What happened to VS21
Virgin Atlantic flight VS21 from London Heathrow Airport to Washington Dulles International Airport on Tuesday, 13 October 2026 took off at 19:40 instead of 15:50, a delay of 3h 50m. That's 0h 50m past the 3-hour compensation threshold.
The dark line marks 3 hours, the point where compensation starts.
This delay was read from the London departure board. Compensation depends on when the doors open at your destination, which can be slightly earlier or later. We confirm the exact arrival time when you claim.
Are passengers owed compensation?
Yes, most likely. VS21 departed the UK, so it's covered by UK261 whichever airline operated it. The only exception is if Virgin Atlantic can prove the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances outside its control.
| Passengers | Compensation | You keep after 5% |
|---|---|---|
| 1 passenger | £260 | £247 |
| 2 passengers | £520 | £494 |
| 3 passengers | £780 | £741 |
| 4 passengers | £1,040 | £988 |
What Virgin Atlantic might say
Airlines can refuse compensation for "extraordinary circumstances". Some reasons genuinely count, and many that airlines use don't:
Usually still owed
- Technical faults with the aircraft
- Crew shortages or sickness
- The airline's own staff striking
- Knock-on delays from an earlier flight
Can be a valid excuse
- Severe weather
- Air traffic control restrictions or strikes
- Security alerts or airport closures
- Bird strikes, if handled properly
The airline has to prove the cause. We check the reason Virgin Atlantic gives and challenge refusals that don't hold up.
How to claim for VS21
- 1
Check your flight
Enter VS21 and Tuesday, 13 October 2026. We verify the delay against flight data.
- 2
Add your passengers
Everyone on the booking can claim, including children. Your booking reference is enough to start.
- 3
We deal with the airline
We send the claim to Virgin Atlantic, chase it and challenge any unfair refusal. The airline pays you directly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation for VS21 on Tuesday, 13 October 2026?+
Very likely, yes. VS21 from London to Dulles was delayed by 3h 50m, which is the kind of disruption UK261 pays compensation for, unless Virgin Atlantic can prove it was caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or an air traffic control restriction.
How much compensation is VS21 worth?+
£260 per passenger under UK261, based on a flight distance of about 5,902km. Every passenger on the booking can claim, including children, so a family of four could be owed £1,040.
What if Virgin Atlantic says it was extraordinary circumstances?+
Airlines often say this, but technical faults, staff shortages, crew sickness, the airline's own staff striking and knock-on delays from earlier flights do not count. The airline has to prove the cause. We check the reason given and challenge refusals that don't hold up.
How long do I have to claim?+
Up to 6 years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 5 years in Scotland. There's no need to rush, but claims are easier while your booking details and messages from the airline are to hand.
Do I need my boarding pass to start?+
No. Your booking reference and the names of the passengers are enough to start. If anything else is needed later, such as a boarding pass or ID, we'll ask.