Virgin Atlantic’s new redemption sale is offering 25% off all routes, but is it worth it?

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Looking to travel across the pond this year? Virgin Atlantic has unveiled a new offer to help you save thousands of points on your next award redemption anywhere on the carrier’s network, but you’ll need to act quickly, as this promotion ends Sept. 17.

Virgin Atlantic route-wide redemption discount offer

You can get 25% off all award redemptions in economy, premium economy and Upper Class (business class) on any flight operated by Virgin Atlantic, including all routes from the U.S. to London, that departs any date with award availability for the remainder of 2024. The Virgin Atlantic Flying Club program offers these discounts a few times per year, and this 25% discount is on the lower end compared with previous offers that have included discounts worth up to 50% off.

To take advantage of this 25% off award deal, you must book by 6:59 p.m. EDT (23:59 BST) on Sept. 17 for travel through Dec. 31.

As a reminder, Virgin Atlantic operates between London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) and the following U.S. airports:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (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, D.C.

Virgin also flies between Manchester Airport (MAN) and JFK, ATL, LAS and MCO.

airplane cabin — BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY

The discounts apply to flights in any direction and any cabin with award availability on any route, with discounts already applied upfront when you book. This offer is available for redemptions, upgrades and companion tickets.

Virgin Atlantic must operate the flight for your redemption to qualify for the promotion. The airline flies beyond London to various destinations in India, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the Maldives and Nigeria, among other locations.

Round-trip economy redemptions from the East Coast start from just 15,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points (plus taxes, fees and carrier-imposed surcharges) on off-peak dates. You’ll see the points discount applied when booking online.

To see the full list of starting award redemption prices in economy, premium economy and Upper Class, check out Virgin Atlantic’s website.

Is it worth it?

While 25% off award redemptions is a solid deal, especially as this deal covers all dates, routes and cabins, customers will incur the full fees, taxes and substantial surcharges when booking with Virgin Atlantic.

Unlike with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic does not offer a way to reduce the carrier-imposed surcharges by redeeming more points. Even in economy, you can expect to pay around $500 extra; in business class, the total is more than $2,000 round-trip, a staggering amount to pay on top of the points required for your redemption.

For example, this round-trip business-class flight from JFK to LHR can cost you just 71,200 points, but you must pay $2,385 in taxes and fees.

Keep in mind that while Virgin does run these promotions a few times a year and previous offers have featured higher points discounts, it may not offer another discounted award offer again this year. Therefore, if you are looking to fly Virgin Atlantic before the end of the year, this discount may be the best offer you will get.

Also, check cash fares against the taxes, fees and surcharges amount. While you are unlikely to find a nonstop round-trip ticket to London in business class for less than $2,385.20 (when factoring in the Upper Class co-pay for a redemption), as we head into the winter months when travel demand to Europe decreases, you should be able to find a round-trip economy ticket for less than $500, meaning you could save your points for something else.

As for premium economy fares, remember that the fees, taxes and surcharges are around $1,350. You should be able to find a nonstop itinerary for around this amount in cash over the coming months, especially if you are not picky about the carrier, so this would not be a great way to redeem your Virgin points.

These sky-high surcharges remain the biggest frustration with the Flying Club program.

How to book Virgin Atlantic award flights

To take advantage of this great offer, book by Sept. 17.

Sadly, the discount does not apply to existing bookings. However, if your existing flight falls within the eligibility window, you may be able to cancel and rebook your flight. Note, though, that availability is not guaranteed.

If you need to earn Virgin points for one of these awards, you can transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards. These transfers process at a 1:1 ratio and should post instantaneously to your Virgin Atlantic Flying Club account.

This offer from Flying Club is generous, given it covers all routes in all classes for the rest of 2024; however, we have seen higher offers in the past. Just be mindful of those pesky surcharges when booking and check against cash fares on the same date to ensure you get good value from your points.

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