Virgin Atlantic entices with new lower cost economy flight bundles

With low-cost airlines intensifying competition between companies, Virgin Atlantic has decided to make a move to stand out from the crowd by introducing changes to its Economy offerings. The majority of international flights are split into the economy, business and first-class sections but Virgin have now split Economy into three different tiers: Delight, Classic and Light.

Dubbed “the biggest change to our economy cabin in over a decade”, the tiers will give passengers options from a basic, hand-luggage-only option to a fare that includes seat choice, priority boarding, pre-ordered meals and three inches of extra legroom.

The Economy Classic option will be in line with Virgin Atlantic’s current economy package and will now offer free seat assignment. With Economy Delight, customers will get a seat with 34-inch legroom, priority check-in, and boarding, as well as advanced seat assignment and the new economy light ticket, will always offer Virgin Atlantic’s lowest fare.

Here’s everything you need to know about the three tiers:

Virgin Atlantic is actively competing against low-cost carriers such as Norwegian Air Shuttle, Canada‘s Westjet and Iceland‘s Wow Air all of which are stepping up their expansions in routes from Europe to North America. “We know that one size doesn’t fit all, and from spring our customers can afford to be choosy and still travel in the UK’s leading economy cabin,” Craig Kreeger, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic, said.

Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Atlantic, added: “when I started Virgin Atlantic I wanted to challenge the status quo and make flying amazing – regardless of which cabin you’re in – and that’s still true today. We’re unveiling a multi-million pound investment to make Virgin Atlantic’s economy cabin the best of any UK airline and setting the bar for others to follow.”

The British-based airline is partly owned by US carrier Delta and was founded 33 years ago. The airline gave no information about ticket prices in the new categories.