Good news for Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines passengers. As traffic seems to be picking up, these airlines are due to move back to their “traditional” home of Heathrow Terminal 3
Welcome home to Terminal 3.
Terminal 3 had been closed for over a year thanks to the pandemic – but it seems that traffic and utilisation is strong enough for Heathrow to reopen the terminal for outbound travellers.
Operations will commence from Terminal 3 from 15th July.
Virgin Atlantic destinations including Antigua, Barbados, Grenada and Israel are all classified as “Green” on the Government’s travel list, which means customers are not required to self isolate on their return. Delta is operating nonstop services between Heathrow and both Atlanta and New York-JFK, however, U.S. entry restrictions for non-essential travellers from the U.K. still apply.
All customers will be processed at the Virgin Atlantic dedicated area in the terminal, with flexible check-in options and warm hospitality. Virgin Atlantic Upper Class and Flying Club Gold members as well as Delta’s eligible customers can once again enjoy access to the airline’s award-winning Clubhouse, Revivals lounge and Upper Class Wing.
The Clubhouse (the lounge) will reopen, with complimentary a la carte menus featuring dining options, smaller tapas dishes, meats and cheeses from the deli and afternoon tea. A wide selection of wine, cocktails and soft drinks are also available to be enjoyed across the many Clubhouse relaxation spaces, such as the library or restaurant, or outside, plane spotting on the roof terrace.
In a bid to further increase flexibility, customers now have multiple choices about how they order their food and drinks. Customers can order from a web-based ordering system via a QR code at their seat. The app will feature the whole menu and customers can simply place their order which will be delivered to their seat wherever they are sitting. Customers will still have the option to use a single-use printed menu and order via the Clubhouse’s waiter service.
In Quotes
Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operating Officer commented,
“We’re delighted to finally be back on our home turf, and I know our teams can’t wait to warmly welcome our customers to Terminal 3, as they return to the skies in style, as they fly safe and well with Virgin Atlantic.
“Whilst it’s a constructive step that many of our customers can imminently enjoy our much-loved facilities the Government still needs to recognise the US as a “Green” destination. Whilst travel between the UK and US is closed, £23 million in economic value each day is restricted. We urge the UK Government to move the US to the UK’s ‘Green list’ and for the Biden administration to repeal the 212F proclamation for UK travellers.”
Nadia Clinton, Delta’s Regional Sales Manager, said:
“Moving back to our home in Terminal 3 will allow our customers to once again enjoy the award-winning experience they have missed during the pandemic. Given current vaccination rates, we know customers can travel safely between our two countries. A recent study conducted by the Mayo Clinic, coupled with robust air filtration systems and mask mandates on board, put the risk of transmission on a plane traveling between the UK and US at 1 in 1 million. We implore the UK and US Governments to allow non-essential travel to resume.”
Check before you travel
With Terminal 3 fully opening for inbound and outbound traffic, it may be time for other airlines to leave other Terminals they may be occupying. Keep an eye on https://www.heathrow.com/at-the-airport/terminal-guides/which-terminal to check which terminal your airline is operating from.
After all, there’s nothing more embarrassing than the mad dash between terminals if you’re not prepared for it.
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