Are you thinking of traveling across the pond this year? Atlantic Virgin has introduced a new offer to help you save thousands of points on your next rewards redemption anywhere on the carrier’s network, but you’ll need to act quickly as this promotion ends on September 17.
Redemption discount offer on the entire Virgin Atlantic route
You can get 25% off all award redemptions in Economy, Premium Economy and Upper Class (Business Class) on any Virgin Atlantic-operated flight, including all routes from the US to London, departing on any date with award availability for the remainder of 2024. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club The program offers these discounts a few times a year, and this 25% discount is on the low end compared to previous offers that have included Discounts of up to 50% off.
To take advantage of this 25% off award offer, you must book by 6:59pm EDT (23:59 BST) on 17 September for travel by 31 December.
Related: Is Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy class on the A330-900neo worth it?
As a reminder, Virgin Atlantic operates between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and the following US airports:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Harry Reid International Airport Las Vegas (LAS)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, DC
Virgin also flies between Manchester Airport (MAN) and JFK, ATL, LAS and MCO.
Discounts apply to flights in any direction and in any cabin with award availability on any route, and discounts are already applied in advance when you book. This offer is available for redemptions, upgrades and companion tickets.
Virgin Atlantic must operate the flight for your redemption to be valid for the promotion. The airline flies beyond London to a number of destinations in India, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the Maldives and Nigeria, among other places.
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Redemptions for round-trip economy flights from the East Coast start from just 15,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points (plus taxes, fees and airline-imposed surcharges) on off-peak dates. You’ll see the points discount applied when you book online.
For a complete list of initial award redemption prices in Economy, Premium Economy and Upper Class, Visit the Virgin Atlantic website.
It’s worth it?
While the 25% discount on award redemptions is a solid offer, especially since it covers all dates, routes and cabins, customers will still need to pay all substantial fees, taxes and surcharges when booking with Virgin Atlantic.
Unlike British AirwaysVirgin Atlantic doesn’t offer a way to reduce the airline-imposed surcharges by redeeming more points. Even in economy class, you can expect to pay around $500 extra; in business class, the total is more than $2,000 for a roundtrip — a staggering amount to pay on top of the points needed to redeem them.
For example, this round-trip business class flight from JFK to LHR might cost you just 71,200 points, but you’ll have to pay $2,385 in taxes and fees.
Please note that while Virgin offers these promotions several times a year, and previous deals offered larger discounts on points, it may not offer another discounted award offer again this year. So if you want to fly with Virgin Atlantic before the end of the year, this discount may be the best deal you can get.
Also, compare cash fares to the amount of taxes, fees, and surcharges. While you’re unlikely to find a nonstop round-trip ticket to London in business class for less than $2,385.20 (when you factor in the upper-class copay for redemption), as we head into the winter months when demand for travel to Europe slows, you should be able to find a round-trip ticket in economy class for less than $500, meaning you could save your points for something else.
As for premium economy fares, keep in mind that fees, taxes and surcharges are around $1,350. You should be able to find a nonstop itinerary for around this amount in cash in the coming months, especially if you’re not picky about the airline, so this wouldn’t be a good way to redeem your Virgin points.
These sky-high surcharges remain the biggest frustration of the Flying Club programme.
Related: 10 things you need to know about flying in Virgin Atlantic’s super business class, the Retreat Suite
How to book Virgin Atlantic award flights
To take advantage of this great offer, book before September 17th.
Unfortunately, the discount does not apply to existing bookings. However, if your current flight falls within the eligibility period, you may be able to cancel and rebook it. Please note, however, that availability is not guaranteed.
If you need to earn Virgin points for one of these rewards, you can transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou RewardsThese transfers are processed on a 1:1 basis and should post instantly to your Virgin Atlantic Flying Club account.
This Flying Club offer is generous, covering all routes in all classes for the rest of 2024; however, we’ve seen higher offers in the past. Just be aware of those pesky surcharges when booking, and compare cash fares on the same date to make sure you’re getting good value for your points.
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