Virgin Atlantic is introducing a new hand-baggage-only fare and upgraded economy seating options.
The updated pricing structure creates three distinct economy tiers. At the entry level is Economy Light, a hand-baggage-only fare similar to the basic economy product offered by Delta, which owns a 49 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic. Additional competitors are expected to roll out comparable offerings next month.
Economy Classic represents the current standard economy offering but with added benefits: free seat assignment, priority check-in, and priority boarding. At the top of the economy range, Economy Delight provides passengers with an extra three inches of legroom for a more comfortable experience.
It is not yet clear whether the hand-baggage-only fares will be restricted to transatlantic routes. The airline has stated that pricing information will be released at a later date.
Craig Kreeger, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic, commented, “We’re unveiling the biggest change to our economy cabin in over a decade – launching three new ways to fly and a host of other innovations on the ground and in the air as part of a wider £300 million investment in our customers. Customers can afford to be choosy and still travel in the UK’s leading economy cabin.”