Delta Premium Select vs Virgin Atlantic Premium: Honest Review After Flying Both
Side-by-side premium economy: Virgin Atlantic’s vibrant, social cabin vs. Delta’s spacious and comfort-first layout.
Planning a trip from New York City to London and debating whether to book Virgin Atlantic Premium or Delta Premium Select? I flew both—Virgin to London and Delta back to NYC—and here’s my honest review of how they compare.
From seat comfort and food to entertainment, lounges, and family-friendly perks, I’ll break down what each airline does well—and where one clearly outshines the other. Whether you’re booking your first transatlantic flight or just want more comfort than economy without the price tag of first class, this guide will help you pick the right airline for your next adventure.
Virgin Atlantic Premium Review: Stylish Vibe, But Is It Comfortable Enough?
Virgin Atlantic Premium cabin, nearing arrival in London. The in-flight map tracks progress from JFK to Heathrow on this daytime transatlantic flight—scheduled to land around 8:10pm local time.
Ambiance & Atmosphere: Stylish and Distinctly Virgin
Virgin Atlantic knows how to make an impression. From the moment I boarded, the lighting, modern design, and upbeat tone set it apart from more traditional carriers. It feels young, energetic, and thoughtfully branded—more like a boutique experience in the sky.
The standout feature is the onboard bar, exclusive to Premium and Upper Class guests. It's a unique perk that elevates the cabin’s vibe and adds a social element you won’t find in other premium economy cabins. It’s particularly appealing if you’re flying with friends or just want a moment away from your seat mid-flight.
Seat Comfort: Attractive Design, But Not Built for Long-Haul Rest
Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy cabin on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The 2-4-2 layout creates a lively atmosphere but limits seat width—especially in the center section.
Virgin’s 2-4-2 cabin layout allows for more seats across each row, which works well for families of four—but the trade-off is narrower seat width and no leg rest, which made it noticeably less comfortable on this overnight transatlantic flight.
From New York to London, I found myself shifting often, especially without the ability to stretch out properly. For travelers prioritizing sleep or support during a long haul, the lack of ergonomic features makes this feel more like an enhanced economy product than a true premium experience.
Under-Seat Storage: A Surprising Drawback
This was one of the more frustrating aspects of the flight. The under-seat configuration, particularly in the middle section, is awkwardly designed. The support bars beneath the seats cut into the space where your legs—and your personal item—would naturally go.
On my flight, I ended up having to share foot space with the person next to me, which disrupted both of our comfort. For a cabin marketed as premium, this felt like a clear oversight in design.
Food & Beverage: Elevated Options with a Few Misses
Virgin Atlantic does stand out with its extensive pre-order menu, and most of the food I received was fresh, hot, and flavorful. The hot breakfast was excellent, but some of the smaller touches didn’t quite land—like the pastry served in an oven-safe wrapper with no way to heat it.
It’s a small thing, but when you’re flying premium, the details matter. The food quality overall is solid, but the inconsistencies can detract from what’s otherwise a strong offering.
Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy breakfast service. The omelette was hot and flavorful, but the cold, pre-wrapped pastries were a clear miss.
Main meal on Virgin Atlantic’s JFK to London daytime flight. Served with pasta, salad, cheese, and dessert—generous portions, but not plated for presentation.
Breakfast at the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, London Heathrow. A full English spread with made-to-order quality—one of the best lounge meals we’ve had before a flight.
In-Flight Entertainment: Reasonable, but Lacking Depth
The entertainment system is perfectly adequate, with a mix of new releases, classic films, and TV shows—but compared to Delta, Virgin’s library felt limited. After a few hours of browsing, I found myself running out of appealing options.
For families or long-haul travelers relying on in-flight entertainment to pass the time, the selection may feel limited—especially if you're hoping to keep kids occupied.
Virgin Atlantic Premium’s seatback entertainment system. The screens are sharp and modern, but the content library is more limited than Delta’s.
