The Travelista

  • Home
  • About
    • Collaborations
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Travel
    • Destinations by World Map
    • Hotels
    • Airlines
    • Restaurants
    • Itineraries
  • Life
    • Yorkshire
    • Style
  • Motherhood
  • Inspire Me
    • Adventure
    • Beach
    • City
    • Culture
    • Mountain
    • Tropical
  • Shop
    • E-mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Flying First Class with Virgin Atlantic

05/09/14 ᛫ 20 Comments

Writing about travel has it’s perks. I may never rake in a six figure salary, but I see so much value in the experiences and travel opportunities that my job brings. That’s one reason why, for me, it trumps any other job going. This week I flew to Antigua courtesy of Virgin Atlantic for my latest press trip to the Four Seasons in St Nevis. When I arrived at Gatwick for my 7am check in, my press ticket was upgraded to First Class (thank you Virgin!) This was my First Class experience…

The Airport Procedure

Flying First Class with Virgin starts long before you step on the plane. From the moment you check in, you’re wrapped up into a world of luxury and exceptional service. After checking in at the Premium Economy & First Class check in bays, our tickets were given an extra silver ‘premium’ ticket, which granted us access to a private VIP route through security, saving us loads of time. Once through security, the VIP experience continues in the Virgin Atlantic Club House. Complimentary breakfasts, coffees and refreshments were on offer, but as we were tight for time we only had a few minutes to pop our heads in and check it out.

first-class-virgin-atlantic2

Stepping on Board

From the moment I stepped on board, the First Class service was a whole different ball game to Economy, or even Business. I was welcomed by the cabin crew, shown to my seat and introduced to my personally-assigned air host Ben, who was to look after me for the entire flight. Ben gave me a ‘tour’ of my pod, explaining exactly how the seat and entertainment centre worked, before offering me a glass of champagne (at 8.45am no less!) Did I oblige? Of course I did. There was a bar in First Class serving unlimited cocktails, champagne and spirits upon request, but I actually stuck to water and peppermint tea for the majority of the flight. I also found a wash bag on my seat complete with toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, ear plugs and bed socks. Everything had been thought of and everything was covered.

image courtesy of www.mightytravels.com

Foodie Offerings

One thing I couldn’t wait to try once on board was the food. Almost immediately after sitting down, my host Ben gave me the First Class menu to peruse, including a 3 course lunch, afternoon tea, drinks and cocktails. The foodie highlight was lunch; when they laid down the white table cloth and polished cutlery, I knew it was going to be good. With options such as Crayfish and Avocado on Melba Toast, Chicken Katsu Curry and Fillet of Beef, it was a menu fit for one of London’s top restaurants. There were 3 options for each course, as well as a ‘Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea’ menu, a playful twist on the classic afternoon tea which embodied the whimsical side of the Virgin brand perfectly. I opted for a Mozerella and Tomato Salad with Pesto Dressing, Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli with Sweet Potato and Sticky Toffee Pudding. Each course was delicious and perfectly accompanied by a (real) glass of Chablis and still or sparkling water. I was in my element.

My table setting came with a warm bread roll, salt and pepper and a glass of sparkling water.

My table setting came with a warm bread roll, salt and pepper and a glass of sparkling water.

 Sitting Back to Relax

I’ve never understood why pilots tell you to ‘sit back, relax and enjoy the flight’ – until now. My seat reclined so far back I was almost horizontal, and that was before transforming the chair into the completely flat bed. A 3 course meal, 2 glasses of wine and The Wolf of Wall Street later, I was ready to convert my seat into a flat bed. The seat retracts in to make a flat mattress, big enough to stretch out completely on – perfect. I can normally never sleep on planes, so was interested to see if the flat bed and extra space would make a difference, and boy it did. The bed is quite firm and not like a sprung mattress, but with the luxurious cotton sheets, down-like pillows , ear plugs and eye mask, I had a deep sleep and was totally undisturbed for about 2 hours.

The Verdict?

Flying First Class with Virgin Atlantic was the ultimate luxury travel experience. The service was flawless from start to finish and I actually enjoyed every minute of my 8 hour flight to Antigua. Being in such comfortable surroundings meant that the 8 hours literally flew by and I stepped off the plain feeling refreshed and energised instead of groggy and achy (my standard symptoms following an Economy long-haul flight). Flying First Class is a huge privilege, but if you ever have the chance or are thinking of splashing out for a really special upcoming trip, I highly recommend you do it. And do it with Virgin.

first-class-virgin-atlantic3

Feeling refreshed and rejuvenated landing in Antigua thanks to my First Class experience

What did you think of my First Class experience? Have you flown with Virgin before? Let me know what you think by commenting in the box below. I make sure I reply to every comment! Thanks x

Enjoyed this post? Read about my of my first class and business class flight experiences 

