A new RTW (round-the-world) fare celebrates the fact that it’s now possible to circle the globe using Virgin airlines (see online news, February 18).
It’s the first time ever that Virgin has marketed such a ticket. Although the carrier has offered globe-circling tickets in the past, these were in conjunction with carriers like Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand.
“Virgin Global West” and “Virgin Global East” are the two tickets and they are being sold at an introductory price of £1,239 (including taxes and charges). They cover economy class flights routed either east or westbound.
Heading east from London Heathrow would take you to Hong Kong then on to Sydney. From Australia you would return home via Los Angeles.
At a later date, the airline says it hopes to offer business class and premium economy versions.
The launch fare can only be booked by telephone on +44 (0)8705 747 747. It is available for sale until March 6 and covers departures from London between now and April 19.
Visit virgin-atlantic.com, vaustralia.com.au, for more information.
Report by Alex McWhirter