A Culinary Ascent
Forget the days of resignedly accepting lukewarm mystery meat and rock-hard bread rolls. Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy experience aims to elevate air travel beyond mere transportation, promising enhanced comfort and, crucially, a better dining experience. But does the food in Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy truly live up to the hype? Is it a mere step up from economy class, or a genuinely worthwhile perk that justifies the upgrade? We’ve flown many miles with Virgin and will dive into the menu options, quality, service, and overall culinary adventure to see if the food alone is a tempting reason to choose Premium Economy with Virgin Atlantic.
A Taste of Things to Come: Pre-Flight Welcome
The Premium Economy experience begins before the plane even takes off. As you settle into your wider seat with that coveted extra legroom, a welcome drink is often offered. While the exact offering can vary depending on the flight and availability, it’s typically a choice between juice, water, or a glass of sparkling wine (often prosecco). It’s a small touch, but a welcome one, setting the tone for a more relaxed and enjoyable journey. On some flights, you might even be offered a small pre-departure snack, perhaps a packet of crisps or a small biscuit, to tide you over until the main meal service. This early attention to detail certainly hints at a more considered approach to inflight dining than in the standard economy cabin.
The Main Event: Premium Plates in the Air
Once airborne and the seatbelt sign is switched off, the main meal service begins. The anticipation builds as the flight attendants begin their rounds.
Choosing Your Culinary Adventure
Before the actual food arrives, you’re presented with a menu, typically a printed card detailing the meal options available. The menu usually includes a choice of two or three main courses, catering to different tastes and dietary requirements. This is a significant step up from economy, where choices are often limited, and you might be left with whatever’s remaining by the time the cart reaches your row. The menu’s layout and design often reflect Virgin Atlantic’s stylish branding, adding to the feeling of a premium experience. The menu will outline the appetiser or starter, all main courses, and the dessert option. It’s vital to pay attention to special dietary information, particularly if you have any allergies or specific needs. Most airlines, Virgin included, can cater to a range of requirements, but these usually need to be requested at least twenty four hours before your flight.
First Course: A Promising Start
The appetizer or starter sets the stage for the main event. While it’s unlikely to be a culinary masterpiece, it’s generally a well-presented and flavorful component of the meal. Examples of previous appetizers we have enjoyed include a fresh seasonal salad with a light vinaigrette, or a small portion of smoked salmon with cream cheese and crackers. Presentation matters, and Virgin Atlantic generally makes an effort to present the starter in a visually appealing way, indicating a commitment to the overall dining experience. The portion size is usually appropriate as a prelude to the main course, not overwhelming, but satisfying enough to whet the appetite.
Main Course Choices: A Flight of Flavors
The heart of the Premium Economy meal is, of course, the main course. Virgin Atlantic typically offers a selection of options, often including a meat dish (such as beef or chicken), a pasta dish, and a vegetarian option. On long haul routes, they often include a destination inspired dish to reflect your journey. Recent menus have featured options such as:
- Roasted Chicken Breast with Herb Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables: A classic and comforting choice, featuring tender chicken, flavorful potatoes, and a selection of fresh vegetables.
- Beef Bourguignon with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A richer and more indulgent option, offering slow-cooked beef in a red wine sauce, served with creamy mashed potatoes.
- Vegetarian Pasta Primavera: A lighter and healthier option, featuring pasta tossed with a medley of seasonal vegetables in a light tomato sauce.
- Destination Inspired dish: a regional dish served according to where you are travelling to, for example a Thai curry en route to Thailand.
The quality of the ingredients is generally good, and the dishes are well-prepared. The presentation is also a step up from economy class, with the food plated in a more appealing manner. While it’s still airline food, it’s a noticeable improvement in terms of taste and presentation. The airline strives to cater to different tastes, and the menu options generally offer something for everyone. However, it’s worth noting that the menu can rotate seasonally or by route, so the specific options available may vary depending on your flight.
Sweet Endings: Dessert Delights
No meal is complete without dessert, and Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy doesn’t disappoint. Dessert options often include a choice of a warm dessert, such as a sticky toffee pudding or apple crumble, or a cold dessert, such as a chocolate mousse or ice cream. These are not usually prepared on board but are well stored and enjoyable. The desserts are typically rich and satisfying, providing a sweet ending to the meal. Portion sizes are usually appropriate, not too large, but enough to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Bread and Butter: The Little Things
Even the seemingly simple details, like the bread and butter service, contribute to the overall dining experience. The bread is usually a warm roll, often a multigrain or white roll, served with a small pat of butter. While it might seem like a minor detail, it’s a nice touch that adds to the overall feeling of a premium meal. The quality of the butter is also generally good, not just a generic spread, but a proper butter that enhances the flavor of the bread.
