Inaugural flights are really, really cool. They represent the first time an airline flies a new plane, or new route between two places, and if history is any judge – there’s usually fun fanfare, cake, and some lovely bubbles for everyone too. Since British Airways is in the midst of a major sale from London to the USA, Virgin is clearly answering back, matching prices, but also offering seats on the A350 inaugural flight from London to NYC! It doesn’t get cooler than that!
The Flight Deals To NYC
Virgin Atlantic is launching its first Airbus A350 to New York City on September 10th, featuring the new Upper Class Suite, with semi privacy doors and a new loft bar, replacing the slightly awkward old bar set up. There’s also a much improved premium economy seat too. If novelty is your game, you can book onto the first ever flight, thanks to this great flash sale.
There’s plenty of flights in September for £390 in economy, £880 premium and £1375 Upper Class. Even if you don’t plan to fly on September 10th, the sale is probably the best opportunity we’ve seen to lock in flights on the new jet.
The Dates You Can Travel
These deals are only available in late August and the month of September. Considering that this is when the US Open, Fashion Week and countless other major events happen, it’s a good time to go. Also, as a New Yorker, I’d argue late September is the best weather of the entire year.
You must stay at least one weekend to lock in the lowest prices, but that’s pretty easy to do in a city like New York. These deals definitely won’t last long, so if you are thinknig about this – do it – because all flights to the USA allow 24 hour risk free cancellation, as long as they are 7 days away. If you need to cancel within 24 hours of booking, you get a full refund.
How To Book These Flights
Having seen this, I couldn’t resist but to book myself onto the September 10th VS153, to take part in the inaugural. If you want to join – or are just thinking about a last minute September jaunt to NYC, the A350 will operate daily flights every day but Thursday each week, with flight numbers VS153, VS138. The inaugural flight is VS153 on September 10th. Obviously, the airline could bring it into service on a prior date, but you’d still be one of the very first to fly.
Here’s links to the best deals. Simply, click, change the dates to work for you and enjoy.
- £772 Premium return via Skyscanner
- £866 Premium return via Google Flights
- £1375 Upper Class return via Skyscanner
- £1490 Upper Class return via Google Flights
Hot tip: On the Virgin Atlantic website, you can mix and match cabins, so I booked business class on the inaugural and then premium economy for the short overnight flight, so that I can sample both A350 cabins. This brought the total price down to £1100.
Here’s how to have an amazing trip to New York, with food recommendations, things to do and all that. While you’re learning what’s fun to do, be sure to also read up on a bunch of things you should not do in New York. It’s a fun city, and there’s no better month to be there if you ask me. See ya there!
Wow. I can’t believe that you have willing downgraded for the return flight. It may be a quicker flight but it is an overnight flight. I have never managed to sleep in premium economy but find business class sleep easy.
Personally, I find even in first class in that route you never get more than 3 hours of actual sleep by the time they’ve leveled off, dimmed the lights etc, and then over an hour before landing the lights are back on. Premium is plenty comfortable and I’m always looking to save where I can.