A Virgin Atlantic flight attendant with five years’ experience has shared the airplane seats they would never choose – with tips to stay comfortable on long-haul economy flights.
A long-haul flight doesn’t have to be uncomfortable(Image: Getty)
Enduring long-haul flights can be a daunting prospect, especially when you’re crammed into economy class for over 10 hours.
But fear not, there are ways to make the journey more tolerable, comfortable and perhaps even more enjoyable .
Medical travel insurance firm AllClear has joined forces with a seasoned Virgin Atlantic cabin crew member to reveal top tips for maintaining comfort in economy class.
The flight attendant, boasting five years of experience in the skies, shared some seating choices they would personally avoid, reports the Express.
While many passengers opt for the bulkhead, emergency exit rows or seats near the lavatories, this cabin crew member wouldn’t follow suit.
They explained: “I don’t like the first row by the wings. People congregate by the toilet, and it can be noisy because of babies in cradles at the bulkhead.”
Despite this, the extra legroom offered by emergency exit seats makes them a popular choice among travellers, although there could be another issue with this seating placement.
If you do decide to sit there, the crew member advises bringing two essential items with you to make it a more comfortable experience.
They warned: “On some older aircraft, it can get quite chilly near the emergency exit rows. I’d usually avoid these seats if you’re sensitive to the cold.”
For those seeking maximum cosiness during their flight, the flight attendant suggests packing a few additional home comforts to keep you snug and warm.
They stated: “There’s nothing stopping you from bringing extra flight socks or even a hot water bottle – we’re more than happy to fill one up for you during the flight.”
They also expressed their preference against sitting at the rear of the plane due to the noise levels. They explained: “The aft [rear] of the plane can be a bit noisy because toilet flushes are quite loud.
“The seats at the back on all our aircraft recline, so that’s not a problem, but sometimes light catches through the galley curtains on a night flight, and it can be noisy as the crew are working. So, I also wouldn’t choose back row seats.”
Two places cabin crew wouldn’t sit
According to the Virgin Atlantic flight attendant, they wouldn’t sit by:
A flight attendant with over five years of experience has shared the ideal seats to book on long-haul flights for maximum comfort – and which rows you should avoid at all costs.
There is one place that’s best to sit(Image: Getty)
Few experiences test human endurance quite like a marathon economy flight.
Squeezing into those minuscule seats with barely any legroom whilst the journey drags into double-digit hours can push anyone to their limits, yet several strategies can help make the ordeal more bearable.
When embarking on a distant adventure, ensuring your experience is as comfortable as can be is paramount, and industry insiders have shared exactly how to achieve this.
Travel medical insurance specialists at AllClear have collaborated with a seasoned Virgin Atlantic flight attendant to unveil optimal seating choices, areas to steer clear of, and crucially, techniques for snatching some shut-eye during those marathon journeys.
The crew member, boasting over half a decade of flying experience, revealed that nervous flyers should prioritise booking seats positioned above the aircraft’s wings.
They explained: “Seats over the wings usually offer the smoothest ride during turbulence, and the further forward you sit on the aircraft, the less you’ll feel the impact of it.
“Likewise, sitting over the wing is often one of the smoother spots on the plane. Being closest to the aircraft’s centre of gravity, you tend to feel less movement and vibration compared with seats further back.”
Regarding securing some rest during extended flights, striking the right balance proves particularly challenging.
Finding a peaceful spot for slumber becomes essential, though this can prove elusive, the aviation professional warned.
They explained to the Express.: “You can never truly predict the quietest spot on a plane, as it depends on the passengers around you. But the aft [rear] of the plane can be a bit noisy because toilet flushes are quite loud.
“The seats at the back on all our aircraft recline, so that’s not a problem, but sometimes light catches through the galley curtains on a night flight, and it can be noisy as the crew are working. So, I also wouldn’t choose back row seats.”
For the ultimate in-flight experience, the cabin crew member suggested one particular area to aim for when selecting your seat: “The ideal seat would be around five rows from the back, or five rows from the front.
“Crew work front to back simultaneously, or two carts from the front of economy to the back. So, five seats from the front is best as you’ll get your first meal choice.
“It’s also closer to the front for turbulence, as if you’re five from the back you’ll feel it more, and being closer at the front means you’ll get off quicker.”
With 2026 marking the centenary of America’s Route 66 and the World Cup kicking off, there are return flights from £411 to Los Angeles, £427 to San Francisco and £439 to Miami.
BA are offering deals on some of the most-searched holiday destinations this year
Flights to Dubai start from £449 and Cancun from £482.
British Airways Holidays has seven-night packages to European destinations including Malaga, the Algarve, Malta and Majorca from £299pp.
And for a cheeky city break, there are deals in hot spots including Barcelona, Nice and Venice from £199pp.
There are also discounted holidays to the US, with Florida and Los Angeles from £599pp.
Deals include seven nights’ room-only at the 4H Pestana Alvor Beach Villas in Alvor, Portugal, from £299pp including Gatwick flights on dates in March and 23kg luggage.
