My Honest Opinion of Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy on an Overnight Flight from Seattle to London. 

Excellent video as usual Steve. The usual in flight RU-vidrs could learn a lot from your relaxed style and friendly manner. Top work sir.

PE customers with Virgin be aware : Virgin made the most extreme downgrade of physical PE product in the industry. Yes the newer product is slicker, fresher, great IFE, BUT the width of the physical product was reduced by a whopping two and a half inches ! This fact needs greater attention. The service you see in this video is the old school 21 inch wide PE seat, on the Dreamliner. Otherwise the newer seats are just 18.5 inches. Several other airlines seats are that width but its on the poorer end of PE seat size. By the way in case you're wondering, measured seat pitch remained a constant across the fleet, old and new, being 38 inches , which is the most typical in the industry. The contentiousness arises over width. Bear in mind too that typically with PE seats the sides are solid, so there's no squishing through of fat rolls, or being able to spread out by raising the thin armrest if you're lucky to have an empty seat beside you, as you can in Economy. The old school seats were fitted to the A330-300, A340, 747 and 787. Of these the 787 and A330-300 remain in service ( with their 21 inch seats ) but the A330-300 is being replaced over time by the A330 neo. The newer 18.5 inch seats are on the otherwise wonderful A350 and the new A330 neo. Its also important to realise the difference between classes within the same aircraft. Firstly regarding Economy seating, on A350 and A330 ( whether 300 or neo variants ) things are a bit better than average and its not just in measured widths either as nuances like shoulders and fuselage curves come into it too, and by the way I bet you Virgin have approximated measurements a bit to make economy seats from one aircraft to another look more similar than they are. Anyway, your experience in these aircraft is quite good so that affects your judgement on whether to go for PE instead. On A330-300 the PE seat is 21 inches wide so that's really worthwhile. In the new neo variant its just 18.5 inches, so that may alter the decision and remembering after all that things are quite good in Economy. On the A350 again economy is quite decent as it goes but the newer PE type is just 18.5 inches. Not so attractive, especially if you can't get it at a good price. Now, big contrast with the 787 Dreamliners. It has the most horrible Economy, but also has the old school PE seats. On the Dreamliner you have the most extreme advantage in upgrading. Unless the price is horrible, its a no brainer to do it. Aircraft types are planned ahead so you can go into this knowing what seat experiences you'll be getting. However, substitutions can happen and fatty may be disappointed in PE by having 2.5 inches less than expected. I think Virgin screwed up over this in the design of their newer aircrafts cabins. They had a most outstanding advantage among competitors in trans-atlantic PE seating. Now, less and less aircraft in their fleet have the old school wide seats - the 787 Dreamliner ongoing and the A330-300 until replaced. The PE option in the A330-300 and 787 are arguably preferable for certain journeys to the Upper Class seats in the same aircraft. Not everyone appreciates the coffin like form or not being able to look out the window. If I were having a day time flight to the US I'd want to be upright, awake and enjoying the window views. Coming back, more of a consideration perhaps especially from the west side, but even then, with such big PE seats you can get a good enough nap on these. I hope my piece here helps people make informed decisions about which class to aspire to on Virgin flights.

I enjoyed this latest offering from beginning to end. I'm not sure why - there was no drama to it and it was all pretty routine stuff. I guess the best answer I can come up with is that Steve Marsh's experience as he reports it would be a pretty reliable indication of how I would feel myself if I was on the flight. Thanks again !

Loved this review! I'm flying VA Premium Economy in the near future and really appreciate knowing what to expect (and will have a substantial dinner before boarding now :) ). Really appreciate all of the thought and detail you put into this video, and you made me laugh out loud a few times.

Nice one. I’ve never flown Virgin. When BA introduced their version of Premium Economy 20 odd years ago, Mrs E and I treated ourselves to a trip to New York. We were so looking forward to that bigger Premium Economy seat. At the gate we got upgraded to Business (the original BA flatbed) - what an incredible surprise. Pity we weren’t vlogging back then!

