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Virgin Atlantic will launch direct flights from Scotland to Barbados and Florida
Aug. 11, 2021
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2 min read
Virgin Atlantic will launch direct flights from Scotland to Barbados and Florida
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Beginning this winter, Virgin Atlantic will fly internationally out of Edinburgh (EDI) for the first time.
The carrier just announced it's adding direct, twice-weekly flights from the Scottish capital to Barbados (BGI) to meet the growing demand for the Caribbean destination. Virgin Atlantic will use an Airbus A330, giving passengers the ability to fly there in Upper Class (which offers an exclusive bar area and lie-flat beds), and Premium, which offers seats with a 38-inch (96-cm) seat pitch, welcome drinks and fine dining.
When they launch, these will be the only direct flights from Scotland to the Caribbean.
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Virgin Atlantic also said it will launch Edinburgh to Orlando, Florida (MCO) flights from April 2022. Those routes will also be offered twice weekly on an Airbus A330-200.
The arrival of long-haul international service from Edinburgh is seen as a key step in the Scottish travel industry's slow bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic.
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Related: A review of Virgin Atlantic's A350
“Our two new routes provide an array of holiday options to suit everyone," Virgin Atlantic said in a statement. "From family fun and the thrills of Orlando’s theme parks to the stunning beaches and chilled-out vibes in Barbados, we’re confident there’s something to love for all of our Scottish customers.”
Tickets for both the Barbados and Orlando routes go on sale from Aug. 18, with prices starting from $581 (£419) per person.
Related: Unlock incredible value with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
With Barbados among several Caribbean nations currently on the U.K.'s travel green list, the airline expects it to be a popular choice for a winter getaway this year, especially with direct flights. Travelers looking to venture farther can book connections from Barbados to other sunny islands such as Grenada, St. Vincent and Tobago through Virgin Atlantic’s connecting flights with Caribbean Airlines.
One casualty of Virgin Atlantic's just-announced routes is that the Glasgow (GLA) to Orlando service that has operated since 2007 will no longer be offered.
Featured image by Bloomberg via Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
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- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.