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An easy journey from start to finish. take a look around one of our 787's., premium economy.

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The Definitive Guide to Virgin Atlantic’s Direct Routes From the U.S. [Plane Types & Seat Options]

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Table of Contents

Virgin atlantic seat options by aircraft type, best points to earn to fly virgin atlantic, virgin atlantic first class options, virgin atlantic business class options, virgin atlantic premium economy options, virgin atlantic economy class options, final thoughts.

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Virgin Atlantic has a reputation for being one of the most fun airlines to fly. With an eccentric red and purple color scheme, a celebrity founder in Richard Branson, and an exciting set of inflight products, there’s a lot to love if you’re thinking about flying Virgin Atlantic.

Not to be confused with Virgin Australia or Virgin America (now merged with Alaska Airlines), Virgin Atlantic is the full-service carrier mainly offering service to 2 U.K. airports: London-Heathrow (LHR) and Manchester (MAN).

In this guide, we’ll be exploring all of the U.S.-bound routes that Virgin Atlantic operates. More importantly, we’ll identify the main aircraft used on each of these routes, as well as the best business, premium economy, and economy class products bookable.

Virgin Atlantic is an exciting airline readily bookable using points, which makes it an exceptional option to consider if you’re traveling to/from the U.K.

Let’s get into it!

As mentioned earlier, Virgin Atlantic more or less operates long-haul or medium-haul flights out of its 2 hubs in London-Heathrow (LHR) and Manchester (MAN) to the U.S. using 3 aircraft:

Here is the complete list of routes that’ll walk you through each of the U.S. routes, including flight numbers, operated aircraft, and flight frequency:

As you can see, most of Virgin Atlantic’s flights go through London-Heathrow (LHR), while a minority of them go through Belfast (BFS), Edinburgh (EDI), and Manchester (MAN).

Earning enough Virgin Points to fly on Virgin Atlantic is easy. That’s because you can generally redeem points from a variety of frequent flyer programs to book a flight on Virgin Atlantic.

For example, you can book a Virgin Atlantic ticket using Virgin Points , Delta SkyMiles , ANA miles , or even Singapore KrisFlyer miles .

To decide which frequent flyer program to go with, you’ll need to examine which type of transferable points you have, as well as which option offers the best deal on the exact route you’re looking at.

Hot Tip: Check out the best ways to book Virgin Atlantic Upper Class with points in our step-by-step guide.

Unlike British Airways, Virgin Atlantic currently doesn’t have a distinct first class product. Not to worry, Virgin Atlantic’s business class is awesome!

Currently, Virgin Atlantic uses 3 different types of aircraft on U.S. flights — however, the newest Upper Class product is on the A350-1000. We’re big fans of this seat, so let’s get into it!

Virgin Atlantic A350-1000 New Upper Class

Virgin Atlantic’s newest business class seat debuted in 2019, and its dramatically-upgraded product has been met with much fanfare since.

These new seats are currently only available on the A350-1000 aircraft, which are significantly more fuel-efficient and comfortable to fly in.

And it’s probably not a surprise that our favorite Upper Class product is on this exact aircraft. On the A350-1000, the cabin contains 44 seats in a single, large cabin spread out across 11 rows of seats.

Each row has a 1-2-1 arrangement, and every seat is a fully lay-flat bed with leather upholstery and direct aisle access.

Additionally, each seat has 20 inches of width, 44 inches of pitch, and 82 inches of bed length when fully reclined.

On each side, you’ll notice that the window seats are facing outward in a reverse herringbone geometry. The middle seats are also facing outward, which is a herringbone-style setup.

As a result, this cabin looks like a herringbone-reverse herringbone hybrid:

The onboard lounge, dubbed The Loft , is located at the back of the cabin, and there are galleys and lavatories at the front and back of the cabin.

In general, we’d probably recommend booking seats in row 6, simply due to the fact that it will likely experience the least foot traffic. Passengers seated in front of row 6 will likely head to the forward lavatories, while passengers seated behind will go to the rear lavatories.

We’d generally recommend you to avoid rows 1 and 11 if at all possible. Row 1 is right behind the lavatories and galley, while row 11 is right in front of The Loft, lavatory, and galley.

