If Chris Golds had a pound for every time someone’s asked him ’is premium economy worth it?’ he could do a Richard Branson and start his own airline. He thinks the answer is almost always yes. Let him tell you why.
There’s a sweet spot in air travel that doesn’t involve selling your kidney for a flatbed seat but still makes you feel like you’ve treated yourself to something better than “chicken or pasta” and a cramped row 47C. Virgin Atlantic call it Premium Economy. I call it one of the best upgrades you can give yourself when you fly.
The first win happens before you’ve even stepped foot on the plane. Premium passengers get their own dedicated check-in area, which means no crazy queues and no trying to guess which line is fastest (I ALWAYS pick the slower one). It’s calm, quick, and already makes you feel like your holiday has started. Virgin staff are all lovely, not sure what they put in the coffee in the staff room, but I’ve never encountered anything other than lovely friendly staff. Side note, I’ve interview Richard Branson more than once and he too is the loveliest, charming chap. So kind and friendly and his staff speak very highly of him.
Then there’s the cabin itself. I’m going to say it: the seats are genuinely comfortable. Wider than economy, with more legroom, a footrest, and a proper recline that really makes a difference on a long haul, particularly if you are on a red eye flight. The leather seats feel plush, and when you sink into one you get that immediate sense of, “Ah, this was worth it.” When you add in the big seatback screens, with an insane amount of entertainment, suddenly a long flight doesn’t feel like something to endure. It feels like the start of the adventure, and who doesn’t love an adventure. On one Virgin flight with a friend recently we actually didn’t want the flight to end we were having such a good time. So again if asked is premium economy worth it? The answer is still, yes.
Every seat comes with power sockets as well, so you can charge your phone, laptop, headphones, or even all three if you’re that person (I am that person). No more arriving with 2% battery and being that cringe person looking for an outlet in baggage reclaim.
Food in Premium Economy is another standout. It may not look stunning but they taste great and that is the main thing. I love hot it all arrives on the trays with cute little covers. Plus I love that you get real dishes, real cutlery, and, everyone’s favourite detail, the adorable little salt and pepper shakers shaped like mini planes. They’ve become a bit of a cult classic among travellers (confession: lots of people “accidentally” pop them in their bags). Meals come with whatever drinks you fancy and you really feel like you are dining rather than just eating. You even get a little menu setting out what you can chose for the meals on your flight. One flight recently had an Eaton mess cake and genuinely one of the best things I have eaten, and not just at 35,000 ft.
But it doesn’t stop there. At the back of the Premium cabin you’ll find a snack station where you can help yourself mid-flight. It might be a bag of crisps, a bar of chocolate, or even a drink. It’s a small touch but it makes a big difference, especially if you’re the type who gets peckish at 3 a.m. somewhere over the Atlantic. I am that type.
As I mentioned earlier, Virgin’s cabin crew have built a reputation for being some of the friendliest in the sky, and in Premium Economy you feel that little extra sparkle. You’re not lost in a sea of hundreds; it’s a smaller cabin, so everything feels more personal, and you’re genuinely looked after.
All these details add up. The bigger seat, the bigger screen, the better food, the free-flowing snacks, the proper cutlery, and even the power sockets. It’s the combination that makes Premium feel like such good value. You’re not just paying for an inch or two of legroom; you’re buying a noticeably better experience from the moment you check in until the moment you collect your bags. Some flights even have a little seating area where you can hang out with friends, or make new ones. Such a cute idea.
Flying can so often feel like a means to an end and I don’t like that attitude at all. Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy stops any thinking like that. It makes the journey part of the holiday. You can actually relax, enjoy yourself, and maybe even look forward to the flight home (well, almost).
So, is premium economy worth it? Absolutely. Premium Economy gives you just enough luxury without tipping into the eye-watering prices of Upper Class. Upper Class is another level, but you really are paying for that level (and it is phenomenal). Premium Economy really is value for money. It’s comfort, style, and a touch of fun, all at 35,000 feet. Honestly, once you’ve flown this way, you’ll find it hard to go back. I know I will.
For more visit: virginatlantic.com
Article and images by Chris Golds
