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Quick Points: Don't forget to maximize Virgin Atlantic points on 22 airlines

June 09, 2023
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5 min read
KLM Premium Comfort Amsterdam to Chicago
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With 22 airline redemption partners, you might not realize how valuable Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points can be.

TPG values Virgin points at 1.5 cents each, which is fairly average for the value of airline miles. (American AAdvantage miles are higher at 1.77 cents each, while Delta SkyMiles are lower at 1.41 cents each.)

Today, we'll review Virgin Atlantic's Flying Club partners at a high level.

Virgin Atlantic's existing award partners

Delta One Suites Airbus A350
You can use Flying Club points to fly Delta Air Lines. ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

The Flying Club program has traditionally had a quirky mix of airline redemption options, including:

  • Virgin Atlantic.
  • Air France-KLM (SkyTeam).
  • Air New Zealand (Star Alliance).
  • ANA (Star Alliance).
  • Delta Air Lines (SkyTeam).
  • Hawaiian Airlines.
  • Singapore Airlines (Star Alliance).
  • South African Airways (Star Alliance).
  • Virgin Australia.

Of particular value has been the ability to redeem Virgin Points for ANA's business and first-class products. This remains one of the best sweet spots in the points and miles game, even after a recent devaluation of the first-class pricing.

But did you know that since Virgin Atlantic joined the SkyTeam alliance in March this year, you can now redeem Virgin Points on these SkyTeam airlines, too?

Related: When and how to book Delta awards with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Virgin Atlantic's new SkyTeam award partners

Aeromexico business class center seats
Now, you can use Flying Club points on Aeromexico. KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Here's a list of the partners Virgin Atlantic added when it joined SkyTeam.

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  • Aerolineas Argentinas.
  • Aeromexico.
  • Air Europa.
  • China Airlines.
  • Czech Airlines.
  • Garuda Indonesia.
  • Kenya Airways.
  • Korean Air.
  • Middle East Airlines.
  • Saudia.
  • TAROM.
  • Vietnam Airlines.
  • Xiamen Air.

When you add it all up, that's 22 different airlines, from Africa to Europe to Asia.

While China Eastern and ITA Airways are also SkyTeam members, you cannot currently redeem Virgin Points on these two airlines; this is supposed to be coming later this year when the number of redemption partners will grow to 24 airlines.

JAVIER RODRIGUEZ/THE POINTS GUY

You can also earn Virgin points — but not redeem them — with partners SAS, IndiGo and LATAM.

Related: Unlock incredible value with Virgin Atlantic points

Redeeming Virgin Atlantic points on SkyTeam partners

Redemptions on SkyTeam airlines are distance-based, and you will need the following Virgin points, each way, per person on all dates (no peak/off-peak pricing):

Flight distance (miles)EconomyPremium economyBusiness
0-500.
5,500.
9,000.
14,500.
501-1,000.
7,000.
12,500.
15,500.
1,001-1,500.
10,000.
16,000.
21,500.
1,501-2,250.
11,500.
22,000.
35,000.
2,251-3,000.
15,500.
26,500.
40,000.
3,001-4,000.
20,500.
37,500.
60,000.
4,001-5,000.
25,500.
47,500.
75,000.
5,001-6,000.
31,000.
57,500.
85,000.
6,001-7,000.
37,000.
70,000.
100,000.
7,001-12,000.
50,000.
95,000.
140,000.

Each nonSkyTeam partner has a different award chart. Some are distance-based, while others are zone-based. Each airline can have different terms and conditions. You must call Virgin Atlantic at 1 (800) 365-9500 to book award tickets for carriers that do not appear online.

You can still search for availability on other websites, however. For example, the United Airlines website is excellent for finding available seats on Star Alliance carriers like ANA or South African Airways. Once you find what you want, note the travel dates and flight numbers. Then call Virgin Atlantic and provide that information to the customer service representative.

Likewise, the Air-France KLM website is good for searching for SkyTeam availability.

Remember, Virgin charges per segment, not per journey. So, when redeeming on SkyTeam Airlines, aim for direct flights and minimize connections to save points.

Related: Your complete guide to SkyTeam alliance benefits

Bottom line

With its impressive list of alliance and nonalliance partners, it's easy to overlook the value of Virgin Atlantic points.

If you need to top up your Flying Club account for a redemption, you can transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Capital One at a 1:1 ratio.

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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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)

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  • 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.