Virgin Atlantic has always sold a feeling as much as a seat. Mood lighting, a glass of bubbly as you board, upbeat crews who joke without being chummy. The airline calls business class “Upper Class,” and that branding matters because the experience mixes polish with personality. Still, the hardware under the mood lights determines whether you sleep, work, and arrive sharp. On Virgin’s long‑haul network, two aircraft frame the Upper Class experience: the Airbus A350 with the latest “Suite,” and the Boeing 787 with an earlier generation seat. I have flown both repeatedly on transatlantic routes like Los Angeles to London and New York to Heathrow, and the differences are large enough to steer your booking if you care about sleep quality, privacy, and cabin vibe.
This review focuses on the seat, the cabin, and the practicalities that matter on a red‑eye to London or a daytime hop back to the States. I will weave in ground elements like the Virgin Lounge at JFK and the Clubhouse at Heathrow Terminal 3 because the airport experience is part of the draw for Virgin Atlantic business. Consider this a field guide to choosing between the A350 and the 787, with notes on routes, the social spaces, and the trade‑offs you only recognize after a few crossings.
A snapshot of Upper Class across the fleet
Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class has evolved through three distinct phases over the last two decades. The classic herringbone from the 2000s pushed everyone toward the aisle and wowed the market with a proper onboard bar. The 787 kept that herringbone approach with modest updates. Then came the A350 with an entirely different suite that adds privacy, sliding doors, and a more conventional forward‑facing layout. If you’re researching “what is business class on Virgin Atlantic,” this split explains why reviews for Virgin Atlantic airlines sometimes sound contradictory. People are describing different products under the same name.
There is no separate “Virgin Atlantic first class.” Upper Class is the top cabin the airline sells. You will see references online to “Virgin first class” or “Virgin Atlantic first class review,” often from travelers comparing business‑plus products. On Virgin, Upper Class is the premium cabin, and the newest version lives on the A350.
The A350 Upper Class Suite: privacy finally arrives
Virgin’s A350 is the flagship for those who prioritize sleep and personal space. The Upper Class cabin runs in a 1‑2‑1 configuration with all‑aisle access. Seats are forward‑facing, and each has a sliding privacy door. The door does not create a sealed cocoon like Qatar’s Qsuite, but it shields you from the aisle and discourages passersby from glancing in. On an overnight JFK to Heathrow, that subtle difference helps your brain switch off.
Seat mechanics feel sorted. The bed is long enough for travelers up to about 6 feet 4 inches to stretch without bumping the shell, and the footwell is wider than the older herringbone on the 787. I measure shoulder width by the ability to sleep on one side without my elbow fighting the wall. On the A350, side sleeping works if you keep the pillow high and slide your knees slightly into the foot cubby. Virgin’s bedding has improved, with a mattress pad that smooths the joins and a duvet that runs warm enough for cold cabins. If you run hot, ask for a second sheet and use the duvet as a blanket folded once.
Storage is modest but well‑placed. There is a small cupboard with a mirror for phones and glasses, a shelf by the window, and a space under the footwell for shoes. The charging setup includes a universal socket and USB‑A, and newer frames also add USB‑C. The screen is crisp and larger than the 787’s, with responsive menus and a decent library of movies plus a stable moving map. Yes, Virgin Atlantic has seatback TVs at every Upper Class seat across both aircraft. Wi‑Fi is fast enough for messaging and email, and on most A350s it holds up for light browsing. Streaming is hit or miss depending on the route and congestion.
The cabin vibe is calmer than earlier generations. Virgin swapped the long bar for a “Loft,” a social space with a wraparound couch, screen, and small tables. It rarely fills on overnight flights, but on daytime sectors it becomes a spillover lounge for people who want a coffee or a cocktail and a chat. I have had productive 20‑minute work huddles there, which you will never do leaning on a dense galley bar. From a sleep perspective, the Loft creates less foot traffic than a bar right in Waikoloa Beach Marriott service reviews the aisle, another subtle win.
The 787 Upper Class: still stylish, slightly dated
Virgin’s Boeing 787 carries the older Upper Class seat. It remains comfortable for work and dining, and the cabin still looks sharp with purple lighting and a clean white shell. The layout is an angled herringbone that points every passenger toward the aisle. That design means instant aisle access and easy crew service. It also means your shoulder sits close to the aisle and your feet tuck into a relatively narrow nook, angled toward the window.
