Virgin Atlantic Upper Class
At a glance
Priority boarding, a quick left turn, and you’re in Virgin’s 787-9 Upper Class - distinctive herringbone where every seat faces the aisle. It’s a calm, efficient way to cross the Atlantic with excellent food, easy service flow, and a bar at the back for a change of scene.
Cabin & seat
Virgin’s 787-9 uses an older-school forward-facing herringbone: everyone angled toward the aisle, no foot cubby to trap your legs. If you dislike narrow footwells, this is bliss—stretch straight out, turn on your side, move freely. You do trade a bit of seclusion for space; the aisle is visible, and yes, you can see other passengers’ feet. Consider it upper-deck camaraderie - and wear your best socks.
The seat itself is wide, comfortably padded, with simple controls, decent storage nooks, and a shoulder-height privacy wing that helps once you settle. In bed mode it’s properly flat and long; bedding is better than most at this price point. Noise levels were low for a 787; lighting is soft and un-fussy.
Best picks: Choose A-row if you value privacy - it has a dedicated aisle, whereas G and K share the same aisle, so there’s a touch more foot traffic and glance-through.
Service & dining
This is where Virgin still shines. The crew ran the cabin with unforced warmth - quick to appear, quick to disappear. Drinks landed promptly; the meal service was excellent: well-seasoned mains, thoughtful sides, and desserts that taste like someone signed off in a real kitchen. Breakfast was properly hot, not “airline warm.” Small thing, big difference.
The bar
At the back you’ll find a proper bar social area - not a lounge, but a comfortable perch to stretch, chat briefly, and top up a drink between courses. Ten minutes standing there resets a long flight.
Practical notes
Boarding: Upper Class lane was efficient; overhead space never a problem.
Storage: Slim side bins and cubbies take a laptop, passport, and cables; keep bulkier items overhead.
Power & Wi-Fi: Power points is the older USB-A not USB-C so make sure you carry the right cabels; Wi-Fi was not as reliable.
Sleep kit: Eye mask and bedding are genuinely useful; ask early if you want turn-down timed around your meal.
Couples: Adjacent seats are fine for travel together, but plan to meet at the bar for a proper chat.
Verdict
Upper Class on the 787-9 is quietly comfortable: real leg freedom, attentive dining, and a civilised bar to reset mid-flight. You forgo the “suite door” aesthetic for an older herringbone, but you gain what matters on an overnight sector—space, pacing, and crew who keep things effortless. For travellers who value privacy and subtlety, pick the A-row window mid-cabin, pack good socks, and enjoy the kind of service that doesn’t need to be announced.
