I recently flew Virgin Atlantic from Cape Town to London on VS479 (G-VBOW "Amazing Grace") in economy class, and I had high hopes, especially since it had been over 20 years since my last Virgin flight. I was looking forward to reliving the vibrant, distinct experience I remembered, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to expectations this time around.
While the crew was as lovely and attentive as ever, the aircraft itself felt a bit tired and uninspiring. The cabin design lacked the energy and unique touches that once set Virgin apart. The food and entertainment options were acceptable, but nothing about them really stood out. In fact, the entire experience felt surprisingly standard—reminiscent of a British Airways flight from 10-15 years ago rather than the bold, exciting Virgin vibe I remembered.
It’s a shame, as I was really hoping for that fun, signature Virgin experience. Here's hoping they bring back that unique flair in the future.