Sometimes rumors come true, and on September 25th, 2019 a Virgin Atlantic aircraft will take off for a destination it’s never flown before. That new destination is Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. Virgin Atlantic has confirmed the new service for the fall, launching daily flights to one of the most popular destinations. The move will bring a very welcomed flying experience to a highly sought after route…
Daily Virgin Atlantic Flights
Virgin Atlantic will operate an Airbus A330-300 from London Heathrow to Ben Gurion Airport Tel Aviv, Israel, effective September 25th. Flights go on sale February 25th. The flight offers the traditional Virgin Atlantic long haul experience, which includes Upper Class, Premium Economy and Economy. This includes the signature afternoon tea from Eric Lanlard in all cabins, and new meal service from Donal Skeehan. Virgin Atlantic notes the flight will shift schedules roughly a month after it launches to a more permanent time slot…
Initial launch flight times:
VS453 – departs LHR 13:30, arrives TLV 20:35
VS454 – departs TLV 07:15, arrives LHR 11:10
From 27th October 2019
VS453 – departs LHR 16:00, arrives TLV 23:05
VS454 – departs TLV 06:05, arrives LHR 09:55
Short Flight, Great Fun
Tel Aviv is a fantastic destination full stop. But it’s also the perfect weekend trip. With flight times just under five hours and a London departure allowing a half days work on departure, even the shortest micro trips are manageable. Throw in early morning Tel Aviv flights which get you back just after the open of office hours and minimal jet lag – and you may not even fall asleep at your desk either!
Onward Connectivity, New Pricing
Virgin Atlantic is instantly adding 180,000 seats a year between London and Tel Aviv. The airline notes that the Tel Aviv schedule will sync up to coordinate perfectly with popular arriving flights, allowing customers on Delta and Virgin to carry on with ease. This many new seats *can* make huge waves in market pricing, which in plain English means bringing better fares for travelers on a route which is not often discounted. Oh, and it’s a great new place to use miles!
Have they confirmed the number of miles required for this route? (Particularly Upper Class)
Great to see a new option for this route!!
Currently no information about points redemptions, though it will most likely be the same (or less) than the current DXB service (eco 10k, prem eco 17,5k, upper 37.5k).