Virgin Atlantic is one of the best ways to cross the Atlantic Ocean. The points can be transferred from all of the major credit card such as American Express, Chase, Capital One, and Bilt.
Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club has undergone a significant transformation, adopting a dynamic award pricing model and reducing fees on certain routes. This shift, implemented in late 2024, offers more flexibility for travelers using points while also introducing variability in redemption costs.
Understanding the Dynamic Award Pricing Model
Previously, Virgin Atlantic adhered to a fixed award chart, meaning the number of points required for a flight was predetermined based on destination and class of service. The new system, however, adjusts the points required dynamically based on factors such as demand, availability, and seasonality.
This change aligns with industry trends seen in programs like Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus, which have moved away from fixed pricing to provide greater availability—albeit sometimes at a higher cost during peak travel periods. The key benefit is that members now have access to any seat on any Virgin Atlantic-operated flight, increasing the likelihood of securing an award ticket.
Lower Taxes and Fees on Certain Routes
Another major improvement is the reduction of taxes and fees on certain Virgin Atlantic routes. Historically, travelers redeeming points for flights, particularly in Upper Class, encountered high surcharges. With the new system, some economy flights now have significantly lower fees, making redemptions more attractive.
For example, a standard economy flight from New York (JFK) to London (LHR) previously required around $150 in taxes and fees, but under the new structure, this amount has dropped to approximately $74. Upper Class award tickets have also seen reductions, though they can still carry substantial surcharges.
Example Award Flight Bookings
To better illustrate how the new dynamic pricing model works, here are the lowest pricing available:
- East Coast (JFK, BOS, IAD, ATL) to London (LHR) in Economy
- Pricing starts from 6,000 points + $74
- East Coast (JFK, BOS, IAD, ATL) to London (LHR) in Premium Economy
- Pricing starts from 10,500 points + $107
- East Coast (JFK, BOS, IAD, ATL) to London (LHR) in Upper Class (Business Class)
- Pricing starts from 29,000 points + $256
These are the fees leaving the US. Flying back from the UK, the fess are at least double this, but the points are the same and still a fantastic deal.
If you are able to combine this a transfer bonus like the 40% bonus American Express ran at the end of 2024, then you could book a business class flight from the US to the UK for as little as 21,000 Amex Membership Rewards points! This would become 29,400 Virgin Miles with the 40% bonus.
While these examples showcase potential savings, the dynamic pricing system also means that during peak travel periods, award rates can increase significantly. Some Upper Class redemptions have been reported at over 350,000 points one way, reinforcing the importance of booking strategically.
Here are a few examples of the lowest pricing I found available:
How to Earn Virgin Atlantic Points
Earning Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points is straightforward, with multiple transfer partners making it easy to accumulate points quickly. One of the best ways to earn points is by transferring from major credit card rewards programs, including:
- American Express Membership Rewards
- Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Capital One Miles
- Bilt Rewards
These programs typically transfer points at a 1:1 ratio, meaning that one credit card point converts to one Virgin Atlantic Flying Club point. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic frequently offers transfer bonuses, often ranging from 15% to 40%, allowing travelers to get even more value from their transfers. Keeping an eye on these promotions can help decrease the points needed even further.
Other ways to earn Flying Club points include:
- Flying with Virgin Atlantic or partner airlines such as Delta, Air France, and KLM.
- Spending on the Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard.
- Booking hotel stays with partners like Marriott Bonvoy and IHG Rewards.
- Renting cars or making purchases through the Virgin Atlantic shopping portal.
Booking ANA Business and First Class with Virgin Points
One of the best uses of Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points is booking premium cabins on All Nippon Airways (ANA). ANA, known for its world-class service and luxurious seating, allows Virgin Atlantic members to redeem points for Business and First Class seats on flights between the U.S. and Japan.
- ANA Business Class (One-Way)
- From the U.S. West Coast (LAX, SFO) to Tokyo: 52,500 Virgin Points
- From the U.S. East Coast (JFK, IAD, ORD) to Tokyo: 60,000 Virgin Points
- ANA First Class (One-Way)
- From the U.S. West Coast (LAX, SFO) to Tokyo: 65,000 Virgin Points
- From the U.S. East Coast (JFK, IAD, ORD) to Tokyo: 85,000 Virgin Points
These redemptions offer outstanding value, as ANA’s First Class cabins typically cost thousands of dollars when booked with cash. Availability can be limited, so booking well in advance and being flexible with dates is essential. You are also not available to see these online. The best way to start is searching on United Airlines. If you find an ANA business class ticket for 110k miles or ANA first class for 220k miles on United, there is a good chance it is bookable by Virgin Atlantic as well. You will have to call to make this booking. I have done this and confirmed the availability, then transferred the points over instantly while on the phone to complete the booking.
Booking Other Partners with Virgin Atlantic
You can also book partners of Virgin Atlantic for good value. Sometimes this is cheaper than booking directly. These partners include Delta, KLM, and Air France.
Conclusion
Virgin Atlantic’s shift to dynamic pricing and lower fees on specific routes represents a mixed bag for Flying Club members. On one hand, greater availability and reduced fees on certain redemptions improve the program’s appeal. On the other hand, travelers must remain vigilant to avoid peak pricing fluctuations. But this can easily be the cheapest way to get to Europe from the the US.
For those looking to maximize their points, flexibility and careful monitoring of award rates will be essential. Despite the changes, Flying Club remains an excellent option for transatlantic redemptions, especially when taking advantage of lower pricing opportunities. Furthermore, the ability to book ANA Business and First Class at competitive redemption rates makes Flying Club one of the most valuable frequent flyer programs for international travelers.