My wife and I have flown to and from China on BA's Premium Economy a few years back. That was definitely worth the extra, given the length of the flight. On the first trip, our son had asked us to take a couple of rather heavy studio monitors over to China and the extra baggage allowance in PE enabled us to do this without forking out for extra baggage.

Having flown from both Seattle and Vancouver, Canada, I’d recommend Vancouver every time for scenery. It truly can’t be beat in my opinion 👍🏻

First video of yours I've seen (not sure how). Really enjoyed your style and will be a viewer from now on !

I’ve flown VA Premium a number of times over the past twenty years between Miami and LHR. The crew have always been friendly and professional. For a long transatlantic flight I would highly recommend it. An expat watching in Florida.

Flights, and especially long flights, are always a pain to endure, even at their best. Thanks.

Another great video. I've heard of some flight attendants cracking up with passengers who attach cameras to their windows. They obviously knew who you were and so let you away with it!

I just did LAX LHR LAX on Virgin PE and enjoyed it very much, even the food. Catering is just up to the whims of the local vendor unfortunately. Much comfier and roomier seats which is really the whole point.

A very timely review here Steve as I’m flying out to Austin in less than two weeks on the 787 in premium economy - seat 22K the one in front of you! Mine is a day flight fortunately, I’m not sure I’d do an overnight in anything other than a lie-flat these days. Great video as always and it’s given me a heads-up in terms of the food and leg room especially. Good to see there’s access to the wonderwall. Cheers mate 😊👍

Enjoyed this video Steve. My husband and I are booked to do this flight in late August. Our first time on VA. After watching this, two things I am not looking forward to: the meals (I agree they look awful) and the sorry looking foot rest. I have suffered from blood clots in my legs twice and so we thought that premium economy would have a leg rest that would support my leg from underneath not just a footrest. Too bad. My bad for not doing more research on that point. Oh well, fingers crossed it all works out.

Hi Steve firstly I am at home for once as your video dropped in. I did a return flight on Virgin Economy Plus a fair few years again on a 747 over to Barbados. I sat on the top dec and it was amazing food was amazing crew fabulous and on the way back. Sorry to see that your trip was not as good. Hope you are both well take care

Food over the years 1980’s - British Caledonian- fresh Croissants and good tea. 1990’s British Midland - fry up sausage, beans, grilled tomatoes and bacon. 2010 onwards- Air Canada executive first class - great meals.

Love the honesty Steve and the person in front would have got short shrift from me via some super nice sarcasm along the lines of 'do you realise there is someone sitting behind you when you are having a pillow fight with yourself?' I appreciate I am far more confrontational than most people. I've got zero tolerance for nonsense like that. Interesting to see the product and I agree it isn't worth the extra cost. The food especially was embarrassing.

Virgin Atlantic used to be renowned for having great food.

I’m taking VA in premium economy in the same seat LAX-LHR and glad to get the read on the seat in front. Im tall (6’2”) and have even struggled with the seat in front on business class. Thanks for pointing out some of the drawbacks - too many of these reviews are overly glowing and downright ads for the airline.

I flew the very same flight a year and a half ago. The service was top notch and the food was pretty good. Didn't get much sleep, but then who does on flights like these. The wonder wall for snacks was great as you could get up when you felt like it, and didn't have to bother the crew. I thought it was a good deal as I arrived in London not stressed from being crammed in economy . The extra space and better service was worth it. I'm due for another trip across the pond soon, and will book this flight again.

I have never flown Virgin Atlantic but I have flown Air Canada Premium Economy to Tokyo. Their product was much better that what you showed here, seats were better and the food was pretty damn good if I do say so. That being said, as always Steve, a great video.

