Award Flight Booking (8/10)

I am originally booked to fly from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Dallas – Fort Worth (DFW), then onward to London Heathrow (LHR). The international leg of the journey is aboard an American Airlines Boeing 787-9 in Business Class. While this itinerary works, I prefer to save my American Airlines AAdvantage miles for more unique or hard-to-find redemptions. So, for weeks leading up to my trip, I keep checking for alternate award space using miles from more easily transferable points currencies (i.e. American Express, Chase, Capital One, etc).

My persistence finally pays off. Just four hours before departure, I spot Business Class award availability through the Air France-KLM Flying Blue program, flying the new Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330-900neo. I immediately jump on it, redeeming 73,500 Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles plus $228.50 in taxes and fees. After I receive the Air France-KLM booking confirmation, I cancel my American Airlines award ticket. The best part? I get a full refund of both my miles and taxes & fees.

Here are the exact flight details:

• VS 56 Washington, D.C. (IAD) to London-Heathrow (LHR), departing 8:40 P.M., arriving 9:10 A.M. (+1 day)

Now, how did I earn those Flying Blue miles? During a recent BILT Rent Day promotion, I transferred my BILT Rewards points to Air France-KLM Flying Blue… with a 100% transfer bonus! This effectively cuts the cost of my redemption in half — I only use 36,750 BILT Rewards points for this incredible Business Class flight.

Related: The 10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Note: This experience reminds me why earning flexible, transferable points is such a powerful travel strategy. By staying flexible with both my itinerary and points programs, I save valuable AAdvantage miles for a future trip while still scoring a premium flight using more easily replenishable points.

Related: The Best Ways To Earn American Airlines AAdvantage Miles

Airport Check-In (10/10)

Flying out of Washington Dulles (IAD) is always exciting, with international flights departing to destinations all over the world around the same time. As soon as I arrive, I spot the Virgin Atlantic check-in counter, where there is no line at the Upper Class (aka Business Class) desk.

Since I book my ticket just hours before departure using the miles from a partner airline (i.e. Air France-KLM Flying Blue), online check-in is not an option. No problem — I hand over my passport, and the agent checks my bag, prints my boarding pass, and even adds my Global Entry number so I can breeze through security with TSA PreCheck.

The entire process takes less than two minutes and could not be more seamless.

Airport Lounge (9/10)

After breezing through security, I head straight to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse to relax and grab a bite before my flight. The lounge is conveniently located right next to my departure gate, A31 — a mixed-use gate shared by other international airlines like Korean Air and Saudia (formerly Saudi Arabia Airlines). This may just be a general SkyTeam gate?

At the entrance, the front desk agent scans my boarding pass, welcomes me warmly, and explains that the lounge offers table service for food and drinks. She also assures me that an announcement will be made when boarding begins — one less thing to worry about.

The lounge itself is one of the smallest at Washington Dulles (IAD), but it still feels intimate and stylish.

I settle into a window seat with a great view of the tarmac and the Virgin Atlantic A330-900neo waiting to take me to London. As is my tradition, I start the trip with a celebratory glass of champagne and a small bowl of complimentary crisps (British-style potato chips). I can not help but smile — I am officially on my way to London!

Since I plan to enjoy a full meal on the flight, I keep my lounge order light. I go with the Maryland-style crab cakes with remoulade sauce and the Clubhouse Signature Cookie. Both are delicious. Perfectly satisfying without being too heavy before an overnight flight.

Curious about what else the menu offers, I ask my server for recommendations. She enthusiastically suggests the butter chicken, calling it one of the best dishes on the menu.

Mental Note: Try this next time!

Related: The Best Credit Cards For Priority Pass Lounge Access

Related: The Best Priority Pass Lounges At Washington Dulles Airport

I want to be one of the first passengers on board (for cabin photos), so I leave the lounge a few minutes before boarding starts. Upper Class passengers board through Door 1 on the left, while Economy Class passengers board through Door 2 on the right.

I am the first to board and eagerly make my way to my seat, ready to experience the full splendor of Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic.

Aircraft Cabin And Layout (9/10)

The Virgin Atlantic Upper Class (aka Business Class) cabin on the Airbus A330-900neo is nothing short of impressive. The cabin features eight rows arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, offering a total of 32 seats. Every seat has direct aisle access, ensuring a comfortable and private experience.

The layout alternates between rows. In the center section, one seat in each pair is positioned closer to the aisle, while the other is set further back for extra privacy. The same alternating pattern applies to the window seats, with some positioned right against the window and others closer to the aisle. No matter the row, all seats face forward.

Since I book this flight just hours before departure, I do not get a choice of seats. I am assigned 1A, the first-row window seat on the left side, positioned closer to the aisle. On some aircraft, I might mind sitting closer to the aisle, but not on this plane — each seat comes with its own privacy door, offering a cozy, secluded space no matter the seat.

Note: The first row (middle section) of seats on a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330-900neo are the “Retreat Suites.” These seats come with an ottoman that can be used as an extra seat, sliding door for privacy, 27″ entertainment screen, and more personal and storage space than other Upper Class seats. The seats are bookable for an up-charge of approximately $250 per seat within 14 days of departure.

Between the Upper Class and Premium Economy cabins lies a unique feature: the onboard lounge. This “Third Space” is designed as a social hub where passengers can relax, mingle, or catch up on work while flying. Although the lounge seems intended for Upper Class passengers, I notice that Premium Economy travelers occasionally drop by, and no attendants seems to mind.

The lounge layout is simple yet functional. One side features a long, comfortable couch, while the opposite side has an additional chair. Next to the chair is the compact “bar” area, stocked with a selection of grab-and-go snacks — perfect for a quick bite while stretching my legs mid-flight.

Beneath the bar, I spot two coolers — and to my delight, one is filled with ice cream. As someone who can never resist unlimited, all-you-can-eat ice cream, this instantly earns extra points for Virgin Atlantic in my book!

Above the bar, two TV monitors display the flight map, keeping lounge-going passengers like myself updated on the progress and location of the flight.

The lounge is a great spot to hang out and stretch my legs during the flight. Since this space would otherwise go unused, I appreciate having a dedicated area so I do not feel confined to my seat for the entire journey.

Business Class Seat (8/10)

As soon as I board, I am cheerfully directed to my seat on the left side of the plane. While I expect the “older” Virgin Atlantic Upper Class seats, found on the Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 787-9 (aka the “coffin” seats), I am pleasantly surprised to discover a much newer seat design, introduced by Virgin Atlantic just a few years ago.

The first thing I notice is the massive footwell. As someone with large feet, this is a game changer — especially when sleeping. The footwell is spacious enough for me to switch foot positions comfortably throughout the flight.

Right above the footwell is a large, crystal-clear 17.3-inch HD touchscreen. The screen is responsive and easy to navigate, making inflight entertainment a breeze.

Looking to my left, I spot the tray table, which smoothly glides out from underneath a small side shelf. This design makes dining and working on my laptop simple and convenient. Beneath the tray table is another shelf perfectly sized for storing my shoes — an often-overlooked detail that I really appreciate.

Just to the left of the tray table is a discreet compartment that flips open to reveal a small mirror and the TV remote.

The remote has standard navigation buttons but also includes a laptop-style mousepad that lets me control the TV with a computer-style pointer — a clever and intuitive feature. This compartment also houses multiple power ports: one AC outlet, two USB-A ports, and one USB-C port. However, I quickly discover one design flaw: the small compartment door can not be fully opened or closed if I have devices plugged in. While not a major issue, it is a bit inconvenient. The headphone jack is located just to the right of the power ports.

Directly above the power station, I find a wireless charging pad. I place my phone on it as soon as I settle in but realize that devices will not charge on either the pad or through the power outlets until after takeoff — a small detail worth noting.

Behind the remote and power panel, I see the seat controls and a literature pocket. The seat adjustments work best when I am standing, as I need to shift my weight around when reclining from an upright position to a fully flat bed. The controls also let me adjust the lights and activate a “Do-Not-Disturb” sign.

Next to this is a cubby that stores bottled water, the provided headphones, and a larger mirror for personal grooming.

Above my seat, I am pleased to see two individual air vents and two reading lights, helping me control airflow and lighting — great for staying comfortable while sleeping.

To round out the suite, there is a privacy door. While the privacy door does not fully close – the the privacy doors in the QSuite Business Class cabins on Qatar Airways – it still creates a sense of privacy and makes the space feel like a personal mini-suite.

Business Class Bed (9/10)

Out of all the Business Class flights I have taken between the United States and Europe, I think Virgin Atlantic Upper Class might have my favorite bed.

The seat is well-padded, thoughtfully designed, and genuinely comfortable for sleeping — something I can not say about every airline. When I board, I find the bedding already waiting at my seat. This includes a soft mattress pad, a generously sized pillow, and a cozy blanket — all of which feel high-quality and well-suited for an overnight flight.

Shortly after settling in, a flight attendant asks if I would like a pair of pajamas. I immediately say yes, and without hesitation, she hands me the XL set in its own drawstring bag. I do not take offense, as I am quite tall. However, slippers are not offered, which feels like a missed opportunity.

The blanket is perfect, especially with the overhead air vents circulating cool air around my mini-suite. I really appreciate the spacious footwell, which allows me to sleep on my side with my knees bent — just like I do at home. The seat is also wide enough to accommodate my broad shoulders, something I do not always find in other Business Class seat configurations.