Currently, Virgin Atlantic flies its A350-1000 on the following U.S. routes:

• Atlanta (ATL) – London-Heathrow (LHR) 
• Los Angeles (LAX) – London-Heathrow (LHR) on VS 24
• New York (JFK) – London-Heathrow (LHR) on VS 10 and 138
• Orlando (MCO) – London-Heathrow (LHR) from March 27, 2022

Hot Tip: Virgin’s newest A350s will be offering The Booth , a lounge-style social space for Upper Class passengers.

Virgin Atlantic 787-9 Upper Class

Although Virgin Atlantic’s “older” Upper Class product isn’t our top choice, it’s still a comfortable product you should consider flying.

This is especially true if you are debating between British Airways Club World (business class) and Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, as the former has dense seating configurations (think 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 in business class!).

In any case, Virgin Atlantic has a unique cabin layout with seats set up in a 1-1-1 configuration. Each of these seats is 22 inches wide and has 80 inches of seat pitch when reclined into bed mode.

In total, there are 31 seats as shown in this seat map:

Although not pictured, the lavatories are all located in the back of the business class cabin behind the inflight bar.

For maximum privacy, we recommend choosing seats in rows 1 or 2. These are furthest away from the lavatories and bar, which should minimize the foot traffic you experience.

We’d recommend avoiding seats 7A and 7K, as the seats don’t have a window. Also, we recommend avoiding seat 10G due to its proximity right in front of the bar.

Unfortunately, with this type of setup, there aren’t any outstanding seat pairings for couples — we recommend G and K seats in the same row for couples, as these are generally facing each other, despite having an aisle between the seats.

Here are all the U.S. routes on which you can find Virgin Atlantic’s 787-9:

• Austin (AUS) – London-Heathrow (LHR)
• Las Vegas (LAS) – London-Heathrow (LHR)
• Los Angeles (LAX) – London-Heathrow (LHR) on VS 8
• Miami (MIA) – London-Heathrow (LHR)
• New York (JFK) – London-Heathrow (LHR) on VS 4 and 26
• San Francisco (SFO) – London-Heathrow (LHR)
• Seattle (SEA) – London-Heathrow (LHR)

Virgin Atlantic A330-300 Upper Class

The last business class product left is on the A330-300. Although the seat map is virtually identical to the 787-9’s, we would generally recommend flying on a Dreamliner before an A330 if you have a choice.

The seat map is a 1-1-1 setup with 31 seats total, each measuring 22 inches wide and 80 inches long in bed mode. Here’s what the seat map looks like:

As you can see, the lavatories and galleys are placed slightly differently — you’ll find the inflight bar in the rear (not pictured), a set of lavatories and galleys in the front, and another set of lavatories and galleys in the rear (also not pictured).

Therefore, we’d recommend avoiding rows 1, 10, and 11, if you can help it. For travelers looking to minimize foot traffic, the best you can likely do here is to opt for seats in rows 5 and 6, which are smack in the middle of the cabin.

Here are the current A330-300 routes operated by Virgin Atlantic to/from the U.S.:

• Atlanta (ATL) – Manchester (MAN)
• Boston (BOS) – London-Heathrow (LHR)
• New York (JFK) – Manchester (MAN)
• Orlando (MCO) – Belfast (BFS)
• Orlando (MCO) – Edinburgh (EDI)
• Orlando (MCO) – London-Heathrow (LHR) until March 27, 2022
• Orlando (MCO) – Manchester (MAN)
• Washington, D.C. (IAD) – London-Heathrow (LHR)

Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy experience offers comfort, extra touches beyond a normal economy seat, and more amenities overall.

At the same time, it’s usually not as costly as business class tickets. So in this guide, we’ll walk you through our favorite premium economy cabins aboard Virgin Atlantic!

Virgin Atlantic 787-9 Premium Economy

Our favorite premium economy cabin that Virgin Atlantic has to offer is on the 787-9 Dreamliner. The cabin is set up in a 2-3-2 arrangement with 35 seats spread out across 5 rows.

