FLIGHT: VIRGIN ATLANTIC – LONDON-HEATHROW – JOHANNESBURG

EVERYONE SEEMED RELAXED AND EMBRACED THE 'NEW NORMAL'

THE FLIGHT I flew Upper Class on Virgin's 787-9 Dreamliner. The airline is temporarily operating from Terminal 2 rather than its usual Terminal 3 base, which features its Clubhouse and other lounge facilities. In Terminal 2 Virgin Atlantic passengers can use the Plaza Premium lounge.

PRE-BOARDING Even before entering the terminal I observed enhanced airport health and safety measures – one-way walk-in system, social distancing stickers and handsanitiser dispensers. Passengers are expected to have their face masks on before entering the terminal and all airport staff wore face coverings.

THE CHECK-IN Travellers formed socially-distanced queues and had to answer various Covid-related questions at the screened check-in desks.

THE SEAT I sat in 5G, one of 31 Upper Class seats spread over 11 rows in a 1-1-1- configured cabin. Virgin’s sexy premier cabin is airy, with subtle mood lighting and features spacious ‘Suites’. A cabin ‘butler’ is on hand to make up the lie-flat bed and even fluff your pillow. Except for the meal service, we were required to wear masks for the 11-hour flight and asked to change it for a fresh one every four hours.

THE SERVICE The crew was warm and welcoming. Electrostatic spraying of high-grade disinfectant is carried out in all cabins and lavatories before every flight. The hot-meal service has been ‘simplified’ in all cabins. Upper Class customers are offered a choice of three hot meals, desserts – including cheese and biscuits – and a ciabatta roll. Virgin's signature communal bar with seats is not currently in service.

THE VERDICT Crew members were super-attentive and a comforting presence throughout. While I didn’t feel comfortable trying to sleep in a mask, I did manage a few hours of sleep. Around me, passengers abided by the rules and everyone seemed relaxed and embraced flying's ‘new normal’. I was very grateful of the opportunity to fly in this cabin, which helped me relax and burn away the pre-flight worries I had about flying during Covid. Another bonus: Upper Class passengers disembark quickly, avoiding a pinch ‘contact point’ with other passengers.

THE DETAILS Return fares from London-heathrow to Johannesburg start at £800 in Economy and £1,999 in Upper Class. virginatlantic.com