Flying in Economy on a long transatlantic flight and wondering whether a better seat is possible? Virgin Atlantic offers several routes to an upgrade, including a bid system, a points upgrade through Flying Club, and occasional seat availability closer to departure.
This guide covers all three options, explains how the bid process works in practice, and helps you decide whether the cost makes sense for your trip.
What upgrade options does Virgin Atlantic offer?
VA gives passengers three main routes to a better cabin:
- Bid for an upgrade via the airline’s bid system, where you name a price and VA reviews it against availability
- Use Virgin Points through Flying Club to request a points upgrade on eligible bookings
- Buy an upgrade directly if seats are available, either at booking or closer to departure
Not every fare type qualifies for all three. Economy Light fares are typically excluded from bid upgrades and may not be eligible for points upgrades either. The cheapest fares come with the most restrictions.
How the bid upgrade system works
VA’s bid upgrade system lets eligible passengers name a price for a higher cabin. Once you’ve booked, you may receive an email invitation to bid, or find the option in your booking online at virginatlantic.com.
You set a price per person for the cabin you want, and VA considers it based on availability and other bids received. Bids typically open around two weeks before departure and close about 48 hours before the flight. Payment is only taken if your bid is accepted.
To be eligible, you generally need an Economy Classic or higher fare for a Premium bid, or a Premium Economy booking for an Upper Class bid. The bid is per person, so costs multiply on group bookings.
How much does a Virgin Atlantic upgrade cost?
Bid prices vary by route, cabin and competition for seats. VA sets a minimum bid per person; winning bids often land well above that. The figures below are approximate starting points and could change depending on the flight and time of year. Always check the bid page in your VA booking for current minimum amounts.
| ROUTE | ECONOMY → PREMIUM | ECONOMY → UPPER CLASS | PREMIUM → UPPER CLASS |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK / EWR) | From £150 pp | From £500 pp | From £400 pp |
| Los Angeles / San Francisco | From £200 pp | From £650 pp | From £500 pp |
| Miami / Orlando / Boston | From £175 pp | From £550 pp | From £450 pp |
| Caribbean (Barbados, Jamaica) | From £200 pp | From £600 pp | From £500 pp |
| Africa and South Asia | From £250 pp | From £700 pp | From £600 pp |
Bid ranges are approximate minimum starting points only. Actual minimum bids and competition for seats vary by route, date and availability. Verify current figures in your VA booking at virginatlantic.com.
Upgrading with Virgin Points
Flying Club members can use Virgin Points to upgrade on eligible bookings. The option appears in your account when available for your fare type. Economy Light and some discounted fares are typically excluded.
Points requirements vary by route. A one-way upgrade from Economy to Upper Class on a transatlantic route could need anywhere from around 30,000 to 80,000 Virgin Points per person, depending on the flight and how many upgrade seats are released. Demand affects availability, and points upgrades aren’t always offered on the same flights as bid upgrades.
If you’re accumulating Virgin Points toward an upgrade, credit card spending through the MBNA Virgin Atlantic card and partner activity can supplement what you earn on flights. See our guide to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club for a full breakdown of how points and tier status work.
What you get with an Upper Class upgrade
An upgrade to Upper Class from Economy or Premium Economy is a significant step up. Upper Class means a fully flat bed on VA’s Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 aircraft, a 2-metre sleeping surface and a dedicated aisle for each seat.
At Heathrow, Upper Class passengers use the dedicated Upper Class Wing, bypassing the main terminal check-in queues. You also get access to the Clubhouse lounge, with a restaurant, bar and spa. The baggage allowance is significantly higher than in Economy or Premium — the full breakdown is in our Virgin Atlantic baggage allowance guide. Hand luggage allowances also differ by cabin, covered in our Virgin Atlantic hand luggage guide.
Seat selection in Upper Class is generally included, unlike in Economy or Premium where many seats cost extra. For a comparison of seat options across all cabins, see our Virgin Atlantic seat selection guide.
Is a Virgin Atlantic upgrade worth it?
A successful bid to Upper Class on a transatlantic route could cost £500 to £1,000 per person above your Economy or Premium fare. Full Upper Class cash fares typically run from around £2,000 to £5,000+ return, so a winning bid often represents good value by comparison.
For a leisure trip, the same money could cover a separate short break, so it comes down to priorities. For business travel or a significant occasion where comfort matters, Upper Class on a 9- or 10-hour flight tends to justify the cost.
The bid system suits cautious upgraders well. You name a price you’re comfortable with, and if the bid doesn’t win, you travel as originally booked with no extra charge. For timing and what to expect at the airport as an Upper Class passenger, see our guide to Virgin Atlantic check-in.
Virgin Atlantic upgrade: frequently asked questions
Can I bid for an upgrade on any Virgin Atlantic fare?
No. The bid system is available on eligible fare types only. Economy Light fares are generally excluded, as are some discounted fares in other cabins. When your booking qualifies, you’ll receive an email invitation around two weeks before departure, or see the option in your booking online at virginatlantic.com.
How do I know if my bid was successful?
VA notifies you by email, typically 24 to 48 hours before departure. If your bid is accepted, the upgrade cost is charged to your original payment card at that point. If it’s not successful, you travel in your original cabin with nothing charged.
Can I use Virgin Points to upgrade on any booking?
Not on all fares. Points upgrades are available on eligible bookings through your Flying Club account. Economy Light fares are usually excluded. When the option is available, it appears in your booking online. The number of points required varies by route and availability.
Do I get Clubhouse access if my bid upgrade to Upper Class succeeds?
Yes. If your bid to Upper Class is accepted, you travel as a full Upper Class passenger and receive all the associated benefits, including Clubhouse access at Heathrow Terminal 3 and the Upper Class Wing check-in.
What is the difference between upgrading to Premium and to Upper Class?
Premium Economy is VA’s premium economy cabin: more legroom, a reclining seat and improved meals. Upper Class is the business class cabin with a fully flat bed, Clubhouse lounge access and a substantially higher level of service. The bid price for Upper Class is higher and the experience is considerably different.
Is there a cash upgrade option at the airport?
Sometimes. If Upper Class or Premium seats are available at check-in, VA may offer them at a reduced rate. This isn’t guaranteed and depends on what’s unsold on your specific flight. The bid system is a more predictable route: you know the cost before you travel and there’s no airport queue required.
Jane Robinson is Senior Editor at Flight Tribe. She has a Master’s in English and Journalism, and writes about flight deals, holiday offers and practical ways UK travellers can spend less without wasting time on weak promotions. Jane has spent time living and working across Asia and New Zealand, which gave her a lasting interest in how people travel, eat, move around and spend their free time in different places.
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