Quick Review: Virgin Economy X

I just hopped across the pond to New Zealand, and tested the Virgin economy X.  I was pleasantly surprised.

Cost:

$35 for short haul domestic, $49 for long haul domestic and trans-tasman, and about $149 for international.  It’s an add on after you select your flight type, so it doesn’t matter how much you pay for the flight, you just pay a little more at seat selection.

Seat:

It’s a standard economy seat with extra leg room and nothing more. For someone who’s claustrophobic like me, it makes a big difference. It means I can seat by the window and go to the toilet without stepping over someones thighs.

I was sitting in 3A, which is the first row of seats after business class. There is a small wall separating us from business class, but there is a foot well cut out at the bottom of the wall. At my moderate 1.7m stature, I actually have to really stretch to touch the front wall.

I’m also sensitive to noise, and sitting at the front of the plane makes a big difference for me.

Other extras:

At Melbourne international, we were called to board along with business and platium and gold members, which is a nice perk.

There is also dedicated overhead lockers for your stuff.

Tips:

Row 3 is by far the best seats, you get 3 windows, more than business class.

Then I’d recommend the exit row seats, row 13 and 14, which are also very spacious.

Followed by row 4 and 5, which are only moderately better than economy.

Worth it?

For me it was a bargain. Sitting at 3A with expansive leg room and 3 windows to enjoy the view, it’s almost as good as virgin business.