Virgin Atlantic will not offer complimentary ground transfers for Upper Class passengers from July 1.

This includes chauffeur cars, limobikes and Heathrow and Gatwick Express tickets.

Chauffeur services will continue to be available as an added cost, as they currently are for customers travelling on non-eligible fares.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson told Business Traveller:

“We are always evaluating our services to ensure they meet the needs of our customers.

“As the habits of our Upper Class customers change and the demand for complimentary ground transfer continues to decrease, we’ve made the decision to change how we offer this service.

“For bookings made from July 1, 2020, ground transfers will become an additional option for guests to purchase.”

Currently a private chauffeur is available to everyone who books direct with Virgin Atlantic and flies Upper Class (in fare codes J, C or D) on a Virgin Atlantic plane.

Airlines such as Emirates have begun ‘unbundling’ their tickets, offering business class tickets for different fares depending on access to services such as a chauffeur, lounge access and seat selection.

The Virgin spokesperson added:

“We continue to invest heavily in our much-loved Upper Class product, focusing on what our customers have told us they want.

“We’ll be introducing eight further A350 aircraft in 2020 and 2021, so that more customers can experience the stunning A350 Upper Class suite and the new Loft area, as well as a brand new Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in Manchester this summer.”

Read our review of Upper Class on the new A350 here:

Flight review: Virgin Atlantic A350-1000 Upper Class Suite

virginatlantic.com