Virgin Atlantic travel tips

Choosing an airline is no longer as simple as economy, business, or first class. The majority of flyers select economy, but that’s become a complicated option: When you fly one of the legacy lines, you’ll have to select from up to four distinct versions of economy airfare, encompassing three different products.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, April 16. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

British Airways has announced a big change to redemptions in its loyalty program. The airline is making every flight available to buy from just £1 ($1.25), plus Avios. 

After a tense weekend in the Middle East, airlines are considering what, if any, changes need to be made to their networks and routes. 

This week, Virgin Atlantic launched flights to the start-up capital of India, Bengaluru, a key destination for US customers connecting onwards via London Heathrow from San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York JFK, Seattle, and more. With average connection times of one to two hours, the route promises optimal connectivity for those traveling for business or enjoying a vibrant city stay in India’s third most populous city.

Virgin Atlantic is best known for linking Britain with the United States, but there’s another market that is increasingly important for the carrier. 

Ruby Rebel is the airline’s newest Airbus A330neo named in honour of Sir Richard Branson. Aircraft will feature brand new flying icon with registration G-VSRB.

Rylan Clark surprised Economy customers onboard a Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Miami as he took part in cabin crew training at 38,000 feet.

As of 31 March, the summer season kicks off and passengers will have more options than ever to soak up some sun away from home. The new airline routes are Abu Dhabi, Kos, Izmir, Bangalore, Barcelona and Paris-Orly.

Norwegian low-cost airline Norse Atlantic is heading for Nigeria. The addition of the West African nation is unusual for the carrier, which usually flies from Europe to the United States and the Caribbean.

Jamaica proudly celebrates the news of Virgin Atlantic’s increased flight frequency to the island. Commencing 31st March 2024, the airline will be expanding their flight offering from London Heathrow to Montego Bay, Jamaica, from five to seven times per week, all year round, with the low season addition of a Saturday and Sunday operation. 

World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA) and The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (The Alliance) have unveiled a landmark partnership to recognise the torch bearers of sustainable tourism. The Alliance will help steer the WSTHA programme, including serving on its new Advisory Board. The announcement, made at Fitur 2024, comes ahead of the inaugural WSTHA Ceremony in Belize on 27 September 2024.

Virgin Atlantic will make it easier to fly between the United States and the United Kingdom next summer with added frequencies to both New York City and Boston.

The flight marks a world first on 100% SAF by a commercial airline across the Atlantic, flown on a Boeing 787, using Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Thursday, November 30. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss looks forward to a good winter. Bookings are strong and leisure travelers, especially those paying top dollar for the seats in the pointy end of the plane, are eager to travel to the airline’s many warm-weather destinations.

Virgin Atlantic Airways completed a transatlantic flight Tuesday using all sustainable aviation fuel — and whatever you do, do not call it a stunt.

The Turks and Caicos Islands is celebrating Virgin Atlantic’s twice-weekly, non-stop flight from London to Providenciales.

Virgin Atlantic has officially launched a new direct flight route between London Heathrow and Velana International Airport, Malé, connecting London to the Maldives.

Due to the swift rebound in domestic passenger traffic, credit rating agency ICRA maintains a stable outlook for the Indian aviation industry. The agency anticipates that this recovery will persist through the latter half of the financial year.

It comes after other carriers, such easyJet and Wizz Air, halted flights to and from Tel Aviv following Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel on Saturday. Fighting is now into its fifth day after Israel declared “war” against Hamas following the attacks. More than 2,200 people on both sides have died. The UK Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories due to the conflict. Virgin Galactic Virgin Galactic is to stop its flights to Tel Aviv for the next 72 hours. A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “The safety of our customers and our teams is our number one priority, always. After careful consideration, based on latest information, we have taken the decision to pause flying to and from Tel Aviv for the next 72 hours.  “As the dynamic situation evolves, we’ll keep our flying programme under constant review. “Our teams will be in contact with any affected customers to discuss their options, which include rebooking to a later date or a full refund. “We would advise anyone booked to travel to check their flight status on the website before travelling to the airport.”

If you’re starting to think about holidays for 2023 already, then Virgin Atlantic has good news for you. The airline will begin flying to the idyllic island of Turks & Caicos, offering a slice of utopia and the chance to explore the world’s most beautiful beaches, and finest snorkelling and scuba diving.