Flying with Virgin Atlantic has always been synonymous with a top-notch experience—whether flying for business or leisure. Virgin Atlantic makes every flight feel special because of its quality service, thoughtful cabin design, and overall commitment to customer satisfaction. Yet, regarding seat selection, one of the common questions is: Do you have to pay for Virgin Atlantic Seat Selection?
Where you sit can make all the difference, especially on a long-haul flight. If you value that extra bit of space, prefer a window seat to catch views from the skies, or need quick access to the aisle for comfort, seat selection becomes an essential part of your journey. This guide will break down all you need to know about Virgin Atlantic seat selection, including the costs, timing, tips, and even a detailed look at each cabin class to help you choose the best seat for your needs.
By the end of this post, you’ll know whether you have to pay to choose seats on Virgin Atlantic, how early you can select a seat, and the best strategies for getting a seat that matches your comfort preferences. Let’s dive in.
Virgin Atlantic Seat Selection: How It Works
The Virgin Atlantic seat selection process can be slightly different depending on your ticket type and frequent flyer status. Some passengers enjoy free seat selection, while others may need to pay a fee to pick a seat in advance. Knowing how the system works can save you a lot of frustration and ensure you get the most out of your flight.
For instance, if you’re flying Upper Class or Premium Economy, you can relax a little, as seat selection is usually included in your fare. However, if you’re traveling on Economy Light, the lowest fare option in Virgin Atlantic’s economy class, you may find yourself having to pay for even the most basic seat selection.
Do You Have to Pay to Choose Seats on Virgin Atlantic?
The question on everyone’s mind is: Do you have to pay to choose seats on Virgin Atlantic? The answer depends on the type of ticket you purchase. Virgin Atlantic’s ticket classes are divided into Upper Class, Premium Economy, and three types of Economy Class tickets: Economy Light, Economy Classic, and Economy Delight. Let’s explore these options in detail.
Upper-Class Passengers
For upper-class passengers, seat selection is included in the ticket price. These tickets offer some of the most luxurious seats in the sky, complete with lie-flat beds, privacy partitions, and additional space. Do you have to pay to choose seats on Virgin Atlantic? In this case, no—you can select your seat as soon as you book your flight. Upper Class is designed to give passengers a premium, hassle-free experience, and choosing a prime seat without paying extra is part of that experience.
Premium Economy Passengers
Premium Economy passengers also benefit from free seat selection. Premium Economy provides a middle ground between Upper Class and Economy, offering wider seats, more legroom, and a better overall in-flight experience. If you’ve booked a Premium Economy ticket, seat selection is available at no extra cost—unless you’ve snagged a highly discounted or promotional fare, in which case there might be a small fee.
Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy is well-regarded for its value proposition—passengers get a little bit of extra luxury without having to spring for the cost of Upper Class.
Economy Passengers
Economy Class on Virgin Atlantic is divided into three distinct fare types: Economy Light, Economy Classic, and Economy Delight. Each of these fares comes with different seat selection rules and options.
- Economy Light: If you’ve booked an Economy Light ticket, you’ll need to pay for seat selection. This is the most basic economy fare offered by Virgin Atlantic, and while it provides a more budget-friendly option, it comes with limitations—seat selection is not included.
- Economy Classic: For Economy Classic passengers, seat selection is available for free once online check-in opens, which is typically 24 hours before departure. However, if you want to pick your seat earlier, you may need to pay a small fee for advance selection.
- Economy Delight: If you’re flying Economy Delight, seat selection is free. Economy Delight passengers get more legroom and some priority services, making it a popular choice for those who want a little extra comfort without the cost of Premium Economy or Upper Class.
Timing Your Seat Selection with Virgin Atlantic
When it comes to seat selection on Virgin Atlantic, timing can significantly impact your options, especially if you have specific preferences. The earlier you secure your seat, the better your chances of getting a prime spot—whether that’s a window seat for breathtaking views or an exit row for extra legroom. Understanding when to act can make a huge difference in your comfort level and overall flight experience.
As Soon As You Book Your Flight
For passengers flying in Upper Class, Premium Economy, or Economy Delight, the ideal time to select your seat is immediately after booking your flight. Virgin Atlantic allows seat selection as soon as your reservation is confirmed for these fare types. By acting early, you can ensure that you have the best possible options, including coveted seats such as front-row or bulkhead seats, which offer more space.
