How to get a refund from Virgin Atlantic as airline confirms new cancellations
VIRGIN Atlantic has announced a fresh wave of flight cancellations for later this month - here’s what it means for customers with a trip booked.
The airline is the latest firm to alter its flying schedule due to the coronavirus outbreak.
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In an update to customers, Virgin Atlantic said it’ll no longer operate passenger flights for one week in April.
The affected dates are from April 20 to April 26.
Instead, the airline will turn its fleet of aircraft into a cargo-only service, to bring medical supplies to the UK.
A spokesperson for the airline said: "Virgin Atlantic is continuing to review its flying programme each day and has made the decision to move most of its current scheduled services to cargo-only services from 20 April until 26 April.
What Virgin Atlantic flights have been cancelled?
VIRGIN Atlantic has confirmed three long-haul routes will be affected between April 20 and April 26.
The airline has already scaled back services in light of coronavirus and is now servicing just three routes from London Heathrow.
The following flights from London Heathrow are affected by the latest announcement:
- London Heathrow (LHR) to New York (JFK) — 21-26 April
- London Heathrow (LHR) to Hong Kong (HKG) — 20-26 April
- London Heathrow (LHR) to Los Angeles (LAX) — 20-26 April
Virgin will also be operating eight cargo-only flights between London Heathrow and Shanghai in partnership with the Department of Health and the NHS.
"The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has provided Virgin Atlantic with special dispensation to carry cargo in the cabin as well as the cargo hold, so that we can carry even more essential goods, to ensure global supply chains keep running and transporting essential medical supplies into the UK at this time of crisis."
The move is anticipated to affect hundreds of customers - here’s what you need to know.
How do I get a refund from Virgin Atlantic?
Virgin Atlantic says it'll be contacting all affected customers with flights booked between April 20 and April 26.
Customers will be able to ask for a refund, or the airline is also giving passengers the option to rearrange their flights.
For those yet to travel, you can rebook your trip up to May 31, 2022, or reroute your journey to another destination.
You won't be charged a fee for changing your trip, but new flights will be subject to availability and you may have to pay a difference in fare if your new flight is more expensive.
If you've yet to hear from Virgin Atlantic, you can or via its disrupted flights contact number on 0344 209 8711.
You'll need your booking number so the Virgin Atlantic team can find your booking.
Customers should also note that phone lines are currently extremely busy due to the number of affected flights.
If you're already abroad and need to get home, you'll have to complete Virgin's .
A spokesperson for the airline said: "Customers who have booked flights on these amended services will be contacted with information about alternative options or they can visit virginatlantic.com for more information, including customer centre contact details.
"We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by these changes and appreciate our customers patience while we navigate this unprecedented situation."
If you've booked through Virgin Holidays, or through another website or travel agent, you'll have to contact these companies instead of Virgin Atlantic.
Virgin Holidays can be or by phone on 0344 739 6300.
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What happens if Virgin Atlantic won't refund me?
Virgin Atlantic should be your first port of call if you're looking to get your money back.
If you’re struggling to reach an agreement with the airline, you can escalate your claim to an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) body.
Virgin Atlantic is a member of the AviationADR group – you can find information on how to .
If you booked through a third-party company, you’ll need to contact them regarding a refund or alternative flight.
But if you're struggling to get a refund, you may be able to make a claim through your credit or debit card provider.
Credit card payments between £100 and £30,000 are covered under Section 75 of the Consumer Rights Act.
To start a claim, you need to contact your credit card provider directly – has a free tool that can help you do this.
Those with flights and hotels booked by debit card may be able to claim a refund via their banks using the Chargeback scheme.
Chargeback can be used to reclaim cash for goods and services you didn’t receive.
Claims apply for purchases made by debit card, or by credit card for purchases under £100, and must be done within 120 days of the transaction.
To start a chargeback claim, you need to contact your card provider but as it isn’t written into law there is no guarantee you’ll get your money back.
You may also be able to claim money back through your travel insurance provider, but this depends on the terms and conditions of your policy.
You should speak to your policy provider to discuss your options.
Can I get a refund for my accommodation and other parts of the holiday?
Virgin Atlantic will only refund you for the flights it has cancelled.
To get the money back on other elements of the holiday, such as hotels or car hire, you’ll need to contact each provider separately.
If you’re struggling to get reimbursed, you may be able to claim through your travel insurance.
When it comes to package holidays, you should be protected by Package Travel Regulations (PTRs).
This covers you if any part of your package holiday or cruise package is cancelled or significantly changed.
The travel company may offer you vouchers to use against a future booking but you are entitled to request a full cash refund instead.
We've also rounded up your easyJet refund rights after the airline grounded all flights.
Ryanair has also grounded all flights due to coronavirus.
It’s not just holidays that have been disrupted due to coronavirus – supermarket delivery slots have been selling out at an unprecedented rate.