The main difference between premium economy and business class is the ability for the seat to recline 180 degrees into a flatbed.

In this case, each of these spacious seats measures 21 inches wide and 38 inches in pitch, so you’ll have plenty of room to stretch out and be comfortable.

Here’s the seat map:

You’ll notice that the lavatories and galley are located at the front of the cabin — therefore, we recommend travelers to reserve rows near the back of the cabin, such as rows 24 and 25.

These seats are the most private — we generally recommend avoiding row 21 seats unless you need a bassinet .

Here are Virgin Atlantic’s U.S. 787-9 routes:

Virgin Atlantic A330-300 Premium Economy

Our runner-up option is the premium economy cabin on the A330-300. The seats are still 21 inches wide and 38 inches in pitch with the same 2-3-2 configuration, but the cabin is significantly larger.

There are 48 seats, which is an increase of 13 seats compared to the 787-9. Here’s what the seat map looks like:

The lavatories, galley, and inflight bar are located at the front of the aircraft, so we recommend avoiding rows 18, 19, and 20 if possible. Additionally, 21A and 21K are missing a window.

For this reason, we recommend seats near the back of the cabin, like in rows 23, 24, and 25.

Here are the A330-300 routes available on Virgin Atlantic’s U.S. routes:

Virgin Atlantic A350-1000 Premium Economy

You might be surprised to hear this, but our least-favorite premium economy seat is on Virgin Atlantic’s newest aircraft: the A350-1000.

The cabin is the largest, and the seats are the smallest. Also, the cabin configuration is the densest.

All of these reasons contribute to our sentiment that the A350-1000 has the least-preferred premium economy seat in Virgin Atlantic’s U.S. fleet.

Specifically, the seats are just 18.5 inches wide, compared to the 787-9 and A330-300, which both measure 21 inches wide per seat. Luckily, the seat pitch is unchanged at 38 inches of legroom.

You’ll find a 2-4-2 arrangement in premium economy with 56 seats spread out across 7 rows:

Again, the lavatories and galleys are at the front of the cabin, so you’ll do well to choose seats at the back of the cabin, avoiding foot traffic. Some recommendations include rows 26 and 27.

Here are Virgin Atlantic’s U.S. routes with the A350-1000 premium economy seat map:

Now is a great time to talk about Virgin Atlantic’s base-level economy class options.

It’s important to know which aircraft has the best seats, and which seats are the most spacious within a given aircraft.

Choosing the right seats means your long-haul flight will be much more comfortable!

Virgin Atlantic A330-300 Economy

Our favorite economy cabin is the A330-300, which has a total of 185 seats in a 2-4-2 arrangement (it tapers down to 2-3-2 in the back).

Each seat is 18 inches wide, which is the widest economy seat of the 3 options. The seat pitch is anywhere from 29 to 30 inches, but the main benefit of this seat is the increase in width.

There are lavatories in the middle of the economy section and at the back, while there’s a galley at the back of the plane.

For solo travelers, the best seats are 61A and 61K — this is because the cabin narrows into a less dense configuration, which means more legroom. Alternatively, you can select 50C and 50H, which are exit row seats but are close to the lavatory.

Other seats with more legroom include all row 40 seats, row 49 seats, and 50A/K.

Lastly, make a conscious effort to avoid seats in rows 46, 47, 48, 64, and 65 due to limited recline or distance to the lavatories.

Here are all of Virgin Atlantic’s U.S. routes with this seat map:

Virgin Atlantic A350-1000 Economy

If you’re flying on Virgin Atlantic’s A350-1000 but in economy, you’ll want to pay close attention to this section.

This is our second-favorite seat map, which has 235 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. Each seat is 17.5 inches wide and 31 to 34 inches in pitch (depending on where you sit).

The seat map looks like this:

The best seat from a legroom perspective is 54A and 54K; these are also the best seats for solo travelers but typically require an extra fee to book.

Other options with enhanced legroom include row 45 seats and row 53 seats. Just keep in mind that row 53 seats are located behind the lavatories.

We absolutely recommend avoiding rows 52, 70, and 71 due to the limited recline and proximity to lavatories.

