Virgin Atlantic reopens on-board bars and JFK lounge
Mask wearing to remain in place unless eating or drinking
JaneWalter
Virgin Atlantic has reopened its on board bars for the first time in 15 months in line with Covid restrictions on hospitality being lifted in the UK today.
The airline’s social spaces are open to those travelling in its Upper Class cabin, and will reopen on all Virgin Atlantic routes to green and amber list destinations across its network, including Antigua, Barbados and Grenada.
Corneel Koster, chief customer and operations officer, said: “Our on-board bars and social spaces are a signature part of our Upper Class experience so I’m delighted we’re finally able to reopen them to our customers, where they can enjoy a drink and catch up with friends.
“I know our cabin crew teams can’t wait to get back to providing our customers with the full Upper Class service we’re famous for and that’s been missed by many over the last 15 months.”
Masks will still be required within social spaces unless passengers are eating or drinking, with social distancing remaining in place “where possible”, the airline confirmed.
Virgin Atlantic, which recently moved back to its base at Heathrow Terminal 3, has also reopened its Clubhouse lounge at New York JFK airport.
It is open to Virgin’s Upper Class customers, Flying Club Gold members as well as Delta’s Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion members.
Customers will be encouraged to remain in their seated areas and offered table service.
A new partnership means Plaza Premium Group will now run the JFK Clubhouse under the guidance of the Virgin Atlantic team. The airline will also work with Plaza Premium for Clubhouses in Boston, San Francisco, Washington and Johannesburg once they reopen.
Koster added: “We’re delighted to welcome customers back to our Clubhouse at New York JFK offering the signature Virgin Atlantic experience we know they have missed over the past 18 months. With the friendly faces of our Clubhouse team, enhanced health and safety measures at every touchpoint and our innovative food and beverage offering, we will ensure our customers fly safe and fly well.
“We look forward to expanding our partnership with Plaza Premium Group.”
Bora Isbulan, chief commercial officer for Plaza Premium Group, said: “The PPG team look forward to serving Virgin Atlantic passengers a memorable and deliver each of these signature lounge experiences to life.”
