This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
On arrival at SFO we followed the signs to the International Terminal and found the Virgin Atlantic check in desks. After showing the luggage tags, they were able to confirm that our bags would be ok and then issued our boarding cards. We had to go through Security and then we were in the departure lounge. The departure lounge was great compared to T3 at LHR. There are plenty of seats and shops and you can actually see the aircraft arrive & depart the terminal. We were sat near the gate and it was not long before 'Lady Penelope' arrived. Boarding was about 30 minutes later than expected as the plane had be be prepared for the flight. Once boarding started it was not long before we were on the aircraft. The PE cabin on the LHR 747 is very similar to the Airbus A340-600 but with more seats. The seats were very comfortable and we had plenty of room. Not long after taking our seats, the Cabin Crew offered us sparkling wine. The Cabin Crew were fantastic and really looked after us well. Once the plane was ready to depart we were about 30 minutes late but Captain said the flight time would mean that we should land on time.
Not long after take off the first drinks service came round. There was a good choice of 3 different meals with red or white wine. As with the outward flight we found the food really good. After coffee we were offered a glass of Baileys or Brandy and some fruit. It was time to use the superb inflight entertaiment system. We also ordered some duty free from the magazine. Once the lights were dimmed it was time to get some sleep. I don't normally sleep much on over night flights, but on this flight I slept well and woke up as breakfast was being served. In my opinion the breakfast is not briliant. The choice was egg and cheese rolls/bagels but not liking eggs I opted for a cereal bar. There was plenty of tea, coffee, orange juice and water. There was time to use the V:Port before the cabin was prepared for landing. The Cabin Crew brought us our duty free as they did not want to disturb us during the flight.
After circling around London we landed at LHR on time, 9 and half hours after leaving SFO.
In summary, Virgin Atlantic have a great product in PE compared to some other airlines that I've flown with. The Cabin Crew were great and this makes a huge difference to the experience. Only thing I did not like was the breakfast.
Already looking forward to our next trip!
