Why premium economy on Virgin Atlantic flights?

The Seat Expert — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:55:35 +0000

Basically this is a attempt for Virgin Atlantic (along with many other airlines) to try to squeeze more revenue for each flight. These extra legroom seats are in the exit row, and do offer substantially more legroom than other economy seats. These exit row seats are only available for £50 on the day of the flight, and are subject to availability. Members of Virgin’s frequent flyer program with elite status MIGHT be able to get these seats without paying an extra cost, as part of their elite member benefit.

The service and food and beverage offering is the same for these seats as any other coach seat, the only difference is the extra legroom. All of us have our own independent value judgment, and for myself, I would probably fly on another airline where my elite frequent flyer status will give me benefit of more legroom without having to pay extra for it. As I am a United Airlines elite member, for the same coach fare, United offers the “Economy Plus” cabin, where there are many many rows with 3-5 inches extra legroom for elite members at no extra cost. Perhaps a good way to determine whether the extra cost is worth it to you is to fly the outbound in a normal economy class seat. You will have many hours to determine whether you want to pay the extra £50 on the return flight for the extra comfort.

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Why premium economy on Virgin Atlantic flights?