We have used Virgin Atlantic many times now for our flights to the USA and Caribbean. This has been our favourite airline by far. We have had hardly any negative experiences with them and anything that came close to being a grumble was always readily resolved.
Booking
From the moment we consider booking a trip and looking through the website for inspiration to arriving back to the airport we have found it a pleasant experience. We both use Virgin Atlantic credit cards for day to day spending and use this to earn flying club points and companion tickets. It is, in our opinion, really straightforward to see how you are earning points and using them towards bookings. If we have ever struggled to find the right flight the booking line operators have always been amazing (and patient) in trying to help us get the most out of our points and companion tickets.
The Virgin Atlantic app
The pre-flight process is straightforward and the app is really easy to navigate. It’s easy to see flight details, changes, make seat reservations and select meal options. Checking in online is also a really straightforward process.
On the ground
At the airport the ground staff are pleasant and ready to help. They interact with the children and put us all at ease before a long flight. We have never had any issues with our luggage to date. It’s always turned up in the right place at the right time and undamaged! I also think they are really accommodating with what they allow you to travel with when taking children (when you need to take everything but the kitchen sink)!
We have been fortunate enough to travel a number of flights upper class (using miles and companion tickets). The upper class lounges (London, New York and Los Angeles) are all well thought out and relaxing spaces. Again, the staff are very helpful and accommodating and the amenities are fantastic. The food and drink selection is a just right for a pre-flight meal.
Mimi enjoying a smoothie in the Los Angeles International airport upper class lounge
In the air
On the flight the seat spaces are a good size. Neil is over 6 foot and though the economy seats are not his ideal distance apart he can comfortably fit into them for a long flight. We have travelled in all classes and all the cabins are great. The cabin crew are on the whole very kind and friendly.
I recall our first overnight flight with a 1 year old Fifi who was desperate to not fall asleep (quite the opposite of her sister on a night flight at that age)! She got into a real state and was crying a lot. The cabin crew kindly allowed myself and Fifi to go and sit in the upper class bar area. I managed to settle her to sleep and they brought us a blanket and left us there until it was time to land. Compared to some other airlines where I feel they have lacked understanding in how to improve the experience for parents flying with small children. I have seen the cabin crew take babies up and down the aisles to give a struggling parent a rest. I have seen them interact with our girls and make the experience enjoyable for families.
Emma
The food, drink and entertainment on the flights is plentiful and hours pass by quickly. There is internet access at a charge. It’s perfectly good enough to use social media, send messages and emails, etc. if you needed access during the flight.
For babies the bassinets are really helpful to give you some hands free time whilst they sleep. It’s really important to call ahead if you are hoping to have a bassinet seat. These are first come first served and definitely not guaranteed!
Added benefits
I would recommend Virgin Atlantic for flying to the USA and Caribbean. They have recently joined SkyTeam which is a partnership between around 20 different airlines. From what I understand you can earn and use your points when booking trips that use the member airlines. This is something I am sure we will explore before too long! I will report back when I have more experience of it!
