Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Little Red. I am having to fly up to Edinburgh from London regularly for family reasons. I have tried all the airlines on that route and by far Virgin little red is the best. The price is always reasonable the flights always on time and the cabin crew are some of the best I have encountered without exception on every trip. I am very hard to please but I cannot fault Virgin little red. Highly recommend.

We travel each year to St Lucia and booked Premium Economy both ways this time. Previously we had seats upstairs in the 'bubble' but with the new aircraft on this route this is not available. The new arrangements are not a patch on the previous ones. Apart from the main cabin being much less quiet and peaceful the seats are less comfortable and the storage facilities very basic. It will be BA next year.

Return trip LHR to DXB in Upper Class. All on time smooth and efficient food pleasant and good quality wines. IFE worked well. Lounge still one of the best if not too crowded. Seating on A330 much too cramped for a premium cabin the aisle is so narrow the cabin crew cannot use a trolley. Crew were generally pleasant and helpful. Seat itself is also very tight.

As a party of 12 travelling together we were so disappointed with check in service at Gatwick and return check in at Downtown Disney. After pre booking our seats we were allocated on arrival different seats meaning we were all split up for 9 hr journey. On return same thing happened leaving our 3 yr old grandson to sit on his own when pointing this out to them we were told to sort it out ourselves. Meals offered were disgusting over cooked and rock hard rolls all inedible. Would never travel with them again. Ruined a fantastic holiday.

First time flying with Virgin Atlantic and despite leaving over 2.5 hours early for a 45 minute journey I was delayed so badly by traffic that I knew I would not make the baggage drop. I called ahead warning them I was behind and although the lady on the phone was sympathetic she said there was little I could do but get there and do my best. When I arrived 15 minutes after baggage closure I begged the lady working to help me. She went above and beyond booking my baggage in quickly giving me directions and calling the airplane staff to let them know I was on my way. Despite another hold up in customs due to a family in front when I arrived at the gate the staff were friendly and relaxed helping me get in and get seated as quickly as possible all the time with a smile and a laugh. They got me water since I had been running joked with me about the traffic and then continued with what I assume is their standard outstanding service. I have flown to America twice before with a different airline each time. This was by far the most comfortable and most looked after I have ever felt and I hope I get to fly again with them soon.

LGW - Cancun return. My wife and I flew out to Cancun in Sep 2013. The 747 fleet had just been refurbished on this route and our travel agent had a great last-minute upgrade deal for us (outbound and return) - which doubled our luggage allowance to two suitcases apiece. Priority check-in was great and the staff were fantastic. As luck would have it the morning we were flying out my wife had had a tumble and a mobility vehicle was laid on to take us directly to the gate. The Premium economy cabin was intimate - around 20-25 seats only and we easily boarded and disembarked along with upper class. We were welcomed with champagne and shown to our seats. The seats were fantastic - very comfortable - and the inflight entertainment system made time fly by. The movie and music choices were top-rate and menu easy to navigate! The cabin crew were very attentive and service was excellent.

LHR to CPT and return. Night flights both ways. The Heathrow lounge a delight as always. The cabins crews both ways were professional and on our return flight created a very happy atmosphere. IFE on our outward flight was old fashioned but we were given IPads as well. On the return it was the Vera system which was OK. Seats/beds fine and meals good. The lounge in Cape Town was better than expected. The arrivals lounge at Heathrow is very good and the cooked breakfast is great if you missed it on the flight Generally we have always been pleased with our Virgin experience.

After finally shipping-off the children to various universities my wife and I booked a 'Cancun' holiday. This was the first flight with 'Virgin' and we were both looking forward to it immensely. Check-in at Gatwick was very organised. We were bitterly disappointed with the in-flight meal the only option being 'Sausage and mash' this was compounded by the problem of being unable to have a third alcoholic drink. Please don't think that we expected to become intoxicated but we were going on holiday and a third drink or even a fourth small can of lukewarm beer would have been welcome.

LGW-MCO and inbound: MIA-LHR so was able to experience the improved leisure economy and the Heathrow standard I have become used to after several previous trips. In my opinion Virgin are flawless still innovative modern and sophisticated. Used their complimentary 'Twilight Check-in' the night before we flew - extremely convenient and an excellent way of avoiding the additional queue's. Here we parted with our luggage selected our seats and obtained our boarding passes all in 20-25 minutes. Flight out was a 747-400 old livery however the inside was refurbished. Onboard we were welcomed by a polite crew and directed to our seats. Inflight entertainment was simple with a variety of films televisions programmes and other useful aspects that made the flight enjoyable. Menu offered: Lasagne Coq au Vin and a vegetarian curry. I chose the Coq Au Vin and it was surprisingly tasty. Drinks services were regular desert was handed out shortly after main was removed and afternoon tea was well presented and very appetising. Landed on-time at Orlando International airport and cleared immigration within 10 minutes with a 15 minute wait for our bags to appear. Return journey home was on an older 747-400 beginning to show it's age in my opinion. Boarded to yet another smartly presented crew who directed everyone to their seats with a welcoming smile. When seated the entertainment system began after the safety demonstration and we pushed back on time. Meal service offered Beef and Vegetables Chicken Tikka and a vegetarian Pasta dish. Again relatively enjoyable. Drinks service was frequent and staff very attentive. I managed to sleep for around 4.5 hours and awoke to breakfast. I avoided the blueberry muffin as it looked absolutely revolting I ate the breakfast bar and the fresh orange juice. Arrived in Heathrow 1 hour early bags delivered as soon as we cleared customs.

LHR-CPT-JNB-LHR. February flight out was excellent great crew comfortable bed although Virgin do seem to be trying to cut costs in upper class. Lounge still excellent return from Jo'burg lounge is great if a little small but we were bussed to the plane there was no airbridge no priority boarding a complete shambles not what you pay upper class fares for. Flight and crew faultless although I do not know how airlines can overcome the issue of young children in a business class cabin on a night flight.