Here are all of Virgin Atlantic’s A350-1000 routes to and from the U.S.:

Virgin Atlantic 787-9 Economy

The very last cabin we’ll discuss is the 787-9 economy class cabin.

The 787-9 is our least-preferred economy cabin due to the scarcity of preferential seats with extra legroom, the dense 3-3-3 layout, and the relatively small seats.

The seats measure 17.5 inches wide and 31 inches in pitch.

In total, expect around 192 economy seats in this cabin with the following seat map:

For most travelers, the best legroom is at row 53, which is an exit row seat but is behind a set of lavatories.

The worst seats are in rows 51, 52, 66, 67, and 68, so we don’t recommend reserving any of these.

Here are all of Virgin Atlantic’s U.S. 787-9 routes:

Virgin Atlantic operates nonstop flights to a variety of U.S. airports. Although the majority of its flights are to and from London-Heathrow (LHR), there are a handful of flights involving other U.K. airports like Belfast (BFS), Edinburgh (EDI), and Manchester (MAN).

The crew aboard Virgin Atlantic generally try to make your inflight experience as fun as possible, even if you’re flying in coach.

Our favorite business class product is on the new Upper Class, exclusively available on the A350-1000 aircraft.

In premium economy, we really like the 787-9 Dreamliner’s arrangement. Lastly, our best coach product is on the A330-300, which boasts the best seat width and a number of preferential seats.

Now, you have all the tips and knowledge you need to plan your next Virgin Atlantic flight!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best ways to book virgin atlantic upper class.

In our opinion, the best ways to book Virgin Atlantic Upper Class are using Virgin Points, Delta SkyMiles, ANA miles, or Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles.

What are the best ways to book Virgin Atlantic premium economy class?

You can book Virgin Atlantic premium economy using Virgin Points, Delta SkyMiles, and Singapore KrisFlyer miles. Unfortunately, you cannot book Virgin Atlantic premium economy flights with ANA miles.

What are the best ways to book Virgin Atlantic economy class?

Delta charges around 35,000 SkyMiles one-way between the U.S. and the U.K. in economy.

Virgin Atlantic charges 20,000 to 30,000 Virgin Points and Singapore KrisFlyer charges 25,000 miles. Lastly, ANA charges 55,000 round-trip (one-ways are not possible with ANA miles).

Is Virgin Atlantic business class the same as Upper Class?

Yes! Virgin Atlantic’s fancy name for its business class product is Upper Class.

Do you get pajamas on Virgin Upper Class?

Yes, you absolutely get pajamas in Upper Class!

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How to Make the Most of First Class on Virgin Atlantic

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International travelers may be familiar with the Virgin Atlantic brand. The airline flies to over 30 destinations around the world, plus even more with its partners Delta, Air France and KLM. Passengers are treated to a luxurious experience when flying first class, including the use of a private chauffeur to and from the airport and access to its exclusive airport lounges.

In our Virgin Atlantic first class overview, you'll learn what to expect while flying, how to book a ticket and a few ways to earn good value.

» Learn more: The basics on airline alliances and partnerships

What to expect flying first class with Virgin Atlantic

When flying Virgin Atlantic first class, also known as upper class, you'll experience luxury every step of the way. Your experience starts with a chauffeured ride to the airport, and then continues with exclusive airport lounges — and that's all before your eventual departure.

Bag allowance. First class passengers may check up to two pieces of baggage per person, and these bags may weigh up to 70 pounds each. Additionally, you may bring two pieces of hand baggage on board, with a combined weight of no more than 35 pounds.

Boarding. As with most airlines, Virgin Atlantic allows first class passengers to board and deplane ahead of other passengers.

Seats. First class seats offer 20 to 22 inches of width, which is the largest available on Virgin Atlantic. The seats lie flat when in bed mode, and offer more than 6 1/2 feet of space to stretch out in.

Onboard social areas. Virgin Atlantic's first class cabins offer exclusive areas for passengers to grab a drink or dine with friends. Older planes have a bar, while the new A350 planes have "the Loft," a relaxing social area.

