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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

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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

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Jess is an an award-winning travel blogger based in Yorkshire, navigating the world as a new Mum to baby Theo. Blogging about adventures both local and global.

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Hey guys 👋🏼 This is my little self-developme Hey guys 👋🏼 This is my little self-development project. On 1st January I set some new intentions (not resolutions). The main one was to try and start waking up 1 hour earlier (I am not a morning person). But I wanted to make a change to start each day slowly and mindfully; to wake up and put my own needs first. Usually I would roll out of bed and be straight into Mum mode. Now I sit in silence with a hot cup of tea. Honestly, it has transformed my mornings and I can’t believe I’ve not done it sooner. Here are a few things I’ve been doing in my new daily hour of mental self care; 

⭐️1. The 5 Minute Journal - This book has been the greatest gift I have received in a long time. It has helped me to find gratitude in the smallest things, even when the world feels like its falling apart. I start my hour by filling out this journal. @fiveminutejournal 

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When your knee surgery gets cancelled AGAIN. If I When your knee surgery gets cancelled AGAIN. If I don’t laugh I’ll cry 😅 Another month on crutches for me. At least I got to see my boy experience snow for the first time today instead. Will keep being grateful for the small things ✨
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💓 Embrace the chaos and all the things that make your Christmas unique. Stop letting social media trick you into thinking you don’t have it all. Honey, you do 💓

Merry Christmas and thank you for following us this year, love from me and Theo 🎄✨

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