This is particularly important for long-haul flights, where comfort can significantly impact how refreshed you feel upon arrival. Booking your seat early means you’re in control and don’t have to worry about competing with other passengers closer to departure.
Pay for Early Seat Selection
If you’re flying Economy Light or Economy Classic and prefer to lock in your seat well before check-in opens, you can choose to pay a small fee for early seat selection. This option is ideal for those who prioritize a particular seating arrangement—such as families wanting to sit together, passengers who prefer an aisle seat for easy restroom access, or taller individuals who seek out extra legroom in the exit rows.
The advantage of paying for early selection is peace of mind. You won’t need to wait until the day of departure to know where you’re sitting, which can reduce stress and allow you to focus on other aspects of your trip. It’s also a great way to avoid being stuck with less desirable seats—such as those in the middle of a row or near high-traffic areas like restrooms and galleys.
Wait Until Online Check-In
If you prefer not to pay extra for seat selection and don’t mind taking a chance, waiting until online check-in opens is another option. Virgin Atlantic’s online check-in typically opens 24 hours before departure, and at this point, any remaining unallocated seats become available for selection, free of charge.
However, the trade-off here is that you’ll have fewer choices, especially on fully booked flights. If you have specific seating needs—whether it’s a window seat for scenic views or sitting near a companion—it’s a gamble to wait until check-in. By this time, the most desirable seats may already be taken by passengers who paid for early selection or those with frequent flyer status.
While this option saves money, it’s best suited for travelers who are flexible with their seating arrangements and don’t mind where they end up as long as they’re on the plane.
Consider the Flight Load
Another factor to consider when timing your seat selection is the flight load—how full the flight is expected to be. If you’re traveling during peak times, such as the holiday season, or on popular routes like London to New York, flights are often fully booked. In these cases, early seat selection becomes even more critical, as competition for prime seats is high.
On the other hand, if you’re traveling during off-peak times, such as midweek or in less popular travel months, you may have more flexibility. With fewer passengers on board, more seats are available, and you may even score a row to yourself by waiting until closer to the flight.
Frequent Flyers and Seat Selection Perks
For frequent flyers, especially Flying Club Gold members, seat selection perks can make timing less of an issue. These passengers often receive complimentary seat selection regardless of when they book, giving them the advantage of choosing premium seats early on without paying extra. If you’re a regular Virgin Atlantic traveler, it may be worth joining their Flying Club to enjoy these and other benefits, such as priority boarding and extra baggage allowance.
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Paid Seat Selection Options
If you’re flying on a fare that requires payment for seat selection, you have several options to choose from, depending on your preferences.
- Extra legroom seats
For taller passengers or those who value the ability to stretch out during a long flight, extra legroom seats are available for a fee. These seats are typically located near the exit rows or at the front of the cabin, offering more space and a quicker exit once you land. While it costs more to book these seats, many passengers find the extra comfort well worth the price.
- Preferred Seating
If you have specific seat preferences—whether that’s a window for gazing out at the clouds or an aisle for easy access to the restroom—preferred seating is available at an additional cost. By paying for preferred seating, you can guarantee that you’ll get the exact seat you want, which can significantly enhance your overall flying experience.
- Exit Row Seats
Exit-row seats are among the most coveted seats on any plane due to their extra legroom. However, these seats come with a few conditions. Passengers seated in exit rows must meet certain physical requirements, as they’ll be responsible for assisting in the event of an emergency. If you’re eligible and looking for maximum space, these seats are often the best choice on long-haul flights.
Free Seat Selection at Check-In
For those flying on a budget or not wanting to pay extra for Virgin Atlantic seat selection, there’s always the option of waiting until check-in opens. Virgin Atlantic allows passengers to choose from available seats for free during online check-in, which opens 24 hours before departure.
Is It Worth Waiting?
This strategy works well if you’re not particular about where you sit. However, if you have specific needs—like wanting an aisle seat or sitting next to a travel companion—waiting until check-in can be risky. By the time check-in opens, the best seats may already be taken by those who paid for early selection, leaving you with limited options.
Seat Selection Strategies for a Better Experience
To make sure you get the most out of your Virgin Atlantic flight, here are some tips and strategies for smart seat selection.
Book early for better availability.
Booking your flight early gives you more seat options. Whether you’re flying Upper Class, Premium Economy, or Economy Delight, booking in advance gives you first access to the best seats.
