Seat Review: Upper Class, Virgin Atlantic A340-600, Hong Kong to Sydney
Lounge 8/10
Talk about service. As soon as I enter the lounge, a brightly-clad attendant comes to ask me what I would like to drink. Champagne, food cooked to order, power point adaptor, flight details – he’s on the case.
The clubhouse itself is very open plan, set on a balcony overlooking the bustling terminal. That gives it a vibrant, although not particularly relaxing, feel. However, there is an enclosed area which is closer to the bar and a little cosier with armchairs and coffee tables for some pre-flight chilling.
Seat 8/10
The cabin is laid out with seats side by side in a herringbone formation giving each passenger direct access to the aisle. Sociable types can chat with their neighbour over the side as they sip their welcome glass of Lansen Black Label champagne, or invite a guest for dinner or drinks thanks to the additional chair located at the end of the seat.
The positioning of the seats allows less chatty travellers to avoid eye contact at all with fellow passengers, however, it still doesn't feel as private as some other rival products.
It takes me a little while to work out how to recline my seat but once I flip the back of my chair over, I have a fully flat surface which the flight attendant helps me turn into a bed with the aid of a mattress and duvet. A straight seven hours of sleep makes for a big thumbs-up.
Amenities 7/10
The amenity kit contains all the basics one might need inflight – a toothbrush, ear plugs, socks, a pen and a sleep mask – but there are no indulgent little treats like lip balm or face moisturiser to combat inflight parching.
However, the "sleep suit" – aka pyjama set – that is provided is a winner, being loose and comfortable, but somehow it still doesn't make it into my hand luggage.
Service 10/10
This is where this airline clearly excels. The flight attendant is not only on the ball but incredibly charismatic, lightening up the inflight service with a good dose of chit chat and humour.
Meals are delivered and then cleared away efficiently, and she keeps an eye on whether I am asleep, or waking in order to preempt my every need.
Food 7/10
Although Virgin doesn’t have a celebrity chef, the latest menu apparently had two years of thorough research, expert design and extensive on-board trialling before being made available on-board.
My chicken breast main is a little unimaginative, but still nicely hits the spot washed down with a decent drop of wine, selected by the airline’s “Master of Wine” at Berry Bros & Rudd.
Entertainment 8/10
How could you not love an entertainment system with as quirky and as British a name as Vera?
Vera has a decent selection of movies, TV shows, games and audio with Its video on demand offering enabling you to watch shows or movies from pre-take-off right until its time to disembark.
The compact TV screen folds easily and neatly into the side of the seat, with no complicated manoeuvres required.
Overall 80%
It's a great product, injected with a little fun thanks to quirky touches such as an onboard bar, the retro champagne glasses and the recently reinstated airplane salt and pepper shakers inscribed with "Pinched from Virgin Atlantic".
Business travellers keen to arrive in Sydney fresh-faced and ready for a day in the office will be pleased with this flight's offer of a good feed and a decent night's sleep. But the service is really what sets this flight apart.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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