Dining in Virgin Atlantic Economy Cabin
When traveling in Virgin Atlantic’s economy cabin, the dining aims to satisfy yet still deliver quality and choice. Their menu offerings showcase a variety of global flavors from India to the US crafted by renowned chefs.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the complimentary and buy-on-board cuisine, craft beverages, and hospitable service offered in Virgin Atlantic economy class. With highlights on menu staples, special meals, refreshments and service touches, read on for an insider’s look at what dining is like cruising at 35,000 feet aboard Virgin Atlantic.
Overview of Dining in Virgin Atlantic Economy Class
Here are the key elements that shape the economy dining experience with Virgin Atlantic:
- Multi-course complimentary meals including appetizer, entree and dessert
- Menu co-designed by celebrity chefs like Gennaro Contaldo
- Buy-on-board menu with snacks, meals and beverages for purchase
- Premium soft drinks like Coca-Cola, specialty coffee drinks
- Self-serve station with snacks, instant noodles, sandwiches
- Thoughful hospitality touches like hot towels before meals
By partnering with chefs and offering menu choices, Virgin Atlantic economy dining balances value with quality.
A Closer Look at Eating in Virgin Atlantic Coach
As someone who travels frequently for work, I find airplane food is usually bland or disappointing. But dining in Virgin Atlantic economy was a cut above on my London to New York trip. The flavors popped, service felt thoughtful, and there were decent choices to suit different tastes and appetites. Here’s a lighthearted look at my experience enjoying meals and hospitality at 35,000 feet aboard Virgin Atlantic.
The Warm, Attentive Economy Service
The friendly flight attendants created a welcoming, restaurant-style dining experience:
- Hot towels before meal service to refresh up
- Personal meal delivery where FAs politely describe dishes
- Effortless drink refills with a smile throughout meals
- Clearing plates promptly after each course
With those caring touches, dining in economy felt surprisingly pleasant.
Global Flavors Crafted by Renowned Chefs
The menu spanned cuisines crafted by celebrated culinary experts:
- Starters – Gennaro Contaldo’s Caprese salad, ranch dip with crudites
- Mains – Asian chicken in spicy sauce by Melissa Hemsley, penne bolognese
- Desserts – Lemony olive oil cake by Ravneet Gill, Haagen-Dazs ice cream bars
It was gourmet at 35,000 feet – kudos to Virgin for partnering with talented chefs.
Quality Buy-on-Board Menu
Beyond included meals, the paid menu offered tasty bites and premium drinks:
- Gourmet sandwiches like mozzarella and pesto
- Sweet treats like chocolate lava cake
- Craft beers from local London breweries
- Customizable coffee drinks, teas, bottled water
With bold flavors, the buy-on-board menu made it easy to snack in style.
Thoughtful Details Throughout
From boarding to deplaning, Virgin offered hospitable touches:
- Welcome cocktails, mocktails, juices or water before takeoff
- Self-serve station with snacks, instant noodles, sandwiches
- Refreshing hot towels and mints before landing
The service made economy class feel special.
Why Dining With Virgin Atlantic Stands Out
Here are the details that impressed this frequent flyer about eating in Virgin’s economy cabin:
- Quality cuisine crafted by respected chefs using fresh ingredients
- Caring service with staff personally delivering meals and checking on passengers
- Menu choices so you can select what appeals from starters to desserts
- Buy-on-board menu with gourmet sandwiches, craft beer, cocktails and more
- Thoughtful hospitality from hot towels to welcome drinks and self-serve snacks
For an economy experience, Virgin Atlantic dining exceeded expectations.
Key Highlights of the Economy Menu Offerings
To showcase the breadth of Virgin’s economy service, here are some memorable tastes and moments:
Pre-Departure
- Welcome glass of bubbly champagne or orange juice
Dinner Service
- Burrata Caprese salad
- Chicken in spicy Asian sauce with jasmine rice
- Raspberry and salted caramel mousse dessert
Self-Serve Station
- Pot Noodles, Pringles, chocolate bars
- Tea, coffee, infused waters
Pre-Arrival
- Hot towel and refreshing peppermint
With quality and choices, the time passed quickly.
Economy Dining That Rivals Many Premium Cabins
With celebrated chefs behind flavorful menus, caring hospitality, and choices for all appetites, dining with Virgin Atlantic in economy truly impressed this frequent flyer. The culinary creativity and service touches rivaled many premium cabins.
So next time you fly economy across the pond, relax into your leather seat and let Virgin Atlantic’s tasty cuisine nourish you on your journey. From the welcome bubbly to hot towel farewell, it’s dining with heart soaring over the Atlantic.
Satisfying Meals Across Virgin Atlantic’s Fleet
While this post focused on my London to New York economy dining, Virgin Atlantic aims to deliver quality service and cuisine across all cabins and routes including:
- Upper Class – Celebrated afternoon tea service, indulgent menus and cocktails
- Premium – Upgraded starters, meals and cabin comforts
- Economy Delight – Extra legroom seats with priority boarding
- Main economy cabin – Complimentary global dining with hospitality
No matter how you choose to fly, Virgin Atlantic serves up cuisine, beverages and service with enjoyment in mind. So wherever your travels take you, arrive hungry and let their flavors satisfy you on your journey.