All the USA flights to the UK leave in the afternoon or evening and arrive in the UK the next morning, returning a few hours later. If you pick a long enough flight from Texas or California, you can get enough time for almost a full nights sleep. Eastbound, you should eat your meals on the ground and then go straight to sleep. Westbound, you nap as it will be a long day. Grab yourself a big 2 liter bottle of water inside the airport and drink the whole thing during the flight and you'll feel better. Try to go nonstop so you don't have to waste time making connections in the US and you'll have more food and sleeping time. Pick a seat way in the back, and keep checking for better seats. And be happy when they get you there on time and in one piece! 😁

Another cracking video Steve 😎 I've rarely dared to go for PE but it's definitely an awkward product that I just never find to strike a good balance or value for money really... Then again, Virgin Atlantic is one of the nicer carriers in terms of the amazing crews and the general vibes onboard. Though as you experienced, food offerings aren't ever the best when flying from an outstation instead of from their home base plus I refuse to pay the absurdly steep surcharges that Virgin commands on points tickets. Though good tip: if you want to book Virgin for lower fees, book the same flight but using Air France Flying Blue miles instead in order to cut down on the taxes and surcharges imposed (say from Amsterdam to London to Seattle to avoid paying UK APD).

Nice little bonusvideo.. Cheers for that Steve.. At least the drink must have been nice, bombay saphire and fever tree tonic? My fave brand for tonic water and ginger ale.. 😎

Thanks for the bonus video, Steve. Hardly first class, two meals and free cans of juice. The luxury pod you won when you gambled on a price was so different. Front row seats might be the best ones. Enjoyed it though

Gotta love the wee bonus video. I flew Virgin Atlantic premium economy from SFO-MAN four years ago. Loved it. It was only $100 more each way. Breezed through security and customs which made it worth it.

I thoroughly enjoy your videos, they quite fun to live vicariously through you during the lockdown and to the present. I flew to London in PE from JFK and I enjoyed it. The food wasn’t that bad in my experience but I usually eat in the lounges before and after and skip inflight meals. I got decent sleep, overall I feel like PE was a good value for Me and would spend points in that class again.

We flew premium economy on British Airways in 2019 and thought the food was decent. And the leg room reminded me of what economy USED to be like, so sufficient.

I really liked this video, Steve. My findings with VA Premium vary, a lot. In Octoboer, 23, we flew out to Orlando on a new A350-1000 and it was spectacularly good. Everything was perfect. The return in November, was a different story, a tired A330 CEO. IFE screen was cracked. Arm rest fell off. Seats in front were wobbling, badly. Staff were loud, talking across the galley keeping everyone around me awake. Talk about highs and lows! We've been flying VA PE for around 15 years now, and I'd say it's 50% fantastic, 25% ok and 25% poor. But given our route is typically MAN to MCO, NYC or LAS, we're limited on options really.

The BA breakfasts were amazing! I immediately stopped flying them the minute they became budget.

Thanks Steve, will watch this again, when my poorly ear is better!

I thought you must have decided to stay in Seattle after all Steve, as it's been so long since we all saw your outbound flight on this channel ! Ha ha 😂

Hello Steve. I get to say "first" Glad you showed up on my feed this morning. Been missing your travels. Be safe!

Great vlog Steve! Did this exact flight myself in 2018 from SEA to LHR in standard economy. Love that at the end you're filming from Terminal 5, even though the VS flight would have dropped you at Terminal 3 lol! 😄

My wife and I have been flying Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy for quite a few years, although our planned visit to Daytona, FL, was cancelled due to the pandemic. We are however trying their new service to Tampa later this year. This will be different because all our previous flights were on a 747- lovely plane. Leg room is very important to us due to mobility issues. Food? There used to be more choices, but we find it is still pretty good. I never touch alcohol when flying, though, because being tired after a flight and drinking is not a good combination if you have to pick up a rental car. The cabin crew? Just as you said, fantastic. We have always been very happy with the excellent service on board. (Also, the Virgin Holidays reps in the resorts are second to none).

Hi Steve! I love when you show your flight reviews! I remember when I first flew VA prem econ and I thought it was amazing! But, it kind of looks like their service/food has slipped a bit? Cost cutting measure perhaps? not sure. I was looking to try their newly configured planes with the new upper class but who knows if that will ever happen lol. Love your videos, you show us travel through your own unique views and perspectives and that's a great thing! Keep up the awesome work!

Great video as usual Steve, the food didn't look good though. The things you put up with to keep us entertained!!

