Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class has always traded on personality as much as polish. The cabin crews lean into warmth and wit, the cabin design pushes beyond beige minimalism, and the lounges make you linger. Yet not all Upper Class seats are created equal. If you are choosing between the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350, there are real differences in seat design, cabin layout, privacy, and how the experience holds up on a long overnight. After several flights on both types, including eastbound red‑eyes to London and daylight returns westbound, here is a grounded comparison to help you decide which version of Virgin Atlantic business class suits your trip.
What changed when Virgin moved from the 787 to the A350
Virgin Atlantic’s 787 Upper Class was designed around a social concept that felt very 2010s: an outward‑facing herringbone, a communal bar in the galley, and easy aisle access for everyone. It brought a sense of theater to the cabin, though at the cost of privacy and window views. When the A350 arrived, Virgin pivoted. The airline introduced a sliding door at each seat, modernized the finishes, added wireless charging on many frames, and shifted the social space into a lounge‑style “Loft” that runs along the mid‑cabin wall. The A350 layout trades the bar’s energy for a quieter, more controlled space and gives each traveler a defined personal zone.
If you have flown the classic Upper Class suites on legacy A330s or early 787s, the A350’s privacy door alone will feel like a generational leap. Yet the 787 keeps some advantages that matter to certain travelers, which is why you still see strong preferences on frequent flyer forums and at the gate.
Seat design and comfort
On the 787, Virgin’s Upper Class seat is the familiar herringbone angled toward the aisle. The shell surrounds you at shoulder height and the footwell extends toward the window, but you are not square to it. Window gazing requires a head tilt, and you may feel exposed when crew or passengers walk by. The upside is a predictable footprint and a bed that, once made up by the crew, lies flat and supportive. Seat width is adequate for side sleepers and generous compared to many legacy carriers’ older products, though the shoulder space can feel constrained if you are broad‑shouldered.
The A350 shifts to a customized suite with a sliding door and a straighter orientation. You face more forward, which improves the line of sight to the window and screen. The side armrest drops to widen the sleeping surface, and the footwell is better proportioned on most rows. For taller travelers, especially those around 6’2” to 6’4”, the A350’s footwell taper is less aggressive than the older herringbone. I can comfortably sleep on my side without bumping my knees against the footwell wall, something that took a bit of origami on the 787.
Bedding is similar across both types, with a mattress topper, proper pillow, and duvet. The A350’s newer cabins often have less wear on seat controls and latches, which sounds trivial until a sticky button interrupts your midnight recline. On the 787, some frames show their mileage, especially on high‑utilization routes to the US East Coast, but most seats still hold firm once the bed is made. If you value cocooning and a clean line of sight to your personal screen, the A350 takes the edge. If you like the open feel and easier movement in and out of your seat without opening a door, the 787’s simplicity has its charm.
Privacy and personal space
Privacy is the headline difference. The A350’s door creates a low‑rise suite. It does not turn your seat into a vault, but it takes the edge off aisle traffic and gives you a personal threshold that others instinctively respect. On overnight flights, that door lowers ambient light bleed and makes it easier to ignore neighbors. Couples traveling together can keep the doors open and hold a conversation across the aisle with a bit of lean, but it is not a Qatar Qsuite‑style double bed.
The 787’s herringbone is more exposed. Your head sits a few inches from the aisle, and while the privacy wing shields direct eye contact, you will notice movement. For some, that energy feels distinctly Virgin Atlantic, a friendly hum that pairs with the bar and the occasional chat with crew. For others, it makes deep sleep more difficult. If you are sensitive to foot traffic, choose a 787 window seat away from the galley and lavatories. On the A350, any seat offers a similar privacy baseline once the door is closed.
The social spaces: bar versus Loft
Upper Class has long been synonymous with a place to stand, sip, and chat at altitude. On the 787, that space is the bar, set in the galley zone with high stools and a counter. On shorter overnight sectors, it stays lively for the first hour, then dims as people seek rest. I have had productive 20‑minute work chats there with colleagues and traded honest wine notes with crew. If you enjoy that ritual, the 787 still delivers. Noise can carry back to nearby rows, though crews manage it diplomatically.
The A350 replaces the bar with the Loft, a lounge area along a sidewall with bench seating and a large screen. It feels more modern and less like you are parked in a galley. You can bring a drink, plug in a device, and watch a film together, which works well for families or coworkers who want to compare slides without elbows pressed against a narrow counter. It is quieter than the bar and easier to slip away from when you are ready to sleep. If your idea of Virgin upper class includes a head‑turning bar selfie, choose the 787. If you want a place to sit comfortably with someone for half an hour without competing with catering trolleys, the A350’s Loft is better.
Cabin atmosphere and ride quality
Both the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 use composite fuselages that allow higher humidity and a lower cabin altitude than older metal‑fuselage jets. In practical terms, your eyes and https://franciscopgoz248.theglensecret.com/is-virgin-atlantic-first-class-a-myth-understanding-upper-class skin feel less dry and you wake up less parched. The A350 tends to be a shade quieter around the nose and forward business cabin, while the 787 has a recognizable mid‑frequency hum near the wings. Seat location matters; rows near the galley or the Loft/bar will pick up ambient noise on either aircraft.
