We’re coming home: Virgin Atlantic and Delta return to Terminal 3
We’re coming home: Virgin Atlantic and Delta to return to Terminal 3 from 15th July.
- Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines has been given the go-ahead by Heathrow Airport to resume operations in Terminal 3 from 15th July
- Award winning Clubhouse will also reopen
Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines are returning to their home in Terminal 3, which has been closed for over a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic on 15th July. The airlines are looking forward to safely welcoming customers back onto their home turf, which has been missed by many, with their signature flair, seamless check-in and award-winning facilities.
Virgin Atlantic destinations including Antigua, Barbados, Grenada and Israel are all classified as “Green” on the Government’s travel list, which means customers are not required to self isolate on their return. Delta is operating nonstop services between Heathrow and both Atlanta and New York-JFK, however U.S. entry restrictions for non-essential travelers from the U.K. still apply.
All customers will receive the famous Virgin Atlantic welcome in the airline’s dedicated area in the terminal, with flexible check-in options and warm hospitality. Virgin Atlantic Upper Class and Flying Club Gold members as well as Delta’s eligible customers can once again enjoy access to the airline’s award-winning Clubhouse, Revivals lounge and Upper Class Wing. In the Clubhouse they’ll enjoy complimentary a la carte menus featuring five-star dining, smaller tapas dishes, meats and cheeses from the deli and afternoon tea. A wide selection of wine, cocktails and soft drinks are also available to be enjoyed across the many Clubhouse relaxation spaces, such as the library or restaurant, or outside, plane spotting on the roof terrace.
In a bid to further increase flexibility, customers now have multiple choices about how they order their food and drinks. To ensure a seamless experience, customers can order from a web-based ordering system via a QR code at their seat. The app will feature the whole menu and customers can simply place their order which will be delivered to their seat wherever they are sitting. Customers will still have the option to use a single use printed menu and order via the Clubhouse’s waiter service.
Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operating Officer, commented,
“We’re delighted to finally be back on our home turf, and I know our teams can’t wait to warmly welcome our customers to Terminal 3, as they return to the skies in style, as they fly safe and well with Virgin Atlantic.
“Whilst it’s a constructive step that many of our customers can imminently enjoy our much-loved facilities the Government still needs to recognise the US as a “Green” destination. Whilst travel between the UK and US is closed, £23 million in economic value each day is restricted. We urge the UK Government to move the US to the UK’s ‘Green list’ and for the Biden administration to repeal the 212F proclamation for UK travellers.”
Nadia Clinton, Delta’s Regional Sales Manager, said:
“Moving back to our home in Terminal 3 will allow our customers to once again enjoy the award-winning experience they have missed during the pandemic. Given current vaccination rates, we know customers can travel safely between our two countries. A recent study conducted by the Mayo Clinic, coupled with robust air filtration systems and mask mandates on board, put the risk of transmission on a plane traveling between the UK and US at 1 in 1 million. We implore the UK and US Governments to allow non-essential travel to resume.”
For further press information please contact the Virgin Atlantic press office on press.office@fly.virgin.com or call 01293 747373.
Further information on Covid health and safety measures;
Clubhouse
Whilst the Clubhouse will still offer the experience we know our customers love, the experience has been tailored to ensure their safety. In line with Covid-19 hospitality guidelines, customers will be encouraged to remain in their seated area therefore the roof terrace, seated bar stools, deli bar and the pool table cannot be used. Masks will be required on entry and when customers are moving around the space.
Terminal 3
Enhanced measures have been put in place within Terminal Three to ensure the health and safety of customers and crew. These include thorough cleaning practices at check in, security, the departure lounge and boarding gates using high-grade disinfectant, compulsory mask wearing and social distancing and encouraging all customers to use self-check in and bag drop technology to reduce contact.