Once I settle in, I fall asleep quickly and manage to get about four hours of solid rest. I wake up feeling refreshed — something that does not always happen after an overnight flight to Europe.

On-Board Entertainment (7/10)

The TV screen in Virgin Atlantic Upper Class measures 17.3 inches across and delivers crisp HD-quality visuals. While the content library is not the largest I have seen, it includes a solid selection of movies, TV shows, audio albums, and games. As usual, I put on a comforting sitcom to watch while enjoying dinner before settling in for sleep.

After making my bed, I switch the TV to sleep sounds at a low volume, which helps me relax and drift off more easily. I also keep the flight map running in the background at reduced brightness from the moment I fall asleep until breakfast time. The picture-in-picture feature of the screen lets me have both the flight map and sleep sounds playing simultaneously — a thoughtful touch that I really appreciate.

At my seat, I find Virgin Atlantic-branded headphones ready to use. They work perfectly when plugged in and fit snugly, which is ideal for sleeping on this overnight flight. There is also the option to connect my own Bluetooth headphones, but I decide to stick with the provided set for convenience.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available for £18.99 (~$24) for the entire flight, or I can get 20 minutes of free access by watching an ad. Since my focus is on eating and sleeping, I skip the full-flight pass but take advantage of the free 20-minute session to check emails after waking up.

Virgin Atlantic also offers free access to Facebook Messenger and the online version of Bloomberg. However, most Bloomberg articles require a paid subscription — a bit disappointing when advertised as “free.”

For those who prefer something tangible, there is an in-flight magazine and a duty-free shopping catalog. Flipping through the magazine, I spot a special 40th-anniversary bottle of prosecco for sale — definitely tempting as a neat souvenir! So tempting…

Lavatory (8/10)

There is one lavatory at the front of the cabin, on the left side, reserved exclusively for Upper Class passengers. As a tall individual, having enough space to move around comfortably in an airplane lavatory is crucial — and this one does not disappoint. I have no trouble standing upright or changing into my pajamas before settling in for the night. Throughout the flight, the forward lavatory stays relatively clean, though I notice that flight attendants do not seem to tidy it up mid-flight. Still, its dedicated use for Upper Class passengers helps keep it in good condition.

At the rear of the cabin, there are two additional lavatories shared between Upper Class and Premium Economy passengers. Unsurprisingly, they see much heavier use and get messier as the flight goes on. Given the convenience and greater cleanliness of the forward lavatory, I make it my go-to whenever possible.

Amenity Kit (5/10)

An amenity kit waits at my seat when I board, but unfortunately, it turns out to be the most underwhelming part of the flight.

I love collecting amenity kits and up-cycling them for various uses — they serve as fun travel mementos. However, instead of a sturdy reusable bag, Virgin Atlantic provides a recyclable paper “goodie bag.” While I understand the sustainability angle (since many amenity kits are left behind or tossed), I can not help but feel a little disappointed by the lack of a keepsake-worthy pouch.

The contents of the bag are fairly basic: a dental kit, earplugs, an eye mask, socks, and both hand and body cream from REN. The essentials are there, but I would appreciate a few extras like hand sanitizer, chapstick, or tissues — small touches that can elevate an overnight flight experience. That said, the dental kit and eye mask — my top must-haves in any amenity kit — are included, so the basics are covered.

There is also a can of water waiting in the seat cubby upon boarding, which is a thoughtful touch I always appreciate.

Note: This is in no way a knock on the sustainability initiatives at Virgin Atlantic. I am 100% in favor of more sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives in air travel, but hope airlines find a way to balance sustainability with luxury. 

Food And Beverage (8/10)

As soon as I settle into my seat, a flight attendant arrives with a tray of sparkling wine, orange juice, and water. Naturally, I go for the sparkling wine. It is my first time trying an English sparkling wine, and I am pleasantly surprised — it has a more down-to-earth flavor profile compared to the elegance of French champagne or the crispness of Italian prosecco.

Dinner Service

The dinner service begins shortly after takeoff, moving efficiently to allow time for sleep on this short overnight flight. I kick things off with BBQ-flavored chips (or “crisps,” as the British say), another glass of sparkling wine, and the Flamingo mocktail — a refreshing blend of cranberry juice, sparkling water, and lime. I am thrilled to see airlines embracing dedicated mocktails, and this one is a solid option.

After placing my dinner order, tablecloths are laid, and silverware, bread plates, and the iconic Virgin Atlantic plastic airplane-shaped salt-and-pepper shakers (Wilbur and Orville) are distributed. A flight attendant then offers a selection of breads, and I choose a ciabatta roll — warm and perfectly crusty.

I start with the saffron arancini served with spiced pomodoro sauce and microgreens appetizer. It is flavorful, well-seasoned, and an excellent way to begin the meal. Delicious!

