Virgin Atlantic offers discount to passengers with filmy names

Now Karan Arjuns will get discounted tickets

Being a film star assures certain privileges like upgrades to a first class, attendants or even complimentary tickets but in an innovative scheme UK's Virgin Atlantic Airways is offering discounts to passengers with a popular screen names.

Passengers with names such as Simran or Karan, Arjun or Kiran can now book with Virgin Atlantic and claim up to 10% discount on the basis of their name itself for travel till July 31, the airline announced today as a part of its 'Feel like a Star campaign.' Virgin Atlantic flies daily non stop between Mumbai and Delhi to London and onward to the US. Discount will be 5% on economy and 10% on premium economy cabins.

"From the beginning, Virgin Atlantic brought back style and fun to air travel," says Stephen King, General Manager, Virgin Atlantic - India. "We believe the journey should be as enjoyable as the destination. 'Feel like a Star' campaign highlights the unique experience of flying Virgin and will surely connect to all Bollywood lovers. Last year, we flew over one thousand passengers with these shortlisted filmy names and are looking forward to welcoming many more Rahuls, Priyas and Rohits on-board this summer."

The airline said it will extend discount to people with these names - Karan, Simran, Anthony, Tina, Vijay, Pooja, Arjun, Priya, Rahul, Kiran, Rohit and Sonia. Over 1000 passengers with these names flew with the airline, it said. The booking period under the scheme is from March 18 to April 17. Travel period till July 31.

"March is a lean season. Travel will go up from mid April till June. Right now the loads will be around 65-70% and will go up to 90% from mid April. There is competition on India London routes and also on flights to US. Apart from Air India, Jet Airways, British Airways there are Gulf carriers competing on the route. Virgin Atlantic's offer is innovative but there is offering discounts on this route is common. Even British Airways is offering a tactical discount in economy and business class section,'' an aviation source remarked.