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Virgin Atlantic announces new routes to the Maldives and Turks and Caicos Islands
Nov. 18, 2022
•
3 min read
Virgin Atlantic announces new routes to the Maldives and Turks and Caicos Islands
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Beginning October 2023, Virgin Atlantic will fly to the captivating islands of the Maldives and Turks and Caicos.
Opening up a new world of tropical possibilities, a seasonal three-times-weekly service will operate between London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) and the Maldives. Tickets will go on sale Nov. 30, 2022, for flights commencing Oct. 22, 2023.
The peak time to visit Maldivian shores is between November and April, making this seasonal route particularly tempting for those already thinking about getting some winter sun next year.
With close to 190 different types of coral to explore, sand whiter than a "Love Island" contestant’s teeth and waters teeming with wildlife, this South Asia paradise is now easier to reach than ever. Who hasn’t wanted to stay in one of the water villas on stilts you normally only see in films?
Elsewhere — some 9,000 miles, in fact — Virgin Atlantic has unveiled plans for a year-round twice-weekly flight to Turks and Caicos, launching Nov. 15, 2023, with seats going on sale Jan. 11, 2023.
The ultra-exclusive destination joins the Bahamas, St. Vincent, the Grenadines and Jamaica in Virgin Atlantic’s enviable Caribbean portfolio.
Related: Norse Atlantic Airways now selling summer 2023 tickets — and there are great deals to be had
Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer at Virgin Atlantic, is of a similar mindset.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to add these two exotic new routes to our flying portfolio," he shared. "Nothing sets our hearts soaring like a new destination to explore, so, with two more about to join our network, there’s only really one question. Where to first?"
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Jarvinen explains that the Maldives has always been an incredibly popular destination for Virgin Atlantic Holidays customers, "which is why we couldn’t wait to give them the opportunity to travel to the idyllic location in style onboard Virgin Atlantic aircraft."
Both new routes will be operated on the airline’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with 31 Upper Class, 35 premium economy and 192 economy seats up for grabs.
As yet, there’s no word on fares, but you can currently find deals with Virgin Atlantic between London and Bridgetown, Barbados, from 512 British pounds (about $608) throughout winter, or 26,000 Virgin points plus 360 British pounds ($428) in taxes and fees.
If you haven’t already, it is well worth signing up with Virgin’s loyalty program. If you already have, click here to see how you can maximize Virgin Atlantic points for your next trip.
Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
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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Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
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. |
| 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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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.