Next up is the porcini mushroom ravioli with roasted cauliflower, sautéed spinach, and truffle cream main course. While the flavors are decent, the presentation is lackluster, and the dish feels a bit heavy without any contrasting freshness. A small side salad with a light vinaigrette would have made a great addition.

For dessert, I opt for the apple tartlet with fresh cream. It is the clear star of the meal — the tartness of the apples pairs perfectly with the sweet, creamy topping. The many flaky layers of the pastry are beautifully executed. I would eat this over-and-over again.

I skip the cheese course, though it is available for anyone looking for something more savory.

While the meal is not as substantial as I have had on other airlines, the quick service lets me maximize sleep on this short flight. Plus, the galley is stocked with snacks for anyone needing a mid-flight bite.

Pre-Arrival Breakfast

About 90 minutes before landing, the breakfast service begins.

Now, a quick flash-back to when I boarded the plane…

I find a breakfast pre-order card tucked into my dining menu, but I ignore it at first since I prefer to decide what I am in the mood for after waking up. However, before departure, the flight attendant asks for my card and insists I submit my breakfast order. I am not too thrilled about choosing my breakfast so far in advance, but comply with the request.

And, flash-forward to the present…

I start breakfast with a glass of orange juice and a cappuccino, served in a stylish ceramic mug — a small detail that makes the experience feel just a bit more special. 

For the main breakfast meal, I have banana pancakes topped with banana crème anglaise, hazelnut chocolate sauce, toasted hazelnuts, and fresh strawberries. A fruit plate comes on the side. I am usually skeptical of pancakes on planes, given the challenges of preparing them hours in advance, but these are shockingly good. The flavors are spot-on, and the textures hold up well.

I chose my breakfast meal wisely!

Note: This breakfast meal only reinforces my emerging theory: pancakes might just be the best bet for second meal services on long-haul flights. They are reliably satisfying and seem to handle the reheating process better than many other breakfast dishes.

Staff And Service (9/10)

When I sailed with Virgin Voyages, I noticed the service felt refreshingly different. The crew had a lively, edgy vibe that emphasized the fun side of travel while still being professional. I had heard that Virgin Atlantic offers a similar experience — though with a touch more traditional airline polish — so I was curious to see how the onboard service compared.

The crew does not disappoint. From the lounge staff to the flight attendants and even the gate agent scanning my ticket, everyone seems to genuinely enjoy their job. They strike the perfect balance between professional and approachable, engaging me in casual, friendly conversations throughout the trip. Since I am not a particularly formal person, I appreciate the laid-back atmosphere — it makes the flight feel more personal and less transactional.

That said, there is one small service hiccup: the insistence on collecting my breakfast card before takeoff. I prefer to live in the moment when choosing my meals, so being pressed to decide hours before I am actually hungry feels a bit rigid. It is a minor annoyance in an otherwise stellar service experience.

Note: I am also 99% sure they notice when I discreetly slip the iconic salt-and-pepper shakers (Wilbur and Orville) into my bag as a fun souvenir. They do not say anything, though, which I take as an unspoken nod of approval. #iykyk

Bonus Content: Virgin Atlantic Arrival Lounge (7/10)

Just before landing, a flight attendant announces that Upper Class (aka Business Class) passengers have access to the Virgin Atlantic Arrivals Lounge at London Heathrow (LHR). After deplaning, clearing immigration, and exiting the secure area, I head straight there. I know my hotel room will not be ready yet, and after a long-haul flight, a shower sounds like the perfect way to recharge.

The lounge is located one floor above the arrivals area, accessible via a row of elevators near the entrance. It takes me a moment to find it, as the signage is not particularly clear.

Once I arrive, I give my name and am admitted to the lounge right away. The front desk agent gives me a quick verbal tour of the space before I stash my bags in the luggage room and head straight for the showers. The shower itself is fine — functional but nothing extraordinary. There is also a pressing service available, though I do not need it this time. However, I am disappointed that there are no toiletry amenities like face wash, moisturizer, or even a basic comb — something I expect from a premium lounge experience.

After a shower, I fire up my laptop to finish up some work. I order a bacon roll (more like a bacon sandwich) and a coffee, enjoy it while completing some writing, and then head out towards my first London hotel.

Final Thoughts

My Virgin Atlantic A330-900neo Upper Class (aka Business Class) flight impressed me with its thoughtful design, comfortable seating, and fun, approachable service. The spacious seat with a privacy door felt like my own mini-suite, and the bed was one of the best I have experienced — perfect for sleeping on a short overnight flight. The onboard dining stood out with excellent appetizers, a delicious apple tartlet, and surprisingly good banana pancakes for breakfast. While the main course could use a bit more variety, the quick service allowed plenty of time for rest.

Now that I have landed in London refreshed and ready to explore, I am heading to my next adventure: a stay at the brand-new Park Hyatt London River Thames.