You want upgrades, you want amazing flights getting the most value for your miles and guess what? You will get it all. The key to making the most of your points is knowing how to redeem them for the highest value and the least cost out of pocket, and even with the recent changes there are a few awesome ways to use Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles. Here are a few ideas…
First Things First, There’s Now Peak and Off Peak For Flights On Virgin Atlantic…
The simplicity of one number was just so nice, but there are some benefits to having a new “off peak” season. It’s easier to know what counts as peak season, than off peak season, since fortunately most of the year is off peak. PEAK season is any dates from December 13-31st, March 31st-April 18th or June 22nd to September 6th. Tough news for summer travelers…
Premium Economy Off Peak Is A New Sweet Spot…
Premium Economy Off Peak has dropped to just 35,000 miles round trip between Europe and East Coast USA, or 55,000 to the West Coast. From the UK you’ll be faced with round trip surcharges of £437, and about $800 if originating in the US. The key opportunity is to use Premium Economy for one way flights departing the US where surcharges are lower and you need a mere 17,500 and $148, which is just about £115. Book a cash ticket the other way or use other miles. Upgrades to Premium Economy are also good value off peak, just 17,500 round trip from a paid economy ticket…
Just 15,000-30,000 Miles For Round Trips On Partners Within South Africa, Japan Or Australia…
Thinking out of the box is key to making the most of your Virgin Atlantic miles. You can use the airline’s partners South African, ANA or Virgin Australia at really lucrative rates. Economy travel anywhere in Japan is just 15,000 round trip. Business Class anywhere within South Africa is just 30,000 round trip and intra Australia flights fetch no more than 30,000 miles for round trip coach and ALMOST ALL of these have taxes and surcharges under $60 total.
Air China First Class Is An Incredible Opportunity For 75,000 Round Trip…
Air China offers an incredibly spacious, almost fully enclosed first class suite. Virgin Atlantic’s partnership with Air China means you can use just 75,000 miles for round trip first class from London to Beijing (only this route) with surcharges of just £500. To book you can call Virgin Atlantic and ask them to look for space, or if you’re a pro, just check with Air China on their website to find “saver” first class space. If it’s there you can call Virgin Atlantic to book. You must call, can’t be done online…
But What About Using Them Starting In London, The Home Of Virgin Atlantic?
Taxes and Virgin Atlantic’s draconian surcharges make London a terrible place to start, though it’s home for many of their customers. If you’re going to use your Flying Club miles from London, be sure to use them in cabins where the taxes are justified. We’re regularly seeing £330 return flights to the US and Asia from the UK, so spending 20,000+ miles and £300 in surcharges for economy makes no sense. If you must use your miles from the UK, hit them for Upper Class, where the £400+ in surcharges still guarantees you a ticket worth a couple thousand…
Fly ANA’s Amazing First Class From West Coast USA to Japan For 110,000 Miles Round Trip…
This is a lesser known amazing opportunity to experience a top First Class and yes, there is a big difference between a top First and Business Class. For 110,000 miles, less than a peak flight in Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic you can clock in over 25 hours in incredible style. To book you’ll need to again find saver space on ANA from a West Coast USA departure point, or just try calling Virgin Atlantic and asking what they see. Taxes should run less than $500. Hello Tokyo!
Asia To New Zealand In Air New Zealand Business Class For Just 80,000 Round Trip…
Dreamliner Business Class anyone? For just 80,000 miles, the old rate for Upper Class, you can take the ultra long flight from Asia, with many departure points, to New Zealand in style. Air New Zealand’s business class looks much like Upper Class, so you’ll feel right at home, just using less miles. Like these other partners, call Virgin Atlantic and ask for what availability they see or alternately find it on your own by searching the Air New Zealand website. Expect lower surcharges than elsewhere, roughly $400.
80,000 First Class US To Hawaii On Hawaiian Round Trip…
If you can score a cheap ticket to the US, or are in the US, why not make it a 2 for 1 trip and hit Hawaii in style? For 80,000 round trip and no fuel surcharges you can head to the enchanting islands of Hawaii. Hawaiian is beginning to roll out flat beds on their routes, so this option becomes more attractive all the time. Without fuel surcharges it’s a pretty great option…
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