The 787 bed is fully flat, but the footwell is tighter than the A350’s, especially at window seats, which are usually the preferred spots. Taller travelers, think 6 feet 2 inches and up, will notice the pinch. If you sleep on your back, you will do fine. If you sleep on your side with knees bent, expect to shimmy a few times during the night to find a sweet spot. The seat padding is generous, and Virgin’s bedding helps, yet the geometry is fixed. For shorter daytime flights, it doesn’t matter. For red‑eyes, the A350’s suite is meaningfully better.
The 787 keeps a proper bar. If you enjoy a nightcap with a bit of buzz, this is still fun. Crews tend to gather here during service lulls, and regulars drift in for a chat. The flip side, and this is personal taste, is that a bar can bring sound and movement. If you are seated near it and trying to sleep, you may notice voices and glassware. On westbound day flights, the bar is a feature. On eastbound night flights, it is a variable.
Screens on the 787 are slightly smaller and older. The content catalogue matches the A350 in breadth, it just feels less responsive. Power outlets and USB are present and reliable. Wi‑Fi varies more than on the A350. I have had flights where messaging packages worked and web browsing crawled. For route planners who must upload files mid‑Atlantic, opt for the A350 where possible.
Choosing seats: micro differences that add up
On the A350, the best single seats depend on whether you want privacy or speed. Window seats feel cozy, with the console on the aisle side shielding you even before you slide the door. Pairs in the middle work for couples if you choose the center divider down, but even then you are chatting over a ledge rather than lounging side by side. Avoid the first row if you are sensitive to galley noise, and avoid the last row if the Loft sees traffic. For solo travelers, a mid‑cabin window remains the sweet spot.
On the 787, aim for a window if you plan to sleep, just to get your head away from aisle traffic. The nose section is quieter than the rear. The bar sits between Upper Class and Premium, so if you value quiet, pick seats forward of the bar. If you intend to enjoy the social space, sit a few rows behind and treat the bar like your living room. Tall travelers should visit their seat during boarding and test the bed with shoes off. If your toes feel cramped, ask the crew whether a different window seat has a slightly larger footwell cutout. Not every unit is identical.
Seat maps can change, and Virgin occasionally swaps aircraft on routes to match demand or maintenance. Always recheck your seat selection a week before travel and again the day prior.
Service, dining, and the Virgin Atlantic personality
Hardware differences are significant, but the constant across both aircraft is the crew. Virgin’s teams lean informal without slipping into sloppy. I have had flight attendants joke while taking drink orders, then switch to crisp service when dealing with dietary requests. Menus vary seasonally with at least three mains, including a meat, a fish or vegetarian option, and sometimes a plant‑based selection. The airline still offers a proper starter and dessert, and afternoon tea on some routes remains a crowd‑pleaser.
From a workflow perspective, the 787’s angle toward the aisle makes it easy to grab a refill or catch a crew member’s eye. On the A350, you are ensconced, which is great for privacy but can slow the dance if you like spontaneous extras. Press the call button if you need something. Virgin’s culture supports it.
The amenity kit has moved toward sustainable materials. In 2024, you will find socks, an eye mask, earplugs, a bamboo toothbrush, and Ren or similar skincare. It is serviceable, not luxury. Bring your own moisturizer if you are picky. Pajamas appear on some overnight long sectors, typically ex‑London to the West Coast, but not reliably on shorter transatlantic hops. If nightwear matters, ask at boarding.
Sleeping quality: where the A350 pulls ahead
Sleep often determines whether a premium fare pays for itself. On Virgin, the A350 wins by a clear margin. The flat bed, wide footwell, and door combine to reduce micro‑disturbances. You do not get a completely sealed suite, but the line of sight from the aisle to your face breaks, and your brain relaxes. Noise levels are similar across both aircraft in cruise, although the A350 cabin pressure and humidity feel slightly more forgiving after six hours.
On the 787, the herringbone puts you in the aisle’s slipstream. Crew movement, neighboring seat controls, and bar traffic all become stimuli. I still manage five to six hours on a good night because the bedding is decent, but I sleep deeper on the A350, and I wake less. If your trip is a quick out‑and‑back to London for meetings, the A350’s extra hour of quality sleep is the difference between coherent and foggy.
