Travel test

WHAT? Virgin Atlantic Upper Class (business) cabin on the new energy efficient Airbus A330neo which has 11% less fuel burn than Virgin’s older jets and is powered by Rolls-Royce engines.

WHERE: Inaugural flight VS129 from Heathrow to Tampa, Florida, from £440 return in economy, business from £2,296 return (daily from November 28). virginatlantic.com

EXPERIENCE: The excitement at seeing this jet, named Billie Holiday, was palpable by the gate at Heathrow. I was lucky to be experiencing Upper for the first time, turning left into the Instagramfriendly pink hued cabin and window seat 7A.

A welcome glass of pink champagne and rhubarb was offered before take off.

I’d only been upgraded to business once back in the 1990s, so it felt like all my birthdays and Christmases at once.

Fuel savings aside, what also sets the whisper-quiet A330neo (New Engine Option) apart from its predecessor is that the Upper seats have a door giving privacy if you want to sleep on your 6ft 7in fully flat bed.

The tech console includes USB points and the VERA entertainment system with a 27in touchscreen TV. Lunch was a delicious smooth chicken parfait with crostini, apricot chutney and capers, followed by a herb crusted chicken and wild mushroom pie, colcannon mash and fresh vegetables with a jug of red wine gravy. A glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc was a welcome addition. I also had the black forest gateau, which was light and not too sweet.

Amenities included a wash bag with eye mask, socks, earplugs, toothbrush and toothpaste, plus Ren hand cream and lip balm.

Upper also features breakout area the Loft, accommodating eight for business meetings or socialising.

Before landing, I had warm scones with a pot of salted caramel spread (divine) and jam with clotted cream – the perfect end to the smoothest of flights with cabin service manager Gary and his team considerate and attentive to our needs.

QUIBBLES: A tiny thing but the tray table and the privacy door could be stiff to move. The crew were on hand to help.

VERDICT: A truly wonderful experience. 10/10