Quench Your Thirst: Beverage Bliss
The drinks service in Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy is a significant perk. Passengers have access to a wide range of beverages, including soft drinks, juices, wines, beers, spirits, coffee, and tea. Unlike economy class, alcoholic beverages are complimentary in Premium Economy. This is a significant advantage for those who enjoy a glass of wine with their meal or a cocktail to relax during the flight. The wine selection is typically decent, offering a choice of red and white wines to complement the meal. The beer selection usually includes a few popular brands. The flight attendants are generally attentive and offer frequent drink refills throughout the meal service. This is especially appreciated on long-haul flights, where staying hydrated is important.
Mid-Flight Munchies: Snack Attack
Between meal services, Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy passengers can enjoy a selection of snacks and beverages. The availability and variety of snacks can vary, but often include crisps, chocolates, fruit, and small sandwiches. The snacks are usually offered by the flight attendants during their regular rounds, or they may be available in a designated snack area. Having access to these snacks can be a lifesaver on long flights, helping to keep hunger at bay between meals. The drink service also continues throughout the flight, with flight attendants offering refills of soft drinks, juices, and water.
Approaching the Destination: Pre-Landing Refreshments
Depending on the length of the flight, a pre-landing meal or snack may be served. This is usually a lighter option than the main meal, designed to provide a final boost of energy before arrival. The pre-landing meal might consist of a sandwich, a salad, or a pastry. It’s a welcome addition, especially on long overnight flights, ensuring that passengers arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to go.
Catering to All: Special Dietary Needs
Virgin Atlantic strives to cater to passengers with special dietary requirements and allergies. It is generally easy to request special meals when booking your flight or managing your booking online. The airline offers a range of special meal options, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal meals. It’s important to request these meals at least twenty four hours before your flight to ensure that they are available. While the airline generally does a good job of catering to different dietary needs, it’s always a good idea to confirm your request with the flight attendants upon boarding. They can then ensure that your meal is served correctly and that you are aware of the ingredients.
A Comparison: Premium vs. Economy and Beyond
How does the food in Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy compare to other classes and airlines? Compared to economy class, the food is undeniably better in terms of quality, variety, and presentation. The complimentary drinks and more attentive service are also significant advantages. Compared to other airlines’ Premium Economy offerings, Virgin Atlantic generally holds its own, offering a comparable dining experience. However, compared to Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class (business class), the food is, of course, on a different level. Upper Class passengers enjoy a more extensive menu, restaurant-style service, and higher-quality ingredients.
Service with a Smile: The Human Touch
The service provided by the flight attendants during meal times is a crucial aspect of the overall dining experience. In Premium Economy, the flight attendants are generally more attentive and helpful than in economy class. They are more likely to offer assistance with menu choices, answer questions about the food, and provide prompt drink refills. Their friendly and professional demeanor contributes to a more enjoyable and relaxing dining experience.
A Balanced Plate: Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Significantly better food quality and variety than economy class.
- Complimentary alcoholic beverages and a wider selection of drinks.
- More attentive and personalized service from flight attendants.
- Well-presented meals with proper plates and cutlery.
- Cons:
- The menu is still limited compared to business class.
- Food quality can be inconsistent, depending on the route and catering.
- May not be enough to justify the upgrade cost for food alone.
The Final Verdict: A Culinary Upgrade?
In conclusion, the food in Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy offers a significant upgrade from the standard economy class experience. The improved quality, variety, and presentation of the meals, combined with the complimentary drinks and more attentive service, contribute to a more enjoyable and satisfying dining experience. While it may not be a gourmet experience on par with business class, it’s certainly a worthwhile perk for those seeking a more comfortable and enjoyable flight. Is the food alone worth the upgrade cost? That depends on your individual priorities and budget. However, if you value a better dining experience and are looking for a way to elevate your next flight, Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy is definitely worth considering.
Now, we want to hear from you! Have you flown Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy? What were your favorite meals? Share your experiences in the comments below!