Lighting design varies by frame, but the A350’s LEDs often shift through subtle tones that support the meal and sleep cycle. On my most recent westbound A350 flight, the crew used a warm white for dinner then a deep blue scheme for the mid‑flight lull, which made a difference in staying on schedule. The 787’s lighting is capable but less nuanced in practice, more dependent on crew habits.
Airflow is solid on both, though the 787’s overhead vents can feel more direct. If you run cold, grab the extra blanket. If you run warm, the A350 cabin tends to sit in a comfortable middle, neither too toasty nor chilled.
Inflight entertainment and connectivity
Virgin’s entertainment library is consistently strong on both types, with a mix of new releases, a British bias in television, and enough back catalog to satisfy a long flight. The A350 screens are sharper and brighter, and the interface responds faster. On several A350 frames you also get Bluetooth audio pairing, which is an underrated joy if you travel with noise‑canceling earbuds. The 787 relies on the wired headphone jack and the screen lag can surface when swiping through menus, especially just after boarding as the system initializes.
Wi‑Fi is offered on both aircraft, typically with a messaging tier and a paid surf tier. Speeds vary by route and satellite coverage, but the A350’s hardware has delivered more reliable connections for me on transatlantic sectors, enough for email and light document syncing. Video calls are hit or miss on both. If you need guaranteed connectivity for work, plan to draft offline and send in bursts.
Dining, drinks, and service rhythm
Virgin Atlantic business class, marketed as Virgin Atlantic Upper Class or simply Virgin upper class, keeps a distinctive service style. Menus change seasonally and draw on British comfort with a modern gloss. You will find at least one plant‑forward starter, a hearty mains option like braised short rib or roasted chicken with a proper jus, and a lighter fish or pasta choice. Desserts are often a standout. The cheese course is worth saving room for on evening departures.
From a hardware perspective, the A350 gives the crew more room to stage the meal, which helps pacing. I have noticed fewer trolley jams and quicker clear‑downs. The 787’s bar area occasionally functions as a staging space, which can slow service for rows around the galley if the cabin is full. That said, the single biggest variable is the crew. Virgin’s teams tend to be attentive and personable on both types, offering top‑ups unprompted and a genuine chat if you are up for it. If you plan to maximize sleep on an eastbound overnight, let them know at boarding and opt for the express service. On the A350, I have had a tray down and cleared within 45 minutes of takeoff, lights dimmed shortly after. On the 787, express can still stretch to an hour if the bar attracts early visitors.
Drinks lists feature a rotating champagne, a couple of solid wines on each side of the Channel, and signature cocktails. If you prefer to enjoy a drink at a proper counter, the 787 bar makes it easy. If you want to sip in a quieter lounge nook, the A350’s Loft cooperates.
Sleep quality on eastbound red‑eyes
This is where differences show up in how rested you feel in the immigration line at Heathrow. The A350’s door and better‑proportioned footwell reduce disturbances. Light bleed from the aisle is lower. The suite’s armrest drops to widen the bed, and the mattress topper sits flat without pooling. On a late departure from the East Coast, I can usually string together four to five hours of sleep on the A350, which is enough to function on arrival.
The 787 asks for a bit more adaptation. Choose a window seat away from the galley, ask the crew to turn off the shoulder light if it reflects on your seat shell, and lean into the eye mask. Once you are set up, the bed is comfortable. The angle to the aisle remains the compromise. I have had three and a half solid hours on the 787, followed by a rescue nap at the Clubhouse. If sleep is your absolute priority, the A350 has the advantage.
Best seats by aircraft
Seat maps change by route and subfleet, but some patterns hold. On the A350, rows in the forward mini‑cabin, when available, are the sweet spot. They feel private and far from the Loft’s foot traffic. Avoid the first row if you dislike bassinet proximity, and avoid the last row before Premium for galley noise. On the 787, aim for mid‑cabin window seats on the opposite side of the bar if you want quiet. If you like to socialize, a seat a few rows from the bar keeps you close without being in the splash zone.
Here is a brief checklist you can apply when choosing:
- For maximum sleep and privacy, choose A350, forward mini‑cabin if available, mid‑rows preferred. For socializing and the bar experience, choose 787, sit a few rows away from the bar to balance access and quiet. For travelers over 6’2”, the A350 footwell generally gives a more natural side‑sleep position. For couples who want to chat, opt for center seats on the A350 or adjacent aisles on the 787 and plan time in the Loft or bar. For tech features like Bluetooth audio and snappier screens, the A350 is more consistent.
Ground experience and how it ties in
Regardless of aircraft, Virgin’s ground game is a big part of the value. At Heathrow, the Upper Class Wing allows drive‑up check‑in, private security, and a short walk to the Clubhouse. If you are connecting, the staff will try to streamline your path. The Clubhouse remains one of the best business class lounges in Europe, with made‑to‑order food, bar service, showers, and quiet corners to nap. The 787 and A350 both depart from gates that are a reasonable walk, though the A350’s stands sometimes sit farther down the pier. Plan an extra five minutes.
