NEWS & OFFERS: New Virgin app launches, BA’s first Starlink aircraft and new IHG hotel sale

New Virgin Atlantic app launches

Virgin Atlantic announced its new app last year as part of a raft of improvements, and today it is live. You will need to download a completely new app that looks identical to the old one when you search the App Store. You can use the link below to find the new app.

Virgin also announced the launch of their new Concierge last year, an AI assistant that can help with many day-to-day queries and advice for your trip and destination. This is now integrated into the app. You can find it on the top left of the screen with the AI symbol.

The app brings everything together in one place, though you still have to open the website to access certain functions. Unlike BA, you don’t have to keep logging in if it directs you to the website outside of the app. Overall, it is a definite improvement, although I have never found the old app that bad, unlike the one for the Virgin credit card, which has always been counterintuitive to me.  

Virgin says that “the app is designed with Flying Club members at its core but accessible to all, the app is simple to use, built with accessibility in mind and focused on keeping personal details secure”. Flying Club members can track their points and tier progress, see how close they are to their next reward, and manage their account directly within the app, which is useful. You can also see your vouchers. 

You can scan, search, and book flights, choose seats and meals, request assistance, and check in via your phone, with passport scanning technology allowing passenger details to be added quickly. You should also receive updates and time-sensitive information on your flights. 

I will properly test the app when I fly with Virgin Atlantic this spring, so I’ll include more details in my review of the trip. So far I have found the new app simple to use, clear and intuitive on my first use. 

The integration of Virgin Atlantic Holidays bookings will follow in an update to the app in the next few months.

Juha Jaervinen, Chief Customer Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: “We’re excited to officially launch our new mobile app as we mark a major step forward in how our guests experience travel with Virgin Atlantic.

“Designed to be a personal travel companion throughout the journey, the app reflects our focus on creating digital experiences that feel intuitive, thoughtful and unmistakably Virgin Atlantic.

“It brings everything together in one place, making it easier for our guests to manage their journeys and feel supported with the information they need, exactly when they need it, wherever they are in the world.

“This launch is an important milestone in how we continue to care for our guests, delivering the warmth and service they expect from us at every stage of their journey.” 

The new Virgin Atlantic mobile app is now available on iOS and Android: 

https://apps.apple.com/app/6755313143

And

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.virginatlantic.app

British Airways’ first Starlink Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft is coming this month

As well as announcing the very welcome news that (10 years after they were first launched!), CEO Sean Doyle also gave an update on the rollout of Starlink in an email to staff regarding IAG’s latest results.

BA announced last year that it would introduce free, fast Wi-Fi on its aircraft, initially starting at the beginning of this year. It’s not quite the start of 2026, but the good news is that the first Starlink-equipped aircraft is expected to be operational this month. We don’t know the aircraft type yet. BA said that it would be installing it on both short and long-haul aircraft, which is great news. While many airlines have Starlink on long-haul flights, fewer have installed it on short-range aircraft. When it is available, you will get complimentary gate-to-gate super-fast Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream video, work, and stay connected on multiple devices. 

New IHG sale with up to 20% off

IHG’s latest sale starts today with discounts on hotels in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

The sale offers members a minimum 20% off rates for stays until 6 December 2026. The offer is available for bookings until 17 March 2026. The basic offer for non-members is 15% off the Best Flexible Rate with the Book Early and Save Rate at participating IHG Hotels & Resorts. 

A minimum of 3 days’ advance booking is required for the Book Early and Save Rate. Cancellations or changes are not permitted, and a non-refundable deposit is required in full at the time of booking. 

Here are all the places you can use the offer:

You can access this offer on IHG’s website here.