Join the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
If you fly Virgin Atlantic regularly, consider joining their Flying Club loyalty program. Frequent flyers—particularly Flying Club Gold members—enjoy benefits such as free seat selection, priority boarding, and seat upgrades. Even if you fly only a few times a year, the perks can add up, improving your overall travel experience.
Pay for Extra Comfort
If comfort is a top priority for you, consider paying for extra legroom or preferred seating, especially on long-haul flights. A little extra space can go a long way toward making your flight more enjoyable.
Best Seats on Virgin Atlantic by Cabin Class
When it comes to finding the best seat on Virgin Atlantic, your cabin class and personal preferences will play a huge role. Here’s a breakdown of the best seats in each class.
- Economy Class
In Economy Delight, the seats with extra legroom are the best option for those looking for added comfort. If you’re flying in Economy Light or Economy Classic, aim for a window seat if you want a view or an aisle seat for convenience. However, these might come with a small fee depending on your seat selection.
- Premium Economy
Premium Economy offers a more spacious experience overall. The best seats in this cabin class are typically at the front, where legroom is more abundant. Passengers flying Premium Economy also benefit from wider seats, extra recline, and priority boarding.
- Upper Class
Every seat in the Upper Class is luxurious, but many passengers prefer the Upper-Class Suites for the added privacy and direct aisle access. For overnight flights, the lie-flat seats are highly recommended for getting a good night’s rest.
When flying with Virgin Atlantic, the question is, Do you have to pay for the Virgin Atlantic seat selection procedure? This is an important one, and the answer largely depends on the fare class you book. For Upper Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Delight passengers, seat selection is generally free and included in the ticket price. However, if you’re flying Economy Light or Economy Classic, you may need to pay to select a seat in advance, especially if you have specific preferences, such as extra legroom or a particular location within the cabin.
Take Away
Ultimately, choosing whether to pay for a seat or wait until check-in depends on your priorities. For those who prioritize comfort, paying a little extra for the best Virgin Atlantic Seat Selection can enhance your overall travel experience. On the other hand, more budget-conscious travelers may prefer to save on seat selection costs and opt for a free seat at check-in.
With Virgin Atlantic, no matter which seat you choose, you can expect world-class service, making every flight a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Happy travels!
FAQs:
Yes, if you’re flying on an Economy Light ticket, you will need to pay to choose your seat in advance. This option allows you to secure a preferred seat, such as a window or aisle seat, or one with extra legroom. If you prefer not to pay, you can wait until check-in opens 24 hours before your flight, but seat availability may be limited.
No, if you’re flying in Premium Economy, you do not have to pay to choose your seat. Virgin Atlantic allows Premium Economy passengers to select their seats at no additional cost, offering more spacious seating and premium in-flight service.
No, upper-class passengers do not have to pay to choose seats on Virgin Atlantic. Seat selection is free, and you’ll have access to luxurious seating arrangements, including fully reclining flatbeds and extra privacy, ensuring the ultimate comfort on long-haul flights.
No, if you’re a Flying Club Gold Member, you do not have to pay to choose seats on Virgin Atlantic, regardless of your fare class. Gold members are offered complimentary seat selection across all cabin classes, including economy, premium economy, and upper class.
Not necessarily. Passengers flying in Economy Classic can choose their seats for free once check-in opens, which is 24 hours before departure. However, if you want to secure a seat earlier or choose one with extra legroom, you may need to pay a small fee.
No, if you’re flying Economy Delight, you do not have to pay to choose seats on Virgin Atlantic. Seat selection is included in your ticket fare, allowing you to pick from a variety of options when you book your flight, including extra legroom seats.
You can choose your seats with Virgin Atlantic during booking, or any other time, at least 331 days prior to your flight’s departure date. When choosing seats in advance, sometimes you might have to pay a fee depending on your ticket type. If you’ve not chosen your seat beforehand, and wish to do the same during online check-in, you can do that as well. Remember to do it 24 hours in advance of your flight’s departure.
According to a few seat numbers 21 A & K are considered the best economy seats on Virgin Atlantic. They are right at the front which means that you’ll get faster service.
If your seats are already chosen and you wish to alter the same before your flight’s departure date, you can do so by going to the My Booking section of Virgin Atlantic’s official website. However, the seat which you have chosen should be in the cabin similar to where the previous one was. You may even upgrade by paying extra.