Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350-1041 | London Heathrow to New York JFK *Full Flight*

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So for the second in 2 weeks I was returning to New York...
Finally got myself round to flying on one of Virgin Atlantic's new Airbus A350-1000's. This was 7 Month Old, G-VLUX "Red Velvet" operating flight VS9 on March 14th 2020.
So during Virgin Atlantic's January sale I managed to bag myself a return fare for £400, which included flying out in Economy & back in Premium Economy. But fares were as low as £259 return to New York from London! Which is fantastic. I was originally booked to sit the row in front, in 47K but all of row 48 HJ & K seats were empty so I moved to have the row of 3 to myself... obviously.
Now the coronavirus outbreak is having a massive impact on the aviation industry right now with things changing rapidly and I am counting my blessings that this trip was booked for this weekend and not a day later. During the flight, while we were over the Atlantic, breaking news was that the US was to close its borders to all foreign nationals, including the UK in a bid to help prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Once landed the captain informed us of this and it has to be said the aircraft was in quite a state of panic and shock as to how many of these people were going to return home to the UK. I am so lucky in that I was only in New York for the reason of trying out this Virgin A350 and planned to return the next day regardless so I was safe in the knowledge that I had a return flight home before the US borders closed 48 hours later.
The flight itself. We had 204 passengers onboard meaning over 100 empty seats. This of course is down to the Virus and no-one travelling. We pushed back bang ontime at 15:55 and taxied to runway 27L. Climbed straight out, heading west & climbed initially to 38,000ft before continuing to 40,000ft over the Atlantic. Lovely interior on the new A350's and brilliant IFE system and as you'd expect from Virgin fantastic crew, very friendly, chatty and happy to help. I asked for an eye mask and got given a full "goodie bag" so I do show the contents of that as well. The tailview camera is something I love! Great feature, especially when we were contrailing into the sunset. I didn't film much of the descent until the cabin lights had been dimmed for our landing as all I could see was my reflection. We flew around JFK over the water and arrived from the south on RWY04R. Where we were then greeted by the news of the US borders closing.

FLIGHT DETAILS:
Airline: Virgin Atlantic (VS)
Aircraft: Airbus A350-1041
Reg: G-VLUX "Red Velvet"
Age: 7 Months
Seat: 48K, Economy
Departure Runway: 27L
Cruising Altitude: 40,000ft
Arrival Runway: 04R
Flight Number: VS009
Date: March 14th 2020
Distance: 3,446 miles
Flight Time: 7 Hours 32 Mins
Route: LHR-JFK

How would I compare Virgin's Economy & BA's World Traveller Cabin?
Its safe to say Economy is much of a muchness. The BA 777 I flew on to Cancun in January was also newly refurbished so actually the IFE systems were very similar. BA don't have tailcams on any of their aircraft. Service wise, all food & drink was complimentary including alcohol on both. Both seats feature USB charging points. Both crews were extremely friendly. Something we do very well in the UK is customer service both Virgin & BA Crew are always outstanding and I've never had a negative experience with either of their Cabin Crew.
I did venture to the galley to ask for some snacks and unfortunately all that was available on the Virgin flight was the left over pretzels from the drinks service. At BA they have a snack box in the galley with crisps and chocolates that they encourage you to help yourself too, so I was a little disappointed Virgin didn't have this. Also at BA on day departures from London you get offered an Ice Cream in Economy (usually a Magnum) about halfway through the flight.
But its fair to say I wouldn't actively avoid either of them. I would encourage people to choose both, based on price and departures that best suit you. They both offer outstanding service and I very much look forward to more flights with Virgin & BA in the future.
You can check out the BA 777 flight video from Gatwick to Cancun here:    • British Airways Boeing 777-236(ER) Lo...  

As always by Full Flight I don't mean a 7 hour video. I mean the video includes all stages of the flight.

Its a very difficult time for airlines and staff right now with the uncertainty bought about by this virus so I would encourage everyone to please stay safe, look after each other and look out for your elderly family & friends. I wish all airline staff, pilots, cabin crew and the many ground staff the best of luck and hope for the best possible outcome for everyone.

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