Virgin Atlantic: consumer protection enforcement case
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating suspected infringements of consumer law in relation to the presentation of mandatory fees for package holidays offered by Virgin Atlantic in the UK.
Case timetable
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| August 2026 to January 2027 | Initial investigation: information and evidence gathering (next case update January 2027) |
| 18 August 2026 | Investigation opened |
Case opening
18 August 2026: The CMA has opened an investigation into compliance with consumer protection law by Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited (‘Virgin Atlantic’).
The CMA is investigating Virgin Atlantic over its presentation of mandatory fees such as resort fees or local taxes. Specifically, the CMA is investigating whether these fees are included in the total price the consumer sees at the beginning of the purchasing process and whether the consumer is provided with a total price when purchasing a package holiday.
The CMA will now engage with Virgin Atlantic and gather evidence to consider whether the CMA thinks Virgin Atlantic has infringed consumer protection law.
At this initial stage, it should not be assumed that Virgin Atlantic has infringed consumer protection law, and no finding has been made.
- Press release: Trainline, Virgin Atlantic and RED Driving School investigated for drip pricing (18.8.26)
Contact
- general.enquiries@cma.gov.uk
- Fred Houwen, Project Director, Consumer Protection
- Sorcha O’Carroll, Senior Responsible Officer
Personal information
Your name and contact details are your personal data. The CMA may collect, use and share personal data when carrying out its statutory functions to investigate and take action under the consumer protection legislation which the CMA enforces (including the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024). This includes processing personal data for the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018.
For more information about how the CMA handles personal information, please read our personal information charter.