Hi Steve The most uncomfortable seat I have ever had was on a 787 Dreamliner. At 6ft5 I was cramped into the seat and had the person in front of me push the seat back so far I could not open my tray table and eventually the air hostess ask then to sit upright so I could eat my food. This seat I sat in for 91/2hours . My most comfortable seat has been in the A380. I fly Emirates most the time as they still fly them. Your food look unappetizing to say the least. Thanks for the video and fortunately Virgin don't fly where I live lol.

The food on that flight was appalling 👍 thanks Steve good video

This is the exact flight my wife and I will be taking this summer!

Steve - I just saw M&S there - you should have stopped on by there for breaky or better still stop a little longer at LHR for the Full House breaky ! totally agree w you on the food front w flights originating in the U.S - I think a lot of airlines use that GATEgourmet outfit that you see loading up the plane - but it is what it is unfortunately - like yourself I fondly remember the BA breakfasts from EDN to LHR back 20 years ago - pretty awesome ! anyways - another great video sir - see you in San Fran next ! 😊

A mid week update. Was not prepared mate. Great video thank you!

You sure are posting a lot. There's this one from a few days ago, and I just noticed that you posted about Lithuania a couple of hours ago. Well, your hard work is appreciated.

It's a shame to see the food was so bad in your case. I had quite an incredible experience flying Virgin Atlantic London - New York in Economy back in 2019. I'd ordered a vegan meal, but they'd forgotten to load it onto the plane, so they brought me the most delicious daal with rice from Upper Class served with the metal cutlery, a china plate, cloth napkin and all! The guy sat next to me with soggy chicken in a plastic box looked a little envious 😅

Great video 📸 keep them coming

What another Excellent video steve i love flying to america Looking forward to the next video the leg room looks great Love from dublin❤

I flew with Air New Zealand from Heathrow to Auckland with premium economy and they were excellent even on the top deck of the 747.

Not having flown for many years, just wondered if it was taboo these days to seat recline, remember how annoying it is when the person in front of you suddenly eats into your (already small) personal space by reclining their seat.

The bulk head if you want to avoid the rocking chair in front of you, for sure. The food looked awful: I'll pack my own, thank you! I was curious about how this compared to Delta Premium Economy, and I think I like Delta. The lights would have driven me crazy as purple makes me queasy. Thanks for yet another fine trip!

Gin and fever tree tonic...we speak the same language Steve! Needed it for that abomination of a meal

Great vlog as always. Hope all is well, take care

Premium economy is fine for a daytime flight and given the extra luggage allowance, can often be good value, however if you want to sleep on an overnight flight, forget it

I’ve flown Manchester to Orlando on virgin,premium economy,was worth the extra and the staff were excellent.

Great review. Premium economy on the 747 was the best. Not experienced it on the new aircraft yet. I'm like you, HATE overnight flights.

Great video as always Steve - thanks. Obviously I didn’t taste the food but actually it looked much better than I’ve had on flights in recent years.

We flew singapore air premium economy from australia to london and though there is a little bit more space i was unable to sleep. 😞 was supposedto be playing tourist the next day but was wrecked. Should mention I’m 70. But still. You were lucky the next seat was vacant! Oh and other than the head phones no goody bag. Food was typical, but crew were terrific.

Great Video As Always Steve

For Me I'm going to London in June 6th 2023 on Virgin Atlantic Airways Airbus A330-300 on There Premium Delight which my Sister booked for me last year I can't wait too try it out soon Awesome Video!!!!

Premium Economy is always something I'd go for (purely for the slightly bigger seat & legroom), my one & only flight across the Atlantic (some 17 years ago) was from Heathrow to Toronto (& return) with the long defunct Zoom Airways on a 767 - their premium economy was excellent & great value.

Very interesting Steve thanks for posting

we flown P/E on United, KLM, Airfrance. Next we will try Virg Atlantic. KLM so far is far better product in particular with the 787-10. We will try the A350 upcoming July LAX to London

The algorithm lined up as when you said you are not a fan of the adverts that have crept into the entertainment, RU-vid immediately cut to 30 seconds of adverts 😂

A fantastic video Steve.

