Virgin Premium Economy Menu: Complete Food & Drinks Guide

Flying in Virgin Premium Economy offers more than extra legroom and wider seats. One of the biggest reasons travelers upgrade is the improved dining experience. Compared to standard Economy meals, Premium Economy passengers receive enhanced meal presentation, complimentary drinks, premium snacks, and more personalized service.

If you’re wondering what the Virgin Premium Economy menu includes, how many meals you’ll receive, whether special dietary meals are available, or how it compares with Economy and Business Class dining, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Whether you’re traveling on a long-haul international flight or planning your first Virgin Premium Economy experience, this article explains exactly what you can expect from the onboard menu.

Table of Contents

• What Is Virgin Premium Economy?
• What Is Included in the Virgin Premium Economy Menu?
• Meal Service Overview
• Breakfast Menu
• Lunch and Dinner Options
• Desserts
• Snack Service
• Drinks and Beverages
• Special Dietary Meals
• Meal Presentation
• How Virgin Premium Economy Compares with Economy
• Pros and Cons
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

What Is Virgin Premium Economy?

Virgin Premium Economy is the airline’s intermediate cabin positioned between Economy and Upper Class (Business Class).

Passengers typically receive:

• Wider seats
• Extra recline
• Additional legroom
• Priority check-in (on eligible routes)
• Enhanced meal service
• Complimentary premium beverages
• Better dining presentation

The dining experience is designed to be noticeably better than standard Economy without reaching the luxury level of Upper Class.

What Is Included in the Virgin Premium Economy Menu?

The exact menu varies depending on:

• Flight duration
• Departure airport
• Seasonal ingredients
• Catering provider
• Route

Most long-haul Premium Economy flights include:

• Welcome beverage
• Main meal
• Fresh bread roll
• Salad
• Dessert
• Complimentary alcoholic drinks
• Tea and coffee
• Mid-flight snacks
• Light breakfast or pre-arrival meal

On shorter flights, meal service may be simplified.

Meal Service Overview

Breakfast Menu

Morning arrivals generally include a lighter breakfast before landing.

Typical breakfast choices may include:

• Fresh fruit
• Yogurt
• Croissant
• Breakfast pastry
• Muffin
• Hot breakfast option
• Omelette
• Sausage
• Hash browns
• Vegetarian breakfast
• Juice
• Coffee
• Tea

Menus rotate frequently depending on the route.

Lunch and Dinner Options

Virgin generally offers multiple main-course choices.

Common selections include:

Chicken Dish

Examples include:

• Herb roasted chicken
• Creamy chicken pasta
• Chicken with seasonal vegetables
• Chicken in tomato-based sauces

Beef Option

Often includes:

• Slow-cooked beef
• Mashed potatoes
• Seasonal vegetables
• Rich gravy

Pasta

A popular vegetarian-friendly option may include:

• Penne pasta
• Cream sauce
• Tomato basil sauce
• Roasted vegetables
• Parmesan

Fish

Some international routes offer:

• Grilled fish
• Rice
• Seasonal vegetables
• Lemon butter sauce

Vegetarian Meal

Vegetarian choices commonly feature:

• Vegetable curry
• Pasta primavera
• Roasted vegetables
• Rice bowls
• Lentil dishes

Side Dishes

Meals are usually served with several accompaniments.

These often include:

• Mixed salad
• Bread roll
• Butter
• Cheese
• Crackers

Depending on the route, additional side dishes may also be available.

Desserts

Premium Economy desserts are generally better presented than those in Economy.

Examples include:

• Chocolate mousse
• Cheesecake
• Lemon tart
• Brownie
• Fruit salad
• Ice cream (selected flights)

Snack Service

Between meals, passengers can usually request snacks.

Examples include:

• Chips
• Cookies
• Chocolate
• Crackers
• Fruit
• Snack bars

Availability varies by aircraft and route.

Drinks and Beverages

One of the major benefits of Virgin Premium Economy is complimentary beverages throughout the flight.