Or seven nights’ room-only at 3.5H The STRAT Hotel, Casino and Tower in Las Vegas from £649pp including Heathrow flights on select dates in November.
THERE are savings of up to £120 per couple and £210 for a family of four on Virgin Holidays packages to the Caribbean, Orlando and Tampa with a low deposit of just £75pp.
Deals include 14 nights’ room-only at the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando from £908pp including Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow on March 4, 2026.
In Virgin Atlantic’s sale there are great offers on NYC trips
There are also holidays to new route Cancun in Mexico, with seven nights’ B&B at The Fives Downtown Hotel from £1,086pp including Virgin flights from Heathrow on September 19, 2026.
In Virgin Atlantic’s sale there are return flights to New York from £373 on select dates in February 2026, as well as return fares to Phuket in Thailand from £648pp on selected departure dates in October 2026.
You can also get return flights to Cape Town, South Africa, from £729pp on selected dates in January and February 2026.
TOUR giant TUI is touting its biggest sale ever with up to £500 off holidays, zero deposits with direct debits to spread the cost and thousands of free kids’ places in the school holidays.
There are flexible departures from more than 20 local airports and hundreds of free room upgrades.
Tui are offering flexible departures from more than 20 local airports
The sale offers savings of ten per cent with the code SALE up to a maximum saving of £500 as long as you download the TUI app and create an account.
As well as land-based holidays, there is up to £300 off TUI River Cruises when you spend over £3,500, or £200 off if you spend over £2,500 on sailings departing between March 2026 and the end of October 2027.
The deal is valid on sailings of five nights or longer on Europe’s River Rhine, Douro or Danube and River Nile in Egypt.
Or you can head long- haul to the Caribbean with seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 5H Riu Negril in Jamaica.
It costs from £1,420pp including flights from Gatwick on June 16, 20kg hold luggage and transfers.
THE UK’s largest tour operator is sharing the love with £100 off ALL holidays booked in its sale, with a low deposit of just £25 needed to lock in a great deal.
The sale, running until January 12, also includes 20 per cent off all flight-only bookings on jet2.com, including on one-way flights.
Jet2 is the UK’s largest tour operator
All package holiday deals include 22kg luggage, 10kg hand luggage, under-seat bag, return transfers, plus ABTA and ATOL protection.
There are millions of free child places, as well as pay monthly plans to spread the cost.
Deals are available on more than 75 destinations across Europe, the Med, North Africa and the Canary Islands.
Offers include seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 3H Club Mac Alcudia Resort and Waterpark in Majorca from £579pp with flights from Leeds Bradford on April 18.
And seven nights’ B&B at the 3H Hotel La Barracuda, Costa del Sol, from £389pp including flights from Stansted on February 27.
THE Big Orange Sale from easyJet holidays is promising up to £400 off city breaks and beach escapes.
Holidaymakers can get £50 off a minimum spend of £500, £100 off an £800 minimum, £150 off a minimum of £1,500, £300 off a £3,000 minimum spend and £400 off a £4,000 spend with the code BIGSALE.
The Big Orange Sale from easyJet holidays is promising up to £400 off city breaks and beach escapes
The deal is valid on 8,000 hand-picked hotels in more than 100 destinations in Europe and North Africa, from popular cities including Amsterdam and Prague, and beach spots from the Canaries to Cape Verde.
All holidays include flights and hotels, and beach packages also come with a 23kg luggage allowance and transfers.
Deals include four nights’ room-only at the 3H Espresso City Centre in Amsterdam from £227pp including flights from Southend on February 1.
And seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4H Valeria Dar Atlas Resort in Marrakech from £435pp including flights from Liverpool on February 5, with 23kg luggage and transfers.
Virgin Atlantic will start daily direct flights from London Heathrow to Seoul from 29 March, with the South Korean city named favourite destination by millennials and Gen Z for the fourth year running
10:19, 23 Dec 2025Updated 10:21, 23 Dec 2025
K-Star Road in Gangnam is a must-visit for K-Pop fans(Image: Getty)
Virgin Atlantic is set to launch a new direct route from London Heathrow to Seoul, a city that’s become a must-visit for many millennials. The airline has confirmed that daily flights to the South Korean capital will commence from 29 March.
This exciting news follows Seoul being crowned the Favourite Worldwide City at the 2025 Trazees Awards, an accolade it has now won four years running. The awards celebrate destinations and brands that resonate with millennials and Gen Z travellers, highlighting Seoul’s appeal to the under 40s.
A key factor in attracting younger tourists to Seoul could be the global rise of K-Pop. With Korean bands like BTS dominating music charts and K-Pop Demon Hunters becoming Netflix’s most-watched film ever, 2025 was a landmark year for the genre.
K-Pop enthusiasts visiting Seoul can explore K-Star Road in Gangnam, the district immortalised by PSY’s 2012 smash hit Gangnam Style. This vibrant shopping street features giant bear statues, each one symbolising a different K-Pop band who’ve hit the big time, reports the Express.
Another must-see is the Starfield COEX Mall, home to shops like the expansive KTown4U, brimming with K-Pop merchandise. It even boasts a massive Gangnam Style statue depicting the dance’s iconic crossed hands pose, providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable photo.
