Virgin Atlantic Promises Upgrades on the Ground and in the Air: Lounges, Cabins, Starlink, and More

Virgin Atlantic is doubling down on premium, tech-forward travel with a sweeping set of upgrades that will roll out across its fleet and customer experience over the next few years.

From free, high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi to expanded premium cabins, lounge investments, and a next-generation mobile app, travelers flying with the London-based carrier can expect a noticeably elevated experience on the ground and in the air.

Let’s walk through these exciting announcements.

Free Starlink Wi-Fi Fleetwide by 2027

Virgin Atlantic will become the first U.K. airline to offer free, streaming-quality Wi-Fi across its entire fleet, thanks to a new partnership with Starlink, SpaceX’s low-Earth orbit satellite service. Installation will begin on all Airbus A330neos and A350-1000s and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners starting in the third quarter of 2026. The full rollout is expected by the end of 2027.

Customers who sign up for the Flying Club loyalty program will enjoy unlimited usage in all cabins, gate to gate. That means travelers can stream shows, work, or shop — even on multiple devices — without data caps or added costs.

Virgin joins a growing list of global carriers adopting Starlink, including United Airlines, Qatar Airways, and JSX. This signals a major shift toward inflight connectivity that matches ground-level speeds.

Premium Cabins Will Get Bigger and Better

To meet the strong demand for premium travel, Virgin Atlantic will revamp its cabin configurations and interiors.

Starting in the third quarter of 2026, 10 new A330neo aircraft will feature larger premium cabins, including:

• 6 Retreat Suites (up from 2)
• 48 Upper Class seats (up from 32)
• 56 Premium seats (up from 46)

By 2028, all Boeing 787-9s will be fully refurbished with:

• 8 Retreat Suites
• 44 Upper Class seats
• 56 Premium seats
• A reduced economy section for added space and comfort

The Retreat Suite, Virgin’s most spacious product, features seats that recline fully flat to 6 feet 7 inches, a 27-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and space for up to 4 people to dine or work together — perfect for couples or colleagues.

These updates mean more opportunities for travelers to redeem points for premium experiences and a more comfortable ride across the Atlantic, especially for frequent flyers.

However, this means that Virgin’s 787 Dreamliners will no longer have a social space. These planes will lose their current social bar and won’t get The Loft — the hangout space available on the A330s and A350s.

New App, AI Concierge, and Loyalty Updates

Coming December 2025, Virgin’s redesigned mobile app will serve as a personal travel companion. The app will let users book flights and holidays, receive real-time updates, and interact through a new AI-powered concierge developed with OpenAI and Tomoro.ai. The assistant will support voice commands and multilingual help for everything from booking to airport navigation.

The Flying Club loyalty program will also introduce recognition for long-term members who don’t fly frequently enough to reach tier status. This is an inclusive move that rewards brand loyalty in new ways.

Refreshed Clubhouses and Wellness Partnerships

Virgin is investing in its iconic Clubhouses at London Heathrow (LHR) and New York (JFK), following a successful Los Angeles (LAX) launch. Guests can expect updated designs and enhanced food and beverage options, including new signature cocktails and partnerships like Votary, which will supply luxury skincare in Upper Class amenity kits starting in 2025.

Final Thoughts

Virgin Atlantic is clearly aiming to cement its place as the U.K.’s most premium long-haul airline. With free Starlink Wi-Fi, expanded premium seating, and a smarter digital experience, the airline is focusing squarely on what matters most to travelers: comfort and connections. For frequent flyers and Flying Club members, these updates add significant value — both in the air and on the ground.

As more carriers adopt next-gen tech and rethink loyalty, Virgin’s approach stands out for its focus on personalization, inclusivity, and service that doesn’t just follow the trend. It’s hoping to lead.