Big air travel shake-up for UK visitors flying to Orlando

Posted: Tuesday May 5, 2020 10:43am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney World visitors traveling from the United Kingdom will be facing major changes when flights resume operations post COVID-19 shutdown.

Virgin Atlantic has today announced that it will be closing its operations at London Gatwick Airport, and will only fly from London Heathrow and Manchester. Gatwick has long been the main airport for scheduled air travel to Orlando International from the United Kingdom, typically offering three direct flights to Orlando per day.

In addition, Virgin Atlantic will only be flying twin engined aircraft, and will no longer use its fleet of seven 747-400 aircraft. The 747 has been the backbone of the London to Orlando route for many years. The changes will also be met by a reduction of 3150 jobs across the airline.

At rival British Airways, the airline has told staff that it may also be unable to resume operations from Gatwick, which includes its daily flight to Orlando International.

Virgin Atlantic has been a marketing and travel partner with the Walt Disney World Resort, including promoting Star Wars Galaxy's Edge last year.

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IanDLBZFJun 27, 2024

Recently Delta has announced seasonal service between London-Heathrow, and Orlando beginning in October. This will be in addition to the service they run to Amsterdam.

Wendy PleakleyJan 05, 2022

Canadian rules allow someone to get tested, travel elsewhere within a 72-hour period, and return home with the same negative test taken before they left the country. It's meant to discourage travel far more than actually promote public safety. I don't necessarily disagree that the approach shouldn't be changed but it's important to note the true purpose of the testing requirement.

SirwalterraleighJan 05, 2022

Just sit back and watch Los Estados Unidos struggle with the latest variant “big kahuna” wave…it should be amusing as always… then we can debate policy…again…

dreamscometrueJan 05, 2022

Wonderful. Now, we just have to get Canada to do that too. I've seen several doctors on the news lately discuss how this is no longer necessary for fully vaccinated people. Especially since it has been shown to do almost nothing.

wdwmagicJan 05, 2022

England relaxes COVID testing rules for air passengers returning on international flights https://www.wdwmagic.com/other/walt-disney-company/news/05jan2022-england-relaxes-covid-testing-rules-for-air-passengers-returning-on-international-flights.htm

mktDec 01, 2021

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/01/us-covid-travel-requirements-latest-international-flights-travelers

mktNov 15, 2021

An update. This weekend I noticed a handful of British and European families in the parks, and even an odd German-plated RV parked at Epcot.

mktNov 12, 2021

While out and about in Miami today, I started seeing European tourists. Saw families from Spain and Italy, and a group of Swedish beer geeks at a local brewery.

mktNov 08, 2021

Here's a link to the pre-arrival attestation travelers will be expected to complete: https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/pdf/NCEZID-FRM-Combo-Passenger-Disclose-508.pdf

Disstevefan1Nov 08, 2021

For the folks from the UK going to WDW, please post with a photo when you get here! Try to be the first!

mktNov 08, 2021

Bring me some Cantillon

ZeromancerNov 08, 2021

Leaving in 2weeks from Belgium. Let’s hope this will go smoothly

mktNov 08, 2021

I assume that the very first UK and European travelers have just begun arriving. Enjoy your vacations.

nickysNov 01, 2021

So an update for those travelling TO the US with unvaccinated children (including those who have had a single jab). The CDC have confirmed that under 18s will not have to quarantine but will need to take a Covid test 2-3 days after arrival. https://eu.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2021/10/30/unvaccinated-us-visitors-kids-quarantine-cdc-air-travel-system-nov/6217959001/