Flights To New York Changes - Rights?

Spuddyboy

Evening all. I am looking for some advice around where I currently stand. Myself and my girlfriend had booked to fly from LHR to JFK on Monday 23rd November through NetFlights. Our flights were VS4031 - Virgin Atlantic Operated By DELTA AIR LINES and VS4000 - Virgin Atlantic Operated By DELTA AIR LINES

This morning we have received an email from Delta stating they have changed the schedule of our flights. 

Original Flights:-

LHR -> JFK - Delta 2 - 07:45am Departure, 10:55am Arrival

JFK -> LHR - Delta 5 - 11:00pm Departure, 11:00am Arrival

New Flights:-

LHR -> JFK - Delta 4 - 10:00am Departure, 01:25pm Arrival

JFK -> LHR - Delta 3 - 07:30pm Departure, 07:35am Arrival

Obviously as we booked as Virgin flights, the flight numbers for Virgin are different. Although we haven’t been informed of them, from looking at the Virgin Atlantic website, the corresponding flight numbers are below. 

Delta 2 = VS 4031

Delta 5 = VS 4000

Delta 4 = VS 4029

Delta 3 = VS 4030

Delta have offered us 3 options on their email:-

1) Change itinerary via My Trips

2) Cancel Trip for an eCredit

3) Contact Travel Agent for direct assistance

Am I correct in thinking that due to Delta/Virgin moving us onto a different flight and cancelling our original flight, we are eligible for a full refund? Obviously due to the current climate we wouldn’t want to receive a refund in the form of eCredits. 

I would be very grateful if anyone could advise me of our rights and any corresponding laws/legislations etc. 

Thanks in advance. 

SpreadableToast

It's clearly a minor flight schedule change so you wouldn't be entitled to a refund.

Are the two of you US citizens? Because if you're not you won't be able to travel direct from the UK to the US as the presidential proclamation is still in force and doesn't look like it's going to be rescinded any time soon.

bagand96

Looks like your original flights have been cancelled.  Which means you are entitled to your choice of a refund or re-routing.  Note, EU261 states it is your choice.  Airlines will reroute by default, but you can ask for a refund.