After losing all my collected points and rejoining the Virgin Flying Club with a new membership number, speaking with AI generated customer service and struggling to get a VAT receipt for my business trip, I had to make two calls to humans before being told it takes 14 days to get a business invoice emailed over I embarked on my recent trip this morning with a little trepidation it has to be said.

However the first two Virgin Atlantic members of staff I encountered, Solomon and Kavita at London Heathrow set the trip off on a totally different course, seats swiftly changed, charming, helpful efficient service and then fast tracked up through security and to the lounge, it really was five star all the way.
When we were boarding the staff were equally helpful, fun and efficient, and so smart in their red uniforms and the fantastic service didn't stop there when we were handed over to smiling cabin crew where throughout the 11 hour flight nothing was too much trouble.

The crew handled a completely full flight with speed, relaxed efficiency and humour and when things didn't quite go to plan, the crew went above and beyond to make things comfortable and sort out any minor hiccups.

The only big disappointment was no duty free shopping onboard, we were told the duty free partner had gone bust so that service wasn't available and the films, TV and games through the onboard entertainment system Vera, weren't as good as I remembered, I actually didn't watch anything, but the staff could not have been better. 

Everyone on the team pulled together like a well oiled machine to ensure everyone onboard had a great experience.

It made me think of the strap line, I’ve had clouds but I’ve had so many rainbows, and I just thought how fitting and accurate my experience was with Virgin Atlantic.

For me the only airline to consider when flying transatlantic whether you are an economy, premium economy, upper class or gold flying club member, I couldn't have been more impressed with the staff, the service and the food and drinks options onboard. The hot chocolate was so delicious it was noteworthy and one particular flight attendant who went out of his way to bring extra food served up with jokes on the side, made the whole trip memorable.

Solomon and Kavita, started the experience off with gusto and Courtney got us off the ground and landed safely, with lots of personable service in between.

Well done Virgin Atlantic. When it all comes together like this your staff make your product stand out.