Virgin Atlantic to Atlanta

Thought I would post this separate to the 787 theme as it is more about route than aircraft.

Found this interesting article on the US magazine Airways regarding the initial flight by Birthday Girl to Atlanta.

http://airwaysnews.com/blog/2014/10/27/ ... d-atlanta/

Haven't seen any mention anywhere else regarding the piece towards the end that VA will be taking advantage of the ATL incentive and will not have to pay landing fees for 12 months. Does this explain the reasoning behind changing the Manchester flight from Delta to VA?

Interesting that they allegedly plan to expand at Gatwick and Manchester (I'm assuming more than just the MAN-ATL addition).

Am surprised they don't add (or reinstate) a LGW-NYC or MAN-NYC flight or even a GLA or EDI to NYC

David

Interesting that they allegedly plan to expand at Gatwick and Manchester (I'm assuming more than just the MAN-ATL addition).

There've been rumours that a couple of the LHR 747s, which are being retired over the next 2 or 3 years, will be kept and reconfigured as part of the LGW fleet.

Am surprised they don't add (or reinstate) a LGW-NYC or MAN-NYC flight or even a GLA or EDI to NYC

David

New York & Philadelphia quite well served already by United and US Airways, and I can't remember where I read it (FT perhaps) but Delta were seriously considering an Atlanta to Glasgow or Edinburgh flight, now that they're onboard with Virgin I think that totally makes sense. Rather than use Little Red to change at LHR, why not fly west and change in Atlanta onto the Delta network?

I think it makes sense if travelling west, Texas, Vegas etc, less so to NYC or other eastern sites where it's better to change at NYC.

Having been thoroughly impressed at DTW, I'd suggest that's a good DL transit point also for the North.

I've learnt to take the VS spin with a little caution over the least few years. Remember the A 380's feature, the promised new routes and the launch of little red. I do however like the idea of transferring the 747's to LGW. It would be nice if they kept the extra UC swats downstairs so that they could compete with BA who offer 40 CW and so times 14F. Our next family holiday to Jaimaica is with BA as VA couldn't offer an aircraft with 19 business class seats for us all

Route is going twice-daily in March. Both with A330 kit.

Means VS is going to flying three A330's per day to ATL from LHR/MAN

http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/1 ... to-atlanta

2nd flight will be seasonal and just operate in the summer

... and therefore I assume the slot is used for the second daily MIA in the winter.

Has anyone had experience of this route on VS metal? I'm presuming the loads are very healthy!?

Thanks in advance

Dan

The ones I've done have been full in J and quiter in economy

I'm looking forward it trying it when I next need to go to MCO. With Atlanta only being 50 mins away from MCO, I can imagine that it will be packed with families getting to WDW when the direct flights are full during the kid's holidays.

ATL to MCO is often only about £60 in Y or £100 in F on DL and operates basically hourly so yes, a very attractive alternative if LGW or MAN to MCO direct is too expensive.

Particularly if you need VS TPs

Absolutely gumshoe. With First you get 3 Tier Points per sector so an excellent TP run!