Lounges. The Upper Class Wing is its exclusive first class lounge for Virgin Atlantic at London Heathrow. Plus, there are seven additional Clubhouse lounges and numerous partner lounges around the world offering drinks, food and wellness spas.

Food and drink service. You'll experience five-star dining at 30,000 feet with Virgin Atlantic, starting with a chilled glass of pre-departure Champagne. There is full-service dining in lounges and varying menus on-board based on your departure time.

Chauffer service to and from airport. Complimentary chauffeur service within 75 miles is available at select airports for first class passengers traveling on paid tickets. Travelers on award tickets may book chauffeur service for additional miles.

» Learn more: How to save money on international flights

How to book a first class ticket with Virgin Atlantic

Searching for first class flight options with Virgin Airlines is fairly straightforward, regardless if you're paying with cash or points.

Start by selecting your departure and arrival airport, dates of travel, number of passengers and if it is a one-way or round-trip flight.

Checking the Show Flexible Dates box makes it easier to find prices that match your budget.

Click on Advanced Search to select Upper Class and pick money, points or points plus money as the payment method.

Click Search.

The website will return search results showing various departure and arrival dates +/- 3 days from your chosen travel dates. The lowest price options will also be highlighted and have the word "lowest" in the box.

Once you select your preferred dates based on the pricing, you'll choose the specific flight for your departure (and return, if applicable). If the number of seats remaining for that flight are low, the site will mention how many seats are left.

Once you've selected your flights, you may choose your seats before completing the purchase.

The flight chosen is a 1-1-1 configuration, so you may select a seat by the window or in the middle. All seats have immediate aisle access.

Ways to get good value

When booking a Virgin Atlantic first class ticket, follow these tips to maximize your experience and receive exceptional value.

Book Virgin Atlantic upper class with points

Flying first class can be very expensive, so that's why booking Virgin Atlantic upper class with points offers such tremendous value. Be aware that fuel surcharges are levied on some flights with Virgin Atlantic, which can significantly reduce the value of this redemption.

Earn a companion ticket with your spending

When you spend at least $25,000 each year with the Bank of America Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard® , you'll receive a companion ticket. This allows you to book a companion for a small fee in the same cabin or class as your cash ticket.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Upgrade paid ticket to upper class

If you don't have enough points to book a first class flight, you can use points to upgrade a cash ticket to first class. The cost to upgrade depends on the type of ticket you initially purchased (economy or premium) and where you're flying to and from. For example, from Boston to London, it would cost 71,200 points to upgrade from economy to upper class.

When traveling during peak season, there is an additional cost of 10,000 to 15,000 points each way.

» Learn more: How to get free upgrades on flights

Book an upper class chauffeur

In addition to booking a first class flight, your points can also help you arrive in style when you book a chauffeur for your ride to or from the airport. Call the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club team to book a ride within 75 miles of London Heathrow, Manchester or select U.S. airports for just 17,500 miles each way.

Booking chauffeur service with points is available to all classes of passengers on Virgin Atlantic.

Combine points and cash to book your flight

To save your cash, you can use a combination of points and cash when booking eligible Virgin Atlantic flights. For every 3,000 points you redeem , the price of your flight will be reduced. The value of this redemption can be less than a penny per point, so travelers should look elsewhere for higher values. These flights can only be booked online, so bookings using the mobile app or over the phone are not allowed.

» Learn more: The annoying international travel fees you can shrink or skip

If you fly Virgin America first class

Travelers looking for a luxurious experience should consider booking a first class flight on Virgin Atlantic. They'll enjoy premium service from the moment they step into the chauffeured airport ride until takeoff, then can relax in lie-flat seats and onboard social areas. The airline's credit card not only earns points toward free flights, but it also offers the ability to earn a Companion Ticket and tier points towards elite status .

Flights can be booked with cash or points, but take note of the potentially high fuel surcharges on award flights. One-way flights from the U.S. to London in first class can be found for under 50,000 points, so redemptions are relatively attainable after earning the card's welcome bonus: For a limited time: 60,000 bonus Virgin Points after spending $2,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. .

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Photo courtesy of Virgin Atlantic.

