Virgin Atlantic turned its nicest business seats into a 'Retreat Suite' — see inside

Taylor Rains,Pete SymeJul 31, 2024, 20:14 IST

Virgin is taking advantage of a 'business class plus' trend to earn more revenue at the front of the plane.Taylor Rains/Business Insider<ul class="summary-list"><li>Virgin Atlantic ordered seven Airbus A330-900neos to complete a $17-billion fleet transformation.</li><li>The airline has been flying the type since 2022, complete with its exclusive new "Retreat Suite."</li></ul>English airline Virgin Atlantic Airways <a target="_blank" class href="https://corporate.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/media/press-releases/virgin-atlantic-completes-fleet-transformation.html">revealed</a> the final part of its $17-billion fleet transformation at the <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/neither-boeing-nor-airbus-won-this-years-farnborough-airshow-2024-7">Farnborough Airshow</a> in July with an order for seven new Airbus A330-900neos. CEO Shai Weiss told journalists that the <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/virgin-atlantic-a330neo-new-plane-nyc-london-review-photos-2023-4">more fuel efficient planes</a> would replace company's aging A330-300s. By 2028, Virgin's transformed fleet would consist of 45 planes boasting an average age of just 6.4 years, consisting of 19 A330neos, 12 A350-1000s, and 14 Boeing 787-9Beyond Virgin's outlined goals of having the "youngest and cleanest" fleet across the Atlantic, its A330neos boast a unique product at the front of its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/upgraded-virgin-atlantic-flight-first-class-pros-cons-2024">Upper-Class</a><a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/upgraded-virgin-atlantic-flight-first-class-pros-cons-2024"> cabin</a>: The "Retreat Suite."The oversize seat represents a growing trend on long-haul aircraft. Think of it as "business class plus." JetBlue Airways' has its Mint Studio and there's Lufthansa's <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lufthansa-replacing-dated-business-class-new-allegris-cabin-first-class-2024-4">Allergris Suite, too</a>. The strategy allows airlines to boost their premium portfolios in a highly competitive market while raking in more revenue from the upcharged seats. For Virgin, it's easy to see the benefits of the Retreat Suite for parties traveling together. However, there are a few things people — especially solo passengers — may want to consider before spending the $385 to upgrade.

Virgin unveiled the Retreat Suite when it launched its first A330neo in 2022.

Richard Branson and Shai Weiss with Virgin's A330-900neo after the inaugural flight between London and Tampa in October 2022.Virgin Atlantic Airways

The trendy product is a result of airlines better utilizing space at the front of the plane.

The airshow setup showed the Retreat Suite set up for dining. Here's what it looks like in its default mode.Virgin Atlantic Airways

They can use that bulkhead to create a differentiated business class and charge an added fee to widen their profits.

Another angle of Virgin's Retreat Suite, which comes complete with sliding doors.Virgin Atlantic

Carriers like JetBlue, Lufthansa, Condor, and a handful of others have all done the same.

JetBlue Airways' Mint Studio on its Airbus A321neos flying long-haul.Thomas Pallini/Insider

The biggest difference between Virgin's regular Upper Class and the Retreat Suite is the ottoman.

The ottoman that sits in front of the seat.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

At the airshow, Virgin showed how the suite could sit 4 people together in one pod.

Four people could sit together and dine and socialize inside the Retreat Suite.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The suite's bed is longer and wider than the rest of the cabin. Plus, its first-row location provides better privacy overall.

The Upper Class bed (top) is shorter and has a smaller footwell than the Retreat Suite.Taylor Rains/Business Insider, Virgin Atlantic Airways

The seat also boasts a bigger TV. 27 inches versus the regular 17-inch screens.

The Retreat Suite television is 10 inches bigger than those in regular Upper Class.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Moreover, the Retreat Suite has an extra storage bin big enough for a small backpack or purse.

In many business-class seats, storage for personal items can be an issue. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The seat otherwise boasts the same amenities as regular Upper Class, including a sliding door and an amenity kit.

Power outlets and an amenity kit are available to all business class travelers.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

All business class passengers can also enjoy Virgin's signature "Loft" social area, which has self-serve drinks and snacks.

The Loft seating. The drinks and snacks were across from the seats.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The suite's benefits for couples, colleagues, and families are clear.

Four people sitting in the Retreat Suite.Virgin Atlantic Airways

However, a few negatives about the seat couldn't go unnoticed, particularly the lack of a window option.

The bulkhead window seat doesn't have the same Retreat Suite space and privacy.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Further, the two Retreat Suite seats aren't exactly the same.

The differences in the seats are noticeable in this photo. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

And solo travelers may not reap all the benefits.

The extra storage bin is located underneath where the tray table sits. That space doubles as a large middle console tabletop.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

For those who decide not to upgrade, Virgin's regular A330neo Upper Class is still something to look forward to.

The regular center section Upper Class seats and the Retreat Suite come with a privacy divider to separate passengers.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Forget Mount Fuji. Here are 5 underrated day trips to take from Tokyo, according to a Japanese local.

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Virgin Atlantic turned its nicest business seats into a 'Retreat Suite' &mdash; see inside