Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Review: LHR to JFK on the A350

Introduction: A Transatlantic Experience with High Expectations

Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class on the Airbus A350 between London Heathrow (LHR) and New York JFK is one of the most iconic transatlantic business class routes. With fierce competition from British Airways, American Airlines, Delta, and even JetBlue’s Mint, Virgin Atlantic’s premium cabin aims to stand out through its stylish design, innovative onboard offerings, and the famed Virgin Clubhouse. This review is based on a recent journey in July 2025, departing from Terminal 3 at LHR and landing at JFK, with a focus on facts and firsthand details—no general fluff or assumptions.

Expectations were high from the start. Virgin Atlantic markets its Upper Class product as more than just a business seat—it’s an experience from lounge to landing. This includes access to the highly regarded Clubhouse, a sleek and social onboard cabin, enhanced dining options, and a new-generation suite design aboard the A350. The airline has taken steps in recent years to modernize the Upper Class experience, adding privacy doors to its suites and improving inflight connectivity and wellness features.

This review dives into every aspect of the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class journey: the ground experience at Heathrow, boarding procedures, cabin ambiance and layout, seat comfort and privacy, the onboard bar and lounge area, inflight dining and drinks, service quality, entertainment options, and how Virgin compares to its competitors on this key business route.

Every element has been evaluated through the lens of a frequent traveler who values comfort, efficiency, and a certain level of indulgence on a long-haul flight. If you’re deciding whether the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class is worth the premium fare—or how it stacks up against BA Club Suite or Delta One—this review gives you a comprehensive breakdown of what to expect.

Lounge Experience: The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow

One of Virgin Atlantic’s biggest differentiators in the premium travel space is its flagship Clubhouse at Heathrow Terminal 3. Unlike standard business lounges that prioritize function over flair, the Clubhouse blends upscale relaxation with a bit of playfulness—offering an experience that feels more boutique hotel than airport lounge.

Entry is included with all Upper Class tickets. Upon check-in at the dedicated Upper Class Wing, which allows you to skip general security, you're whisked into the Clubhouse quickly. The lounge spans 22,000 square feet and offers multiple zones: dining areas, workspaces, relaxation lounges, a spa, and even a retro-themed cocktail bar.

The made-to-order menu is a standout feature. You can enjoy a full English breakfast, fresh smoothies, champagne, and seasonal options like truffle mac and cheese or curry bowls. Everything is served restaurant-style, with attentive table service—no buffet lines here. The bar staff mix cocktails with flair, and premium wines and champagnes flow freely.

The Clubhouse also offers showers and a small treatment spa, although in 2025 some spa services (such as massages or facials) may be limited or appointment-only due to high demand. Still, the Clubhouse stands apart for its ambiance, attentive service, and overall exclusivity.

Compared to British Airways’ Galleries or American Airlines' Flagship Lounge, Virgin’s Clubhouse is hands-down more innovative and luxurious. It’s a key reason travelers choose Virgin Atlantic for transatlantic flights. If your itinerary allows, it’s worth arriving 2–3 hours early to enjoy the full Clubhouse experience before your flight.

Cabin Design and Seating: The A350 Upper Class Suite

Virgin Atlantic’s Airbus A350-1000 features the latest iteration of the Upper Class suite, introduced in late 2019 and refined through 2024. The layout follows a 1-2-1 configuration, giving each passenger direct aisle access and enhanced privacy with sliding doors—a major upgrade from the previous herringbone layout.

Each suite features a fully flat bed extending up to 6'5", with ample legroom and space to stretch. The seat is plush and ergonomically designed, with adjustable lumbar support, a firm yet comfortable mattress pad, and cozy bedding. The leather upholstery feels premium, and ambient lighting around the suite adds a modern, calming vibe. The suite walls are tall enough to create a sense of seclusion, especially after the privacy door is shut, but the space never feels claustrophobic.

Storage is intelligent but limited. There’s a narrow compartment under the footrest for shoes or small bags, a side cubby for headphones or a laptop, and a pull-out table sturdy enough for dining or working. USB-A, USB-C, and AC power outlets are all conveniently placed. A wireless charging pad is also built into the console—a nice touch in 2025.

The central "Loft" social space—an upgrade over the previous onboard bar—functions as a communal lounge with a widescreen monitor, touchless ordering, and seating for up to six passengers. It's an elegant concept, but not everyone chooses to use it during the relatively short 7-hour flight.

Seat controls are intuitive, and the suite quickly converts into a lie-flat bed. Bedding is from premium brand White Company, offering a soft duvet and full-size pillow. The cabin is quiet and dimly lit during sleep time, and cabin temperature remains comfortably cool—a big plus for overnight travelers.

