Billionaire Sir Richard Branson Surprises Entire Delta Flight with a Free Cruise on Virgin Voyages’ Newest Ship

A few lucky passengers were in for a sunny surprise when they boarded a Delta flight on Thursday.

As a group of people boarded a non-stop flight from Atlanta to San Juan, they were joined by a rather surprising guest — billionaire Sir Richard Branson, who was there to announce that every Delta SkyMiles member on board (over 18 year) get a free cruise on their newest ship, the A resilient lady.

Delta Air Lines passengers.

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“The Caribbean has been my home for many years and I am very excited to welcome Resilient Lady as she sails from San Juan to visit the most beautiful destinations in the region,” Branson said in a press release. “My excitement obviously couldn’t be contained, so we figured out a way to celebrate with a personal invitation and a surprise for some unsuspecting guests on a Delta flight to San Juan.”

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According to the press release, the flight from Atlanta to San Juan was chosen specifically because tough lady’home port in a Puerto Rican city.

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“We are grateful to our partners at Delta who have joined the fun and who have also been long-term business partners of our airline Virgin Atlantic,” concluded Branson, founder of the Virgin Group. “We look forward to showing everyone what ‘Set Sail the Virgin Way!'”

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Donations began even before the flight to Puerto Rico took off. Before boarding, Branson took over the Delta departure gate, bringing passengers waiting at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport a pre-flight party of dancers, drinks, music and raffles — where guests had a chance to win Delta and Virgin Atlantic flights , Virgin Hotel Stays, Virgin Cruises, Delta Vacation Packages, Gift Cards and other brands — which all passengers had the opportunity to spin before boarding the plane.

Sir Richard Branson at the door with happy passengers.

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Delta CEO Tim Mapes also joined the billionaire at the festivities, adding that “when two award-winning brands come together, they create magic for their customers.”

“Delta is thrilled to partner with Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages for this special in-flight surprise and delight for our SkyMiles members,” Mapes said in a statement. “This is another way we add value to the program and unlock exclusive experiences for our Members. Stay tuned for more with Virgin Voyages.”

Delta Air Lines passengers.

Chris Rank/ Rank Studios

After a summer season abroad, The A resilient lady departs for its new home port in San Juan in the fall of 2024.

Virgin Voyages has also added brand new itineraries in the Caribbean and Latin America, which include stays ranging from one week to 11 days with stops in St. Maarten, St. Vincent, Colombia and Dominica.

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Source: HIS Education