Time changes to VS19 and VS24 - February 2016

I have just received an email informing me that VS19 (LHR - SFO) will now depart at 16:45 on the 4th February and VS24 (LAX - LHR) will now depart at 19:00 on the 18th February.

The VS19 change seems quite drastic from its original departure time of 10:45. The email came from Expedia, Virgin have not yet contacted me although the time changes are showing in manage my booking and the flight numbers remain the same.

The aircraft for both flights are showing as A340-600.

Does anyone know why there is such a big change in times?

Thanks,
Chris.

It'll just be down to aircraft utilisation or slot availability I suspect.

Of course, as it's more than 2 weeks ahead of time the airline has the right to screw with passengers' itineraries without recourse whereas if the boot was on the other foot, and you'd wanted to change your plans you'd be looking at £££ to do so.

If you booked through Expedia VS will leave it to them to inform you of the change.

If you book via a travel agent they are the ones who will contact you about any changes to flight times etc not the airline. This is standard industry practice.

I have had a couple of flight changes in the past and not once, despite them having my details and being a member of the relevant miles programme, has the airline contacted me it has been Expedia - except when I have booked direct.

I would argue that a six hour difference between your original and rescheduled departure times constitutes a significant change to your itinerary, entitling you to rebook or cancel without penalty should you so wish.

You'd have to deal with Expedia though, not VS.

This morning I've also been notified to a change - VS41 LHR - SFO 2 Nov changed by 3 hours from 15.15 to 12.20. Not an issue for me. I wasn't notified by the agent (V-hols) - but when I logged into the booking to enter passport info etc..