Virgin hand luggage-only ticket to US set for take-off
♦ A hand luggage-only ticket has been launched for Virgin Atlantic for the first time on transatlantic flights.
The carrier, founded by Sir Richard Branson, has launched a new third-tier economy offering which it calls “economy light”.
With an economy light ticket, Virgin Atlantic customers cannot check-in baggage and can only select a seat 24 hours ahead of departure, rather than at the time of booking.
Earlier this week, British Airways launched a new basic economy fare on selected transatlantic routes. The cheaper tickets, which do not include checked luggage or seat selection, will be available from April.
Virgin said economy light customers would still get free in-flight drinks, meals, entertainment, a 31in-wide seat, and a blanket with pillows and headphones.
It has also introduced a further two economy tiers – “classic” and “delight” – as part of a strategy to see-off competition from budget long-haul operators.