Virgin Atlantic Cancellation Policy

Virgin Atlantic cancellation policy allows you to cancel your flight depending on the fare conditions of your ticket. Refundable fares can be cancelled basis the fare rules of your ticket, whereas non-refundable fares like Economy Light cannot be cancelled. You can cancel your ticket online, by phone, or through your travel agent. 

Overview of Virgin Atlantic Flight Cancellation Policy

Virgin Atlantic flight cancellation policy accommodates passenger needs by allowing 

free cancellations within 24 hours of booking for all open-to-public fares purchased 7 or more days before departure. After this period, cancellation fees may apply, and the cancellation charges will depend on the fare type and route. To prevent last-minute surprises, go through the major highlights of Virgin Atlantic cancellation policy below before booking your ticket.

• Economy Light tickets cannot be cancelled or refunded. However, depending on the fare rules for your route, you may be able to change them. 
• The following fares can be cancelled and refunded per the fare rules of the ticket:
  • Economy Classic 
  • Economy Delight
  • Premium
  • Upper Class
• Virgin Atlantic cancellation policy for refundable tickets is as follows:
  • Refundable tickets sold at a discount are partly or fully non-refundable, depending on the fare conditions of the ticket. 
  • Unused refundable tickets can be cancelled and refunded, incl. airline-imposed charges, taxes, fees, surcharges, and other charges paid by you.
  • Partly used refundable tickets that have no restrictions on them will be refunded on a pro-rata basis based on the unused part of the ticket. No administrative fee will be deducted. 
• Virgin Atlantic cancellation policy for non-refundable tickets is as follows:
  • If you cancel a fully or partly unused non-refundable fare, you will only be refunded the taxes, government/airport fees, and government scheme costs.
  • If you cancel a non-refundable fare and qualify for a refund under the EU’s Regulation 261/2004, you will be refunded the unused portion of your ticket.
  • If a refund is required under applicable law or requested due to a schedule change, flight disruption, or boarding denial, you will be entitled to the refund after the deduction of an administrative fee not exceeding £30 per traveler (£3 for an infant) unless the refund is mandatory under Regulation 261/2004, or other applicable laws, or because your flight is delayed by at least 3 hours and you furnish proof that the schedule change will cause you to miss a connecting flight or cruise and you had provided enough buffer time to make the connection as laid out by the airport or cruise provider. 
  • If a passenger dies before she/he can complete the trip, the unused portion of the ticket will be refunded without the deduction of an administrative fee.  
  • To avoid losing money, consider purchasing travel insurance just in case you need to cancel.    
• You will not be entitled to any refund on a refundable ticket or if you are unable to travel due to events beyond your control if:
  • You request a refund after your ticket has expired unless you’re unable to travel due to sudden illness (yours or that of a co-passenger travelling with you). However, you must present a medical certificate in which case the validity of your ticket will be extended till you’re fit to travel again, or
  • You present your flight ticket to Virgin Atlantic or a government official as proof that you intend to leave the country unless you can prove that are permitted to stay in the country or leave the country on a different airline or mode of transport, or
  • Virgin refuses to transport you on its flight due to unacceptable behavior, baggage violations, documentation issues, non-payment, or safety reasons (incl. but not limited to pets/assistance dogs adversely impacting the welfare or health of other passengers), etc. 
• If you purchase your ticket from a travel agent, you must request the agent directly to cancel your ticket. 

Virgin Atlantic Refund Policy 

Virgin Atlantic refund policy will depend on what type of ticket you’ve purchased and the circumstances under which you need to cancel your ticket. For example, if you cancel a booking within 24 hours of purchase, you are eligible for a full refund provided you purchased the ticket at least 7 days before departure. 

However, refunds are generally not provided for non-refundable tickets or cancellations made after the 24-hour window, unless due to special circumstances such as severe illness, bereavement, other emergencies, and schedule changes. That’s why it is important to review the fare rules and conditions (below) at the time of booking to understand any potential fees or restrictions associated with refunds. 

In certain cases, such as Virgin Atlantic flight cancellations, schedule changes initiated by Virgin Atlantic, or boarding denials, you may be entitled to a full refund. For more specific information regarding Virgin Atlantic refund policy, go through the points below or contact Virgin Atlantic for assistance.

