Experiences of Virgin Holidays??

[ToryStelling]

I’m being optimistic that we’ll be able to go on holiday towards the end of the year. It’s a milestone birthday for me in October and we’re definitely ready for a break!

I rarely book package deals, but it seems like the safest option at the moment, particularly as some companies (including Virgin) are offering free date/destination changes.

I just wondered if anyone has used Virgin Holidays before, and would you recommend them? Also, did anyone have experience of dealing with them last year for cancellations/refunds?

[amusedbush]

I haven't used them since 2013 - not because I didn't like them, but because they have since been hundreds of pounds more expensive than competitors for the same holiday.

However, I know several people who had holidays with them cancelled last year and the refund timescale was a joke. 3+ months, couldn't get through on the phone, ignored emails, etc.

[ToryStelling]

Thanks @amusedbush that doesn’t sound great!

We’ve actually found their prices fairly reasonable, but then we’re looking at destinations where other tour operators don’t offer much choice.

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

We've used them every time we've been to the US and they've been fine.

[billybagpuss]

They were dreadful over covid, we lost our not insignificant deposit as It was impossible to discuss anything with them. I literally spent 4 hours waiting in queue to talk to someone only to be cut off, it then took an incredibly long time to get the rest of our money back.

Covid aside, they have always been fine as an operator but I would not trust them now for a very long time.

[amusedbush]

@ToryStelling

Thanks *@amusedbush* that doesn’t sound great!

We’ve actually found their prices fairly reasonable, but then we’re looking at destinations where other tour operators don’t offer much choice.

Ah, I’ve only looked at New York trips through Virgin. We’ve been a few times, the first was with them but every time I’ve looked since they’ve been charging (for example) £1200pp for flights and 7 nights in a hotel when BA is £900pp for the same holiday.

My parents have booked a holiday to Barbados through them though (now moved to 2022!) and seem very happy.

[whippitwoowoo]

Try Travelbag or trailfinders op. They were brilliant last year. No hassle to get a refund on a 10k holiday.

[guessmyusername]

We went with them to New York prior to Covid and didn't have any problems, except our return pick up was far too early and we were at the airport about 5 hours before our flight. When we got home I was asked to fill in a questionnaire about our trip and commented on this. I got a reply which didn't even apologise.

[Whatalottachocca]

We used them to visit Florida and were flown home by them many years ago when my DS became ill while in the USA. They were partnered with the airline we were meant to fly home with & when my DS was discharged from hospital, flew us home and we’re absolutely wonderful.

[Whatalottachocca]

Were not we’re!

[Pheebs2021]

We had an absolute diabolical experience with them when covid first hit I honestly wouldn't consider them again.

[wonderstuff]

I had a great holiday with them pre-covid, very good value too. But I've heard they were rubbish at getting people's money sorted over covid which put me off. Not entirely sure how well they've failed as a business, I'd be a bit worried about them going under.

We've booked a US trip for August, got a flydrive booked with BA who are doing free transfers of flights or vouchers should you want to cancel. We're going to Florida (hopefully) and have accommodation booked separately with just a deposit down and ability to cancel at fairly short notice.

[wonderstuff]

How well they've faired

When will I learn to proof read?

[billybagpuss]

@wonderstuff

How well they've faired

When will I learn to proof read?

Tbh I think your first word was equally as appropriate, they were asking for gov bailouts and have a fleet of planes to maintain, I hope they do survive, but I have my doubts and it will take me quite some time to forgive the horrendous customer service and loss of 2020.