Virgin Atlantic Launching Flights to Israel in September
After weeks of speculation, Virgin Atlantic has confirmed that it will launch flights to Israel this fall. The UK-based airline confirmed in a press release Sunday morning that, beginning in September 2019, the airline will serve Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV), from the airline's main hub at London Heathrow (LHR). Virgin Atlantic has not yet released a schedule outlining departure and arrival times, though the airline has confirmed that it will offer 180,000 seats on flights from London to Tel Aviv annually. The full schedule will likely be made available prior to February 25, when tickets for Virgin Atlantic's Israel flights are slated to go on sale.
In a statement, Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss stated that, "2019 marks the start of a new phase of growth for Virgin Atlantic as we work to achieve our ambition to become the most loved travel company." Weiss continued, saying that "Tel Aviv represents a fantastic opportunity for us — Israel’s economy is booming and as one of the world’s leading tech hubs we’re anticipating many business travelers and entrepreneurs flying between Tel Aviv and the UK."
Details of Virgin Atlantic's London Heathrow-Tel Aviv Service
As previously noted, Virgin Atlantic has not yet released a schedule featuring departure and arrival times. The airline did, however, confirm a date for the first flights between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv, beginning on September 25, 2019. The airline also confirmed that it will use an Airbus A330 for the flights. Virgin Atlantic offers two configurations aboard its fleet of Airbus A330s. Both A330s feature Upper Class, Premium Economy, and standard Economy Class.
Virgin Atlantic will be serving the London Heathrow-Tel Aviv route alongside British Airways and El Al. Multiple carriers, including most low-cost carriers, operate flights from London to Tel Aviv, some from smaller airports catering to leisure carriers.
Virgin Atlantic Sees Opportunities in Tel Aviv for Joint-Venture Partner Delta
Weiss went on to note in the statement that Virgin Atlantic sees "significant opportunity to increase competition in the US–Tel Aviv market, using the strength of [the airlines'] own trans-Atlantic Joint Venture with Delta to offer customers from Tel Aviv a wide range of US destinations connecting through London Heathrow including New York and San Francisco." Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines launched a joint venture in 2013. The joint venture allowed the two airlines to better align their schedules, offer additional flights to customers and offering elite frequent flyers reciprocal benefits. Virgin Atlantic's new service to Tel Aviv will include the airline's joint venture with Delta as noted by Virgin's statement regarding the new service.
While neither airline has alluded to such service modifications, the new London Heathrow/Tel Aviv service could eventually allow Delta to end the airline's flights to Tel Aviv. Delta operates a single daily non-stop from its New York-JFK hub. Though the airline has previously signaled that the service has been a success, Virgin Atlantic's new Tel Aviv service could allow Delta to exit the Israeli market and reallocate its equipment to other routes.
How to Book The First Virgin Atlantic Flights to Tel Aviv
Neither schedule details nor tickets have been made available to the public. Virgin Atlantic has set February 25 as the first day tickets will go on sale. Most flights from London to Israel depart in the morning hours, arriving in the evening; or depart at night, arriving in the morning the following day. Virgin Atlantic will likely follow the same schedule as its competitors.
Beginning February 25, tickets will, of course, be available on Virgin Atlantic's official website, however, tickets might also be available through Delta's website per the joint venture.
Using Points, Miles for Virgin Atlantic's New Tel Aviv Service
If you plan to use points or miles to book Virgin Atlantic's new flights to Tel Aviv, you will have a variety of options. US travelers will probably look to Delta to book these flights. When Virgin Atlantic's Tel Aviv flights are loaded into Delta's itineraries, flights should be bookable using SkyMiles. Those using SkyMiles for Virgin Atlantic's new Tel Aviv flights can expect to use anywhere from 42,000 SkyMiles (economy with stops) to 322,500 SkyMiles (Delta One/business class) one-way.
Another more practical option would be to transfer points via American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards to Virgin Atlantic. Virgin Atlantic's award redemptions require fewer points than Delta, though you will still have to pay hefty taxes and fees in some cases. Virgin Atlantic currently uses a set mileage redemption system. The rates at which miles can be redeemed for the airline's flights from London to Tel Aviv is not known, however, similar redemptions (London-UAE) start at just 10,000 miles one-way in economy class or 37,500 one-way in Upper Class. 1,000 American Express Membership Rewards points equate to 1,000 Flying Club miles, while 1,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points equate to 1,000 Flying Club miles.
Virgin Atlantic Signals New Growth and Expansion in 2019
Virgin Atlantic's CEO alluded to further growth and expansion in 2019 in the airline's official statement. At the moment, Virgin Atlantic is limited, as the airline's fleet is quite small. However, this is set to change as the airline takes delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000 this year. The Airbus A350 will allow Virgin Atlantic to serve new destinations and phase out older aircraft, including the Boeing 747.
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Annual Fee
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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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- 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.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $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.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 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.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $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.