Although we're still in the midst of the summer travel frenzy, it might not be too early to plan a trip to Berlin for next summer.
Throughout May and June 2023, there's widespread business-class award space between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) — with four or more seats available — on Delta Air Lines using Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, as first reported by Frequent Miler.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club charges just 50,000 points one-way and $6.10 in taxes and fees for nonstop Delta business-class flights on eastbound flights between the U.S. and Europe. On westbound flights from Berlin to JFK — where availability is significantly more limited — taxes and fees clock in around 321 euros (about $325).
At just 50,000 Flying Club points for these awards, this is a solid deal, considering that Delta charges upwards of 225,000 SkyMiles each way.
With such an appealing redemption, it could be worth booking a positioning flight if you’re not based in the New York City area.
Related: How to save thousands of miles on Delta One awards to Europe
The deal
Airlines: Delta.
Routes: JFK to/from BER.
Cost: From 50,000 Virgin Atlantic points plus $6.10 taxes and fees one-way in business class.
Dates: May through July 2023.
Pay taxes/fees with: The Platinum Card® from American Express (5 points per dollar on airfare booked directly with the airline; on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), Chase Sapphire Reserve (3 points per dollar on travel) or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2 points per dollar on travel) for travel protections on the award flight.
For a step-by-step by step guide on booking Delta awards through Virgin Atlantic, see this guide.
Sample itineraries
Here’s a look at the award space next summer. All dates with the 50,000-point rate have availability on Delta.
New York to Berlin in May/June
New York to Berlin in June/July
Berlin to New York in May/June
Related: A decent but old biz class: Review of Delta One on the 767-300ER from Rio to JFK
Earning Virgin Atlantic miles
You can transfer points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club from Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy.
Transfers from Chase to Virgin Atlantic must be in increments of 1,000. Remember that transfers from Marriott Bonvoy to Virgin Atlantic are at a 3:1 ratio, so you'd need to transfer 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to give you 50,000 Flying Club miles.
Related: Unlock incredible value with Virgin Atlantic points
Maximize your purchase
Make sure to pay award taxes and fees with a card that earns bonus points on airfare and offers travel protections. Some cards that fit the bill include The Platinum Card from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
Additional reporting by Benji Stawski.