Virgin’s Premium Economy seats are visually sleek but narrower than expected. The lack of leg rests and shared foot space, especially in the middle section, limits overall comfort on long-haul routes.
Lounge Access: Comfortable at JFK, Exceptional at Heathrow
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Heathrow is a standout lounge experience. Spacious, stylish, and packed with amenities, it’s available to Virgin Atlantic Premium passengers and also used by Delta Premium Select flyers returning to the U.S. (Photo Credit: TPG)
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at JFK offers a more intimate, low-key lounge experience. It’s smaller, less crowded, and features strong food and drink options. It was a great place to relax pre-flight without the chaos of a larger lounge.
But the true highlight is at London Heathrow. The Virgin Clubhouse at LHR is consistently ranked among the best in the world, and for good reason: it’s spacious, beautifully designed, and features everything from cocktails to showers. Whether you’re arriving or departing, it’s absolutely worth a stop. It turned what could’ve been a standard airport wait into a genuinely relaxing experience.
Additional Tips:
Priority Check-In and Boarding: Virgin Atlantic Premium passengers enjoy priority check-in and boarding, making the airport experience smoother and quicker.
Extra Baggage Allowance: Premium passengers are entitled to an increased baggage allowance, which is great for longer trips or those who like to shop while abroad.
Amenity Kits: The amenity kits provided include essential items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, and eye masks, which can enhance your in-flight comfort.
Delta Premium Select Review: Exceptional Comfort and Thoughtful Design
Delta Premium Select offers wider seats, full leg rests, and a 2-3-2 layout that feels more spacious and restful—especially on overnight transatlantic flights. It may not have the ambiance of Virgin, but the comfort speaks for itself.
Ambiance & Cabin Design: Calm, Spacious, and Purposeful
Delta’s Premium Select cabin is designed with comfort and clarity in mind. Compared to Virgin’s vibrant style, the Delta cabin feels more refined and business-like—a calm, clean space that puts functionality first.
What stood out immediately was the sense of space. The 2-3-2 configuration makes the cabin feel open, and the neutral color palette contributes to a more serene environment—ideal for settling in on a long-haul flight.
Seat Comfort: A Clear Step Above
Delta shines when it comes to seating. The Premium Select seats are wider, feature deep recline, and come equipped with both leg rests and adjustable footrests—something I noticed right away and appreciated over the course of the flight.
On our return from London to New York, we sat in two rows of two, one directly behind the other. For a family of four, this configuration worked perfectly—it gave us privacy, space, and the flexibility to rotate seating as needed. The ergonomic design made a noticeable difference in comfort and sleep quality compared to Virgin Atlantic Premium.
Delta Premium Select’s amenity kit and bedding are a clear upgrade. The blanket is thicker, the pillow more supportive, and the pouch is reusable—details that make a long-haul flight feel a bit more elevated.
The full leg rest in Delta Premium Select transforms your seat into a recliner. It’s a noticeable comfort boost compared to Virgin’s fixed foot bar and makes a real difference on overnight flights.
In-Flight Dining: Streamlined, Elevated, and Consistent
Delta doesn’t offer as many menu options as Virgin, but the meal quality exceeded expectations. Everything we were served was hot, well-presented, and clearly curated with a premium experience in mind.
One detail I appreciated? The meals arrived plated—no foil-wrapped trays—and the premium wine and spirit selection was a step above what I’ve received in other premium economy cabins. The experience felt elevated without trying too hard.
Dinner service in Delta Premium Select after departing London. Spinach ravioli with vegetables, a garden salad, and warm cream puffs—served with wine and crackers.
Afternoon tea service before landing in JFK. Warm scones, a tea sandwich, clotted cream, jam, and French pastries.
In-Flight Entertainment: Extensive and Family-Friendly
Delta’s seatback entertainment system is a clear leader in this category. The interface was responsive, the screen resolution was high-quality, and the selection was exceptional—new releases, award winners, classic films, and a large collection of family-friendly content.