Alcoholic Drinks

Passengers can usually choose from:

• Red wine
• White wine
• Rosé
• Sparkling wine (on selected flights)
• Beer
• Gin
• Vodka
• Rum
• Whisky
• Brandy
• Cocktails (availability varies)

Soft Drinks

Common options include:

• Cola
• Diet cola
• Lemon-lime soda
• Ginger ale
• Tonic water
• Sparkling water
• Still water
• Orange juice
• Apple juice
• Tomato juice

Hot Drinks

Passengers may order:

• Fresh coffee
• Decaffeinated coffee
• English breakfast tea
• Herbal tea
• Green tea
• Hot chocolate

Special Dietary Meals

Virgin offers a range of special meals for passengers with dietary, medical, or religious requirements. These generally need to be requested in advance before departure.

Common options include:

• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• Gluten-free
• Dairy-free
• Low-salt
• Low-fat
• Kosher
• Halal (on selected routes)
• Hindu meal
• Diabetic meal
• Child meal
• Baby meal

Availability depends on the route and catering facilities.

Meal Presentation

Premium Economy meals are usually served with a more refined presentation than Economy.

Passengers may receive:

• Larger meal tray
• Better-quality tableware
• Metal cutlery on many long-haul routes
• Real glassware for selected beverages
• Linen-style napkin

These details help create a more premium dining experience.

Dining Experience

Premium Economy also benefits from:

• More attentive cabin crew
• Less crowded cabin
• Faster meal service
• Better food presentation
• Greater drink selection
• More opportunities to request refreshments

Is the Menu the Same on Every Flight?

No.

Virgin updates menus regularly based on:

• Seasonal ingredients
• Departure country
• Flight destination
• Catering partner
• Passenger preferences

For this reason, no published menu remains identical throughout the year.

Can You View the Menu Before Flying?

In some cases, menu information may be available before departure through Virgin’s digital channels or during online check-in, but this is not guaranteed for every route.

Most passengers receive the printed or digital menu after boarding.

Virgin Premium Economy vs Economy

Virgin Premium Economy vs Upper Class

Advantages of Virgin Premium Economy Dining

• Better meals than Economy
• Complimentary alcoholic drinks
• Multiple meal choices
• Improved dessert selection
• Better presentation
• Comfortable dining environment
• Friendly onboard service
• Good value for long-haul travelers

Limitations

• Menu changes frequently
• Exact meals cannot always be chosen in advance
• Fewer gourmet options than Upper Class
• Regional catering differences
• Limited availability of certain specialty items

Pros and Cons

Tips for the Best Dining Experience

1. Pre-order a special meal if needed.
2. Stay hydrated throughout the flight.
3. Try the complimentary wine pairing with dinner.
4. Ask cabin crew about available snacks between meal services.
5. Check your booking before departure for any meal preferences you can update.
6. If celebrating a special occasion, let the airline know in advance—while not guaranteed, crews may be able to acknowledge it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Virgin Premium Economy include free meals?

Yes. Long-haul Premium Economy tickets include complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages.

Are alcoholic drinks free?

Yes. Complimentary beer, wine, spirits, and selected other alcoholic beverages are generally available during eligible flights.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?

Yes. Vegetarian meals and several other dietary options can usually be requested before departure.

Are menus different on every flight?

Yes. Menus change based on season, route, and catering provider.

Is dessert included?

Yes. Most main meal services include a dessert.

Are snacks available between meals?

Yes. Cabin crew typically provide snacks during the flight, subject to availability.

Can children receive special meals?

Yes. Child meals and baby meals can usually be requested in advance.

Is coffee included?

Yes. Coffee, tea, and other hot beverages are complimentary.

Does Premium Economy have better food than Economy?

Generally, yes. Meals are usually presented more attractively, with a wider choice of dishes and enhanced service.

Can I see the menu before my flight?

It depends on the route and airline systems. Some flights may offer menu information before departure, while others provide menus only after boarding.

Conclusion

The Virgin Premium Economy menu is designed to offer a noticeable step up from standard Economy dining. Passengers can expect a complete meal service with multiple entrée choices, desserts, complimentary beverages, and a more refined presentation that enhances the overall journey.

While the exact menu changes by season, route, and departure airport, the overall experience remains consistent: improved food quality, attentive service, and greater comfort throughout the flight. If onboard dining is an important part of your travel experience, upgrading to Virgin Premium Economy can provide good value—particularly on long-haul international flights where the enhanced meal service is most appreciated.