Is booking with VA high risk?

[Leia77]

First of all, apologies for the negative tone of this post. I know a lot of people are struggling with the uncertainty surrounding our plans, me included.

However, I’ve seen a few comments on here over the past few days that allude to VA being high risk to book with. As with a lot of stuff going on, I know that no one will know for sure, but some on here will have more info than me, so thought I’d ask the question.

[Dr.JumbaJookiba]

Are Virgin Atlantic a risk if travel doesn't resume this year - yes maybe/probably
Am I still booking with them - yes but making sure I use a credit card to get protection.

[loldis]

With a small long haul only fleet that barely broke even pre-Covid, I would say yes. The industry as a whole is suffering but unfortunately I would put them in the higher risk bracket within that.

But, Branson has been selling off a lot both within Atlantic and other group companies to keep it afloat. And they've built a very strong brand reputation that could help them secure additional funding. So I think they will pull through but barely.

Having said that, I will be booking BA as I think they've shown better customer service throughout. The bonus is they should be lower risk, but it's not my primary reason to switch.

[Orlandoguy]

In the short term I think they will be ok, in the long term if things don’t open up then they will be in serious trouble, in August 2020 it was given a £1.2 billion for a rescue plan that would keep it going for 18months. If things don’t improve by the end of those 18 months then I very much doubt if they would manage to raise that kinda money again but who knows

[Keegan]

They're unfortunately in a very dangerous position.

Does this mean i wouldn't book with them? No, i would and have done for January.

Let's hope the borders open for them to get back flying.

[aprilshack]

Aren't you atol/abta protected if they go bust?

[Dr.JumbaJookiba]

Originally Posted by aprilshack

Aren't you atol/abta protected if they go bust?

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No, the OP referred to Virgin Atlantic so flight only bookings have no ABTA or ATOL coverage.

[gjdjud]

I'm nervous about their situation. I have a fly drive booked next year. Haven't they been doing extra flights though to places like the Carribbean due to demand? That must be a positive.

[Mr Tom Morrow]

Would I book a Holiday with Virgin? No as the whole holiday could collapse like a stack of cards.

Would I book a flight only with Virgin Atlantic? Absolutely no problem at all and in fact I have already booked for February and also for late March. If they go under I will just hit the Credit Card Company and within hours rebook with BA.

Personally I think they are fine until next year. They are using their planes for freight a lot so that's bringing in the money.

[PPM]

I’d book with VA ( with a CC of course). If you don’t, and others don’t you just add to their woes.