More Virgin Atlantic Flights To The United States

I'm not sure I see this as positively as you. Cutting NRT for DTW? well there's a city that going places!! Losing BOM in favor of ATL Hmmm? DL flying MAN - JFK... well they did that back in the day and pulled it as it wasn't profitable. I fail to see how they'll manage to do it this time, given that AA have 16 biz seats on their aircraft and seldom fill more than 60% even with awards and upgrades. Also MAN - ATL has been operated by DL for eons is there really the capacity for a second daily? British Leisure travelers favor VS anyway, as they fly direct to MCO, LAS, BGI etc. While award space might be available I'm not convinced that the routes will be operated very long.

Just my 2 cents...

@Ben, re: the Virgin "brand," have you flown Virgin America or Virgin Australia? I know you're not a fan of the brand, but why? VX is sensational.

I got an e-mail from them today only mentioning the discontinuation of the YVR service. I guess I got it because I live in Canada, even though YVR is over 2,000 miles in the wrong direction for me to get to LHR. (I only had a VS account as a conduit for HHonors points until Hilton removed the fixed miles option, though I did actually fly them last year from BOS but on a DL award.).

Reducing the outrageous charges on award tickets is the news I am waiting from Richard. Until then I am dissuaded from flying Virgin Atlantic or signing up for their card.

@ Levy FLight -- You can always redeem Delta SkyMiles for Virgin Atlantic!

I am also curious why you are not a fan of the Virgin "brand"? They have a refreshing flair and attitude towards air travel - somehow the whole experience just seems to have that "fun" factor. I have never flown VX or VS, but loved our flights on Virgin Australia a few months ago. Yes, the loyalty programs across the Virgin airlines might not be great, but neither is SkyPesos. I think their in-flight experience is definitely better than many of their peers, regardless of booking class.

@ Erik @ Nick -- I don't dislike the brand, just generally don't relate much to them. Much like W properties, I find a lot of it to be style over substance.

Quick, someone tell Richard Branson to start serving Krug in VS's lounges so Lucky will bump them up in the ratings 😉

How does the Turkish lounge in Istanbul compare? With a movie theater, golf simulator, billiards table, video games, and their very extensive buffet, it does seem like a good place to kill time.

Do you know how to avid the extra taxes when using Virgin Atlantic to London using Delta Skymiles? While I was not charged fuel surcharges I still paid $390 for the pleasure of connecting through London. Any way to avoid that?

@David

Not that I live in pittsburgh any more but when I did DTW was by far and away my favourite international gateway. Easier to navigate and much less delay prone than the alternatives (JFK, EWR, IAD, CLT, ATL, ORD, PHL etc.). I assume the VS flight adds another frequency and more connecting opportunities for DL customers across the midwest, upstate new york and even parts of the south.

VS has always struggled with not having partners to bring it feed and all these destinations that are loosing VS service have no partners to speak of at either end of the route.

@ed

I appreciate your comments. You're absolutely right about feeder traffic for vs. DTW still seems an odd choice to me.

@ TJ -- Yes, you can avoid them by not originating any travel in London. You shouldn't be charged those if connecting in London -- only if originating some portion of your trip here. See this post for tips on avoiding the APD:
https://onemileatatime.com/understanding-the-uk-air-passenger-duty-and-how-to-minimize-it/