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Business class is business class - we know what to expect, right? From its
1984 conception, Virgin Atlantic has been 'flying in the face of ordinary', as
they like to boast, ever since, conjuring new and exciting ways to keep its
brand from fading into the often sterile, drab backdrop of air travel. On top of that, Virgin Atlantic prides itself on its commitment to being an environmentally sustainable airline. Its
'Upper Class' product is tipped to be a sort of 'higher business class, lower
first class'. I find out what it's all about.
I decide to take a quick pre-wedding, pre-Christmas trip to NYC. It
also would provide a good opportunity to pick up some his & his wedding
rings from Tiffany, and the shorter trip seemed to justify an upgrade even more
so!
Virgin Atlantic will be my airline of choice. CEO Craig Keeper recognises perhaps more than most airline executives the increasing environmental impact flying has. The airline claims it will be committing $8 billion to ensure the most fuel efficient aircraft are used, aiming to improve fuel efficiency by 30% by 2020. This perhaps explains the move to the Boeing Dreamliner rather than the initially planned (but now delayed) Airbus A380, burning 27% less fuel than the A340-300s which may eventually be phased out of Virgin Atlantic's fleet. The airline is also experimenting in biofuel technology, a priority of Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson.
Climate change may be a much debated or questioned science, but many worry about aviation's contribution to this. Some scientists think that the gaseous emissions of aircraft at high altitude are more significant than emissions at ground level. The overall proportion of greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft are considered at roughly 1.5%, expected to rise to 2.5% by 2050. Virgin has its own 'Fuel Panel' consisting of pilots and engineers who meet regularly to address ways of reducing consumption.
Weight is also a significant factor. Each tonne represents roughly 420 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year, meaning every fibre and fabric of the fleet is carefully considered.
By 2020 the airline also aims to reduce noise aircraft noise emissions by 50%, as developments in new aircraft allow.
These commitments aren't limited to aircraft alone. There is also a planned reduction in electricity and water consumption, and waste disposal on the ground. Suppliers are ethically chosen and sourced, including crew uniforms. 'One Water' is provided on board supporting the Free the Children charity to provide clean drinking water in the developing world. Upper Class amenity kits are made of 100% recycled plastic from an estimated 4 million plastic bottles a year - turned into PET which has a 90% lower carbon emission footprint than nylon.
The airline's work with communities in Africa, China and India is astonishing, with Virgin Atlantic staff assisting with Free the Children in various literacy and health programmes,and allowing air passengers the chance to donate to the cause via Change for Children. In fact between 2010 and 2011, just over £1 million was raised from passenger's loose change.
Virgin Atlantic will be my airline of choice. CEO Craig Keeper recognises perhaps more than most airline executives the increasing environmental impact flying has. The airline claims it will be committing $8 billion to ensure the most fuel efficient aircraft are used, aiming to improve fuel efficiency by 30% by 2020. This perhaps explains the move to the Boeing Dreamliner rather than the initially planned (but now delayed) Airbus A380, burning 27% less fuel than the A340-300s which may eventually be phased out of Virgin Atlantic's fleet. The airline is also experimenting in biofuel technology, a priority of Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson.
Climate change may be a much debated or questioned science, but many worry about aviation's contribution to this. Some scientists think that the gaseous emissions of aircraft at high altitude are more significant than emissions at ground level. The overall proportion of greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft are considered at roughly 1.5%, expected to rise to 2.5% by 2050. Virgin has its own 'Fuel Panel' consisting of pilots and engineers who meet regularly to address ways of reducing consumption.
Weight is also a significant factor. Each tonne represents roughly 420 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year, meaning every fibre and fabric of the fleet is carefully considered.
By 2020 the airline also aims to reduce noise aircraft noise emissions by 50%, as developments in new aircraft allow.
These commitments aren't limited to aircraft alone. There is also a planned reduction in electricity and water consumption, and waste disposal on the ground. Suppliers are ethically chosen and sourced, including crew uniforms. 'One Water' is provided on board supporting the Free the Children charity to provide clean drinking water in the developing world. Upper Class amenity kits are made of 100% recycled plastic from an estimated 4 million plastic bottles a year - turned into PET which has a 90% lower carbon emission footprint than nylon.
The airline's work with communities in Africa, China and India is astonishing, with Virgin Atlantic staff assisting with Free the Children in various literacy and health programmes,and allowing air passengers the chance to donate to the cause via Change for Children. In fact between 2010 and 2011, just over £1 million was raised from passenger's loose change.
Safe in the knowledge of an ethical choice, needless to say I am rather excited about flying Upper Class. My journey
starts on a morning train from Devon to London Paddington. It's worth pointing
out I am extremely impressed with the new FGW First carriages after an extensive
overhaul - very swanky and a much 'cleaner' feeling than the old
ones.
The first 'perk' to experience is Virgin's drive through check in, at their dedicated Upper Class Wing at Heathrow terminal 3. Having arranged a drop off with LHR Cars, I call the wing after receiving a text from the driver, giving the registration details. These must be provided to Virgin Atlantic in advance, but can be done on route to the airport. The process seemed very easy. You can also arrange for one of their own chauffeurs to collect you. On arriving at Paddington I am collected at the Hilton just around the corner, in a very flashy looking Mercedes.
LHR Cars are prompt and reliable - the driver is friendly and professional. He seems to know the drill with drive through check in as we approach and wait at a set of traffic lights at the private entrance. As we pull in, I see the Virgin Atlantic staff lined up waiting, looking very smart indeed. Door is opened, and as I step out, bags are swiftly taken and within seconds boarding passes in hand. Not another soul in sight and a very pleasant experience as I wander down the hall to the private security lane. I am taken by surprise as the lady greets me with a smile and asks how I am. Not a usual occurrence with security.
I then make my way to the second major perk: the world renowned Heathrow Clubhouse. I must admit I'm a little surprised how far the walk is from this area - I had it in my head that it was closer and didn't require walking through main terminal area so much. No bother though - I expect to be eating a lot in the Clubhouse so the walk is welcome!
I climb a striking marble staircase, and receive another very friendly greeting at the top. A lovely lady ushers me in, giving me a brief lowdown of where everything is.
Wow. There is an immediate suspension of belief that I am in an airport. The Clubhouse resembles more of a luxury boutique hotel. First stop is the spa to book a complimentary treatment. Each Upper Class passenger receives one complimentary service. I book a head massage for later.
As this is my first time here like a giddy child I want to explore! I pop upstairs briefly to the Grey Goose bar which I've heard isn't always open, and try a quick game of Frogger on one of the tables with in-built gaming downstairs.
The first 'perk' to experience is Virgin's drive through check in, at their dedicated Upper Class Wing at Heathrow terminal 3. Having arranged a drop off with LHR Cars, I call the wing after receiving a text from the driver, giving the registration details. These must be provided to Virgin Atlantic in advance, but can be done on route to the airport. The process seemed very easy. You can also arrange for one of their own chauffeurs to collect you. On arriving at Paddington I am collected at the Hilton just around the corner, in a very flashy looking Mercedes.
LHR Cars are prompt and reliable - the driver is friendly and professional. He seems to know the drill with drive through check in as we approach and wait at a set of traffic lights at the private entrance. As we pull in, I see the Virgin Atlantic staff lined up waiting, looking very smart indeed. Door is opened, and as I step out, bags are swiftly taken and within seconds boarding passes in hand. Not another soul in sight and a very pleasant experience as I wander down the hall to the private security lane. I am taken by surprise as the lady greets me with a smile and asks how I am. Not a usual occurrence with security.
I then make my way to the second major perk: the world renowned Heathrow Clubhouse. I must admit I'm a little surprised how far the walk is from this area - I had it in my head that it was closer and didn't require walking through main terminal area so much. No bother though - I expect to be eating a lot in the Clubhouse so the walk is welcome!
I climb a striking marble staircase, and receive another very friendly greeting at the top. A lovely lady ushers me in, giving me a brief lowdown of where everything is.
Wow. There is an immediate suspension of belief that I am in an airport. The Clubhouse resembles more of a luxury boutique hotel. First stop is the spa to book a complimentary treatment. Each Upper Class passenger receives one complimentary service. I book a head massage for later.
As this is my first time here like a giddy child I want to explore! I pop upstairs briefly to the Grey Goose bar which I've heard isn't always open, and try a quick game of Frogger on one of the tables with in-built gaming downstairs.
My flight is at 20:05 and it's only 5pm so plenty of time to play. I take a seat in the dining area and eye up the menu. Again staff are fabulous, friendly and attentive. I order butternut squash soup to begin, and a delicious roasted vegetable smallish main. I don't want to over-indulge as I plan on eating on board, but I'm very impressed with the vegetarian options. The chocolate brownie dessert is to die for though, and I can't resist! I round it off with a cup of herbal tea - if it wasn't for having a bit of a winter cold I would certainly have been sampling some of the fantastic cocktails!
I make my way over around 6pm to the spa waiting area, and offered another drink by the superhuman staff. I'm called in for my head massage, which is absolutely divine. I have a little bit of a headache at this point from my cold so it's certainly welcome. Even hot stones are placed in my hands while the luxurious head massage takes place with a relaxing fragrant oil.
The flight is announced as delayed by about half an hour, but all I can say to this is I'm not bothered in the least. The time is flying by in the luxury of the lounge and before I know it I am called for boarding.
I feel a little awkward walking in front of all the queuing economy passengers who have obviously been waiting for some time. I am greeted (not by name though this time) and shown to my seat. Champagne quickly in hand, not to be refused, I take up the offer of a 'sleepsuit'. The Virgin Atlantic sleepsuits are essentially very comfortable cotton pyjamas to wear for the flight (and to keep, if you like).
A gentleman approaches me and demonstrates how the seat controls work. I struggle a little bit to get the left armrest down to create extra space - I do think this part of the seat is a little bit unnecessary.
I miss out on the hot towel run as I make a bathroom trip, but return in time for some crisps served in a china bowl. Departure is just after 20:30. My 'suite' is very spacious, private and comfortable, and I love how you can recline and your put your feet up even on take-off due to the Upper Class suites having inbuilt airbags. I find that they recline to just the right level before you'd actually want a proper lay flat position.
As a vegetarian I notice that there are several 'V' options on the standard menu. I ask one of the crew before meal service if I can choose these as I had pre-selected a veggie meal online. I am told it is the same food anyway. My only slight criticism here is that there are actually two veggie options on the menu, and it's sheer luck they bring me the soup rather than the mushroom option, my preferred choice anyway. If I had wanted the mushroom option it could have been a bit awkward. Note to self: don't pre-select veggie meals if flying UC!
The soup is great, followed by a brilliant curry, then toffee pudding, topped off with the cheese selection which I barely had room for but couldn't resist.
I can't really speak for inflight entertainment as I'm one of those people that never bothers with it - perhaps the excitement of UC is too much to miss! I do however watch a quick documentary about cats though, as you do, after dinner...
I follow up my delicious meal with a chamomile tea, and just as I get up for the bathroom a member of crew approaches and offers to make my bed up. I thought this was very observant.
I come back to find my suite transformed into a very comfortable looking bed, complete with mattress, duvet and full size pillow. Very snug and comfortable. I chill for about an hour but can't really sleep as the UC excitement prevails, so I decide to go and park myself at the on-board bar.
The bar is one of Virgin Atlantic's signature products and it's nothing short of awesome. A lady sitting there promptly leaves as I arrive (was it something I said?) so I chat with a crew member who gave me some tips on NYC over an orange juice. You really can't beat having a bar at 35,000 feet!
I notice how fantastic the mood lighting is throughout, another signature of
Virgin. It really does create a sense of calm and style at the same time, and
seems to soften the overall feel of the cabin.
A little more chilling in bed, followed by the whir of everyone's bed motors as we approach JFK. As nice it as it would be to still be tucked in bed while landing this isn't allowed! We caught up on ourselves and landed ahead of schedule. The cabin crew give a friendly goodbye, then follows the atrocities of US Immigration. I am first in line but also first to be 'greeted' by the rudest man of all time... Perhaps they need a few lessons from Virgin Atlantic?
A little more chilling in bed, followed by the whir of everyone's bed motors as we approach JFK. As nice it as it would be to still be tucked in bed while landing this isn't allowed! We caught up on ourselves and landed ahead of schedule. The cabin crew give a friendly goodbye, then follows the atrocities of US Immigration. I am first in line but also first to be 'greeted' by the rudest man of all time... Perhaps they need a few lessons from Virgin Atlantic?
I have to say that I really am blown away by Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class
product and I am truly converted. It really is a class of its own nestled
somewhere in between business and first. The iconic Virgin brand really enhances
what is already an incredible product. If only every airline had the courage to
do things differently - and moreover to have the same ambition of becoming the most sustainable airline in the world. With an increasing consciousness among passengers of the ethics behind air travel, increasing numbers will consider an airlines environmental policies - as well as such potential luxury - as a big deciding factor.
More on Virgin Atlantic's environmental policies can be found here.
More on Virgin Atlantic's environmental policies can be found here.
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