First Class interior image courtesy of www.mightytravels.com

20 Comments

Related Posts

  • Flying in Premium with Norwegian Air
  • My 5 Steps to Better Sleep Whilst Travelling Abroad
  • What to Expect Flying Business Class with Qatar Airways
« Revealing The Latest Luxury Travel Trends in 2014 with Carrier
Hiking Through the Nevisian Rainforest in St Nevis, West Indies »

Comments

  1. Stephen Parry says

    30th October 2014 at 12:42 am

    Oh wow looks absolutely amazing!
    When you checked in were they aware that you were on a press trip/you have a travel blog? Or was this a lucky encounter?
    Love your blog btw 🙂

    Reply
    • thetravelistablog says

      30th October 2014 at 10:40 pm

      Hi Stephen, thanks for your comment! I was actually upgraded as I was on a media press ticket so I think they were hoping I would write nice things!

      So nice to hear you like my blog, please do keep reading! I really appreciate it and lots of new Malaysia posts to come x

      Reply
  2. Katie @mummydaddyme says

    23rd October 2014 at 1:50 pm

    It looks amazing. One day I will fly first class I hope. Just found your blog via the Cosmopolitan awards- congrats! I am a popular family lifestyle blogger but just about to launch a collaborative travel blog and so am loving yours for inspiration. xx

    Reply
  3. cindyscutecorner says

    9th October 2014 at 8:41 pm

    Oh wow, that looks amazing!

    Reply
    • thetravelistablog says

      10th October 2014 at 7:32 am

      It really was Cindy 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment x

      Reply
  4. Packing my Suitcase says

    9th September 2014 at 2:26 pm

    Awesome, lucky you 😀 that sounds like a dream! I also cant sleep on planes and wonder if I ever have a seat like that I will be able to! I never flew with Virgin Airlines. Havefun at your trip 😀

    Reply
  5. Lizzy says

    9th September 2014 at 12:24 am

    Wow- it sounds amazing! Would love to travel first class one day!

    Lizzy at Nomad Notebook

    Reply
  6. Anna Roberts says

    8th September 2014 at 5:24 pm

    Wowza! Looks so amazing, I wouldn’t want to get off. Holiday on a plane? X

    Reply
  7. lruthnum says

    8th September 2014 at 3:39 pm

    Wow this sounds amazing! I definitely need to do a long haul first class flight one day to experience it all for myself. I have to say, Virgin are one of my favourite airlines anyway because they are so attentive and really do think of everything – even in coach! haha xx

    Reply
  8. TheLondonMum says

    7th September 2014 at 8:00 pm

    Wow, sounds and looks amazing. Definitely a way I want to travel one day! xx

    Reply
  9. Hannah says

    6th September 2014 at 9:37 am

    That looks amazing! Especially the foodie bits!

    Reply
    • thetravelistablog says

      7th September 2014 at 12:44 pm

      It really was Hannah! I enjoyed every minute, particularly the foodie bits 🙂

      Reply
  10. denimfish says

    6th September 2014 at 6:46 am

    One day…..one day! Maybe. Sounds fantastic!

    Reply
  11. Lauren Meshkin @BonVoyageLauren says

    6th September 2014 at 1:03 am

    I’ve only flown first class on American Airlines, usually their LA to London flight but this looks so much nicer! I especially like the idea of afternoon tea on board. So fun. Thanks for sharing!

    Happy travels 🙂

    Reply
    • thetravelistablog says

      6th September 2014 at 1:48 am

      Hi Lauren, thank you for your comment! That’s really interesting, how do you think the airlines compare? I’d love to know what First is like with AA. The Afternoon Tea was a really nice touch and something a bit different 🙂

      Reply
  12. Naomi says

    5th September 2014 at 9:18 pm

    Not too shabby at all, I’m still reeling from the fact you get an actual glass (ha). Having an actual bed would be the other big luxury as well. Looks like you’re having a fantastic time and seeing your social media updates isn’t half making me want to book the next (economy for me) flight there!

    Reply
    • thetravelistablog says

      6th September 2014 at 1:47 am

      Hey my lovely! Thanks for stopping by and for your comment. The actual glass was much appreciated, as was the crockery, silver cutlery and cotton sheets! But whether you fly here Economy or First Class, St Nevis is an amazing place! Lots more blog posts to come xx

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Flying Business Class with Malaysia Airlines – Airline Review | The Travelista says:
    29th December 2014 at 11:55 am

    […] to read more of my airline reviews? Check out Flying First Class with Virgin Atlantic and My First Time in First Class with Air Mauritius. Or find out exactly what I got up to in […]

    Reply
  2. The Travelista’s 2014 Travel Round Up – 8 Trips, 16 Destinations, 1 Year | The Travelista says:
    26th December 2014 at 6:56 pm

    […] which made the trip even more indulgent. I didn’t want to get off the plane! I wrote about my first class experience with Virgin here. Find the video of my scuba dive below and read the story of my Caribbean adventure […]

    Reply
  3. September on The Cosy Traveller | The Cosy Traveller says:
    3rd October 2014 at 9:29 am

    […] First Class With Virgin Atlantic – by The Travelista (serious envy right […]

    Reply

Spark a conversation! Cancel reply

Jess is an an award-winning UK travel blogger based in North Yorkshire, providing you with inspiration for both local and global adventures.

