While there’s a lot you can do with Virgin Points, not every redemption will be the best use of Virgin Atlantic miles. Here are some of the best options to stretch your points as far as possible.
Domestic Flights on Delta Air Lines
Virgin uses a distance-based redemption valuation for Delta flights that don’t transit the U.K. So, short-haul flights under 500 miles will cost 7,500 miles each way in economy, and those under 1,000 miles come in at just 11,000. Depending on routes, these redemptions may help you save hundreds of dollars on tickets. You can often spend less Virgin Points than Delta SkyMiles when booking the same flight.
For example, a flight from Seattle (SEA) to Spokane (GEG)—well under the 500-mile bracket—would cost 7,500 Virgin Points. The same flight would cost $119, giving you a decent valuation from your points.
Flights from Atlanta (ATL) to Miami (MIA), slightly over the 500 mile mark but below 1,000 miles, cost 11,000 Virgin Points.
Hawaiian Airlines Flights
Another great way to use your Virgin Atlantic miles is on Hawaiian Airlines flights—getting to Hawaii from the U.S. and island hopping once you’re there. A one-way economy flight from the U.S. West Coast to any Hawaiian destination will set you back 20,000 points. If you’re looking for intra-island flights to visit multiple spots while in Hawaii, you can take advantage of redemptions at just 7,500 miles each way
Unfortunately, award tickets on Hawaiian Airlines using Virgin Points cannot be booked online, so you will have to call in to get these award bookings done. Make sure to call and confirm availability before you transfer points in from any credit cards.
Nonstop Flights on SkyTeam Alliance Airlines
Since Virgin is a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, you can use fewer Virgin Atlantic points than when using those SkyTeam airlines’ own redemption charts.
Additionally, because Virgin Atlantic Flying Club prices its award redemptions on a per segment basis, it will always be more convenient to book direct flights with airline partners than itineraries with layovers.
For example, booking this flight from Boston (BOS) to Paris (CDG) will set you back 48,500 points when flying direct with Air France, but 55,500 when booking a Virgin Atlantic flight to London and connecting to an Air France flight to Paris (plus a lot more in taxes and fees just for transiting through Heathrow).
ANA to and Within Japan
Japan is one of the hottest tickets right now. Having a rewards program that allows you to redeem points for flights on All Nippon Airways to Japan, including one-way itineraries in first class for just 72,500 miles really opens up the options to make it there without breaking the bank.
Once you get to Japan, you can also redeem your points to fly within the country for just 7,500 each way in economy for flights that are generally pricey when booking cash tickets.