O’Connell has worked as a customer service assistant at the London airport for 15 years, after she was made redundant by her previous airline at 65 years old.
Virgin Atlantic said she is a "highly valued member" of the team and "one of the most positive and lovely people one could wish to meet".
"She loves coming to work," the carrier added.
"Then there’s her fascination with technology and computers and a belief in staying healthy in both body and mind. She’s a true inspiration."
O’Connell’s career at Virgin Atlantic started when her previous airline made her retire in 2007. Having worked in the airline industry most of her life, she wasn’t ready to sit at home, so she applied for the check-in job.
She said: “I will always be grateful to Virgin Atlantic for taking me on at 65, and for the support they have shown me ever since.”
O’Connell, who "doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon" and with one of her sons now living in the US and a third grandchild on the way, is looking forward to using her staff travel for many years to come.
Sasha Martin, customer service supervisor at Heathrow, described O’Connell as "amazing, our very own Golden Girl".
"I’m not sure what impresses me more, the fact she can still sign in to the system or that she can remember her password; I know I struggle with both. Young at heart for ever," Martin added.