The social spaces: bar vs Loft
Virgin’s bar on the 787 remains one of the last true airborne bars in a business cabin. It is not a mega‑bar like Emirates on the A380, but it is a real counter with stools where bartenders mix drinks and serve canapés. Regulars love it. Once, on a New York to London sector, I found myself sharing a small tasting of English sparkling wines with a crew member who had just completed her WSET exam. That sort of moment fits the Virgin brand, and it is hard to recreate in a quiet corner.
The A350’s Loft is a different proposition. No bartender, just a lounge space that encourages conversation without encouraging volume. You can sit, plug in a device, and review slides with a colleague without feeling like you are intruding on the galley. On daytime flights like London to LAX, the Loft becomes a second office. On overnights, it is civil, used mostly by people stretching their legs.
Which is better depends on you. If you fly alone and enjoy a convivial drink, the 787’s bar is a perk. If you travel with a partner or colleague and want a place to sit together without the glare of the cabin, the A350’s Loft wins.
Ground game: Virgin lounges at JFK and Heathrow
Much of the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class story sits on the ground. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow Terminal 3 remains a high point in business class travel. If you are connecting from Europe or starting in London, arrive early. The space is vast, bright, and cheerful in a way many airline lounges are not. Drinks are made at an actual bar with people who know their menu, the spa occasionally offers quick treatments, and the a la carte dining is reliable. Expect a proper full English in the morning and a decent burger, curry, or salad later in the day. Among Heathrow Terminal 3 lounges, Virgin’s is the one you remember.
At JFK Terminal 4, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse sits landside of the main concourse spine. It is stylish, with high ceilings, warm wood, and big windows. The menu is smaller than Heathrow’s but still a cut above the terminal. If you are looking for the best lounge in Terminal 4 at JFK, the Virgin Atlantic lounge is squarely in the conversation. Access rules matter: the Clubhouse is for Upper Class and eligible elite members. Priority Pass alone will not get you into the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK on most days. When the Clubhouse contracts as a third‑party lounge during off‑peak hours, entry rules change, but do not count on it. If your priority is a guaranteed desk and a quiet drink before a red‑eye, book Upper Class and use the lounge that is part of the ticket value.
For Los Angeles flights, there is no Virgin‑branded lounge. You typically use partner lounges, which vary in quality. The onboard product then carries more weight. On the LAX to London market, where “Virgin Atlantic business class LAX to London” is a frequent search, the A350 often operates. If you value the full Virgin brand bookended by Clubhouses, consider routing via JFK or Boston, but most will just target the A350 nonstop.
Photos, branding, and the look that sells it
If you have seen Virgin Atlantic Upper Class pictures, you know the palette: purple, white, and a bit of red. It photographs well, and the suites on the A350 look cleaner and more premium in person than in some marketing shots. The 787 cabin looks modern but shows its age in small places, like scuff marks on the foot cubby or hairline scratches on the shrouds. Crews keep things tidy, and both cabins feel well cared for, but the A350’s crisp lines and sliding doors make better “Virgin Atlantic upper class photos” if that matters to you.
As for amenity aesthetics, the 2024 kit leans beige and recyclable. It will not wow anyone collecting limited editions. If you want a souvenir, ask for the menu or the wine list. Virgin still curates a fun cocktail page that fits the brand.
Food and drink: consistent ideas, better execution in the suite
Menus typically open with a soup or salad and a hot main. Portions are moderate, which I prefer on overnight flights. Virgin chefs tend to do better with comfort dishes than delicate fish. A braised beef or a good curry hits; a poached cod can overcook. Cheese plates come with crackers and a sweet element, and desserts are sweet enough to count, not just a nod. Champagne is poured at boarding and during service, with at least one solid option plus an English sparkling. Reds and whites include a familiar new world bottle and a European pick, rotated seasonally.
The difference between aircraft is where and how you eat. On the A350, the larger side table and forward‑facing seat make dining feel natural. On the 787, the angled shell and smaller table make trays feel cramped, especially if you keep a laptop open. If you plan to dine and work at the same time, score another point for the A350.
Entertainment, power, and the work setup
Both aircraft check the basics: a big screen, noise‑canceling headphones, a universal charger, and at least one USB port. The A350 systems feel current. Menus swipe without stutter, the screen brightness holds up in daylight, and the moving map offers more layers. The 787 system is perfectly usable, just less fluid. If you are the sort who flips between the map and a movie every 10 minutes, you will notice the difference.
For work, seat geometry matters. The A350’s desk space allows a 13‑inch laptop and a beverage side by side. The 787 table supports a laptop but leaves less room for anything else. I have typed paragraphs on both while turbulence rolled, and the A350 remained more stable. Wi‑Fi performance fluctuates with satellite coverage and load, and it is worth buying a full‑flight pass if you intend to work, rather than rolling the dice on messaging tiers. Both cabins support VPNs inconsistently; if you must tunnel, test early while still over land.
Value, upgrades, and how to game the choice
Cash fares swing wildly. A standard off‑peak round trip in Upper Class from New York to London often prices in the 2,500 to 4,500 dollar range when booked months out, and can spike to five figures the week of travel. For points users, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club remains one of the most interesting programs for transatlantic business class. Partner redemptions complicate things, but on Virgin metal you can find Upper Class awards if you are flexible with dates. Surcharges are not trivial. If your goal is to experience the new suite, watch for A350 flights and set an alert.
If you book into a fare that allows upgrades, your odds of moving from Premium to Upper Class rise on off‑peak midweek flights. I have cleared day‑of upgrades at the airport when the cabin was half full, usually on 787 sectors to Boston or Washington. If you are picky about hardware, pay the fare differential for a guaranteed A350 rather than gambling on a complimentary bump.
When the aircraft matters most
A few scenarios make the A350 much more than a marginal upgrade. Overnight eastbound flights where you need to sleep deeply, long westbound day flights where you will work for hours, and trips where you want to cocoon and avoid the aisle. The 787 shines for travelers who value the bar, who are shorter or back sleepers, or who enjoy the herringbone’s easy crew access. If you are flying with a partner and want to sit close, neither aircraft offers true “honeymoon” seats, but the A350 middle pair with the divider lowered feels more companionable than two angled herringbones.
The JFK question: which lounge, which gates, what to expect
JFK Terminal 4 hosts multiple lounges, and travelers often ask about the best lounge in Terminal 4. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse remains one of the standouts for ambiance and service. If you are on a codeshare or holding a Priority Pass, you will likely be pointed to other lounges. The JFK Virgin lounge does not admit Priority Pass as a rule when operating as a branded Clubhouse for Virgin flights. Food quality beats the food court by miles, and the cocktails are crafted, not batched. If you are flying Upper Class out of JFK, arrive two hours early and have a proper meal, especially if you plan to maximize sleep onboard and skip dinner at altitude.
Gate assignments at JFK T4 can change late. The walk from the Clubhouse to the far gates can take 10 to 12 minutes at a normal pace. Keep an eye on the monitors, and do not cut it close if you want overhead space for a large carry‑on.
Edge cases, quirks, and cabin crew wisdom
A few practical notes from repeated flights. On the A350, the door requires a firm hand to latch. If you leave it ajar, it can rattle during turbulence. On the 787, the shoulder belt for taxi and takeoff can sit awkwardly depending on height. Adjust early so you are not fiddling during the roll. If you are sensitive to temperature, ask for the cabin to be kept cool on boarding. Virgin crews are responsive, but cabins trend warm during service.
If you like a specific wine, ask early. Virgin stocks a limited number of bottles in each galley. Crew will mark your preference and try to keep a glass topped up. On flights with many leisure travelers, the bar can run through Champagne quickly. No drama, but if your ritual is a pre‑sleep glass, have it with the meal.
A practical comparison for seat shoppers
- Pick the A350 if you care most about sleep, privacy, and a modern work surface. The suite door and better footwell make a real difference on red‑eyes. Pick the 787 if you value the bar as a social space, prefer the herringbone’s easy crew interaction, or find a compelling fare difference on a daytime flight.
Final take: one brand, two distinct experiences
Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class still feels like a treat. The crews deliver service with personality, the lounges at Heathrow Terminal 3 and JFK elevate the journey, and the little touches, from mood lighting to tea service, anchor the brand. Yet the seat makes or breaks a business class product, and on that front the A350 pulls ahead decisively. The suite offers better sleep, better privacy, and a more modern platform for work and dining. The 787 remains enjoyable, particularly if you like the social bar, but its herringbone limits comfort for side sleepers and tall travelers.
When you are browsing Virgin Atlantic seat reviews or comparing Virgin upper class reviews across routes, remember that “Upper Class” describes two realities. If you can, book the A350. If your route or budget pushes you onto the 787, choose your seat thoughtfully, lean into the bar if that suits you, and make time for the Clubhouse on the ground. The difference between a good trip and a great one, in Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic, often comes down to those details you tune before you even buckle in.