First Virgin Atlantic flight in three months takes off
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The first Virgin Atlantic passenger flight in three months took off from Heathrow last night on its way to Hong Kong.
New York and Los Angeles will follow in the coming days.
It may seem odd to relaunch to cities that are currently closed to non-citizens. However, Virgin Atlantic is already flying to these cities on a regular basis in order to carry cargo, so opening up the cabin to passengers is not a huge change. This was what allowed British Airways to continue flying passengers to key destinations during lockdown, when all but essential travel was restricted. At the very least you will enjoy a fairly empty cabin.
Unlike British Airways, Virgin Atlantic will be offering hot food in all cabins. Economy and Premium Economy passengers get a choice from two hot meals, whilst Upper Class will get a choice from three. All will be served in boxes or alternative ways to minimise contact. Eric Lanlard’s Mile High afternoon tea will also continue to be served and wines, beers and soft drinks will be available.
How to earn Virgin Points from UK credit cards (April 2024)
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 15,000 Virgin Points):
Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard
15,000 bonus points and 1.5 points for every £1 you spend Read our full review
Virgin Atlantic Reward Mastercard
A generous earning rate for a free card at 0.75 points per £1 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.
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold
Your best beginner’s card – 20,000 points, FREE for a year & four airport lounge passes Read our full review
The Platinum Card from American Express comes with 40,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 40,000 Virgin Points.
The Platinum Card from American Express
40,000 bonus points and a huge range of valuable benefits – for a 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
40,000 points sign-up bonus 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.
(Want to earn more Virgin Points? Click here to see our recent articles on Virgin Atlantic and Flying Club and click here for our home page with the latest news on earning and spending other airline and hotel points.)
