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Quick Points: Book Delta transatlantic Main Cabin seats at low fixed rates with Virgin points

Oct. 13, 2023
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3 min read
Delta Boeing 767-300ER
Quick Points: Book Delta transatlantic Main Cabin seats at low fixed rates with Virgin points
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If you're unhappy with Delta Air Lines' dynamic award rates to Europe, there's a solution — in economy, at least.

We currently see plenty of Main Cabin economy award seats bookable through partner Virgin Atlantic, and the number of points required is dramatically lower.

Delta's SkyMiles loyalty program may charge at least 40,000 miles each way from the United States to the United Kingdom in economy.

Delta award pricing for a flight from New York JFK to London on February 13, 2024
DELTA.COM

However, you can book the same Delta-operated flights with Virgin Atlantic starting at just 10,000 points each way from the East Coast on off-peak dates. Peak dates require just 15,000 points.

VIRGINATLANTIC.COM

Flights from other parts of the U.S. start at just 12,500 points on off-peak dates and 20,000 points on peak dates.

Admittedly, Virgin's Flying Club charges more fees, taxes and surcharges than Delta's SkyMiles would. However, if you are considering transferring credit card points to Virgin instead of Delta to book these flights, we value the 31,000 credit card points you would save far more than the $220 in cash you would need to pay.

Related: Dynamic pricing vs. fuel surcharges — which is the lesser of 2 evils for your next redemption?

Delta-operated flights from the United States to mainland Europe are priced higher at 30,000 Virgin points each way in Main Cabin, though you will be charged just $5.60 in fees and taxes (with no surcharges). Delta can charge more than twice that number of miles for the same flights — like this itinerary from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) next April.

A Delta flight from Minneapolis to Amsterdam booked using Virgin Atlantic points
A Delta flight from Minneapolis to Amsterdam booked using Delta miles
1 of 2
VIRGINATLANTIC.COM
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1

This can be a great way to save tens of thousands of points per flight, especially because Virgin Atlantic is a transfer partner of every major program with transferable currency:

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While Delta does not usually release Premium Select (premium economy) or Delta One (business class) seats to partners, there are several routes where we have seen nine-plus seats per flight in economy, bookable with Virgin points, even during the busy summer period.

You can use Virgin's handy reward seat checker for Delta flights to and from the United Kingdom, allowing you to view monthly availability.

Related: A review of Delta Air Lines economy on the Boeing 767 from London to New York

Featured image by BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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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.