Virgin Atlantic Holidays launches guaranteed winter sun with new Escape Pass

• Customers can enjoy a Caribbean holiday this winter, with guarantee of no quarantine on return to the UK, from £759pp
• Holidaymakers choose the type of holiday they would love and leave the experts at Virgin Atlantic Holidays to design their dream escape
• More than 66% of British adults avoided booking a holiday this year over fears changing travel rules will force them to self-isolate, cut a trip short or have it cancelled.[1]

To ensure peace of mind for customers, Virgin Atlantic Holidays has become the first UK tour operator to offer stress free, guaranteed sunshine this winter with the brand-new Escape Pass. Customers keen to escape the depths of winter need only speak to one of the dedicated Virgin Atlantic Holidays experts, answer a few questions on their holiday preferences, sit back and get ready for Caribbean sun.

A key challenge for consumers during the pandemic has been the complexity of dynamic quarantine restrictions both in holiday destinations and the UK with more than half of Brits (54%) saying they would be more likely to book a holiday if they knew there was an 100% guarantee they wouldn’t have to self-isolate when they returned home The Escape Pass removes uncertainty in holiday planning by guaranteeing customers they will be able to enjoy their Caribbean break and avoid quarantining when they arrive back in the UK[2]. For added reassurance, customers can also benefit from Virgin Atlantic’s Covid Cover. Covid Cover works alongside customers’ existing travel insurance to ensure any complications related to Covid are covered, adding extra peace of mind.

Holidaymakers simply choose the length of stay, hotel rating, board basis and aircraft cabin. They will then receive an ATOL protected Escape Pass which guarantees a beautiful Caribbean holiday where they can enjoy their resort and the island[3] without quarantining on return to the UK. Countries on offer include Barbados, Antigua, Grenada and Tobago with plans to include Jamaica and further Caribbean islands as they are added to the UK Government’s Travel Corridor list.

When asked what their biggest concerns are around self-isolating, being unable to fulfil work commitments (28%) and having to rely on other people (16%) topped the list. As lockdown restrictions are expected to be eased in the coming weeks, respondents overwhelmingly plan to treat themselves to a holiday abroad (31%) (if travel restrictions were no barrier), followed by buying new furniture or home appliances (18%). Customers will be notified of their destination and holiday details two weeks before their departure date, with time to read up on the local culture and pack all the essentials. If, for any reason, Virgin Atlantic Holidays is not able to fulfil the Escape Pass holiday, customers can choose between a full refund or a travel voucher.

Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic commented: “We know customers are keen to get away on their next adventure after a difficult year. Top of the list is an idyllic holiday to the Caribbean, where the Covid-19 pandemic has been managed extremely well, allowing holiday makers to enjoy sun, sea and beaches safely. The Escape Pass has been created to take all the stress and uncertainty out of booking that dream Caribbean trip. Through this ATOL protected package, we will ensure customers are sent to a beautiful island with the peace of mind that they won’t need to quarantine on their return.

[1] One Poll survey of 1,000 UK adults

[2] Guarantee of no quarantine is made at time of departure

[3] Customers may have additional health screening or testing if they wish to leave their resort 

“We have implemented a comprehensive set of measures including enhanced cleaning of our aircraft, individual health packs for all our customers with medical grade face masks, and an improved service which minimises contact between our cabin crew and customers. Our teams have been working hard to ensure our customers can Fly Safe and Fly Well on their next trip and we look forward to safely welcoming our customers on board soon.”

The Escape package is available to book through the Virgin Atlantic Holidays call centre at 0344 472 9499. Packages start from £759pp for a 7-night Caribbean holiday with direct flights, a 3V hotel on room only basis with transfers included (based on two people sharing). Options include 7 or 14 nights, 3V, 4V, or 5V rated hotels with room only or All-Inclusive board, as well as Economy, Premium or Upper Class flights. For more information visit: https://virg.in/EscapePass

Escape pass package options for travel in 2021:

For further press information please contact the Virgin Atlantic press office on press.office@fly.virgin.com or call 01293 747373.