• You should manage all refund-related requests through the online Refund Form, by phone, or by email to online.application@fly.virgin.com.
• How to process a refund. You can only request a refund if:
  • Your ticket is un-used or partially unused 
  • You cancel and refund an original ticket prior to midnight the day after ticketing 
  • The passenger or a close relative dies, subject to compliance to all fare conditions
  • The travel agent or Sales Support authorizes your refund
  • Your flight undergoes a schedule change per Virgin’s Global Schedule Change policy
• If your refund request is routed through an authorized travel agent for the above reasons, the airline will charge an administration fee of £30 per ticket from the refund amount due. 
• Refund outside the standard conditions of your ticket. You may be entitled to a full refund of your ticket on specific sectors due to:
  • Flight Cancellation by the airline
  • Bereavement, i.e., of the passenger/traveling companion (or of an immediate family member, whether travelling or not) prior to ticket usage, in which case a full refund will be made subject to the presentation of a death certificate to Virgin Atlantic.
  • Waiver. You can apply for a fee waiver with Virgin Atlantic if you feel there’s a genuine reason to waive the standard conditions of your ticket. 
• The cancellation fee will be basis the fare component in some cases and per the most restrictive conditions in other cases, depending on the fare conditions of the ticket.  If the cancellation fee is more than the fare, it will be deducted from the fuel surcharge (YQ). 
• The refund amount for the unused sectors of a partially used ticket will be calculated after deducting the fare and taxes on the fully flown sectors (if the fare rules of your ticket permit).
• Unless Virgin agrees or is required by law, refunds will only be made:
  • To the person who pays for the ticket
  • To the person who can prove that he/she paid for the ticket, and 
  • To the person who proves that she/he is entitled to receive the refund 
  • If the airline or its authorized agent issued the ticket and authorized the refund 

Refund time. Refunds typically take 14 working days to reflect in your account after they are processed.

How to Claim a Refund from Virgin Atlantic?

To claim a refund from Virgin Atlantic, you’ll need to fill out the online Refund Form, as explained below. 

• If you purchased your ticket with Points, you must fill out the Claim a refund for your booking form on the Refund Form page. 
• If you purchased your ticket through a travel agent or different airline, you must contact the travel agent or airline directly to claim a refund. 
• If your flight is cancelled or the schedule change exceeds 3 hours, you can claim a refund for the unused portion of your ticket via the Refund Form. Be sure to mention in the comment box that the refund is for the unused part of your ticket due to flight disruption.
• If you’re not sure about the amount of refund, you’ll need to complete the Request a quote for your refund form on the Refund Form.
• To claim a refund for your seats, excess baggage, or upgrades, you’ll need to fill out the Claim a refund for your seats/upgrades/excess baggage form on the Refund Form. 
• To claim a refund for your full booking as well as seats, excess baggage, or upgrades, you will need to submit both Claim a refund for your booking AND claim a refund of your seats/upgrades/excess baggage forms on the Refund Form. 

If you’ve already requested a refund and require assistance, you must contact Customer Center at 0344 874 7747 between 7am to 10pm (all days) and provide your refund claim details. If you’re calling from the U.S., call +1 800 862 8621.

Virgin Atlantic Flight Cancellations and Disruptions Policy

Virgin Atlantic flight cancellations and flight disruption policy provides passengers with necessary support and assistance in the event of flight delays, cancellations, or other disruptions. The policy outlines the airline’s commitment to ensuring that passengers are informed about any changes to their flights and are provided with suitable alternative options, such as rebooking on a later flight or receiving a refund. The policy also aims to minimize any inconvenience caused by offering compensation, meals, and accommodation when necessary. 

• Virgin Atlantic complies with the requirements of EC Regulation 261/2004, which establishes common rules on assistance and compensation to passengers in case of Virgin Atlantic flight cancellations, long flight delays, and boarding denials. 
• If your flight is delayed by more than 4 hours on a long-haul route, you will be provided:
  • Meals and refreshments in relation to your waiting time, plus 
  • 2 short phone calls, telex, email, or fax messages
• If your flight is delayed by more than 5 hours, you are entitled to all of the above, plus the option to:
  • Cancel your flight and obtain a refund for the unused part of your ticket, as well as for the part of a trip already made if your onward trip does not serve your purpose. And if required, if you have already travelled one or more segments of your trip, you will be offered a return flight to the first point of departure on the next available flight, or
  • Take the alternative flight offered to you under comparable conditions, subject to seat availability. 
  • Take a later flight to your destination under comparable conditions, subject to seat availability (but the hotel accommodation, meals, and transportation costs must be borne by you). 

