Virgin Atlantic and Delta add new Gatwick to Boston and New York JFK flights to stifle JetBlue
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Virgin Atlantic sent out a very weird press release on Thursday.
It announced that Virgin Atlantic and its joint venture partner – and major shareholder – Delta are launching new services from London Gatwick to Boston and New York JFK in 2020.
This is what the press release didn’t say:
Who is actually operating the flights – Virgin or Delta? There is an implication that it is Delta but the announcement is not clear
When will the routes start? All we are told is ‘Summer’ 2020
Are they seasonal or year-round services?
What are the flight times?
What aircraft, and which versions of the Delta or Virgin business class seat, will be used?
But apart from those tiny facts, it was all perfectly clear ….
The announcement appears to be a spoiler. US low cost carrier JetBlue is expected to announce transatlantic services from the US to London next Wednesday, presumably into Gatwick.
Norwegian already flies to Boston and New York from Gatwick, and British Airways has a New York service. Who knows? Perhaps BA will also announce a Gatwick to Boston service next week and really turn the screws on JetBlue.
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How to earn Virgin Points from UK credit cards (April 2025)
As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Virgin Points from UK credit cards. Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.
You can choose from two official Virgin Atlantic credit cards (apply here, the Reward+ card has a bonus of 18,000 Virgin Points and the free card has a bonus of 3,000 Virgin Points):
Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard
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Virgin Atlantic Reward Mastercard
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You can also earn Virgin Points from various American Express cards – and these have sign-up bonuses too.
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is FREE for a year and comes with 20,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 20,000 Virgin Points.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold
Your best beginner’s card – 30,000 points, FREE for a year & four airport lounge passes Read our full review
The Platinum Card from American Express comes with 50,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 50,000 Virgin Points.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
The Platinum Card from American Express
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Small business owners should consider the two American Express Business cards. Points convert at 1:1 into Virgin Points.
American Express Business Platinum
50,000 points when you sign-up and an annual £200 Amex Travel credit Read our full review
American Express Business Gold
20,000 points sign-up bonus and FREE for a year Read our full review
Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Virgin Points.
