Virgin Atlantic confirms Sao Paulo flight dates and timings

Whilst tickets are not currently on sale, Virgin Atlantic has confirmed the dates and times for the new Sao Paulo service.

Flights will launch on 29th March 2020, using a Boeing 787-9.  This means that you will not be getting the new version of the Upper Class Suite, currently rolling out exclusively on the A350 fleet.

The service will operate daily.

The outbound, VS197, will leave Heathrow Terminal 3 at 22.30 and arrive in Sao Paulo at 06.25 the following day.

The return flight, VS198, will leave Sao Paulo at 16.25 and arrive in Heathrow at 07.50 the following day.

It is obvious that these are not ideal timings for Virgin Atlantic.  It will have a $200m aircraft sitting on the tarmac in Brazil for 10 hours per day, not generating income.

As we covered last week, Virgin Atlantic has agreed a codeshare deal with GOL to allow you to purchase through-tickets for domestic destinations in Brazil.

Tickets are expected to be on sale, both for cash and Virgin Flying Club miles, in the next few days.

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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

18,000 bonus points and 1.5 points for every £1 you spend Read our full review

Virgin Atlantic Reward Mastercard

3,000 bonus points, no fee and 1 point for every £1 you spend Read our full review

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

80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

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.