Read More

Looking for something in particular?

Subscribe

Never Miss a Post!

Latest Posts

Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary: Visiting 6 ports in 7 days

Family-friendly glamping in the Lake District with Feather Down Farms

An Indulgent Escape at Columbia Beach Resort, Cyprus

Follow on Instagram

What can I say, ya gals a foodie 😝🍴 #trave What can I say, ya gals a foodie 😝🍴 

#travelfoodie #eattheworld #globaleats #worldeatery #eeeeats #worldfood
Hello 2023! 🤍 A clean page, a fresh start. I h Hello 2023! 🤍 A clean page, a fresh start.

I had too many words about 2022 for a caption, so I’ve put them all into a blog post. 

My “2022 year in review” is live on The Travelista. It’s a longer, personal blog post about lessons, learnings, achievements and travels from year just gone, as well as my hopes and goals for 2023. I’ve put a link on stories for anyone interested. 😊

Wishing you a healthy, happy, adventure-filled New Year ✨

Photo: collecting shells on Cleethorpes beach during Twixmas 🐚
My 2022 travel recap ✨ 17 destinations across My 2022 travel recap ✨ 

17 destinations across 9 countries. My son stepped foot in 3 new countries and I got to bring him on 6 trips with me, including his first cruise. Wow ♥️

I’m finding a new rhythm for travelling with (and sometimes without) a little one and can’t wait for what’s to come in 2023.

Whether you’re new here or you’ve followed my journey for years, thank you so much for being here, for every like, comment and share. It is this amazing, supportive and loyal community that has enabled me to quit my job this year and return to doing this full time again post Covid. 

What was the most memorable place you’ve visited in 2022? ♥️

Where I went in 2022: 

Abu Dhabi
Cyprus 
Marbella 
Bruges 
Amsterdam
Guernsey 
Lake District 
Newcastle
Edinburgh 
Whitby
Lake District II
Almuñécar
Barcelona 
Gibraltar 
Marseille 
Rapallo
Florence

That’s a wrap! See you in 2023 🎥
A little snapshot into our Christmas, the first on A little snapshot into our Christmas, the first one in our new home, blending our families and hosting for 9. ☺️🥂 Hope you all had a lovely day 🎄

Merry Christmas from my family to yours ♥️.
Before I sign off for a little Christmas social me Before I sign off for a little Christmas social media break, here’s a festive photo dump of the past week + sharing my favourite poem🕯🎄🥂

Featuring 

➕ A lunch to @bettys with the girls. Making a new tradition. 
➕ A family visit to @castle_howard for their spectacular #IntotheWoods Christmas experience. Phenomenal. We go every year and it just gets better and better.
➕ Carols by candlelight at our local church - magic - but so many layers because the heating was broken!
➕ Dust if you Must by Rose Milligan. The perfect tonic in the (potentially stressful) build up to Christmas. 

We are hosting family this year and I’m excited! I’d love my house to look like a festive show home but it doesn’t, and that’s ok. (I have a 4 year old making mess twice as fast as I can tidy it). 

Fellow hosts, don’t be so busy ‘dusting’ that you miss all the little moments of magic! I’m reminding myself of this too. Swipe to read the poem and you’ll get it. ♥️

Wishing you a perfectly imperfect Christmas 🎄 

Love Jess x
ad Come with me and my Mum to do some last minute ad Come with me and my Mum to do some last minute Christmas shopping at @junction32. 🎁 

We are all feeling the pinch this year with the rising cost of living, so I set myself a challenge to find gifts for under £30. By shopping at outlets like Junction 32, which has over 80 brands offering up to 60% off the retail price, your money truly does go so much further. ♥️

What gifts I bought;

✔️ Slippers from @radleylondon RRP £40 J32 Price £20
✔️Himalayam charcoal gift set from @thebodyshop RRP £36.00 J32 Price £29.50
✔️Wax cheese wheels from independent retailer @themousehouse_lincoln £3 for £16
✔️Children’s cutlery set from @procookuk RRP £10 J32 Price £7

As usual J32 had some brilliant items on offer and a huge amount of choice, even this far into December.

Have you got any last minute Christmas shopping to do? I think I am finally done! 🛍 

#outletshopping #junction32 #junction32shoppingcentre #j32 #yorkshireoutletshopping

Subscribe

Never miss a post! Subscribe for Travelista updates and newsletters

The Travelista on YouTube

  • 3847likes
  • 19680followers
  • 9865followers
  • 2070subscribers

Copyright © 2023 · Design by Gatto

Copyright © 2023 · The Travelista on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ
  • Contact