Virgin Atlantic food is included on every long-haul flight across all three cabin classes. Economy passengers receive a hot meal with a choice of two mains. Premium passengers get a three-course service with starter, main, dessert and cheese. Upper Class passengers get restaurant-style a la carte dining with multiple courses, champagne and signature cocktails. All cabins also include an afternoon tea service and complimentary alcohol throughout the flight.
This guide covers what each cabin gets, how to pre-order in Premium and Upper Class, and what to do if you have dietary requirements or an allergy.
| Feature | Economy | Premium | Upper Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal service | Hot meal, choice of 2 mains | 3-course service Enhanced | A la carte restaurant Premium |
| Pre-order | Not available Not available | Yes Available | Yes Available |
| Drinks | Wine, beer, spirits | Wine, beer, spirits | Champagne, premium wines |
| Afternoon tea | Yes All cabins | Yes All cabins | Yes All cabins |
| Special meals | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Economy class food on Virgin Atlantic
Economy passengers receive a complimentary hot meal on every long-haul flight. Two main options are served at the time of service — usually one meat and one non-meat choice — along with a side salad, dessert and cheese. Wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks and water are all included throughout the flight.
Afternoon tea is served on all long-haul routes, and on longer flights VA adds extra snacks between meal services. There is no pre-order option in Economy. If you want to guarantee a specific main dish rather than risk your preference being taken, choosing a Premium or Upper Class seat gives you the pre-order option. Consider also checking your seat selection — crew work through the cabin row by row, so seats nearer the front tend to get first pick of the two mains.
Premium class food on Virgin Atlantic
Premium passengers receive a three-course meal with starter, main, dessert and cheese. The crockery and cutlery are a step up from Economy, and Virgin Atlantic describes the service as “enhanced.” Beer, wine and spirits are complimentary throughout the flight, alongside an afternoon tea service and what VA calls its wonderwall of snacks, available on some aircraft between meal services.
Premium passengers can pre-order their main course in advance. The window opens seven days before departure and closes 24 hours before the flight. Pre-ordering is worth doing on popular routes where certain options sell out. If you have not flown Premium before, our Virgin Atlantic upgrade guide covers whether it is worth the price difference.
Upper Class food on Virgin Atlantic
Upper Class offers the most ambitious food on board. The service runs restaurant-style: passengers order from an a la carte menu, dishes arrive plated, and there is no fixed meal timing. Multiple courses are served across the flight, with premium champagne, fine wines and signature cocktails throughout. Afternoon tea is part of the standard service.
VA’s signature chicken burger is available exclusively to pre-order and has become one of the most requested items onboard. If it is on the current menu, booking it in advance is the only way to guarantee it. Upper Class passengers also get complimentary full internet on every flight — see our Virgin Atlantic WiFi guide for what that covers. Flying Club members who are already in Premium or Economy can also earn points that count toward future upgrades.
Special meals and dietary requirements
Virgin Atlantic caters for a wide range of dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian lacto-ovo, halal, kosher, gluten-free, low-calorie, diabetic, low-salt and Hindu meal options. You request a special meal when you book or, if your plans change, through Manage Booking on the VA website. Requests must be submitted at least 24 hours before departure.
Your special meal is confirmed at check-in. If you have made a request, arriving in good time is sensible — see our guide to when Virgin Atlantic check-in opens to plan ahead. If VA cannot cater for a specific allergy or requirement, you are permitted to bring your own food on board. VA cannot refrigerate or heat outside food, so it must be suitable to eat at room temperature. If you need extra space to carry it, the Accessible Travel Services team can approve an increase to your Virgin Atlantic hand luggage allowance.
How to pre-order your meal on Virgin Atlantic
Pre-order is available for Premium and Upper Class passengers only. Economy passengers are not able to pre-order and choose from the options presented at the time of service.
The pre-order window opens seven days before your flight and closes 24 hours before departure. You place your order through Manage Booking on the Virgin Atlantic website. Full current menu options are listed on the Virgin Atlantic food and drink page.
For Upper Class passengers wanting the signature chicken burger, pre-ordering is the only guaranteed route to securing it. It is among the most requested options and routinely sells out if left to the day of travel.
Frequently asked questions
What food does Virgin Atlantic serve in Economy?
Economy passengers receive a complimentary hot meal with a choice of two mains, salad, dessert and cheese on every long-haul flight. Wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks are all included. Afternoon tea is also served. There is no pre-order option in Economy.
Can you pre-order food on Virgin Atlantic?
Yes, but only in Premium and Upper Class. The pre-order window opens seven days before departure and closes 24 hours before the flight. You order via Manage Booking on the Virgin Atlantic website.
What food does Virgin Atlantic serve in Upper Class?
Upper Class offers restaurant-style a la carte dining with multiple courses across the flight. Champagne, premium wines and signature cocktails are included. A signature chicken burger is available to pre-order. Afternoon tea and a VA signature ice cream are also part of the service.
What food does Virgin Atlantic serve in Premium?
Premium passengers receive a three-course meal with starter, main, dessert and cheese. Crockery and cutlery are a step up from Economy. Beer, wine, spirits and afternoon tea are all included. Pre-ordering your main is available from seven days before departure.
Does Virgin Atlantic cater for special dietary requirements?
Yes. Virgin Atlantic offers a wide range of special meals including vegan, halal, kosher, gluten-free, low-calorie, diabetic and low-salt options. Request your meal when booking or via Manage Booking on the website. Requests must be made at least 24 hours before departure.
Can you bring your own food on Virgin Atlantic?
Yes. If Virgin Atlantic cannot cater for your specific dietary need, you can bring your own food on board. VA cannot refrigerate or heat it, so it must be suitable to eat at room temperature. The Accessible Travel Services team can approve an increase to your hand luggage allowance if needed.
Kate Acaster is Chief Editor at Flight Tribe. She writes about practical travel planning, budget airlines, baggage rules, city breaks, beach holidays and good hotels that do not cost daft money.
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