Virgin Atlantic Airways offers a flexible flight change policy to accommodate passengers’ needs, with rules and fees varying by fare type, route, and timing. Below is an overview of the flight change policy based on available information.
Passengers who booked directly through the Virgin Atlantic website or mobile app can modify bookings via the "My Booking" section by entering their booking reference and last name. Changes include flight date, time, or destination, and can be made up to a couple of hours before departure, subject to availability and fare rules. The easiest way to make changes is through the web chat feature in the "My Booking" portal. Changes to extras like paid seats or special meals must be rebooked separately after modifications.
For tickets purchased through travel agents or third-party platforms, passengers must contact the issuing agent to request changes, as direct modifications through Virgin Atlantic are not permitted. For Virgin Atlantic Holidays bookings, passengers should contact the Virgin Atlantic Holidays Service team. Additional handling fees may apply when processed through agents.
Virgin Atlantic offers fare types such as Economy Light, Economy Classic, Economy Delight, Premium, and Upper Class, each with distinct change policies:
Changes made within a day of booking are free for flights booked directly with Virgin Atlantic, provided the flight is at least a week away. Beyond this period, fees apply for Economy Classic, Delight, and Premium fares, with higher fees for changes made via the Contact Centre, ticket offices, or airport counters compared to online changes. Upper Class and certain flexible fares may waive fees. For flights originating from the United States, change fees may apply for Economy and Premium fares, with reduced fees for lap infants. No-show fees apply if changes are not made before departure. Fare differences are required if the new flight is more expensive. Fees are not always transparently published and may depend on fare rules disclosed at booking.
If the new flight is more expensive, passengers must pay the fare difference in addition to any change fee. No refund is provided if the new fare is lower, unless specified by fare rules. For award tickets, additional Virgin Points may be required for changes, with dynamic pricing affecting costs based on demand.
Changes are permitted up to a couple of hours before departure, subject to availability. Tickets are valid for one year from issuance, and changes must occur within this period. No changes are allowed for partially used tickets or after departure. Same-day changes are available for non-Light fares, provided the origin and destination remain the same, and may incur a fee for non-elite members.
Route changes are allowed for non-Light fares, subject to availability, a change fee, and fare differences. Changes must be processed through the Contact Centre or Virgin Atlantic Holidays team for package bookings, as online changes are limited to date or flight number modifications. Economy Light and partially used tickets do not permit route changes.
Full name changes or ticket transfers to another person are not permitted, except for Package Holiday bookings under specific conditions, such as compliance with Package Travel Regulations and payment of an administration fee. Minor spelling corrections or name changes due to marriage are allowed with supporting documentation, such as a marriage certificate, provided the request is made before departure via the Contact Centre. The name must match the passenger’s passport.
If Virgin Atlantic cancels or significantly delays a flight by more than a few hours, passengers can rebook on another Virgin Atlantic flight without fees, subject to availability in the same class, or request a full refund, including extras like seat assignments or baggage fees, even for non-refundable tickets. For codeshare flights, the operating carrier’s policies apply. Notifications are sent via email or SMS if contact details are provided. EU or UK regulations may entitle passengers to compensation for cancellations with less than a couple of weeks’ notice, unless due to extraordinary circumstances like weather. Passengers missing a flight due to events beyond their control, with valid documentation, may rebook without fees or receive a refund.
Passengers can modify bookings through the following methods: