Flying long-haul can be a mixed bag, so when we booked our trip on a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330-900 from London Heathrow Airport to Miami for our cruise, we decided to test whether upgrading to Economy Delight was actually worth the extra cost.
Check-in At London Heathrow
From the start, the experience felt slightly elevated compared to standard economy. Priority check-in at the Virgin Atlantic premium desks and priority boarding meant we avoided the usual gate chaos, giving us time to settle into our seats without the rush.
It’s a small perk, but on a busy long-haul flight, it made a noticeable difference to the overall stress levels. Especially for Mel, who is not a fan of flying.
A few years ago, we flew with the ‘low-cost’ airline Norse Atlantic back from Miami, but this service is no longer available.
The main selling point of Economy Delight is the extra legroom. The additional space made it far easier to stretch out, especially on a transatlantic flight that can feel never-ending; our flight was nearly 10 hours! While it’s not quite on par with premium economy, the comfort upgrade was definitely noticeable, particularly when trying to relax or get some sleep.
Onboard The A330-900
Service onboard was solid and consistent with what you’d expect from Virgin Atlantic. The cabin crew were friendly, attentive and added that slightly more personal touch the airline is known for. Food and drinks were good for economy class; the supply of drinks was very good. And the in-flight entertainment system offered plenty of options to help pass the time.
However, one thing that stood out was just how long the flight felt. Even with the added comfort, long-haul travel still has its limits, and no amount of extra legroom can completely change that. That said, having a bit more personal space definitely made the journey more manageable.
Was It Worth It?
So, is Economy Delight worth it? The answer depends on what you value. If you’re someone who prioritises comfort, extra space, and a smoother boarding experience, then the upgrade makes sense—especially on longer routes like this. But if you’re simply looking to get from A to B and don’t mind a tighter seat, standard economy will still do the job.
Overall, Economy Delight sits in an interesting middle ground. It’s not a full premium experience, but it offers just enough added comfort to make a long flight feel a little less daunting.





1 Comment
Patricia Barrett
March 29, 2026 at 12:48 amSounds like an interesting middle ground.