Virgin Atlantic - A competitive high-quality airline. 
Virgin Atlantic Airways belongs to the Virgin Group founded by enterpreneur Richard Branson. Branson purchased the airline from the former airline British Atlantic Airways in 1984 and scheduled Virgin Atlantic flights from London to North America began in June 1984. During the 1990's, the airline expanded significantly by buying new aircraft and extending its route network. Passenger numbers increased from 125,000 in its first year to over 5 million annually today. The airline is now the 2nd largest long haul airline in the UK. Its luxurious Upper Class Suite has won many prestigious design awards.
In December 1999, 49% of Virgin Atlantic was sold to Singapore Airlines.
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Virgin Atlantic Routes and Destinations
Most Virgin Atlantic flights depart from London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports. Long-haul flights also depart from Manchester airport to Orlando & Singapore, and to Barbados, & St. Lucia from mid November 06.
Virgin Atlantic flies from London to 27 international destinations and operates long-haul routes between London and North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and Australia. More routes are opening up, such as to Dubai and Jamaica Montego Bay in 2006, to Mauritius in 2007.
Other Useful Information
| Booking Tips |
Book online, by telephone or at travel agent. After booking online. a confirmation email is sent and an E-ticket receipt is emailed within 96 hours, (this must be printed out and taken to airport for check-in). Lowest fares are usually for midweek outside school holidays, for booking early, and for 1 week to 1 month stays. |
| Seats |
There are 3 classes of seat: Economy (31" legroom seat pitch, seatback TV, video games console, food & drink); Premium Economy (plus wider seats up to 38" seat pitch, separate cabin, quicker check in); Upper Class (plus flat beds or multi-positioned seats, bar area, luxury amenity kit, cabin laptop power, video on-demand etc).
Specific seats can often be pre-selected from online seat maps, via their 'Manage your flights' menu, but about 40% of seats are held open for airport check-in. Extra legroom seats near emergency exits can be reserved for a fee at check-in, but not before. Upper deck seats are quieter. |
| Food |
Meals and drinks are included in the flight price. Special meal requests must be made minimum 48 hours before a flight. |
| Baggage |
Total volume size (h+w+d) of all luggage stacked together is max. 158cm (62in).
Premium Economy Class: 2 pieces p.p. each weighing max. 32kg.
Economy Class - 2 pieces p.p., each weighing max. 23kg.
For flights to South Africa, Australia, Asia and Dubai: 23 kg per person, infant without seat 10 kg, buggies free.
Special rates for sports equipment and bicycles, contact Reservations on 0870 380 2007. |
| Check-In |
Deadline is a minimum of 60 minutes beforehand. Online check-in is possible up to 24 hours before a flight, (except to/from Lagos, Port Harcourt or from the Caribbean). Self service Check-in kiosks for beating the queues are available at London Heathrow. |
| Flight Changes |
Flexible tickets are usually unrestricted, but administration charges apply if cancelled.
Lowest fare tickets are restricted, with a fee for changes or cancellations. Cost of refund charges is £30 per ticket for restricted tickets and £15 per ticket for flexible tickets.
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| Aircraft |
Virgin Atlantic uses relatively new aircraft, average age of fleet is around 6 years. Planes consist of 13 Boeing 747 and 19 Airbus 340; 6 of the superjumbo Airbus A380-800 are on on order.
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Latest News
May 2007
From the 1st of June Virgin will start daily flights to Nairobi from London Heathrow.
January 2007
Starting in April, Virgin will fly daily direct to Chicago from London Heathrow.
July 2006
Virgin Atlantic launches direct flights twice-weekly between London Gatwick and Jamaica Montego Bay.
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