The viral story of a young man who gave up his business class seat to a senior citizen has prompted Virgin Atlantic to reciprocate in a big way between now and the end of the year.
I wrote about the onboard incident last week, but to recap:
A young man named Jack struck up a conversation with an older woman named Violet. The 88-year-old is a retired nurse who worked in the United States and United Kingdom. She now resides in the UK, but flies across the pond to visit her daughter in New York.
After boarding, Jack walked to the back of the plane, found Violet, and offered to switch seats with her.
She quickly accepted the generous offer and enjoyed the spacious comfort (or discomfort, depending upon your perspective) of Upper Class.
A flight attendant shared the story on Facebook.
Virgin Atlantic: Upgrades For Oldest Passenger On Each Flight
In response to Jack’s act of kindness, Virgin Atlantic will upgrade the oldest passenger on each flight to the highest cabin available between now and January 01, 2020.
Obviously, this is a busy travel week and premium economy and business class cabins may be sold out. It’s not clear who will clear first, those I’d imagine those who have applied for mileage upgrades will take priority.
Still, even if only a couple of people end up being upgraded (and I think it will be a lot more), this is a very kind gesture.
CONCLUSION
Why target senior citizens? I say why not? Unmerited gifts need not be explained and I appreciate how Virgin Atlantic is “playing it forward” with upgrades.
> Read More: Man Gifts His “Upper Class” Suite To 88-Year-Old Stranger
Wonderful! Kol Hakavod
“CONCLUSION
Why target citizens? I say why not?”
Citizens of which countries? Why is citizenship relevant?
I had a senior moment…
Recently a fellow passenger moved my bag at the corner of the overhead compartment so that he could place his own bag there. He did not ask my permission. Of course I was not happy and told him so. He countered that I was seated opposite the aisle and also that that place was not reserved for my bag. Not wanting to spoil my holiday or get into a quarrel, I just let it go. But this incident leads me to ask two questions – one, is there an unwritten rule that prevents a passenger from placing his bag on the overhead opposite the ailse, and two, is it wrong to move or shift another person’s bag in order to place your own bag there?
I’m outraged by this move from Virgin Atlantic. I hold Gold Tier status and pour literally tens of thousands of £ each year on VS tickets. I don’t get upgraded ever, but some old fogey will because they have a few years on me? It is utterly outrageous and an offence to anyone who patronises Virgin Atlantic on a regular basis. Next year I am seriously considering a pivot to British Airways, especially with the A350-1000 coming online.
What a petty person you are.
Rory you should be flying with Ryanair with that kind of attitude. Your self indulged attitude would go down well there.
Larry, good for you holding your cool. I believe I will take up your question in a post on Saturday, but that person had no right to shift your bag and in all my years of flying I’ve never heard of any such rule, especially as overhead bins are shared.