On a similar note...

Upper Class flight deals

Suite dreams are made of this.

Discover the ultimate way to travel, with your own wing to check in, fast track security, time to relax in our Clubhouse, and an onboard experience that takes flying to a whole new level.

Find out more about Upper Class

Upper Class deals to the US

London (LHR) to

Upper Class deals to the Caribbean

Upper Class deals to Worldwide destinations

Luxury at its best

A place to call your own

Enjoy your own personal space, with loads of leg room, oodles of entertainment and drinks delivered on demand. And when it's time to hit the sack, your seat transforms into a fully flat bed, to give to you a fresh start in the morning.

À la carte dining experience

Enjoy the finest food and drink throughout your journey, including a welcome glass of bubbly, complimentary drinks and snacks, a choice of tasty 4 course meals, extra bites on demand (day flights) and even breakfast in bed (night flights).

Get that Upper Class feeling before you board with exclusive access to our Clubhouse or partner lounges worldwide.

Social spaces

Emerge from the privacy of your seat to go lounge in the The Loft or kick back at the bar. It's quality time with an acquaintance or a chance to meet new people.

• Fully flat beds
• Extra large leather seat
• Select Upper Class seat anytime
• 2 x hand luggage weighing max 12kg per bag, or 16kg combined
• 2 x 32kg checked bag*
• Priority baggage delivery

Included extras

• Upgradeable with Virgin Points
• Extra legroom seat
• Upper Class check in
• Fast track security
• Priority boarding
• Exclusive access to Clubhouse

Where are you flying from?

• London Heathrow
• Manchester International
• Inverness Airport
• Cardiff Airport
• Norwich Airport
• Humberside Airport
• London City Apt
• Belfast International
• Leeds Bradford Airport
• Bristol Airport
• Teesside Airport

Fly direct from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic during our seasonal service.

From 27th October 2024, Virgin Atlantic will operate daily flights to the Maldives.

Book your holiday today!

From 26th October 2024, Virgin Atlantic will operate daily flights to Dubai.

Our seasonal Virgin Atlantic service with up to 4 direct flights, will operate until the 19th May 2024.

Our seasonal direct service will recommence on the 28th October 2024.

Our Virgin Atlantic service operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays.

Flights include a short touchdown in Barbados.

Our Virgin Atlantic service operates on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 29th March 2024. From the 2nd April, this service will reduce to Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Our seasonal service will recommence on the 29th October 2024, with flights operating on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Our seasonal Virgin Atlantic service with up to 3 direct flights, will operate until the 11th May 2024. Flights will commence from 23 May 2024 - 24th October 2024 on Thursdays and include a short touchdown.

Our seasonal direct service will recommence on the 29th October 2024.

Daily direct flights from London Gatwick to New York with our partner airline, Delta, operates between 10th April and 26th October 2024.

Our Virgin Atlantic service with direct flights, will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays until the 30th March 2024.

Our direct service will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the 2nd April 2024.

Our new direct, daily Virgin Atlantic service to Toronto commences 30th March 2025

1 room / 2 adults

Please enter all child ages

There must be 1 adult per child under two years of age travelling, please adjust your passenger number

To book online please select a maximum of 9 passengers, to book 10 adults or more please call 0344 557 3978

Please note: Drivers must be over the age of 21 to hire a car unless otherwise specified. Drivers between 21 and 24 years of age may be subject to additional costs.

Virgin Atlantic seating options & upgrades

Virgin Atlantic is famous for creating memorable journeys, by providing award-winning, excellent value products and friendly service in every class. If you'd like to upgrade your seat or cabin before you fly, we make it easy. Enjoy extra legroom in Economy Delight, stretch out even more in Premium, or opt for the height of inflight luxury: Upper Class. Whatever class you fly in with Virgin Atlantic, you'll always experience that little bit extra - a quality that sets Virgin Atlantic apart. 

You can upgrade your cabin at any time by visiting  Manage My Booking  or, if you’re a Flying Club or Virgin Red member, you can use your Virgin Points to upgrade. Just follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Check how many points you’ll need  

Step 2: Contact Virgin Holidays to confirm that your trip has been ticketed

Step 3: Call the Virgin Atlantic team to check for availability and book with your points! 