Seoul, a city of the future, is renowned for its colossal shopping centres like Times Square, home to the mammoth Shinsegae Department Store and multiple floors filled with shops, eateries, cafes, and even a hotel. Don’t forget to head to the rooftop for breathtaking views of the city.
For an unparalleled view, make your way to the Lotte World Tower. Standing at 123-storeys and 555 metres, it’s not only South Korea’s tallest building but also the sixth tallest globally.
Daredevils can visit the Seoul Sky observatory for panoramic vistas and walk on the glass floor where just a couple of panes separate you from a dizzying drop below.
Despite its futuristic reputation, Seoul also boasts numerous well-preserved historical sites. Gyeongbokgung, a former Royal palace dating back to 1395, features a vibrant interior adorned with traditional artwork.
You’ll see locals donning national costumes, and if timed right, you can witness the twice-daily changing of the guard ceremony. Gyeongbokgung also houses the National Folk Museum of Korea and the National Palace Museum of Korea, both excellent spots to delve into the country’s history and view ancient artefacts.
At Bukchon Hanok Village, you can gain insights into the lives of ordinary Koreans throughout history. Meander down winding streets lined with over 900 traditional homes, some centuries old, alongside artisan shops offering souvenirs crafted using time-honoured techniques passed down through generations.
No trip to Seoul would be complete without a visit to one of its bustling markets. The Myeongdong Night Market, open until 1am, is the perfect spot to taste local delicacies and snag vibrant keepsakes.
Be sure to try tteok-bokki, a rice cake smothered in a sweet and spicy fish sauce, Korean hot dogs encrusted with cheese and panko breadcrumbs, and flame-grilled skewered meats.
Each of Seoul’s districts boasts its own distinctive charm, making it easy to find an area that aligns with your travel preferences. Luxury seekers might gravitate towards the high-end district of Gangnam, while shopaholics will love the central location of Myeongdong, surrounded by numerous shopping centres.
Itaewon offers a lively atmosphere with an international flair, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, whereas Insa-dong provides a more traditional experience with weekend markets and street performances.
Virgin Atlantic’s new flight path to South Korea will utilise the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering economy, premium economy, and upper class seating options. This latest addition to their routes marks Virgin Atlantic’s ongoing efforts to diversify its destinations beyond its typical transatlantic flights, with new paths to Ghana and the Caribbean also recently announced.
Have a travel story you want to share with us? Drop us an email at webtravel@reachplc.com
BRITS could soon be heading to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam with Virgin Trains – and now, there is a first glimpse at the trains that will be used.
Virgin Trains has revealed more details about services it hopes to run to Europe from 2030, with cheaper tickets and potential Manchester and Birmingham routes.
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Virgin Trains is set to rival Eurostar with services through the Channel Tunnel by 2030Credit: Alamy
Back in October, Virgin Trains revealed that it had been granted permission by the Office of Rail and Road to access Temple Mills depot in East London.
The approval essentially means that the operator is a step closer to launching cross-channel services that will eventually rival Eurostar.
Though precise details of schedules and ticket prices have yet to be revealed, Virgin Trains has said it plans to initially use 12 trains for the European service, each of which will have seven carriages.
The operator has made an agreement with Alstom for these trains, which will be Avelia Stream trains – energy-efficient and modern, according to Virgin.
What exactly Virgin Trains will look like at London St Pancras is yet to be revealed, but Virgin has said that it will “improve the experience” for passengers.
Richard Branson has previously said he wants a direct service from London to Charles de Gaulle Airport.
He also mentioned hopes to launch a route to Disneyland Paris, which Eurostar used to have a route to but axed it in 2023.
The main benefit for passengers, though, could be the potentially cheaper tickets as Virgin has expressed on a number of occasions how fares are likely to be competitive, or even cheaper, than current Eurostar tickets.
According to Eurostar, its lowest fare between London and Paris is £39.
However, looking at current prices, the cheapest fare in the next six weeks is £51.
Whilst the prices for Virgin Trains tickets are not clear yet, Branson said last month: “If you have competition, then fares will inevitably come down.
Routes would include destinations in Paris, Brussels and AmsterdamCredit: Getty
“If we’ve got seats that need selling, we will reduce the cost of them.”
Passengers on Virgin Trains may also be able to collect Virgin Red loyalty points when they book through Virgin, as they do with Virgin Atlantic flights.
Before services are able to launch, Virgin Trains needs to form a commercial agreement with Eurostar (the current operator of Temple Mills), secure finance, access to tracks and stations and gain safety approvals from the ORR and authorities in the EU.
The Channel Tunnel is currently only used by Eurostar and LeShuttle.
However, a report over the summer revealed there is capacity for more trains to access the Temple Mills depot, which is essential for cross-channel services.
At the time of the announcement in October, Martin Jones, deputy director, access and international at the Office of Rail and Road said: “With this decision we are backing customer choice and competition in international rail, unlocking up to £700million in private sector investment and stimulating growth.
“While there is still some way to go before the first new services can run, we stand ready to work with Virgin Trains as their plans develop.”
