What it’s like to Fly First Class on Virgin America Airlines
As America’s Virgin Airlines, one of the favorites is being consumed by Alaska Airlines, frequent flyers are wondering if the service will maintain its high standards for first-class flyers. The carrier has established an excellent reputation among first-class passengers and they don’t want to lose the comfort and convenience that they’ve become accustomed to, as it becomes absorbed by the merger. If you’ve not yet flown first class with Virgin Airlines, here is what you’ve been missing out on.
The cost isn’t really that bad
If you were to book a round-trip flight on Virgin Airlines from Seattle, Washington to London’s Heathrow Airport, the cost of first-class tickets is currently around $2,409 for one adult ticket. When you consider all the amenities, it’s one of the more reasonable airlines for taking a luxury ride across the Atlantic from the States. There is no extra charge for the pampering you’ll receive aboard the flight.
Simplification of boarding
When flying to the States from London Heathrow, you can be in the upper-class wing of the airport’s clubhouse in a matter of minutes. First class passengers are given the advantage of a seamless, fast and stress-free access through the private security channel. While you’re there, you will be treated with the opportunity to enjoy upscale dining with a glass of preflight champagne. You’ll avoid waiting in the long lines along with economy class passengers because the first-class ticket allows you to bypass the hassle. Preferred boarding is one of the greatest perks a frequent flyer can possibly enjoy. If you book your first-class ticket far enough in advance, you get to choose your seat, and it can all be done online.
Premium baggage allowances
First-class passengers enjoy increases in the baggage allowances. This includes baggage taken on the flight into the cabin as carry-on, that those that are stored in the hold during the flight. Customers of the carrier like the fact that they do not have the weight restrictions that are placed on those flying in the business and economy classes. When it comes to disembarking, first-class flyers are among the first passengers to pick up their luggage. This saves time when you’re in a hurry and you won’t need to wait for an hour or two to pick up your things.
Chauffeur services
Upper-class tickets give you the option of using the carrier’s chauffeur services. They will drive you to and from the airport. This ensures that you’ll get there on time for your flight. It also means that you’ll have a ride from the airport to your destination without the need to spend time trying to hail a taxi or renting a car.
Roomy private cabins
From the moment that you’re seated, you’ll be surrounded by luxury in your private first class cabin. Virgin provides an amazing ambiance for passengers that begins with mood lighting. The colors are calm and soothing with a distinct purple/fuscia color that is calming and relaxing. Virgin doesn’t permit the use of green or blue lighting, which is a definite plus. The colors of the lighting palette range from fuscia to mauve, then back to purple. The evening scheme changes to promote better sleep.
The seats are designed for maximum passenger comfort. They’re made of plush and comfy white leather and feature a 52-inch pitch with three inches of cushiony padding. You won’t need to worry about leg space because they’ve embedded the entertainment boxes beneath the walking area on their A320 aircraft. This has done away with the troublesome black metal boxes that are found on many first-class flights. The seats are recliners that are fully adjustable with leg rests, massage functions and lumbar support. There are a total of eight seats in the first-class so you won’t feel crowded.
While aboard you’ll also find adjustable reading lights. You can enjoy your favorite book aboard the flight with just the right amount of focused lighting. First-class passengers with Virgin also enjoy the ability to order food via the touch screen service. You’ll still have the cart pass through, but you can also order food whenever you want during the flight. There are full-meals served for longer flights, including snacks and beverages. The system that is used for touch screen ordering is convenient and it even allows you to order a drink for a passenger that is seated elsewhere on the flight. The orders are prepared within a few minutes and delivered when you want them.
Entertainment or business
Power is available to charge your laptop and other devices aboard the flight, so if you have work to complete before your arrival, it’s not a problem. If you’d rather just kick back and enjoy the flight, the airline keeps on hand more than 300 hours worth of entertainment. You can choose from a variety of T programs, film, and even games and enjoy then on the seatback TV. You can bring your own headphones if you prefer, but Virgin supplies a set for you as well. You’ll also have in-flight Wi-Fi for staying in touch, playing games, or getting last minute work finished in flight. Flying first-class aboard Virgin Airlines is definitely worth the price of the ticket.
