An advert that promoted larger seats on Virgin Atlantic aircraft has been rapped following complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority.

The adverts appeared in magazines and newspapers promoting Virgin’s Premium Economy class. They boasted an improved product with increased legroom and a separate cabin.

Beneath a headline "Up to 45% off Premium Economy" and a picture of a Premium Economy seat was the slogan: "Bigger seats. More legroom. Separate cabin."

The ads also carried a footnote explaining that the seats shown were available on 58 per cent of Virgin's Heathrow flights, and were due to be rolled out across the fleet.

Following three complaints from Virgin passengers, the ASA investigated and finally ruled that the ads were misleading as few readers would read the footnote.

This rollout is now complete, according to Virgin, with the new seat available on all Heathrow departures,

Responding to the ASA comments, Virgin director of corporate communications Paul Charlestold Times Online: "This adjudication is laughable - it's a subjective issue over the font size used in the footnote."

He added: "For airlines to advertise a product before it is fully fitted is commonplace."

The ASA also upheld the complaint that Virgin's Premium Economy was not a separate cabin.

On this matter Charles told Times Online: "It is irresponsible of the ASA to suggest that doors be fitted on an aircraft to separate cabins - you can't put doors on planes. It's ridiculous. They have a complete lack of knowledge of the product."

He added: "Premium Economy is separated by a curtain and has separate service and food and different seats. If it looks and smells like a Premium Economy cabin, it is a separate Premium Economy cabin."

In a statement the ASA said it had told Virgin to consult the Committee of Advertising Practice when devising future ads and has told the carrier to remove claims of a separate cabin.

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