Compared to rivals, Virgin’s A350 Upper Class seat competes well with BA’s Club Suite and surpasses Delta One on many design fronts. The privacy doors, color palette, and lounge access make the cabin one of the most thoughtfully designed in the business.

Inflight Dining and Beverages: Elevated and Personalized

Dining onboard Virgin Atlantic Upper Class is where the airline continues to innovate. From the moment you’re seated, the crew offers a welcome drink—usually champagne, orange juice, or sparkling water. Menus are distributed shortly after takeoff and offer three-course meals with multiple options for each course, plus snacks available throughout the flight.

In July 2025, the menu included a starter of smoked salmon with dill crème fraîche, a choice of main dishes such as roast chicken with polenta, wild mushroom risotto, or beef short rib, and desserts like chocolate fondant or a cheese plate. There was also a plant-based option for each course, part of Virgin’s continued push toward sustainability and inclusivity.

Meals are plated and presented attractively, not just reheated in foil. Virgin also allows passengers to dine when they wish, rather than a fixed meal time—ideal for late-night flights or those hoping to sleep early. The ability to personalize your experience adds significant value.

Beverage options are generous, with wines selected by an in-house sommelier team. In 2025, the white wine was a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and the red a Bordeaux blend. There’s also champagne (often Lanson or Ayala), craft beers, cocktails, and a full spirits menu.

Crew members were knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. Throughout the meal service, they maintained a balance of being attentive without hovering, which is rare even in premium cabins. The galley was always stocked with snacks and chocolates, and the Loft lounge offered additional drinks and social interaction for those inclined.

The inflight dining rivals that of boutique carriers like Qatar Airways or Singapore Airlines in its attention to quality, taste, and presentation. While not quite "fine dining" in the traditional sense, it’s far above the business class norm and adds significantly to the overall experience.

Entertainment, Connectivity, and Amenities

Virgin Atlantic’s A350 features a robust entertainment system with a 18.5-inch HD screen controlled via touchscreen or a wired remote. The interface is responsive and includes hundreds of hours of content: new-release films, classic movies, documentaries, TV shows, music, and games.

Noise-canceling headphones are provided, and while they’re not at the level of Bose or Sony, they are better than standard airline issue. Passengers can also connect their own devices via Bluetooth, a feature added on newer A350s delivered post-2023.

Wi-Fi is available throughout the flight, with pricing tiers ranging from messaging-only to full streaming. The highest-tier package allows for decent speeds and is priced competitively compared to Delta or BA. There’s also a free messaging option for WhatsApp and iMessage, which is useful for staying in touch during the flight.

The amenity kit, designed in partnership with British brand Aesop, includes eye mask, earplugs, socks, lip balm, moisturizer, toothpaste, and a bamboo toothbrush. The kits are sustainable, with reusable pouches made from recycled materials.

Bathrooms are spacious and kept clean throughout the flight, though there are no showers like on Emirates or Etihad. Still, the lighting and design make them feel a step above standard aircraft lavatories. There’s also a small vanity mirror in each suite.

The crew also provides mattress toppers and sleepwear on request. While not standard issue for all passengers, they’re available on longer flights or upon request—a perk many don’t know about.

Virgin’s focus on wellness includes mood lighting designed to reduce jet lag and a cabin pressure altitude that feels gentler on the body. These small touches collectively enhance the journey, especially when paired with the strong entertainment and connectivity options.

Final Verdict: Is Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Worth It?

The LHR to JFK route is among the most competitive business class corridors in the world, but Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class product continues to impress. From the Clubhouse experience at Heathrow to the sleek A350 cabin and high-touch service onboard, every detail feels deliberately designed to elevate the journey.

Where Virgin excels is in creating a premium experience that feels modern yet warm—balancing style with substance. The private suite with sliding doors offers the right amount of seclusion, while the Loft lounge and social bar area give travelers the option to mingle. Dining is a highlight, both in the Clubhouse and in the air, and the crew consistently deliver a personalized and genuinely friendly service.

Compared to its peers, Virgin Atlantic matches or beats BA’s Club Suite in comfort and far exceeds Delta One in ambiance and onboard experience. JetBlue Mint remains a strong competitor on price and food quality, but lacks the comprehensive ground experience that Virgin offers.

There are some areas that could improve. Storage in the suite is limited, and not all A350s have the updated Bluetooth pairing or wireless charging. But these are minor issues in an otherwise seamless premium offering.

Ultimately, Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class from London to New York is worth the premium if you value lounge access, a comfortable lie-flat suite, personalized dining, and consistent service. Whether traveling for business or a special occasion, the experience manages to feel indulgent without being over the top.

If you're choosing between premium cabins on this route, Virgin Atlantic deserves strong consideration—and likely a repeat booking.