If an overnight stay is required, you will be offered free hotel accommodation and transportation between the airport and the hotel. However, this will not apply if you opt for an alternative flight at a later date.

Virgin Atlantic Award Cancellation Policy

Virgin Atlantic award cancellation policy allows Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members to cancel (or change) award tickets and have their points redeposited into their accounts. This policy applies to all award tickets effective from November 30, 2021

Virgin Atlantic award cancellation fee

 If you cancel an award ticket at least 24 hours before flight departure, 100% of your Virgin Points will be re-credited to your account. However, unless EC Regulation 261/2004 or other rules prevent it, you will be charged a cancellation fee of: 

• £30 for cancelling a flight originating in the UK
• USD 50 for cancelling a flight originating in the US
• The equivalent of USD 50 for cancelling a flight originating in any other region

For tickets purchased with Points and money, cancellations and refunds will be subject to the fare rules of your ticket. If you use your Virgin Points to apply for a discount, your Points will not be refunded unless your flight is modified, suspended, cut back, or cancelled. However, if you use Virgin Points to book a flight but don’t travel on the flight, the points will be re-credited to your account. 

Virgin Atlantic Cancelled Flight Policy

If your flight has been cancelled or affected by a schedule change, you can:

• Choose an alternative flight under similar conditions on a date that is convenient to you, at no additional cost. To rebook, contact Virgin Atlantic cancel flight directly, or the travel agent through whom you booked your ticket.
  OR
• Convert your ticket into a Travel Voucher if the option is available, and use it later within its validity period to travel on Virgin Atlantic. If your new ticket is costlier, you’ll need to pay the fare difference. You can also rebook your flight to another destination, subject to seat availability and additional charges, if any.
  OR
• Obtain a refund of the unused flight(s). If you booked directly with the airline, you can apply for a refund online.  

If your flight is cancelled within 14 days of departure and the alternative flight offered by Virgin Atlantic is more than 4 hours later than the originally scheduled flight, you may be entitled to compensation under European Union’s Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. However, no compensation will apply if: 

• The flight cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances that Virgin could not have avoided, such as bad weather, political instability, security risks, unexpected flight safety issues, strikes, etc. 
• You’re travelling free of charge or on a reduced fare not available to the general public.

You will only be entitled to cancelled flight compensation if you hold a confirmed reservation on the concerned flight, and have completed all your check-in procedures at least 60 minutes prior to departure. If you booked your ticket directly with Virgin Atlantic, you can apply for compensation using the online application form for each passenger (along with your full flight details). Your application will be processed in chronological order from the date of receipt. You will receive an acknowledgment mail within 14 days of documentation submission. Your application will typically be processed within 28 days, but it could take longer.
For compensation amounts, refer to the Virgin Atlantic Compensation section.

Virgin Atlantic 24 Hour Cancellation Policy

According to Virgin Atlantic 24 hour cancellation policy, if you purchase a ticket at least 7 days prior to departure time, you can cancel it within 24 hours of booking and get a full refund. The Virgin Atlantic 24-hour cancellation Policy applies to all types of tickets, incl. non-refundable ones.

How to Cancel a Virgin Atlantic Flight?

You can cancel a Virgin Atlantic flight in 3 ways:

• Online via My Booking
• By phone 

Through your travel agent

Cancel Virgin Atlantic Flight Online

To cancel your Virgin Atlantic flight online, follow the steps below:

1. Go to the homepage, VirginAtlantic.com
2. Select My booking
3. Enter your booking reference/eTicket number and name (first and last)
4. Hit the search button (🡪) 
5. Select your flight booking

Click on the Cancel Flight option

Virgin Atlantic Cancel Flight by Phone?

To cancel a Virgin Atlantic flight by phone, call Virgin Atlantic customer service and follow the prompts to speak with a representative. Be sure to have your booking reference number/eTicket number, flight number, and date of travel ready, as you will need to provide these to the representative. They will guide you through the cancellation process and let you know of any applicable cancellation fees. 

