Take a look inside a Virgin Atlantic clubhouse, where first-class passengers are spoiled rotten before they even leave the ground

Flying can be a real pain. For most, the first-class flying experience is a storied and coveted fantasy far from the cramped seats of coach.

But for the envied few who get the chance to stretch out their legs and cradle a flute of champagne 35,000 feet in the air, the experience begins even before boarding.

Virgin Atlantic, the airline brand owned by British billionaire and bon vivant Richard Branson, is known for its flair and flash, and the first-class clubhouses it maintains in various airports across the globe are no different.

Need a haircut before your flight? A gourmet meal to tide you over? Or perhaps a quick cocktail to take the edge off?

Several of Virgin Atlantic's lounges house full spas, as well as extensive breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus to fully pamper their guests. The experience is reserved exclusively for passengers who have bought "Upper Class" tickets on Virgin Atlantic flights.

Business Insider got a look inside Virgin Atlantic's Clubhouse at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. Here's what it's like to relax in the lap of luxury.

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