“Love Suites”: Virgin Atlantic’s Clever Spin on Old Business Class Seats

Coming soon to Virgin Atlantic Upper Class: Love Suites, Solo Freedom Suites, and Solo Corner Suites. But don’t expect a revolutionary new business class product.

Virgin Atlantic has acquired a handful of ex-Air Berlin A330-200s which will enter service in March. These aircraft will operate out of Manchester to Barbados (BGI), Boston (BOS), New York (JFK), and San Francisco (SFO).

Instead of Virgin Atlantic’s usual herringbone seat configuration, these seats will feature a staggered 1-2-1 configuration. Each seat will have direct aisle access.

Here’s how Virgin Atlantic characterizers its “new” business class cabin:

The unique Upper Class cabin introduces three new seat styles for Virgin Atlantic customers to choose from — the Love Suite, the Freedom Solo Suite, and the Corner Solo Suite — all with direct aisle access. Customers will also be able to select from a special barista style coffee menu; receive free messaging, and an improved amenity kit featuring ‘Happy Socks.’

And while I’m quite happy about the new coffee menu, make no mistake: these are old business class seats, similar the business class seats already in use by Alitalia, British Airways, and Iberia.

Here are some Air Berlin stock pictures of the new “suites” on Virgin Atlantic:

Disappointed? Don’t be — I still find these seats very comfortable and never have had trouble sleeping in them. But it does stretch the definition of a suite…

Virgin Atlantic A330-200 Upper Class Seating

Virgin describes its A300-200 Upper Class seating in the following way:

Love Suite

Feeling sociable? This together-suite is ideal for dual dining, watching movies together, or even catching up on work.

Solo Freedom Suite

Unwind and stretch out in this suite, just for you with easy aisle access.

Solo Corner Suite

Wanting a little privacy with a great view? This is the ideal suite for you.

CONCLUSION

With a different style of business class seating, no onboard bar, and no premium economy, these A330-200s will feel foreign to regular Virgin flyers. But in many ways, I find these business class seats superior to the herringbone seats on other Virgin flights.

> Read More: Virgin Atlantic A340 Upper Class Review