Cancelling by phone allows for personalized assistance and ensures that all necessary information is correctly communicated. Remember to call as soon as possible to avoid any potential penalties or restrictions.

Virgin Atlantic Compensation for Cancelled Flight 

You may be eligible to receive compensation if Virgin cancels your flight within 14 days of the scheduled departure date, or if your flight’s arrival time is delayed by more than 3 hours. However, this will depend on the reason for the cancellation or delay, and the arrival time of your delayed or new flight. 

If you are informed of your flight cancellation within 14 days of your departure date, the cancelled flight compensation will depend on your flight distance and the delay in the scheduled arrival time of your new flight compared to the original flight, as shown below. 

• For long-haul flights (more than 3,500km), the cancelled flight compensation is:
  • £260 if your new flight is scheduled to land within 4 hours of the original flight’s arrival time.
  • £520 if your new flight is scheduled to land 4 hours after the original flight’s arrival time.
• For medium-haul flights (1,500 – 3,500km), the cancelled flight compensation is:
  • £175 if your new flight is scheduled to land within 3 hours of the original flight’s arrival time.
  • £350 if your new flight is scheduled to land 3 hours after the original flight’s arrival time.
• For short-haul flights (less than 1,500km), the cancelled flight compensation is:
  • £220 if your new flight is scheduled to land more than 2 hours after the original flight’s arrival time.

You will not be entitled to any compensation if Virgin informs you of the flight cancellation:

• 2 weeks to 7 days before the scheduled departure time of the original flight and offers you an alternative flight departing within 2 hours before the scheduled departure time and landing at your destination less than 4 hours after the scheduled arrival time of the original flight.
  OR
• Less than 7 days before the scheduled departure of the original flight and offers you an alternative flight departing within 1 hour before the scheduled time of departure and landing at your destination within 2 hours after the scheduled arrival time of the original flight.

If the reason for the flight cancellation (or delay) is beyond Virgin Atlantic control, or due to a disruption that could not have been avoided even if the airline took all reasonable measures. Such reasons can include poor weather conditions, decisions of air traffic management, national disasters, unforeseen flight safety issues, political instability, industrial disputes, security risks, etc.

Virgin Atlantic Boarding Denial Policy Due to Overbooking 

If Virgin Atlantic denies you boarding due to a seat shortage, you can use a scheme known as Virgin Select for voluntary boarding denials. The scheme provides an opportunity to surrender your seat and receive a refund of the unused ticket or fly later on a Virgin flight free of charge or at a discounted rate. If you volunteer for the scheme, you will also be entitled to free meals, refreshments, and overnight accommodation based on your waiting time. 

Tip. You can collect the full details of the scheme from Virgin’s airport staff. 

If you’re involuntarily denied boarding (against your will), you have the right to receive compensation, depending on your new flight’s scheduled arrival time. 

• If your new flight’s scheduled arrival time is within 4 hours of the original flight’s arrival time, you will receive a compensation of £220.
• If your new flight’s scheduled arrival time is 4 hours after the original flight’s arrival time, you will receive a compensation of £520.

In addition to the above compensation, you can: 

• Cancel your flight and receive a refund of the unused portion of your ticket, as well as for the used portion of your ticket if the flight no longer serves any purpose.
  OR
• Take the next available flight to your destination under comparable conditions, subject to seat availability. 

OR

• Take a convenient flight at a later date to your destination under comparable conditions, subject to seat availability. If you choose this option, you will need to pay for your hotel accommodation, meals, and transportation 
• You will also be entitled to receive proper care in the form of:
  • Meals and refreshments (depending on the waiting time), plus 2 short phone calls, email messages, faxes, or telexes. 
  • Hotel accommodation if your new flight’s departure requires an overnight wait, in addition to transportation to and from the hotel. 

Note

• You will only be entitled to the above benefits and services if you have a confirmed booking on the concerned flight, and 
• You have presented yourself at the check-in desk at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time of your flight 

Exceptions. You will not be entitled to the above if: 

• You’re travelling for free, or at a discounted fare not available to the public
  (this does not include award tickets booked with frequent flyer points)
• You were denied boarding due to safety or health reasons, or due to inadequate documentation.

