Flying is about to feel very different for travellers with Virgin Atlantic thanks to a major change set to transform how passengers spend hours in the air
A Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350(Image: Getty Images)
Passengers flying with Virgin Atlantic will start to notice a major change the moment they board. The airline has confirmed it will begin rolling out a new onboard service that promises to change the in-flight experience entirely.
Installation of Starlink will begin on its Airbus A350 aircraft from May 2026, Virgin Atlantic has announced. It says the new amenity will deliver high-speed, low-latency internet from take-off to the moment you land – but there’s a catch.
It will be available to passengers completely free of charge as part of their journey. This means they can scroll social media, stream TV shows or films, and even make calls or send messages while cruising at 30,000ft.
The first flight to feature the service is expected to depart in early May on route VS153 from London Heathrow to New York JFK. Virgin Atlantic says this marks the beginning of a wider rollout across its long-haul fleet.
All Airbus A350 aircraft are expected to be equipped by early summer, according to the airline. Installation will then expand to Boeing 787 planes later in 2026, reaching around two-thirds of the fleet by the end of the year.
The remaining Airbus A330neo aircraft are set to follow, with full fleet coverage expected by 2027. According to Starlink, its low-Earth-orbit satellite network is designed to deliver faster and more reliable internet, even over remote areas like oceans.
Unlike traditional in-flight Wi-Fi, which relies on older satellite systems, Starlink offers significantly lower latency and higher speeds. According to Ookla, low-Earth-orbit satellite technology can deliver speeds comparable to fixed broadband in some cases.
Virgin Atlantic first announced the partnership in July 2025, becoming the first UK airline to commit to free, fleet-wide Starlink connectivity. The airline says Flying Club members will be able to access the service at no extra cost.
Passengers will be able to stream TV shows, make video calls and browse the internet on multiple devices simultaneously. According to International Air Transport Association, demand for onboard connectivity has surged in recent years, with more travellers expecting seamless internet access in the air.
Juha Järvinen, Chief Customer Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: “We were the first UK airline to announce free, fleet-wide Starlink Wi-Fi, and from May, we’re starting to deliver it for our customers.” He added that the airline aims to achieve full connectivity across its fleet by 2027.
He said the move is part of a wider push to create a “brilliantly connected experience” for passengers. The airline believes the upgrade will allow customers to use their flight time more flexibly, whether for work or leisure.
Industry experts say reliable Wi-Fi is becoming a standard expectation rather than a luxury. According to research from Inmarsat, a majority of airline passengers consider onboard internet a key factor when choosing flights.
Virgin Atlantic’s move is seen as a major step forward in meeting that demand. With rollout beginning in just weeks, passengers could soon experience a new era of fully connected air travel.
AFTER just one day of emergency scenario training and mastering the art of the trolley service, I’ve learnt more about life at 30,000ft than in all my years of flying.
It takes five weeks for Virgin Atlantic cabin crew to earn their wings (qualifying to fly as cabin crew) – I had less than eight hours.
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Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding trained with Virgin Atlantic cabin crew for the dayCredit: Cyann FieldingShe even wore the uniform from Virgin Atlantic’s very own boutiqueCredit: Cyann Fielding
Recently, I joined Virgin Atlantic’s ‘Group 1000’ – the landmark 1,000th cabin crew intake to train at the Canadian Aviation Electronics (CAE) centre in Gatwick – which is part of the world’s largest civil aviation training network.
And across the day I discovered things I never knew about cabin crew and some brilliant tips for when you fly…
Dashing in red
For these recruits, getting their uniform isn’t like getting dressed for school: it’s a rite of passage.
One Group 1000 crew member even told me that getting your ‘red threads’ is like your unofficial graduation before getting your wings.
Having explored Virgin Atlantic’s ‘uniform boutique,’ I knew exactly why.
It’s like stepping into a walk-in wardrobe drenched in two shades of red – bright and burgundy.
Pro tip: Next time you’re on board, look at the shoes.
Female cabin crew will be wearing red ballet flats during the flight for comfort and safety, but pop on their signature red heels when back on the solid ground.
In case of emergency
Donning the iconic Vivienne Westwood red uniform, I was ready to join Group 1000 for the day – though they had already been training for four-and-a-half weeks and had now been wearing their uniform for a few days.
Moving from glamour to grit, I got a sneak peak at what it is like to train for emergencies by sitting in on a scenario with trainees where the cabin filled with smoke.
With noises of the plane grumbling and smoke weaving between rows of seats, it didn’t feel like a movie – it felt terrifyingly real.
Watching the crew spring into action, one shouted “I’m coordinator” while another shouted “I’m the firefighter”.
By defining roles, each cabin crew member knows their responsibilities in the emergency.
The coordinator got to work, ushering passengers away from the smoke; this is the person you must listen to.
The firefighter then calmly investigated the area, using the back of their hand to feel if the panels of the side of the plane were warm.
Cabin crew train for over five weeks at the CAE facility near GatwickCredit: Cyann FieldingTraining includes mock emergency scenarios and learning how to do the trolley serviceCredit: Cyann Fielding
When they found a ‘burning’ iPad (which you might hear them calling a PED (Personal Electronic Device)) another member of the cabin crew opened a special lithium battery fire bag – a piece of kit not every airline has.
It allows cabin crew to seal off the device and the flight to continue as normal.
My biggest surprise, during another training exercise, is that you may not even know a fire is happening.
When a small fire emerged in the area cabin crew prepare food, it was dealt with quickly, without alarming passengers, and the flight was able to continue unaffected.
Cracking the codes
Whoever thought in-flight food service could be so complicated?
I certainly didn’t until I learnt that cabin crew actually have to memorise 14 different food options, each with a specific letter code.
For example, ‘VGML’ means Vegan Meal and ‘CHML’ means child’s meal and will usually be chicken nuggets or pasta.
Passengers can of course request a meal before flying, depending on their needs.
Passengers may not know but there are actually 14 different meal types that can be pre-orderedCredit: Cyann Fielding
For flying with kids, this can be extremely useful to ensure picky kids get an easy meal or a baby gets fruit or veg pouches or a jar of baby food when ‘BBML’ is requested.
There’s even a ‘DBML’ Diet Balanced Meal, which is generally low in sugar, low in salt and low in fat.
Virgin Atlantic also caters for a variety of religions, including a ‘VJML’ Vegetarian Jain Meal, which is prepared according to strict Jain dietary customs and will be in a plastic bag that the passenger opens themselves.
Trolley service secrets
One of the best things about a long haul flight is the free alcohol.
On flights, it comes as a double measure (50ml) and you’ll get a can of mixer.
But don’t be afraid to ask for a second can of mixer if you don’t like your drink strong – they will be more than happy to give it to you.
Virgin Atlantic cabin crew will also make you a cocktail if they have the ingredients.
For example, they can make a Bloody Mary and even have Worcestershire sauce for you to add to it.
And when it comes to the trolley service, crew can even make you a cocktailCredit: Cyann Fielding
They can also make a Screwdriver (orange and vodka) and even have a pre-made Mojito mix that can be drunk on its own or with rum.
Note – they will never ‘lampshade’ (where the cup is placed upside down over the top of a can) as no one knows what might have come into contact with the top of the drinks can…
Avoiding jet lag
Another Pro Tip: If you are on a long-haul flight and want to avoid jet lag, it is best to eat in line with the times of your destination.
For example, say you normally eat lunch at 12pm.
You shouldn’t eat when it is 12pm in the place you have flown from, but instead when it is 12pm at the destination you are flying to.
This helps your body’s circadian rhythm (its internal 24-hour clock) to adjust to your destination’s time zone, helping to reduce jet lag.
Cabin crew also recommend having electrolytes to stay hydratedCredit: Cyann Fielding
Something I will definitely be doing on all my flights in the future is taking electrolytes with me on board.
Group 1000 informed me that flying is highly dehydrating, hence why you should always have water on a flight and remember to drink it.
As such, cabin crew swear by electrolytes as it helps give your body minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium that are essential for hydration, muscle function, nerve signalling and pH balance.
By keeping hydrated, you can also better manage jet lag.
EVEN more Brits will get to explore the delights of Montego Bay as Virgin Atlantic is upping its flight offerings.
Thousands more seats are being added to the airline’s schedule very soon making it much easier for holidaymakers to enjoy Jamaica’s sun and sea.
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Montego Bay in Jamaica has beautiful beaches and highs of 30C year-roundCredit: AlamyVirgin Atlantic is upping its flights to Montego Bay to once a day from June 2026Credit: Alamy
Jamaica is one of the Caribbean‘s most popular islands welcoming around 2.5million visitors every year.
Thanks to its natural beauty and incredible weather – it’s a hit with Brits too.
Currently there are just four flights a week, but from June 1 there will be daily flights between the airports – meaning there will be over 15,000 more seats.
One-way tickets in June with Virgin Atlantic start from £444.
These daily flights which take on average 10 hours and 15-minutes will end on October 24, 2026.
Montego Bay on north-west coast of Jamaica is the capital of the parish of Saint James and is one of the most popular tourist spots on the island.
Of course Brits flock there for its great weather and beautiful bays like Doctor’s Cave Beach.
It’s considered one of the most beautiful in the country with white sand and bright turquoise waters.
Aside from sunbathing and paddling, snorkelling is popular too as swimmers are likely to spot parrotfish, turtles, and small sharks.
Other top-rated beaches in the area include Cornwall Beach, Walter Fletcher Beach and Dead End Beach.
For those who want to explore island life, head to the Hip Strip which is filled with local restaurants, bars, shops, and there’s plenty of nightlife too.
Check out some of our favourite Caribbean holidays…
*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue…
Hotel Capriccio Mare, Dominican Republic
Facing the calm, crystal waters of the Caribbean Sea, Hotel Capriccio Mare looks like a bright white island villa. The hotel’s position on Bavaro’s coastline is perfect for exploring the popular resort town of Punta Cana. Whether it’s strolling the sands to grab a fresh coconut with a straw, or venturing out on a catamaran trip to Saona Island, this dreamy Caribbean resort is not one to miss.
This friendly, family-run hotel is a slice of Caribbean paradise. This hotel sits smack-bang on a sugar-white beach with warm turquoise waters. Enjoy both the beaches of Barbados and its plethora of rum bars – there are about 1,500 of them on the island.
Set on the quiet side of St Kitts’ Frigate Bay, the boutique Sugar Bay Club offers superb value and wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Staff are on hand to assist with island tours, from catamaran cruises to scenic railway excursions.
Amazing Antigua has 365 beaches – one for every day of the year – as well as a fascinating history. This resort in Falmouth Harbour is perfect for exploring the beautiful local area, including Pigeon Point, Nelson’s Dockyard and English Harbour.
Other activities around Montego Bay include scenic bamboo rafting tours on the Martha Brae River which head through the rainforest.
Around an hour away from Montego Bay is Dolphin Cove where there are dolphin experiences and dolphin spotting in natural lagoons.
Back on land, the Rose Hall Great House is another attraction tourists flock to.
It’s a restored 18th-century Georgian mansion and former sugar plantation.
The historic house museum offers tours throughout the day to visitors wanting to learn more about the former owner, the White Witch of Rose Hall.
When it comes to Jamaica, the best months to visit are December through to April when it is at its warmest at around 30C.
During this time it’s mostly dry with low humidity.
You’ll be able to spot dolphins around Montego BayCredit: Alamy
Here’s another Caribbean island to visit with floating bars…
For more on the Caribbean, the islands of Turks and Caicos is rising in popularity due to the conflict in the Middle East – Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited in 2024 and reveals more on the beautiful destination…
She said: “One of the main draws are the stunning beaches – so beautiful in fact they are often named some of the best in the world.
“I spent my jet-lagged mornings walking the length of Grace Bay, with powder soft sand and quiet sunrises. Even in the evening they were just as beautiful with pink sunsets ending the day. And there is not just one, but two floating bars.
“One of the most popular is Captain Oak’s Tiki Bar, which has even welcomed celebs such as Drake and Jake Harlow Tourists have to pay $20 (£15.10) to get there by boat or jet ski.
“Otherwise there is the more vibey Noah’s Ark, which has a floating dance floor as well as sea swings.”
THE world’s best airlines for this year have officially been revealed, and a British airline has made the list.
The World’s Best Airlines for 2026 by Airline Ratings have been announced with the no.1 spot going to Qatar Airways.
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Qatar Airways has been named the best airline in the worldCredit: Getty
AirlineRatings.com’s awards focus on the inflight product and passenger experience, and airlines are awarded based on the experience onboard, as opposed to public opinion or votes.
Airline Ratings stated: “Qatar Airways has again taken the top spot, driven by a consistently strong onboard offering.
“Generous meals, extensive entertainment and, most importantly, clear value for money set it apart.”
And a major British airline has also featured on the list: Virgin Atlantic featured in 13th position.
The British airline currently flies to 32 locations across five continents, including Cape Town in South Africa and Los Angeles in America.
The airline is also launching two new routes this year from London Heathrow to Seoul in South Korea, with daily flights starting on March 29.
There will also be a new seasonal service to Phuket in Thailand, beginning on October 18.
Which? named Virgin Atlantic as one of the best airlines in the world earlier this year as well, placing them third best.
The airline achieved a 79 per cent overall score for customer satisfaction.
Which? commented: “Virgin Atlantic is your best choice for a transatlantic trip – with five stars for customer service.
“Like Emirates, it won’t automatically cancel your return flight if you miss your outbound flight.
“This makes it one of only two Which? Recommended Providers for long-haul economy airlines.”
British airline Virgin Atlantic was also named in the rankings, placing 13thCredit: Getty
Airline Ratings also ranked the best low-cost carriers in the world, with easyJet ranking 8th, Wizz Air ranking 9th, Ryanair ranking 11th, Jet2 ranking 12th, TUI ranking 13th, and Vueling ranking 19th.
Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings.com, said: “It was a tight competition at the top, but Qatar’s value proposition, combined with a superior economy product and award-winning business class, secured that top position once again.
“One of the standout movers this year is Taipei-based STARLUX Airlines.
“With strong cabin service, high-quality catering, and modern interiors, it is rapidly establishing itself as a premium competitor, particularly as it prepares to expand into Europe later this year.”
Full list of world’s best airlines
THESE are the world’s best airlines according to Airline Ratings:
