Virgin Atlantic Announces First Airbus A350 Route
The first route for Virgin Atlantic's newest aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000, has been announced. Beginning in September, Virgin Atlantic will operate the Airbus A350 between its hub at London-Heathrow (LHR) and New York-JFK. Passengers looking to fly onboard Virgin Atlantic's Airbus A350, which features the airline's swanky new Upper Class Suites, can book flights operated by the aircraft effective immediately.
Virgin Atlantic's Airbus A350-1000 is the airline's latest aircraft type to join the fleet. Each A350 will feature 335 seats, 44 Upper Class (semi) Suites, 56 premium economy seats, and 235 standard economy class seats. The Airbus A350-1000 will replace the airline's aging Airbus A340s and Boeing 747s.
The Airbus A350 will also be the first Virgin Atlantic aircraft to feature the airline's latest Upper Class business class product and updated premium and standard economy class seats. While Virgin Atlantic calls its latest Upper Class seats "suites," the TPG team found that the new seat falls short of an actual suite. However, the new Upper Class product is a significant improvement over current variations of the seat.
Related: Check Out Virgin Atlantic's Swanky New Upper Class Seat
For passengers looking to experience Virgin Atlantic's newest aircraft, the Airbus A350 will make its debut on flights between London-Heathrow (LHR) and New York-JFK starting September 24. Tickets for the first Airbus A350 flights are on sale now.
| Dates | Route | Departure & Arrival Times |
|---|---|---|
September 10 to September 24, 2019 |
|
|
Effective September 25 |
|
|
Booking The First Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350 Flights
The first Airbus A350 flights from New York and London are currently available from $377 round-trip in economy light, Virgin Atlantic's basic economy fare. At that price, passengers will be guaranteed a carry-on bag and a seat aboard the aircraft. Seat selection and checked luggage are available for an additional fee.
For passengers looking to experience Virgin Atlantic's updated premium cabins, round-trip fares aboard the first flights start at $1,239 in premium economy and $3,873 in the airline's new Upper Class Suites.
Award bookings do not appear to be possible at the moment. Neither Delta Air Lines nor Virgin Atlantic's site lists flights VS153, VS138, or VS137. However, should travelers be willing to forgo the Airbus A350 experience, both airlines are offering relatively inexpensive award flights this fall between New York City and London.
For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.