Boarding Denial Policy for Passengers Departing from U.S. Airports 

If you were denied boarding on a flight departing from an airport in the United States, you will be provided care and relief based on the US Department of Transportation’s Regulations (14 CFR 250.9). 

The involuntary denied boarding compensation on oversold international Virgin Atlantic flights departing from the U.S. to a foreign point is as follows:

• Nil if Virgin Atlantic offers alternative transportation that is scheduled to arrive at your first stopover or destination within 1 hour of the original flight. 
• 2 times the fare to your destination or first stopover, subject to a maximum of USD 675 if you’re offered an alternative mode of transportation that reaches your first stopover or destination more than 1 hour but less than 4 hours after your original flight. 
• 4 times the fare to your destination or first stopover, subject to a maximum of USD 1,350 if Virgin is unable to offer alternative transportation scheduled to land at your first stopover or destination less than 4 hours after the scheduled arrival time of the original flight. 

Exceptions. You will not be entitled to denied boarding compensation if: 

• You do not comply with Virgin’s requirements related to ticketing, check-in, and reconfirmation, or you failed to comply with the airline’s normal rules, or 
• Your flight is cancelled, or 
• An aircraft with a smaller capacity is substituted for operational or safety reasons, or 
• An aircraft with 60 or fewer seats requires a limit to its payload for safety reasons, or 
• You are re-accommodated in a different section of the aircraft than that indicated on your ticket at no extra charge (you will, however, be entitled to an appropriate refund if you’re placed in a lower-fare seat), or 
• You’re re-accommodated on a different flight(s) scheduled to reach the next stopover or final destination no later than 1 hour after your original flight’s scheduled arrival time. 

The involuntary denied boarding compensation will be paid by cashor check on the same day and place where the involuntary denied boarding takes place. However, if Virgin arranges alternative transportation that departs before the payment can be made, then the payment will be sent to you within 24 hours. If Virgin offers free or discounted transportation instead of cash, the choice to opt for it or reject it is entirely yours and you cannot be forced to opt for the former (i.e., free/discounted transportation).

If You Want to Change Your Travel Plans due to Government Advice 

If the U.S., U.K., or Commonwealth Office issue a Travel Warning post ticket purchase advising against travel to their respective areas, you can rebook your ticket up to 3 months after the original flight, regardless of your fare type. However, you may have to pay for seasonal supplements, if applicable. If your new is lower, the balance will be refunded to you. 

If You Miss Your Flight due to Force Majeure

If you’re unable to travel due to Force Majeure reasons (such as the total shutdown of public transport services to the airport), you can apply for a travel credit for the non-refundable portion of your fare and use it for future travel on the following conditions: 

• You must inform the airline and furnish proof of Force Majeure at the airport, by phone, or by email at customer.services@fly.virgin.com. 
• You must pay the applicable administration fee. 
• You must retain your original ticket. 

If your application is accepted, you will be issued an appropriate credit less administration fee and commission fees.

Virgin Atlantic Cancellation Fee

Virgin Atlantic cancellation fee will depend on what type of ticket you’ve purchased (refundable or non-refundable) and the circumstances under which you cancel your ticket.

The cancellation fees charged by Virgin Atlantic are nil if:

• You cancel any ticket within 24 hours of booking provided you purchase it at least 7 days before departure. 
• You cancel a fully flexible ticket at least 2 hours departure. 
• You are unable to travel due to a natural disaster, force majeure situation, severe illness, or death, subject to documentary proof (alternatively, you may be offered a change fee waiver and undertake your journey later).
• Your flight is cancelled or delayed by at least 5 hours.
• Your flight is rescheduled and no longer serves any purpose.

The cancellation fee charged for non-refundable tickets is the entire fare paid less any government/airport taxes and fees.

Virgin Atlantic Cancellation Policy (FAQs)

If you have travel plans with Virgin Atlantic and need to cancel your flight, it’s important to understand the airline cancellation policy. From refund eligibility to fees and procedures, knowing the ins and outs of the Virgin Atlantic cancellation policy can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. This FAQ guide addresses some frequently asked questions regarding Virgin Atlantic cancellation policy and provides you with the information you need to navigate any changes to your travel itinerary with ease.