Virgin 'cuts Heathrow check-in time to 40 minutes'

Virgin Atlantic has announced that it is now able to check in its upper class customers on flights from Heathrow Airport in 40 minutes.

The speedy check-in procedure is available at Terminal 3 at Heathrow Airport, where the airline has previously introduced its upper class wing and a private security channel.

Virgin Atlantic boasts that it now offers the quickest journey through an airport in the UK – faster than Terminal 5, the home of British Airways.

Chief executive Steve Ridgway said: "The introduction of this new check-in time at Heathrow allows our upper class passengers to spend even less time at the airport – offering them flexibility in their travel plans whether they are heading off on a business trip or just running late after a busy day in the office.

"From arriving at the airport and checking in – passengers can be relaxing in their upper class suite as their long-haul flight departs within 40 minutes."

Heathrow Airport has been the site of a number of developments for its major airlines recently, with British Airways opening a dedicated check-in zone for its business class customers.

The area is located at the far end of Terminal 5 next to the airline's first class check-in point.

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