It’s a small but meaningful detail, especially on a transatlantic flight with kids. Everyone in our group found something they wanted to watch, and the time passed quickly because of it.
Amenity Kits & Extra Touches
Delta Premium Select amenity kit. Packaged in a reusable fabric pouch, it includes skincare, socks, a dental kit, and an eye mask—comparable to some international business class offerings and a clear upgrade from Virgin’s basic paper bag.
Delta’s Premium Select passengers receive well-stocked amenity kits, including eye masks, socks, skincare products, and dental kits. The quality was on par with what I’ve received in international business class on other carriers.
They’ve clearly considered what long-haul travelers need, and it shows in the little touches—thoughtful design, better headphones, more personal space. It all adds up.
Lounge Access: Functional but Not the Focus
While Delta doesn’t offer exclusive Premium Select lounge access, Sky Priority includes expedited check-in, security, and boarding—all of which made navigating both JFK and Heathrow noticeably faster.
We also had access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow on our return, which was a major perk. It gave us the best of both worlds—Delta’s superior in-flight experience and Virgin’s exceptional lounge to close out the trip.
💡 Why We Prefer Delta Premium Select for Family Travel
When flying long-haul with kids, comfort and simplicity win. On our return from London to New York, Delta’s Premium Select gave our family of four more space, better rest, and a smoother experience overall.
We booked two rows of two (one in front of the other), which gave everyone a window or aisle and avoided strangers in the middle. The seat width, true leg rests, and in-flight entertainment made a noticeable difference—especially when flying overnight.
Virgin has more personality, but Delta’s Premium Select wins on practicality and comfort, which is what matters most when you're traveling as a family.
| Feature | Virgin Atlantic Premium | Delta Premium Select |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Layout | 2-4-2 configuration | 2-3-2 configuration |
| Seat Comfort | Narrower seats, no leg rests | Wider seats, leg + footrests |
| Dining | Pre-order menu; inconsistent execution | Fewer options, better food quality |
| Entertainment | Decent selection, limited variety | Extensive and family-friendly |
| Ambiance | Playful and modern | Calm and functional |
| Under-Seat Storage | Awkward in middle seats | No issues |
| Amenity Kit | Basic essentials | Well-stocked, higher quality |
| Lounge Access | Excellent at LHR; smaller at JFK | Virgin Clubhouse at LHR; Sky Club at JFK |
| Best For | Travelers who enjoy a lively atmosphere | Families and comfort-focused travelers |
| Overall | Stylish but less comfortable | Spacious, restful, consistent |
Final Verdict: Delta Premium Select Edges Out Virgin Atlantic for Comfort and Consistency
Delta and Virgin Atlantic are long-time transatlantic partners—but when it comes to Premium Economy, the experience varies more than you’d expect. From seat design to service details, both airlines bring unique strengths to the cabin.
Both Virgin Atlantic Premium and Delta Premium Select offer elevated experiences compared to economy—but for travelers prioritizing space, rest, and in-flight comfort on a long-haul route like New York to London, Delta comes out ahead.
Virgin Atlantic delivers a stylish, fun, and social flight experience, complete with mood lighting, vibrant design, and unique features like the onboard bar. It’s a great option for travelers who value ambiance, are flying with friends, or want a more lively environment. But the narrower seats, lack of leg rests, and awkward storage setup made the flight feel less relaxing—especially overnight.
Delta Premium Select, on the other hand, is all about comfort and consistency. With wider seats, full leg rests, superior food presentation, and a far more extensive entertainment system, Delta made our return trip noticeably smoother. As a family of four, we appreciated the 2-3-2 layout, the thoughtful amenities, and the overall sense of space and calm—especially after a packed itinerary abroad.
For most travelers—especially families or anyone flying overnight—Delta Premium Select offers a better balance of comfort, value, and rest.
✈️ Planning a Long-Haul Trip?
If you’re looking for more tips on packing for long flights, booking international trips with kids, or the best family travel essentials, check out:
