I’m off to Virgin Atlantic’s 40th birthday celebrations
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22nd June marks 40 years since Richard Branson’s airline first flew. To mark its ‘Ruby anniversary’ it is throwing a big party in Las Vegas (stay tuned for more on that!) as well as introducing a variety of special birthday treats.
Keep your eyes peeled for a special 40th Birthday logo inspired by “the bold stripe on Virgin Atlantic’s first aircraft, Maiden Voyager”.
Exclusive to Virgin’s Heathrow Clubhouse, you’ll find an exclusive zesty pale ale: “brewed in Wimbledon with English Maris Otter and Cara malt, it has a juicy aroma that punches above its weight.”
The Heathrow Clubhouse will also host a heritage display of vintage Virgin Atlantic crew uniforms, from 1984 right up until the current, Vivienne Westwood-designed outfits launched in 2014. This sounds interesting and I hope the airline will consider making it a permanent part of the lounge.
In Clubhouses worldwide you’ll find a new cocktail called Maiden Voyager, after the airline’s first 747. Virgin describes it as “A fruity and fun cocktail, Maiden Voyager is a modern take on the iconic 80s ‘Woo Woo’ cocktail, including vodka, peach puree, fresh lime, grenadine, egg white and peach bitters.”
Naturally, you’ll be able to order a slice of 40th birthday cake in all the Clubhouses: a red velvet sponge with whipped cream and berries.
Onboard, the classic Virgin Redhead cocktail will be available in all cabins for the first time and features gin, mixed berries, a twist of lemon and a splash of prosecco. It has been made a permanent addition to the onboard drinks list. You can make your own at home by following the instructions here.
Mile High Tea, available on (I think) most west-bound transatlantic flights will also feature a 40th Birthday makeover with a redesigned commemorative box or trayliner.
In Upper Class, you’ll get the usual selection of finger sandwiches as well as “an elderflower & blueberry scone, a lemon and blackcurrant slice of birthday cake with a white chocolate disc and edible flowers, and a raspberry macaron with the airline’s 40th birthday logo topper.”
I’ll be bringing you more from Virgin Atlantic’s 40th Birthday on board the celebratory flight to Las Vegas – stay tuned!
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How to earn Virgin Points from UK credit cards (April 2025)
As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Virgin Points from UK credit cards. Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.
You can choose from two official Virgin Atlantic credit cards (apply here, the Reward+ card has a bonus of 18,000 Virgin Points and the free card has a bonus of 3,000 Virgin Points):
Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard
18,000 bonus points and 1.5 points for every £1 you spend Read our full review
Virgin Atlantic Reward Mastercard
3,000 bonus points, no fee and 1 point for every £1 you spend Read our full review
You can also earn Virgin Points from various American Express cards – and these have sign-up bonuses too.
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is FREE for a year and comes with 20,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 20,000 Virgin Points.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold
Your best beginner’s card – 30,000 points, FREE for a year & four airport lounge passes Read our full review
The Platinum Card from American Express comes with 50,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 50,000 Virgin Points.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
The Platinum Card from American Express
80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review
Small business owners should consider the two American Express Business cards. Points convert at 1:1 into Virgin Points.
American Express Business Platinum
50,000 points when you sign-up and an annual £200 Amex Travel credit Read our full review
American Express Business Gold
20,000 points sign-up bonus and FREE for a year Read our full review
Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Virgin Points.
