VS0046 New York (JFK) to London (LHR)
Flying business class is an experience, and if it’s done right, that experience hits all the right notes, from the minute you arrive at the airport, up until the last cup of coffee in the arrivals lounge.
Since we’ve reviewed the Upper Class service quite a few times, we thought it would be fun to instead share the experience as simply as possible, solely with 360° moveable virtual reality photos, which you can control in any direction by clicking and dragging (computer) or swiping with your finger (mobile)…
To Start, Check In Is A Breeze…
Upper Class Check In #theta360 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
To the far right as you enter JFK Terminal 4, where all Virgin Atlantic flights depart, you’ll find the Sky Priority Wing. It’s nicely velvet roped off, with comfortable sitting areas and privacy. Chances are you won’t encounter anyone in front of you and you’ll be headed to fast track security in no time…
The Lounge Is Incredible…
JFK Clubhouse #theta360 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
One thing Virgin Atlantic does better than just about anyone else is lounges. You’ll feel right at home (only better), with a pool table, waiter service with extensive food, drinks, champagne, wines and cocktails and to top it all off, there’s a complimentary spa and ample views of the tarmac and runways. Everything’s free, as hard as it is to believe.
The New Plane Is Swanky…
Upper Cabin #theta360 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
The 787 Dreamliner features a dramatic improvement in passenger comforts like air quality and pressure. Aside from better air, you’ll also get beautiful mood lighting, designed to invoke the different moods throughout flight such as sleep time, dinner time and arrival.
The Seat Is Good…
Seat upright #theta360 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
The Upper Class seat has remained much the same on the Dreamliner with the same large leather seat and comfy place to kick your feet up before take off and landing. You’ll find a slightly bigger and more HD monitor for movies and such, which is a nice improvement and there’s even live TV now…
The Bed Is Better…
Upper sleeping Windows #theta360 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
Business class is about making every part of the journey feel incredible, but really, it’s about having a bed on an airplane. That’s something that never gets old. With the decreased cabin noise of the 787 and the ample bedding, pajamas and lavender sleep spray offered on board, getting to sleep has never been easier.
This Is What It Looks Like To Lay In It…
Bed mode #theta360 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
Seeing things for yourself is always the best way to go. Thanks to this brilliant future stuff technology, you can peer around and make yourself comfortable. If you want peace and quiet, aim for the front of the plane, unlike me who aimed next to the bar. If you like additional privacy, you’ll also want to aim for an “A” row on the Dreamliner, as it does not face anyone unlike the other two…
An Actual Bar On A Plane Is A Very Cool Novelty…
Upper bar #theta360 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
Needing and wanting are two different things. Sure, we probably don’t need a bar on the plane, but my goodness it’s a fun novelty to have and I always want to fly on a plane that has one. Virgin Atlantic use a space which generally serves as closets to offer a bar, where guests can mosey up for a glass of champagne, wine or cocktail at any time when the seatbelt is off. You can even eat your meal up there…
There’s Nothing Like The Feeling Of Take Off…
Every flying nerd should buy a GoPro to stick out the window for time lapsing. As a master flying nerd, that’s exactly what I did, which yielded this soothing video from taxi to take off to night time. That’s all folks…
