V-Flyer

As the discussion topic on this subject on this has become rather huge, I'm distilling the knowledge acquired in it here so those effected can quickly find the info they are after.

If you booked a flight-only with Virgin Atlantic

• If you are holding a ticket for a flight that leaves once the disruption is over, your seat on that flight is safe; you will not be offloaded in favour of a stranded passenger.
• Stranded passengers will receive priority over those whose outbound flight is cancelled. If your outbound is cancelled, then you may not be able to re-book immediately.
• It is your option to receive a full refund for a flight cancelled by Virgin, but if you cancel it before Virgin announce cancellation, then the normal ticket rules apply (depending on fare code).
• EU Compensation payments don't apply in these circumstances, as the delay is beyond Virgin Atlantic's control.
• Virgin Atlantic will reimburse reasonable expenses for your board and lodging for the duration of your delay. Copy of policy handed to passengers is below. Note that this only applies to stranded passengers not in their home country.

Stranded passengers overseas
We will reimburse hotel accommodation at 3 star rating or less for all non-resident passengers stranded overseas. Passengers wishing to stay in their existing accommodation, which may be of a higher rating, should be made aware the full cost may not be reimbursed.

Our airport staff will endeavour to provide hotel accommodation for the following:
· Special assistance passengers (pre-notified to us before the flight disruption and noted in your booking)
· Unaccompanied minors
· Vulnerable and/or elderly passengers

Due to the extensive disruption and the availability of rooms and resources it is impractical for us to arrange accommodation for anyone else therefore, all other non resident passengers should make their own arrangements and if they wish to claim reimbursement of reasonable expenses (basic meals and accommodation only) they should send all receipts to:
Virgin Atlantic Customer Relations
PO Box 747
Dunstable
LU6 9AH

We will NOT reimburse any of the following:
· Unreceipted expenses
· Hotels over a 3 star rating (or local equivalent – in some destinations 4 star accommodation may be available for a similar cost to 3 star please seek advice from our local airport staff)
· Alcohol / room service / entertainment
· Meals and refreshments not appropriate to the length of delay or time of day
· Any other non-essential purchases.

Virgin Atlantic will not be responsible for the cost or provision of hotel accommodation or meals for passengers who are resident in the country they are departing from. These passengers should return back to their homes and rebook to the next available flight or cancel their booking and receive a full refund.

If you booked a package with Virgin Holidays

• If your outbound flight was cancelled, you will be able to change your holiday to a later date, change your holiday to one of similar value or get a full refund on the cost. There are time limits associated with the deferral of your departure date - if over 7 days, you may be liable to additional seasonal supplements (though as this situation may make that unavoidable for some, I would be surprised if Virgin Holidays don't waive that restriction).
• If you are stranded, Virgin Holidays have a duty of care to provide lodging and accommodation, although don't assume that it will be in the same accommodation that you spent your holiday in. Contact your local rep as soon as possible to discuss options. You will need to keep receipts for reimbursement when you get home

Info for Stranded Passengers
Many Orlando tourist business including theme parks, hotels and restaurants have been offering stranded passengers deep discounts or even free entry. These include Seaworld and Wet 'n Wild. OrlandoInfo.com has a page of info on the latest offers.