Virgin Atlantic introduces wine and cognac tastings in The Booth on its new A350 aircraft
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Last September, we shared a first look at Virgin’s new social space on the leisure configured A350s called ‘The Booth’.
The ‘leisure A350’ is a new variant of the aircraft for Virgin with marginally fewer Upper Class Suites and a bigger economy cabin.
The idea is to field the aircraft on flights which are less business focussed and where the demand for a business class cabin is lower.
The smaller business class cabin means there is also less space for a social space on the aircraft – on the ‘main’ A350s the entire section at the second doors is taken out for ‘The Loft’, a social seating area. Instead, Virgin Atlantic has designed a new experience called ‘The Booth’ which occupies the footprint of a cabin monument such as a lavatory.
The Booth is designed for two people, and Virgin have now revealed what experiences you’ll be able to book in advance. You’ll be able to choose from the following:
- Wine tasting with drinks from The Uncommon, including an English white wine, English rose and a spritzer
- Cognac and Praline pairing with Delamaine
- Private dining
- Game time – where you can play games with Virgin Atlantic playing cards
With Virgin’s new Upper Class Suite on the A350s (review here) no longer offering buddy dining, The Booth offers a good opportunity to share a meal or an experience restaurant-style.
All the experiences are free for passengers in Upper Class, and you can book with the crew once you board your flight.
At present you are most likely to find the ‘leisure’ A350 fleet flying between London / Orlando and Manchester / Orlando.
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How to earn Virgin Points from UK credit cards (April 2025)
As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Virgin Points from UK credit cards. Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.
You can choose from two official Virgin Atlantic credit cards (apply here, the Reward+ card has a bonus of 18,000 Virgin Points and the free card has a bonus of 3,000 Virgin Points):
Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard
18,000 bonus points and 1.5 points for every £1 you spend Read our full review
Virgin Atlantic Reward Mastercard
3,000 bonus points, no fee and 1 point for every £1 you spend Read our full review
You can also earn Virgin Points from various American Express cards – and these have sign-up bonuses too.
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is FREE for a year and comes with 20,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 20,000 Virgin Points.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold
Your best beginner’s card – 30,000 points, FREE for a year & four airport lounge passes Read our full review
The Platinum Card from American Express comes with 50,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 50,000 Virgin Points.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
The Platinum Card from American Express
80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review
Small business owners should consider the two American Express Business cards. Points convert at 1:1 into Virgin Points.
American Express Business Platinum
50,000 points when you sign-up and an annual £200 Amex Travel credit Read our full review
American Express Business Gold
20,000 points sign-up bonus and FREE for a year Read our full review
Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Virgin Points.