Flew virgin Atlantic once about 20 years ago from Vegas to London. No problem with the flight. The bad thing about flights from USA to London is I believe most arrive around 7 am and you have to wait till around 2 or 3 for check in to a hotel.

And you were flying on miss Moneypenny.🤔💞🕊️✈️

When I was flying regularly UK to East coast US, premium economy was the weapon of choice. Cost-effective and comfortable. Somewhere further afield, then you would want to fly business class. What could be a pain (and it doesn't sound like it) is getting upgraded to a higher class. Then you know what is possible and it's going to cost you forever.

Premium Economy on your flight is much better than standard economy on the Lufthansa flight I endured from Seattle to Franfurt July 2023. I have never attempted to lodge my backside on a seat so small since I stopped cycling. When the guy in front reclined his seat the seatback was solidly on my knees and the screen was so close to my face it was still blurred when I used my reading glasses. The youth next to me was having so much problem fitting his feet at floor level that he crossed his legs which put his raised foot on my trousers at the knee. Another thing I noticed since I last flew 4 years ago. In daylight everyone closes the window shutters so they can view their mobile device screens to play games. So no Rockie Mountain scenery!!!! It's like being a sardine in a tin.

Fantastic aircraft the Dreamer and the flex on those wings is a composite thing of beauty. A wee slagging first Stevo, you're a bit harsh on the utility pack. Who needs expensive eye masks for one flight and there's two brushings worth in that wee toothepaste tube, or is it you're big gob hehehe. Surprised about the food as Virgin are up on quality and even if it's the US side at fault, I'd have thought Virgin would sort that? The lighting was developed in part to help with jet lag but can never remember if E to W or W to E is worse? The silver lining of course being an empty seat next to you, especially with ants in her pants in front. Nice one again man.

Did Brisbane Vancouver premium economy in a dreamliner. At 6ft 4ins I appreciated the extra legroom. I was prepared to pay the premium. Included in the package was business class luggage allowance. Handy as we were away for a month & I wanted to buy some tools in Canada.

Pre-covid (2018) my experience of Virgin Atlantic was always pretty good. I haven't flown with them since but Ive had reports from friends that its now crap food but good crew. BA flights are very variable, ive no idea why food varies but staff can be crap too….. The worst airlines Ive flown on are in South America, you need to take a socket set with you for inflight repairs.

THanks for doing this for us!

I've flown in every cabin of just about every major airline since the late 1960's, and I can honestly say that the world doesn't contain enough alcohol, food, big seats, wide seats, flat seats, flat beds, 14 foot long footrests, 3000-channel entertainment systems, duvets laced with diamonds, pyjamas studded with gold ingots or chocolates wrapped in winning lottery tickets that could ever make flying a pleasant experience for me.

looked good to me , even the food i would have had a crack at it as well . well done steve

Loved the video xx

It will put me off flying Virgin if the foods bad. If they have a good flight deal in the direction im heading, it will be down to whether they are prepared to let me have something else if what they serve up something that isnt for me. Good video again, and its food for thought, no puns intended 😄😄👍

Great video ! Nice plane. Food didn't look too bad apart from the sausage. British Midland in the day served the best food of any airline. My phobia on these flights would be getting crushed by the inconsiderate passengers to the front and side of me

Ha ha absolutely love the subtle SCREAMING OUT LOUD single blueberry that very deliberate hint...Well you could have paid more for better! :)

The real benefits of Premium Economy I've found are during day flights - extra space and legroom just make for a more enjoyable experience. For overnight flights (e.g. USA to UK) and wanting to sleep, I've not found PE much better than Economy. Surprised about the food - I wonder if that's a post Covid thing - standards did drop [apparently] but hopefully now (7 months after your video), they are back to normal.

Thanks for posting really enjoyed your honest review. We fly in May so good to know what to expect. By the way what is that camera/video attached to the aircraft window?

Most Airline Food is pretty poor when traveling from North America west to east, the same flight going east to west will be a much more positive experience

Great video as always Stevie Boy, hope to see you return to your channel roots i.e Sconny Botland and Alicja soon.

