LHR to TPA

[kampta80]

I have just booked flights from LHR to TPA in December 2025 through Virgin Holidays

The outward flight time is 11:00 - 16:10 (VS129) which is what we flew in December 2023.

However, I am slightly dubious as although I have booked on pre-release lots of times before with no issues, looking at the released flight times for that route for this year and into next year, all the VS129 LHR to TPA flights seem to leave at 14:50 and land at 19:30/20:00 which is a massive difference.

Does anyone have any idea?

[Softy]

Yep you’re right to be dubious. There’s been a few threads on this recently. People keep getting caught out by it. It’s not on imo and it’s one of the many pitfalls to booking with an agent.
When the flights are actually released, at some point you’ll get an update from Virgin holidays.

[kampta80]

Originally Posted by Softy

Yep you’re right to be dubious. There’s been a few threads on this recently. People keep getting caught out by it. It’s not on imo and it’s one of the many pitfalls to booking with an agent.
When the flights are actually released, at some point you’ll get an update from Virgin holidays.

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I think you are right.

I just had a telephone conversation with them and they gave me the usual line about the "times not being confirmed as not released yet" and "all flights being subject to change" (which I know), but I don't think they could quite see what I was saying.

I know all the above, but seeing as all VS129 flights leave at 14:50 now (up to Nov 2025 which is as far forward as I can look) it is surely unlikely to change to 11:00.

To be honest, it isn't the end of the world as that day is a right off either way, but landing at 20:00 from the UK is horribly late. Might help with the jetlag on the 1st day there though!

[Softy]

I said it in one of the other threads where they were offered 3 times. It’s a bait and switch. You’re overpaying for something that doesn’t even exist, and won’t.

[kampta80]

Originally Posted by Softy

I said it in one of the other threads where they were offered 3 times. It’s a bait and switch. You’re overpaying for something that doesn’t even exist, and won’t.

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It's just strange as they have never played these tactics before and we always book on pre-release. The flight usually stays the same (or is adjusted by 30-60 mins max).

[Claudette]

Originally Posted by kampta80

It's just strange as they have never played these tactics before and we always book on pre-release. The flight usually stays the same (or is adjusted by 30-60 mins max).

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So in the past the guesswork has been a bit better or Virgin have simply managed to get similar slots for the following year.

But this flight has not been released yet and yes I would bet that when it is released it will be a later departure in line with the previous months. If you want to make an informed decision on which flight to book, it is best to wait until they are released.

[kampta80]

Originally Posted by Claudette

So in the past the guesswork has been a bit better or Virgin have simply managed to get similar slots for the following year.

But this flight has not been released yet and yes I would bet that when it is released it will be a later departure in line with the previous months. If you want to make an informed decision on which flight to book, it is best to wait until they are released.

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Thank you - I'm wondering now whether to change to the VS91 flight (which is LHR to MCO departing at 09:50 landing at 14:30) as that is the schedule for that flight for Sept/Oct 2025 so I'm thinking likely the same for Dec 2025 (although this year that flight leaves at 13:00.

It would be more expensive, but IF it did depart at 09:50 that would be amazing!

All a bit of a gamble!...

[Softy]

A recent thread with the same issue:

https://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/sho... php?t=1284243

[kampta80]

Originally Posted by Softy

A recent thread with the same issue:

https://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/sho... php?t=1284243

See more...

Thank you.

Just found this which may be of use to some...

https://www.flight.info/VS91

This shows the LHR to MCO flight changing to a 9:50am departure from 30th March 2025. Not set in stone I know, but gives some indication.

I think I'm going to hold tight until the flights are actually released and then if the TPA one does change from what we have 'booked' I will see how many more £££ it will be to change to MCO instead. I dread to think the difference in cost though! Unless I'm lucky with Jan sales or something!

[ITFCAbroad]

You’ll know what it is planned to be when you can see the flights for Sunday 26th October 25 to book in the virgin website (so 330 days before then) . Those will be the times loaded in to Virgin’s system for the winter 25 season as airline timetables switch for the season on that day up to end of March. Might be some variation during the week but looking at that full week from the 26th will give you an early indication.

Of course doesn’t stop them tweaking the timetable and changing them 6 months later.