Premium Economy to Barbados

I flew to Barbados at the end of August 2021 with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow in their premium economy cabin. I have flown a few times during Covid however, I have not travelled premium economy since pre-Covid (anyone remember those days?? They seem like a lifetime ago now). As expected, masks are worn throughout the airport and during the flight, only taken off to eat and drink. As I flew premium, fizz or OJ was served upon boarding which helps to ease you into the 8 hour flight ahead. The meal service in economy is served in boxes now to limit contact, however, in premium it was served very much like the 'old days' with proper cutlery - the mushroom pasta was really nice (in fact I heard some passengers ask for more). Drinks, ice lollies and afternoon tea were served during the flight as well as 'raid the larder' allowing passengers to help themselves to snacks, chocolate etc during the flight - my 9 year old took full advantage of this . I also flew with my 9 month old son and the crew could not have been more attentive. Bottles made as and when I needed, they provided me with big litre bottles of water before take off so I had it to hand if he needed a quick drink, plus the Ella's Kitchen pouches they provided came in really handy. The most exciting part for my daughter was the flight cam on the TVs which allows you to see outside from either the tail (see pic) or cockpit. She loved this during take off and it made her day as we have only ever seen this on Youtube videos before. The wider seat, additional seat pitch, extra baggage allowance (two bags instead of one in economy) and upgraded meal service is worth the upgrade in my opinion (sometimes from as little as £150.00 each way). As a Travel Counsellor, I also had the opportunity to tour the Upper Class cabin. The Upper experience is amazing, with fully flat beds and duvets to keep you snug and a meal service out of this world. Despite travelling with two children on a long haul flight during a worldwide pandemic, the 8 hours flew by (pun intended) and I would not hesitate to fly premium again and recommend it to my customers, even if just one way.