V-Flyer

It's been three years since I last booked a flight with Virgin, but heard about the current fleet refits and improved onboard service, so decided to fly with Virgin again.

Sadly didn't get a newly refurbed 747 but wasn't surprised as only two have been completed so far. Instead we got Ruby Tuesday and what a tired old bird she is, bless her.

Boarding was very quick and efficient and we were soon located upstairs in the bubble. As already mentioned, this poor girl is definitely showing it's age. Seats were adequate but faulty and somewhat dirty. Do the ground Ops not know the meaning of 'clean'? There was small items of litter on the floor and also inside the magazine rack.

IFE was awful by todays standards and barely visible throughout most of the flight. Crew were apologetic and continually reminding passengers of the refits taking place. The people located in the exit seats didn't even have IFE because it was broken. Instead tjey were offered DVD players.

Usually this would be the part where I say 'never again' etc. However, the one most redeeming feature of the flight was the exceptional service provided by our two male cabin crew. *****, especially was superb.

PE seemed much improved from 3 years ago and the crew didn't stop waiting on all of us the whole time. We felt very well looked after and provided for. Meals were of good quality and I believe different from those served to economy. Drinks and snacks were plentiful and continuous. Crew were happy to help, cheerful and professional.

Overall they salvaged those parts of the flight that let down the experience.

Roll on October/November when the refits are completed. However in terms of onboard service and product, there is much to be admired.

I will happily fly with Virgin Atlantic again based on my experience.

I was also in the bubble on this flight, and agree the crew were great, my gripe is the meal, tasty but portions are so tiny now and no cheese/biscuits either. For the first time in probably 16 vegas flights i felt hungry still.

My return was on ladybird and the new entertainment system is worth waiting for, even better than v-port and the big screen makes such a difference, the new cabin looking very smart. just the food portions to sort Virgin!

Thanks for the TR and I agree, it's often the CC that make the journey although if you're on an unrefurbed plane that does drag it down. When the refit is complete I do hope all of the non-Heathrow experiences improve.