Virgin Atlantic Holidays has become the first UK tour operator to offer stress-free, guaranteed sunshine this winter with the brand-new Escape Pass.
A key challenge for consumers during the pandemic has been the complexity of dynamic quarantine restrictions both in holiday destinations and the UK with more than half of Brits (54%) saying they would be more likely to book a holiday if they knew there was an 100% guarantee they wouldn’t have to self-isolate when they returned home The Escape Pass removes uncertainty in holiday planning by guaranteeing customers they will be able to enjoy their Caribbean break and avoid quarantining when they arrive back in the UK. For added reassurance, customers can also benefit from Virgin Atlantic’s Covid Cover. Covid Cover works alongside customers’ existing travel insurance to ensure any complications related to Covid are covered, adding extra peace of mind.
You just simply choose the length of stay, hotel rating, board basis, and aircraft cabin. You will then receive an ATOL protected Escape Pass which guarantees a Caribbean holiday without quarantining on return to the UK. Countries on offer include Barbados, Antigua, Grenada, and Tobago with plans to include Jamaica and further Caribbean islands as they are added to the UK Government’s Travel Corridor list. The only drawback is that it is not guaranteed until you actually leave but at least you can have that peace of mind.
When asked what their biggest concerns are around self-isolating, being unable to fulfil work commitments (28%) and having to rely on other people (16%) topped the list. As lockdown restrictions are expected to be eased in the coming weeks, respondents overwhelmingly plan to treat themselves to a holiday abroad (31%) (if travel restrictions were no barrier), followed by buying new furniture or home appliances (18%). Customers will be notified of their destination and holiday details two weeks before their departure date. If, for any reason, Virgin Atlantic Holidays is not able to fulfil the Escape Pass holiday, customers can choose between a full refund or a travel voucher.
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic commented: “We know customers are keen to get away on their next adventure after a difficult year. Top of the list is an idyllic holiday to the Caribbean, where the Covid-19 pandemic has been managed extremely well, allowing holiday makers to enjoy sun, sea and beaches safely. The Escape Pass has been created to take all the stress and uncertainty out of booking that dream Caribbean trip. Through this ATOL protected package, we will ensure customers are sent to a beautiful island with the peace of mind that they won’t need to quarantine on their return.
The Escape package is available to book through the Virgin Atlantic Holidays call centre at 0344 472 9499. Options include 7 or 14 nights, 3V, 4V, or 5V rated hotels with room only or All-Inclusive board, as well as Economy, Premium or Upper Class flights. For more information visit: https://virg.in/EscapePass
Escape pass package options for travel in 2021:
| Economy Classic flights, 3V hotel on a room only basis | £759 |
| Economy Classic, 4V hotel on an all-inclusive basis | £1,445 |
| Upper Class flights, 5V hotel on an all-inclusive basis | £3,145 |
3 comments
I think this is a brilliant idea and the ONLY way I would consider booking any leisure travel at the moment. I don’t want to book and be bogged down with lots of terms and conditions, nor do I want to be told I have to accept a voucher if I can’t travel for any reason. It’s a shame it can’t be booked online though.
Am I missing something here? There is ZEO way of “guaranteeing” anyone they won’t need to Q/ isolate on return because, as we’re all painfully aware, Mr Shapps can( and often does) change his mind at the drop of a hat. VH have no more way of promising this to me than anybody else.They may have mitigated it by using a, for now, low infection rate region and then offset abit more by allowing themselves the flexibility to move you to a different country within it at the last moment but that doesn’t stop HM Gov from deciding the county you are in wont be added to that list whilst you’re there.
If all it does is guarantee you’ll be flown home before any deadline comes in then it does zero to encourage me to book as a 2 week winter sun escape that ends up as 3-4 days is not what I want. That said when I do actually manage to get away when playing ‘Q Poker’ with the idiots in Downing Street then once I arrive they can say what thy want as as with Greece we simply took the decision of “we’re here so we’re staying till the end of the trip” ( turned out our island wasn’t affected but we determined to finish what we’d started & to hell with it if had’ve been )
VH have no more way of guaranteeing me a Q-free on return holiday than BA, TUI or anybody else because i’m not looking to book a mystery length trip. All this actually is is a clever bit of marketing ( for which I DO give them kudos) of selling people a mystery holiday where it’s not only the hotel but the country you’ll be visiting you remain clueless about until you check-in( ok probably a couple days before hand).
I agree there is no way to 100% guarantee it but I think with a choice of 3 low risk countries you can have a very good idea as you leave the country. The main risk would be another Turkey situation. They do let you know where you are going two weeks before. It’s not for me as I like to choose my own hotel but I can see the appeal for some people.
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