Review: Virgin Atlantic, Upper Class

Since its origins in the music industry in the 1970s, the Virgin Group has always had its own unique way of doing things - and its airline is certainly no different.

Indeed, what other airline would give its aircraft names such as Hot Lips and Soul Sister. Virgin has a lot of self-confidence and enjoys doing things with a smile and, why not, when it offers its Upper Class, or business class, passengers a seriously innovative, stylish and first-class flying experience.

From limos to drive-thrus

AME Info flew with Virgin Atlantic in its Upper Class cabin between London Heathrow and Dubai but the airline's service starts long before you even get close to stepping on to your plane. Virgin offers a convenient door-to-door limousine service which takes all the strain out of hiring a cab or parking your car in extortionate airport car parks.

But the really unique and convenient aspect of flying with Virgin from Heathrow, as well as London Gatwick or Johannesburg for that matter, is the drive-thru check-in facility. Your limo parks in a dedicated area and Virgin check-in agents quickly check your details, issue boarding passes and take your luggage before you even enter the airport. You are then free to make your way to the airline's business lounge, the Virgin Clubhouse - and you will want to spend as long there as possible.

Seriously stylish business lounge

AME Info has experienced a number of business lounges at various international airports but it is fair to say that none compare to Virgin's offering. The clubhouse at Heathrow opened in March 2006, at a cost of $22m, and it is worth every penny.

From the grand staircase at the entrance, with its chandeliers and mirrors, to the lounge's ultra modern styling and bold architecture, it is the perfect place to wile away a couple of hours before your flight. It makes most other business lounges look positively frumpy.

But business travellers want more from a lounge than mere high design and the Virgin Clubhouse certainly delivers. The office area offers a number of spacious business stations, while the lounge is fully wireless with a number of laptop points in various locations. Eight laptops are also conveniently placed in different parts of the lounge if you need to surf the Web.

The clubhouse offers a wide selection of food and beverage options from light snacks at the Deli to rather more hearty fare at the Brasserie. All types of cuisine are covered from pasta dishes to traditional British staples like shepherd's pie.

But if looking cool, whilst sipping a stiff drink, is in order, then the impressive cocktail bar, which could have been lifted from one of London's trendiest nightspots, is where you should head to.

There frankly isn't enough space to detail all the facilities available at the clubhouse which include a den area with pool tables and video games; a massive multi-screen TV; a hair salon; massages, manicures and treatments at the Cowshed at the Clubhouse as well as a spa pool, sauna and steam rooms.

Upper Class, a class apart

It wouldn't be unreasonable to assume the impressive surroundings and facilities found at the clubhouse could be the high point of your trip but Virgin's Upper Class cabin provides yet another example of the airline's ability to combine innovation and style with excellent levels of service.

Seats are arranged in a one-two-one configuration which means there is plenty of space for each passenger and no tripping over your neighbour's legs every time you need to get up. The seats, or suites, are arranged in a herringbone fashion and face forwards but at an angle. This provides a bit of extra privacy and the small dividing partition between the seats also helps in this respect.

But it is the specification and design of Virgin's attractive light purple leather seats that is the real highlight. The seat itself is very comfortable and each suite comes with a separate ottoman - ideal as a leg rest or as a temporary seat for your travel companion.

At the mere touch of a button, your seat flips right over and transforms into a flat bed, which Virgin claims is the longest in any Business Class cabin in the world. Virgin's cabin crew are also happy to come and then make up your bed as part of their turndown service.

Wide range of services

To spend a whole flight sleeping might appeal to some but that would also mean missing out on all the other extras that are part of Virgin's Upper Class such as the v:port video on demand entertainment system. AME Info counted at least 60 films and around 120 CDs in the jukebox, not to mention a whole host of games.

The in-flight meals are also very good with the gorgonzola and beetroot ravioli and apple creme brulee both especially impressive. Virgin's wine list is put together by Berry Bros and Rudd who supply members of the British royal family. But the Upper Class cabin also includes a dedicated bar area where you can enjoy a drink, have a snack or chat with fellow passengers away from your seat.

It almost comes as no surprise that Upper Class passengers can also enjoy on-board hand, arm, shoulder and head massages as well as manicures. AME Info found the scalp massage extremely relaxing and ideal either before, or after, a stressful day.

Choosing your favourite airline is a very subjective process and no two people will necessarily agree but if there is another international airline offering the same levels of high-end service, and such a range of facilities and personal touches, as Virgin Atlantic, then AME Info would definitely like to find it.

Certain Gulf based carriers like to call themselves 'five star' airlines, but Virgin just lets its product do all the talking.

See also:
Review: British Airways, Club World
Regional business jet market ready for takeoff