Virgin Atlantic's new redemption sale is offering 25% off all routes, but is it worth it?
Editor's Note
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.
Related: Is Virgin Atlantic premium economy worth it on the A330-900neo?
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.
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.
Related: Video alert! TPG reviews all cabins on Virgin Atlantic’s Airbus A330-900neo
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.
Related: 10 things to know about flying Virgin Atlantic’s super business class, the Retreat Suite
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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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.