Hi Steve hope you have a nice flight home and all the goody bag and a drink and food and it is busy on the plane

Come back to Seattle you two and let’s have a pint or two!!!! Cheers!

i flew premium economy. on Virgin about 2 yrs ago from Dullas to London....seat was good...i had an aisle........ only issue was the person in the window seat got up about a dozen times to go to bathroom... food was OK.....nothing special.... leg room was good

Very surprised by this! Will make me think twice about PE in the future. Food looked horrendous so cant imagine how bad it tasted. Ive seen way better flights in economy. Great video again!

Just looked at your numbers- you are almost at 50k subscribers. Everyone here pass on what Steve is doing- let’s get him over 50,000 subscriber level.

Great video

Flying JFK to LHR in a couple weeks and couldnt afford Upper Class so went with Premium... hopefully its a better experience than what you had this time around.

You bring back to me the horrors of long haul flying. Endured lots of that in my first 25 years years of company life. Only been back UK once 26 years ago. These days just local flights out Phuket. Hong Kong long haul at 5 hours (although dont think going back there now). Food is always a lottery. I have had palatable food at times. Nothing to do with airline, all about the catering company. And the flight crew. For example I had a flight Singapore to London on Canada Air, stop in India. First leg great crew and food. Second leg not good..

Ive flown with Virgin a few times and mostly on the Man - MCO route, the only flight that I enjoyed fully was one of the first Airbus 340 flights out of Manchester in 1996 everything was good and impressive, however after that the rest went downhill, poor catering, uncomfortable seats rude staff ( I got the impression that the passengers were there for the cabin crews entertainment) and if you dont use your hard earned flyer points they take them off you, not impressed with Virgin at all and I stopped flying with them preferring other airlines to cross the big pond, as usual a great and interesting review Steve :-)

Excellent points about PE. If you don't need the status points/extra luggage, and wind up next to an obese, or with a screaming baby next to you, you'll regret it.

Enjoyed the video Steve but am suprised by the poor food. I think you might be right about US sourced food. I've flown VA 3 times, admittedly all in Upper Class and all to/from Delhi, and the food has always been excellent. Best pan fried sea bass ever, includingmy own cooked version. Their pie was also superb on my last flight last October. Keep the videos coming.

The insertion of ads drove me away from the in-flight entertainment systems years ago - I recall sitting down to watch a 25min show once and it took nearly 45mins to watch - so I always carry my own these days.

Any thoughts on coming back to Seattle for like a 4 day journey hitting a bunch of ferry journeys to the Olympic peninsula, would love to host you guys and show you the locals only sites 🤓

I agree re food on return flights normally being quite poor from the US. I saw Virgin had revamped their menu and the outbound food on another video looked very good and certainly better than the economy offering. They also normally serve the food on plates so unsure why yours was not. I have taken the back row in PE for my flight next week and the same coming back. At least with foot traffic being almost zero from behind I will be able to stretch my legs into the aisle and if required I can fully recline without annoying anyone behind me. With the return flight being only 6.5 hours it will only be 1am EST so not worth paying £350 extra for a substandard lie flat bed. The only time I have slept properly sitting up was on Lan Peru after a busy trip, lots of red wine and the middle seat being empty. I do value the extra leg room PE offers though and it only cost £60 more each way than economy delight so happy enough.

Great honest review

A nice flight there Steve shame about the food, I find it can be a bit touch and go with regards to the standards and quality but you made it to Heathrow and that is what matters. Stay safe and until next time cheers.

Do the overnight to and from South Africa every time I come through to see family/tour Scotland. Virgin premium economy is miles better than BA which is a complete waste of money. Out of choice I fly Virgin despite preferring the A380 that BA uses. Better seats, much better service and better food (though still not good food).

The food on the premium economy did not look good Steve, and your luck was in with the empty seat next to you which allowed you decent stretch room. Probably long haul flying is not the little luxury that it used to be, but a very interesting video, All the Best.

Are you sure you couldn’t stomach it because of the food? Might it have been the revolting eggnog scene in Lampoon’s Christmas? Great video as always!