Virgin Atlantic doesn’t use the phrase “business class”. Its premium cabin is called Upper Class, a name the airline has used since it launched in 1984. The product, the lounge brand, and the onboard service are distinct from what most long-haul carriers offer in their equivalent cabin.
This guide covers what Upper Class includes, which aircraft has the best seats, what the Clubhouse lounges are like, and what it costs in cash and points.
What is Virgin Atlantic Upper Class?
Upper Class is the top cabin on all Virgin Atlantic routes. It sits above Premium (the airline’s premium economy product) and includes a fully flat bed, access to Clubhouse lounges, priority check-in, fast track security, and priority boarding.
The product varies by aircraft. VA now operates three versions across its fleet: the Retreat Suite on the A330-900neo, an enclosed Upper Class suite on the A350-1000, and the classic herringbone Upper Class on the 787-9 Dreamliner. Which version you get depends on the aircraft assigned to your route on the day you fly.
Upper Class seats: which aircraft has the best cabin?
The best Upper Class cabin is the Retreat Suite, fitted on the A330-900neo. These are fully enclosed private suites with a sliding door, a convertible ottoman for a companion during the flight, and a fully flat bed of around 6ft 10in. It is the closest VA has come to a first class-style enclosed product in a business class cabin.
On the A350-1000, the Upper Class suite has a closing door and a 1-2-1 layout. Every seat has direct aisle access without climbing over a neighbour. Window seats (A and K) are more private than the centre pairs. This is a strong product and competitive with the better business class cabins on transatlantic rivals.
The 787-9 carries the classic Upper Class herringbone configuration. Seats angle away from neighbours and convert to a fully flat bed, but there is no closing door. Privacy is reasonable, though the product shows its age against newer aircraft.
| AIRCRAFT | PRODUCT | LAYOUT | BED LENGTH | PRIVACY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A330-900neo | Retreat Suite NEWEST | 1-1 | 6ft 10in | Full sliding door |
| A350-1000 | Upper Class | 1-2-1 | 6ft 8in | Closing door, window seats best |
| 787-9 Dreamliner | Upper Class | Herringbone | 6ft 5in | Privacy screen, no door |
See our Virgin Atlantic seat selection guide for which specific seats to book on each aircraft type.
The Clubhouse: lounge access with Upper Class
Upper Class passengers use Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse lounges at departure airports. The flagship is at London Heathrow Terminal 3, with a sit-down restaurant and bar offering table service, a spa with treatments including hair styling, a games area, and an atmosphere that is deliberately more relaxed than most business class lounges.
Clubhouses are also available at New York JFK, Los Angeles LAX, Miami, and Barbados, among other VA departure points. Quality varies by location. Heathrow is the standout.
At Heathrow, Upper Class passengers also get priority check-in at dedicated desks, fast track through security, and priority boarding. Upper Class passengers can bring one guest into the lounge. For the full check-in timeline, see our guide on when Virgin Atlantic check-in opens.
What you get on board
The in-flight service in Upper Class includes a multi-course meal from a seasonal menu, with table service and proper crockery and glassware throughout. Virgin Atlantic uses Champagne Telmont as its house champagne for the cabin. On overnight transatlantic flights, passengers receive pyjamas, a duvet and pillow, and an amenity kit with skincare and essentials.
Dining is available on demand on most routes, though some services operate on a fixed schedule. Newer aircraft have larger personal screens and in-seat massage. Wi-Fi is available on all VA aircraft, but it is sold separately and not automatically included with an Upper Class ticket.
Upper Class fares include a generous checked baggage allowance. See our Virgin Atlantic baggage allowance guide for the full breakdown by cabin and fare type.
How much does Virgin Atlantic business class cost?
Cash fares for Upper Class vary by route, season, and how far in advance you book. Return fares from London to New York typically start around £1,500 to £2,000 off-peak, rising to £3,500 or more in peak periods. US West Coast routes, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, are more expensive, often between £2,500 and £5,000 or above.
Caribbean routes such as Barbados or Antigua typically sit between £2,000 and £3,500 return, depending on the time of year. Prices change considerably across the booking window, and VA runs sales several times a year where Upper Class fares can drop meaningfully.
How to book Upper Class for less
Two routes consistently offer better value than full cash fares: Flying Club points redemptions and the bid upgrade system.
Flying Club points can reduce the cost substantially, particularly at off-peak rates. A one-way Upper Class redemption from London to New York starts at around 29,000 points off-peak. Flights to Los Angeles or San Francisco require around 50,000 points or more one-way. Taxes and carrier surcharges are additional, and they can be significant on VA routes. Read our Virgin Atlantic Flying Club guide for how the programme works and how to earn points quickly.
Bid to upgrade is available for passengers already holding Economy or Premium tickets on eligible flights. You submit a maximum bid per person, and VA accepts it if space allows. On transatlantic routes, bids typically start from around £400 to £800 per person. There is no guarantee of success, and you only pay if the bid is accepted. Read our full guide to Virgin Atlantic upgrades for how the bid system works and what improves your chances.
Is Virgin Atlantic Upper Class worth it?
At its best, Upper Class is a strong transatlantic product. The Retreat Suite on the A330-900neo is one of the more private business class cabins now flying between the UK and North America. The Clubhouse at Heathrow is a genuinely good lounge. The onboard service is warm and less formal than some rivals, which suits many passengers.
The weaker points are the older aircraft. The 787-9 Upper Class cabin has not kept pace with what competitors offer in the same cabin class. If you are paying peak cash fares and find yourself on a 787-9 without a closing door, the case for the price premium narrows.
For points redemptions at off-peak rates, or for cash fares on the A330-900neo Retreat Suite, Upper Class represents good value for a transatlantic overnight flight. At full peak prices on an older aircraft, it comes down to how the alternatives compare on your specific route.
Frequently asked questions
What is Virgin Atlantic business class called?
Virgin Atlantic calls its business class Upper Class. The cabin sits above Premium (premium economy) and includes fully flat beds, Clubhouse lounge access, priority check-in, fast track security, and priority boarding.
Which Virgin Atlantic aircraft has the best Upper Class cabin?
The A330-900neo has the newest product, called the Retreat Suite, with a fully enclosed suite and sliding door. The A350-1000 has a closing-door suite in a 1-2-1 layout. The 787-9 Dreamliner has the older herringbone configuration without a door. All have fully flat beds.
Does Virgin Atlantic Upper Class have a fully flat bed?
Yes. All Upper Class seats convert to a fully flat bed. The Retreat Suite on the A330-900neo is approximately 6ft 10in long. On the A350-1000 beds are around 6ft 8in, and on the 787-9 around 6ft 5in.
What lounge do Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers use?
Upper Class passengers use Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse lounges. The flagship is at London Heathrow Terminal 3, with a sit-down restaurant, bar, and spa. Clubhouses are also available at New York JFK, Los Angeles LAX, Miami, and Barbados.
How many Flying Club points does Virgin Atlantic Upper Class cost?
Off-peak redemptions from London to New York in Upper Class start at around 29,000 points one-way. Flights to Los Angeles or San Francisco require around 50,000 points or more one-way. Taxes and carrier surcharges are additional.
Can I upgrade to Virgin Atlantic Upper Class?
Yes, through the bid upgrade system. Passengers holding Economy or Premium tickets on eligible flights can submit a maximum bid per person. On transatlantic routes, bids start from around £400 to £800. You only pay if VA accepts the bid.
