The health and safety of our customers and our people has always been our number one priority. As we move towards the future, we’re implementing new measures to give you even greater peace of mind when you take to the skies with us.
We've recently been awarded Diamond status in Health and Safety by APEX and Simpliflying. This is the highest standard possible, and shows our unwavering commitment to keeping our staff and customers safe and sound throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
From the moment you arrive at the airport, you'll see everything we’re doing to ensure your safety and wellbeing. So that everyone can maintain a safe distance, we’ll be limiting the numbers of customers in our check in zones, so please make sure you allow more time than usual for your journey at the airport.
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Keeping a safe distance
We all need a little space sometimes. We’ve added queue markers to help you keep your distance while you wait to check in, and we’re limiting the number of customers in the queues to ensure everyone can maintain a safe distance.
Regular cleaning of every surface
Our check in desks and self-service stations are all cleaned and disinfected regularly with high-grade products, tested to be effective against viruses. You won’t be picking up any unwanted passengers here.
Sanitising stations
Stay well. Use hand gel. There will be hand washing and sanitisation opportunities available throughout your journey. Please use them whenever possible
Face masks
All our people will be wearing face masks when in close contact with our customers. Don’t worry — we’re still smiling underneath. You'll need to wear masks too at all times at the airport. You’ll find the latest UK Government guidance on wearing masks at the airport here.
Health screening and temperature checks
If you see teams asking questions and conducting expected temperature checks at the airports, we’re working with our partners, to make sure everyone is symptom free and safe to fly.
You'll spot some extra measures in place as you make your way through airport security.
Working with our airport partners
We work closely with all the airports we fly to and from, who follow similar international and national advice on health and safety measures as we do. See the measures London Heathrow Airport are taking.
Security trays
All your personal items will be safe — security trays will be wiped down frequently throughout the day.
Masks and gloves
Security staff may be wearing masks and gloves for your protection and theirs.
Reduced lanes
So that everyone can keep a safe distance here, you may see fewer lanes open as you go through security so please allow more time than usual for your journey at the airport.
Safe distancing is our priority at the gate and throughout boarding. We’ll be keeping you safe and sound as you’re about to leave the ground.
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Regular cleaning and sanitisation
To make sure you can make a clean getaway, all the seating and gate areas are regularly cleaned and sanitised to the highest standard by airport teams.
Passports and boarding passes
We will ask you to scan your own boarding pass and hold up your passport for inspection to minimise contact. Don’t worry, our teams will still be there to greet you with the warm welcome you’d expect.
Priority boarding assistance
Customers who require additional time or assistance will board as a priority, we’ll be more than happy to help you first. You can see the additional measures we’re taking across our special assistance services here.
A few customers at a time
Boarding will be limited to small groups of customers at a time, starting from the back of the aircraft to minimise contact. Please follow the spacing markers and we’ll all be at a safe distance.
Our aircraft cleaning teams are trained to meet our high cleanliness standards to provide our customers and crew with a safe and comfortable onboard experience.
Cleaning
We clean everything onboard with hospital-grade products before every flight, wiping down seat pockets, tray tables, screens, overhead lockers, bathrooms… you name it. We also use fogging (electrostatic spraying) of high-grade disinfectant in all our cabins before every flight, ensuring no surface is left untouched.
HEPA filters
You can breathe easy with our onboard HEPA filters, which use a vertical airflow and extract more than 99.999% of particles from the air, including bacteria and viruses.
Washrooms
Our washrooms onboard are thoroughly cleaned and sanitised to the highest standard before and after every flight. On top of that, we have sharpened our washroom standards and procedures onboard for enhanced checks and sanitisation throughout the flight.
We’ve introduced practices to match—and in many cases exceed—the health and safety guidance from leading health and aviation authorities.
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Health Pack
We’ve got you covered. Everyone flying with us will get a Health Pack onboard with medical grade masks, surface wipes and hand gel. If you choose to bring your own, that’s great too.
Masks are required
Speaking of masks — we will require you to wear yours at all times on the plane. If everyone gets onboard with this idea, we’ll all be safer.*
Lightening the load
You won’t find our Vera inflight magazine or our Retail Therapy service onboard for now. We’ve lightened the load to minimise contact, but you can still pre-order your duty free here.
Food and drinks service
We’ve temporarily changed some of our food and drink onboard to make sure we can keep interaction to a lighter touch - and all prepared in a strictly safe environment.
Extra space
Where possible, we’ll try and leave empty seats between customers travelling on different bookings. If you have a space next to you, please keep it free, and mind the gap.
We're working closely with airport authorities and onward travel partners to make sure you have a smooth transition to your final destination.
Disembarkation
We'll ask you to please remain seated until our cabin crew let you know it's time for your seat row to leave the plane. - no jostling allowed.
Immigration
We've been working with local airports to make sure extra measures and social distancing are in place as you make your way through passport control and arrivals.
Collecting your bags
Nobody wants to wait longer than they need to at the baggage carousel. We make every effort to ensure a quick baggage collection process and that there's space to maintain social distancing.
Onward travel
If you need to arrange private transportation, our main car hire partners Alamo / Enterprise have a Complete Clean Pledge, so that you can relax and enjoy the ride to your final stop.
Throughout your journey with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, we’ll do everything we can to give you peace of mind and confidence so you can simply enjoy your holiday.
Stores now open
Our Virgin Holidays stores reopened on 12 April 2021, with our holiday experts once again on hand to offer expert travel advice and booking assistance to those looking to make their dream getaway a reality, with additional health and safety measures to ensure peace of mind whilst in store.
Safety first
We continue to work closely with our airline, hotel, cruise, car hire, and other travel partners to ensure the highest standards of health and safety. The checks we undertake on your behalf ensure you can relax and enjoy your holiday worry free.
Always with you
Whilst you are away, we’ll be here for you. Our team will be on hand 24 hours a day and will be there to answer any questions you have and ensure you have a fabulous holiday.
Take a closer look at the measures we're putting in place to ensure the health and wellbeing of our customers and our people, both on the ground and in the air
Whether you’re travelling with us or one of our trusted partners, your health and safety remains our priority. We are each following the highest standards in line with guidance from the leading health and aviation authorities. Find out about the additional measures our partners are taking to keep you safe.
To promote safer travel and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, our partners at Delta are encouraging all passengers entering the United States, including U.S. passport holders, to provide their contact information while in the U.S. to help protect you, your family, and the community. Contact tracing is voluntary unless specified by a specific flight, country, city or region.
