun better than most. Service began around 40 minutes after take-off, with crisp linen and glassware setting the tone.

Starters

A light smoked salmon dish with crème fraîche — simple but fresh. The bread basket was warm (a small miracle in the sky).

Mains

We both chose the beef short rib with truffle mash — rich, tender, perfectly portioned. The vegetarian gnocchi option looked solid too.

Desserts

Sticky toffee pudding — warm, gooey, perfection. Served with a genuinely good espresso.

Drinks

Virgin’s wine list is quietly excellent: a bright Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, a velvety Rioja, and the signature Champagne (usually Ayala or Lanson). The crew kept glasses topped up with an elegant “more wine, darling?” energy.

Mid-flight, snacks were available in the galley — crisps, chocolate, and fruit, plus made-to-order toasties if you asked nicely.

FOOD VERDICT: Excellent. Restaurant-level quality, served with personality.

Crew & Service Quality

This is where Virgin Atlantic always wins. Every single interaction on this flight reminded us why we love the airline. The crew were upbeat, funny, and genuinely seemed to enjoy themselves.

They remembered names, anticipated top-ups, and chatted just enough to make the flight feel human. Onboard service is Virgin’s soul — and this crew nailed it.

SERVICE VERDICT: Exceptional. Nobody does personality-driven service like Virgin.

Value Analysis: Is It Worth It?

Let’s do the maths:
95,000 Virgin Points + £700 taxes for a return Upper Class to New York. That’s roughly 1.3p per point in value, which is strong — especially given the earning potential on top.

Add to that the tier points still credited on redemption fares, the Clubhouse access, and the consistently brilliant crew and catering, and you’ve got a product that’s competitive with BA’s Club Suite but with far more heart.

Where Virgin really wins is its consistency of vibe: from check-in to landing, you feel like you’re flying with a brand that actually cares.

FINAL VERDICT: Strong value if you can find seats at the lower redemption tier. Virgin Atlantic Upper Class remains one of the most enjoyable ways to cross the Atlantic — points or not.

Quick Flight Reference Guide

Route: London Heathrow (LHR) → New York JFK
Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000
Flight time: ~7h45m
Best seats: 1A/K for privacy, 5A/K for proximity to the Loft
Best booking tip: Use Virgin Red’s calendar to spot low-point dates (28k each way possible)
Wi-Fi: Available, moderate speed (£6.99 for messaging plan)
Lounge: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, Terminal 3 — arrive early
Ideal traveller: Couples, leisure travellers, or anyone who values atmosphere over anonymity
Carry-on tip: UK-to-US adapters, noise-cancelling headphones, and layers — Virgin cabins can run cool

Wrap-Up & Recommendation

We’d waited years to fly the Virgin Atlantic A350 Upper Class, and it didn’t disappoint. From Clubhouse breakfast to that final wave goodbye, it reminded us why Virgin is more than just an airline — it’s a mood.

Yes, the A330neo cabin is slightly comfier and more private, but the A350 still delivers on every front: style, comfort, food, and the unbeatable Virgin personality.

Would we fly it again? Absolutely — especially if we can snag one of those lower-tier award seats.

If you’re planning your own trip to the Big Apple, check out our New York LGBTQ+ Travel Guide for where to stay, eat, and sip martinis once you land.

Travel with us, always with love and a little luxe 🌈✈️