On US departures, lounge quality varies by airport partnership. The experience in Boston and San Francisco feels tighter but still comfortable. If you care about a seamless curb‑to‑seat arc for a special trip, the aircraft type matters less than your departure airport and timing. That said, arriving well fed from the Clubhouse pairs nicely with choosing express dining onboard, especially on a short night to London.
Reliability, aging, and cabin condition
The 787 fleet entered service earlier, and some cabins reflect heavier use. You might see light scuffs on shells, a bit of shine on leather armrests, or a stubborn latch here and there. Maintenance teams keep things operational, but cosmetic wear shows up first on high‑cycle routes. The A350 cabins are newer overall and feel it, with tighter seat plastics and quieter latches. If pristine condition matters, lean A350 when the route offers a choice.
From a dispatch perspective, both types are reliable, but aircraft swaps do happen. If you book a specific seat for a specific reason, keep an eye on your reservation in the 24 hours before departure. Virgin communicates swaps reasonably well in the app, and agents can sometimes reseat you to match your preferences.
Price, points, and upgrades
Cash fares vary more by route and season than by aircraft, though demand for the A350’s privacy can nudge prices on routes where both types operate. If you are booking with Virgin Points, partner availability will often be the limit. Delta and Air France connections add options, but Upper Class award seats can be scarce during holidays.
Upgrades at the airport are rare at peak times. If you are aiming to move from Premium to Upper Class, watch for buy‑up offers in the app in the week before departure. They can be reasonable on less busy midweek flights. If you are flexing a corporate travel policy that allows business class Virgin Atlantic on long‑hauls, lock in early. Last‑minute purchases often default to whichever aircraft has seats left, not necessarily your preferred type.
Edge cases that might sway you
If you are traveling with a toddler, the A350’s door is both blessing and hazard. It keeps wandering hands contained but also creates a latch you must mind. The Loft gives you room to walk a restless child without leaning against a galley cart, which I found helpful on a daylight westbound. On the 787, the bar area gets crowded and is not ideal for pacing with a small child.
If you are working on a laptop for extended periods, the A350’s side table and charging options are better. The wireless charger on some A350 seats is convenient, though it runs warm, so keep an eye on your phone temperature. The 787 offers sufficient space for a 13‑inch laptop, but the angle to the aisle puts your keyboard in direct view of passersby. If confidentiality matters, A350 it is.
If you are tall and prefer to sleep strictly on your back, both aircraft provide a flat bed long enough, but the A350’s straighter orientation and wider shoulder area after dropping the armrest make it easier to keep your arms inside your space without brushing the shell.
Comparing the feel: character versus refinement
Virgin Atlantic’s brand carries through on both, but the tone differs. The 787 cabin feels like a boutique hotel lobby, a touch lively, with a bar as the focal point and crew who seem to enjoy that dynamic. It is a throwback to an era when flying felt more social. The A350 leans toward a modern private‑room concept. It is calmer, more controlled, with a lounge that supports small groups without broadcasting noise. If you book Virgin Atlantic business class because you want that signature warmth and a hint of theater, the 787 amplifies it. If you chose Virgin because you want that warmth wrapped around a strong hard product, the A350 aligns with your priorities.
What about “first class” on Virgin?
Virgin Atlantic does not operate a separate first class cabin. Upper Class is the top cabin, and marketing sometimes leads people to search for Virgin Atlantic first class. If you see that phrase on third‑party sites, it refers to Upper Class Virgin Airlines in their parlance, not a true first class product. Within Upper Class you will see different seats across fleets, which is why choosing between the 787 and A350 matters.
The verdict: which is better?
For most travelers, the A350 is the better all‑around version of Virgin Atlantic Upper Class. The privacy door, improved seat geometry, fresher cabin, and reliable tech tilt the balance, especially on eastbound overnights where sleep is the currency. The Loft adds a civilized social option without spilling sound into the cabin.
The 787 still holds appeal. If you enjoy the ritual of a proper onboard bar, prefer a more open seat without a door, or you are booking a route where the 787 operates at your ideal time, you will get the essential Virgin experience: friendly crews, solid food and drink, and a bed that lets you lay flat. Just be strategic with seat selection to minimize aisle distractions.
If you are deciding between two flights solely on aircraft type and your itinerary is flexible, I would book the A350. If schedule, price, or connection timing favors the 787, you are not making a bad choice. You are trading a touch of privacy and tech polish for a livelier cabin with a classic Upper Class vibe. Both versions deliver on the promise of Virgin airlines upper class: a business class that does not feel anonymous, with enough style to make the trip feel like part of the destination.
Quick decision guide
- Choose the A350 if you prioritize privacy, sleep, Bluetooth audio, and a calmer lounge space. Choose the 787 if you want the bar, a more social cabin feel, and are less sensitive to aisle movement.
Whichever you pick, the ground experience at Heathrow and the crew’s personality tie the journey together. That is the part that keeps many of us coming back to upper class in Virgin Atlantic, whether it is the newest A350 suite or the tried‑and‑true 787 herringbone headed for the night sky.