Virgin Atlantic launches hand baggage only fares

As widely expected, Virgin Atlantic has introduced hand baggage only (HBO) fares. It has also announced an upgrade for some economy seats.

The changes are as follows:

There will now be three different economy classes. They are:

• Economy light: this is essentially a HBO (hand baggage only) product as already offered by US airline Delta (which owns 49 percent of Virgin Atlantic) and some other European airlines. More rivals will follow next month. It remains unclear whether or not HBO tariffs will be limited to transatlantic routes.
• Economy classic: this is economy as it currently exists, but with free seat assignment and priority check-in and boarding.
• Economy delight. This is the most spacious of the options: for those who seek more space. Passengers gain 34 ins of pitch (legroom) which is three inches more than normal.  Although its price will be higher it will still undercut premium economy (where pitch/seat size are larger still).

The airline said details on pricing for the new products and the aircraft that will feature the new products will be available at a later date. Virgin’s Boeing 787 aircraft would be losing six economy classic seats to make room for more economy delight seats.

The new seating options will be introduced in the spring although no exact date has been given. Virginatlantic.com