When it comes to flying long-haul, the choice of seating can significantly impact your travel experience. Virgin Atlantic offers three economy fare types: Light, Classic, and Delight. Each option comes with its own set of perks, but is the extra cost of Economy Delight justified? I recently had the opportunity to experience Economy Delight on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner from London Heathrow to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and here’s what I found.
Understanding Economy Fare Types
Before diving into the specifics of Economy Delight, it’s essential to understand the differences between Virgin Atlantic’s economy offerings:
- Economy Light: This is the most basic fare, allowing only one piece of hand luggage (22 pounds) and no seat selection or checked baggage.
- Economy Classic: This fare includes one checked bag (50 pounds), standard seat selection, and the ability to upgrade using Virgin points.
- Economy Delight: This option offers a checked bag, extra legroom (34 inches of pitch), priority check-in, and boarding, but it cannot be booked with points or miles.
The price difference between these fare types can be significant, with Economy Delight costing between $1,044 and $1,796 for a round trip on the London-Seattle route, compared to Economy Light and Classic fares that range from $662 to $1,602.
The Booking Experience
Booking Economy Delight is straightforward, but it’s worth noting that it cannot be purchased with points or miles, which can be a drawback for frequent flyers looking to maximize their rewards. The recent shift from fixed-rate to dynamic pricing in Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club program means that every seat can now be booked with points, but Economy Delight remains an exception.
Check-In and Boarding
One of the immediate benefits of Economy Delight is the premium check-in line at Heathrow. The cheerful staff made the process quick and efficient, which is a welcome change from the often lengthy waits in standard economy lines. However, it’s important to note that Economy Delight does not include priority security, which can be a hassle at busy airports like Heathrow.
Boarding was well-organized, with Economy Delight passengers invited to board ahead of other economy class passengers. This small perk can make a significant difference, especially on a full flight.
Comfort and Space
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner features a 3-3-3 seating configuration, with Economy Delight seats located in the front cabin. While the extra legroom is noticeable, the overall seat width and pitch still feel tight, especially for taller passengers. At 6 feet tall, I found the additional three inches of legroom helpful, but it still didn’t provide the comfort I had hoped for during a nine-hour flight.
For those who plan to work on a laptop, I would recommend considering an exit row seat in regular economy class instead. The extra space in the exit row would have made it much easier to work comfortably.
In-Flight Amenities
Each Economy Delight seat comes equipped with a small blanket, a thin pillow, and over-ear headphones. The entertainment system features a decent selection of 119 new-release movies, which is a great way to pass the time on a long flight. However, the Wi-Fi service was disappointing, with slow speeds that made it challenging to be productive.
The food service was a highlight of the flight. Passengers were offered a complimentary pre-meal drink and snack, followed by a choice of barbecue chicken or vegetarian cheese pasta for the main meal. The chicken was moist and flavorful, and the use of sustainable bamboo cutlery was a nice touch. Mid-flight, a grilled cheese sandwich was served, which, while simple, was a comforting addition to the meal service.
The Verdict: Is Economy Delight Worth It?
Virgin Atlantic’s Economy Delight offers a solid economy-class experience, with some notable perks like priority check-in and boarding, as well as extra legroom. The food quality and friendly service from the crew were commendable, making the overall experience enjoyable.
However, the tight seating and lack of significant advantages over the Classic fare raise questions about whether the extra cost is justified. If you’re looking for more personal space, especially for working on a laptop, an exit row seat in regular economy might be a better investment.
In conclusion, while Economy Delight provides a few extra comforts, it may not be the best choice for everyone. If your budget allows, consider your specific needs for space and comfort before making a decision. Ultimately, Virgin Atlantic offers a solid economy product across all fare types, ensuring that travelers can find an option that suits their preferences and budget.
