A Comprehensive Review of Virgin Atlantic 787-9 Premium Economy Seats

Flying long haul often means balancing comfort and cost. Virgin Atlantic’s 787-9 Premium Economy seats offer a middle ground between standard economy and business class. This review explores what makes these seats stand out, how they compare to other cabins, and what travelers can expect during their journey.

Virgin Atlantic 787-9 Premium Economy seat with ample legroom and adjustable headrest

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy: Seat Design and Comfort

Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy seats on the 787-9 are designed to provide more space and comfort than regular economy. The seats are wider, typically around 21 inches, compared to the standard 17-18 inches in economy. This extra width makes a noticeable difference, especially on longer flights.

Legroom is generous, with a pitch of about 38 inches. This means passengers have more space to stretch out, reducing the feeling of being cramped. The seats also recline more deeply, allowing for a more relaxed posture during the flight.

Plenty of legroom for this 6'1'' man's feet

Each seat includes an adjustable headrest with side wings that support your head during rest or sleep. The footrest and leg rest add to the comfort, helping reduce fatigue on long journeys.

In-Flight Entertainment and Amenities

The 787-9 Premium Economy cabin features a personal touchscreen entertainment system with a larger screen than economy class. The screen size is approximately 12 inches, offering a clear and vibrant display for movies, TV shows, and games.

Noise-cancelling headphones are provided, enhancing the viewing experience by blocking out ambient cabin noise. Passengers also receive an amenity kit that includes essentials like an eye mask, socks, and toiletries, which adds a touch of luxury to the flight.

Power outlets and USB ports are available at every seat, allowing travelers to charge devices throughout the journey. This is especially useful for those who want to work or stay connected during the flight.

Dining Experience

Virgin Atlantic offers a premium dining experience in this cabin. Meals are served on proper tableware rather than disposable trays, which elevates the overall feel. The menu includes a selection of main courses, often inspired by global cuisine, catering to various dietary preferences.

Complimentary drinks, including wines and spirits, are available throughout the flight. The cabin crew provides attentive service, ensuring passengers’ needs are met promptly.

Cabin Atmosphere and Layout

The Premium Economy cabin on the 787-9 is separate from both economy and Upper Class cabins, creating a quieter and more exclusive environment. The layout typically features a 2-3-2 seating arrangement, which means fewer passengers per row compared to economy’s 3-3-3 setup.

This arrangement allows for easier access to the aisle and reduces the feeling of being crowded. The cabin’s lighting is adjustable, helping passengers relax or stay alert depending on the time of day.

Booking and Pricing

Booking Premium Economy seats on Virgin Atlantic’s 787-9 usually costs about 50-70% more than economy tickets, depending on the route and time of booking. For many travelers, the extra cost is justified by the added comfort and amenities.

It’s worth checking for deals or upgrades during booking or at check-in. Sometimes, last-minute upgrades to Premium Economy are available at a discounted rate.

Comparison with Other Airlines

Compared to other airlines’ Premium Economy offerings, Virgin Atlantic’s 787-9 seats rank highly for comfort and service. The seat width and legroom are competitive, and the dining experience often receives positive reviews.

Some airlines offer slightly more legroom or fully flat seats in Premium Economy, but Virgin Atlantic balances space, service, and price effectively. The onboard atmosphere and attentive crew also contribute to a pleasant experience.

Tips for Passengers

• Choose seats toward the front of the Premium Economy cabin for quicker boarding and deplaning.

• Bring noise-cancelling headphones if you prefer your own, although the provided ones are good quality.

• Use the extra legroom to stretch regularly during the flight to reduce stiffness.

• Take advantage of the power outlets to keep devices charged for entertainment or work.

• Consider booking meals in advance if the airline offers this option, to secure preferred choices.