Is an extra drink free on Virgin?

[dooledoo]

Bit of a funny question....

I was thinking about the flight (we are booked to go PE with Virgin) and I know we get free drinks and always have one with the meal. But if I wanted another drink, is that allowed and is it all included or do I have to pay for it?

 

[jtlover]

Drinks are free. Also with PE you get offered a drink when you sit down. Fizzy wine or bucks fizz

 

[wen-tom]

has this changed recently? I'm sure we didn't get free drinks on our last virgin flight but it was a few years ago? are they free in economy? presume just softdrinks?

 

[2Tiggies]

has this changed recently? I'm sure we didn't get free drinks on our last virgin flight but it was a few years ago? are they free in economy? presume just softdrinks?

They were free in economy when we went in late 2010. It's the only time we've flown economy on VA but we definitely didn't pay. I only have one glass on a flight but would not be willing to pay for it.

On US carriers it is usually standard that you pay for your alcohol however.

 

[wen-tom]

i havent flown virgin since 2008 so i guess things change

 

[jtlover]

I always fly with virgin you don't pay for drinks

 

[wen-tom]

god news thanks. I guess i don't recall from 4 years ago

 

[sittinpretty]

Yes alcohol is free for all passengers over 18 and you can ask for more for free.

From their website for Economy passengers:

"On most flights, it’s then [after take-off] time for our drinks service, including the new Welcome Cocktail. A refreshing mix of fruit juices with or without vodka, it’s served in our fabulous new purple glass. You can also choose from our usual wide selection of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks too."

For Premium Economy:

"First impressions count. That’s why our cabin crew greet you with a complimentary drink and newspaper while you settle in. Our Premium Economy meal experience has been upgraded, making it feel much more 'restaurant' than 'airline'. Our chinaware has a stylish new look, and as well as stainless steel cutlery, main meals are now served on linen, with a linen napkin.

As a Premium Economy passenger, you can choose from our selection of three delicious main courses – and decide whether you’d prefer a red or white wine to accompany your meal. There’s also an after-dinner liqueur waiting alongside your coffee. "

Premium Economy on Virgin sounds better than Club Europe with BA! From experience cabin crew have always been happy to provide extra drinks if I've asked. For night flights they often set out some cans of drink in the galley so you can help yourself.

 

[wayneg]

Been flying with VA since 1997, 15 years, as far as I can remember they have never charged in any class.
Even in economy when they have done their rounds you can still go a nd get as much as you like. Only once they announced they were stopping the bar, I think there were a few on board going OTT.

Today flew in PE again, as said a drink on boarding, I rarely drink on planes so had orange juice, they offered wines with meals(even to Matt who isn't 18 yet, he has been offered alcohol on planes since he was about 14 he is so tall) and either brandy or Baileys after dinner, I stuck to Coffee, Tea, water and diet coke.
I gave VA a lot of bad coverage a few years back, said I wouldn't fly with them again, their planes got so old, poor food and grumpy staff but couldn't fault their service today on the new A 330, such a massive improvement.

 

[torsie24]

Yep definitely free on VA in all 3 classes.

Although we flew out economy last trip and halfway through the flight we had an announcement that the drinks were no longer being served due to some passengers drinking too much.

 

[wen-tom]

tbh, I don't drink alcohol on flights anyway so I guess I wouldn't have asked for it when we flew with virgin. I guess I just had the drinks with meals that I expected to be included and didn't question it.

I usually bring on a few bottles of water anyway.

It's good to know that I don't need to worry about brining drinks onboard even though i would only be asking for water.

 

[Elise79]

Been flying with VA since 1997, 15 years, as far as I can remember they have never charged in any class.
Even in economy when they have done their rounds you can still go a nd get as much as you like. Only once they announced they were stopping the bar, I think there were a few on board going OTT.

Today flew in PE again, as said a drink on boarding, I rarely drink on planes so had orange juice, they offered wines with meals(even to Matt who isn't 18 yet, he has been offered alcohol on planes since he was about 14 he is so tall) and either brandy or Baileys after dinner, I stuck to Coffee, Tea, water and diet coke.
I gave VA a lot of bad coverage a few years back, said I wouldn't fly with them again, their planes got so old, poor food and grumpy staff but couldn't fault their service today on the new A 330, such a massive improvement.

I don't think the crew really look at who they are serving if they are adult sized - they offered me both wine and the Brandy/Baileys when I flew at 33 weeks pregnant! That was after giving me my own 2l bottle of water plus the FSM coming up to see me!

All drinks are free - a couple times recently they have said they will only serve in your seats. And they also say they will limit alcohol by quantity not behaviour.

We started using ME so I could enjoy a drink on the plane