Virgin Atlantic A350 Upper Class Review: LAX to London Heathrow (LHR)

If you’re considering flying Virgin Atlantic Upper Class from Los Angeles (LAX) to London Heathrow (LHR) on the Airbus A350, here’s a full review of the experience - from ground to air. This post includes detailed insight into Delta One Lounge access at LAX, the Virgin Atlantic business class cabin, in-flight amenities, and whether it’s worth your points or cash.

Quick Overview

• Route: Los Angeles (LAX) → London Heathrow (LHR)

• Flight Duration: ~10 hours

• Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000

• Cabin: Virgin Atlantic Upper Class (Business Class)

• Lounge Access: Delta One Lounge at LAX

• Points Used: 41,000 + ~$250 taxes/fees via Virgin Atlantic

Lounge Access: Delta One Lounge at LAX (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Let’s start with the best part of the experience: the Delta One Lounge at LAX.

Because Virgin Atlantic and Delta are partners through the SkyTeam alliance, Upper Class passengers flying out of LAX get access to the Delta One Lounge - and honestly, it’s a major highlight.

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Key Features:

• Spacious seating areas with tarmac views

• A full-service restaurant with à la carte dining, including a sushi bar!

• Premium cocktails, barista coffee, and curated wines

• Wellness zone with showers, nap rooms, and massage chairs

Compared to Virgin’s Clubhouse at LAX, which you also get access to with your Upper Class ticket, this lounge felt way more luxurious. If you’re starting your journey from LAX, this is a true first-class ground experience.

Boarding & Cabin Experience: Virgin Atlantic A350 Upper Class (⭐⭐⭐☆☆)

Once on board, the excitement dipped a bit.

Seat Design

Virgin’s A350 Upper Class cabin is visually sleek but a little awkward in practice.

• 1-2-1 layout with all seats having direct aisle access

• Seats face slightly toward the aisle, making them less private than reverse-herringbone layouts

• The seat shell feels narrow - if you’re tall or broad-shouldered, you might feel a bit cramped

• No sliding door, but there is a privacy partition between center seats

The seat converts into a lie-flat bed, but the footwell is small, and the padding is pretty firm. At 5’1”, I was fine - but my 6’2” boyfriend was not a fan.

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Service & In-Flight Experience (⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

The cabin crew was incredibly friendly, professional, and attentive, which helped make up for the seat itself.

• Pre-departure champagne and welcome amenity

• Pajamas and amenity kits provided (the PJs were great! But the amenity kit was not the highest quality)

• Orders were taken promptly and meals served on time

• Crew checked in frequently without being intrusive

In-Flight Dining (⭐☆☆☆☆)

This was, unfortunately, the weakest link.

Virgin is known for being stylish and cheeky, but the business class food did not deliver. I'm just going to let this photo of their "breakfast" speak for itself here... The options were very limited and I got what I thought was the least risky option.

We had access to the Delta One Lounge’s à la carte dinner pre-flight, so we were prepared - but if you expect a premium dining experience onboard, you’ll be disappointed. The menu lacks variety, and what IS available isn't great.

I do need to not that they have a really good tea selection and the cheese plate was also yummy, though nothing fancy!

Entertainment & Amenities (⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

• 18.5-inch touchscreen entertainment system with a solid selection of movies, TV, and music

• Noise-canceling headphones provided

• USB and universal power outlets at each seat

• Wi-Fi available but spotty over the Atlantic

Best Way to Book Virgin Atlantic Upper Class with points

The best way to book this flight is with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points, often with transfer bonuses from Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One or Citi ThankYou Points.

In this case, we booked:

• 41,000 Virgin Points one-way (32k with 30% transfer bonus)

• ~$250 in taxes and surcharges

• Compared to the cash price of $4,200, this was a great redemption value of 9CPP!

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Final Verdict: Is Virgin Atlantic Upper Class on the A350 Worth It?

Pros:

✔️ Access to the Delta One Lounge at LAX - an incredible pre-flight experience

✔️ Stylish cabin design and direct aisle access

✔️ Solid in-flight entertainment and super friendly crew

Cons:

❌ Seat design feels awkward and lacks privacy

❌ In-flight food is subpar, especially for business class

❌ Not the most comfortable sleep experience for taller passengers

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

Virgin Atlantic A350 Upper Class is a solid transatlantic option if you prioritize lounge access and friendly service - but the seat layout and food may leave you underwhelmed, especially when compared to competitors like ANA, Qatar QSuites, or Delta One Suites. With that said, given the overwhelming value per point on this redemeption, I'd definitely fly with them again (on a full stomach for sure though!).

To see a video review of this experience - go here.