Explore our cabins and seats

Economy Classic

Choose Economy Classic for the great value service you know and love, including 23kg baggage allowance, plus hand luggage.

Economy Delight

If you'd rather speed through the airport using Premium check in desks and priority boarding, Economy Delight offers all this, plus extra legroom on board.

It's the little touches here and there that make a big difference, from those extra few inches of space, a glass of bubbly as you board, and a tasty meal.

Upper Class

Enjoy loads of leg room, oodles of entertainment and drinks delivered on demand. And when it's time to hit the sack, your seat transforms into a fully flat bed...need we say more?

Find out how our Upper Class, Premium and Economy seats measure up

Virgin Atlantic seats have been carefully designed to help you fly in total comfort during the flight, no matter which cabin you're in. 

Compare the differences between each cabin to help you decide the best fit for you.

Discover flavourful food in every cabin

A culinary adventure of flavourful dishes to nourish and excite, drinks to relax and unwind, and snacks to surprise and delight. Meals created with care and consideration, with quality ingredients, sourced and served in the most responsible way possible.

We also make sure the inflight dining experience for little ones is just as considered as the one for grown ups. We’re talking a dedicated kids’ menu with tasty, nutritious and fun meals, and plenty of snacks.

All the travel extras...

Last chance: Virgin Atlantic 40% off all routes promo — book flights from just 6,000 points

Editor's Note

Looking to travel across the pond this summer? To celebrate the airline's 40th birthday, Virgin Atlantic unveiled a new offer to help you save thousands of points on your next award redemption to the United Kingdom, but you'll need to act quickly, as this promotion ends June 24.

You can get 40% 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 on any date in 2024. This is a better Promo Awards deal than the one we saw in January, which only offered 20% off redemptions for most destinations.

To take advantage of this 40% off award deal, you must book by 7:59 p.m. EDT (23:59 GMT) on June 24 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)
• Washington, D.C.'s Dulles International Airport (IAD)

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

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

Related: Video alert! TPG reviews all cabins on Virgin Atlantic's Airbus A330-900neo

Round-trip economy redemptions start from just 12,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points from JFK or 18,000 points from LAX on off-peak dates. You'll see the points discount applied when booking online. So, if you want to fly to LHR for a positioning flight to start your European summer vacation, you can redeem just 6,000 points if you book a flight from JFK. This is a terrific deal.

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

While 40% award redemptions is a great 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 , there is no way to reduce the carrier-imposed surcharges by redeeming more points. Even in economy, you can expect to pay hundreds of dollars extra; in business class, the total is more than $1,000 round-trip. For example, this round-trip business-class flight from JFK to LHR can cost you just 57,000 points, but you must pay more than $2,000 in taxes and fees.

These 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, you must book by 7:59 p.m. EDT. Sadly, the discount does not apply to existing bookings. You may consider canceling and rebooking if your existing flight falls within the eligibility window. However, 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 account.

This terrific offer from Flying Club is generous given it covers all routes in all classes for the rest of 2024. Just be mindful of those pesky surcharges when booking.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a first-time or frequent traveler
• Best travel credit cards
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

• Our services & pricing

Insights > The Best Way to Book Virgin Atlantic Flights With Points

The Best Way to Book Virgin Atlantic Flights With Points

Whether you’re eyeing a dream getaway or planning a business trip, understanding how to book flights with points and miles is key to maximizing your travel potential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best strategies for booking Virgin Atlantic flights with points, including the best ways to redeem your rewards, how to earn points, and tips for finding award space with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

Table of contents

How to earn Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points

Flying, shopping, dining, and everyday spending can all help you earn Virgin points.

Flying with Virgin Atlantic 

The most straightforward way to earn Virgin points is by taking flights with Virgin Atlantic or its partner airlines. Keep an eye out for special promotions and bonus-point offers to supercharge your earnings.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members accrue points depending on the route taken, ticket class, and Flying Club tier status, among other factors. Depending on whether you have Red, Silver, or Gold status, Flying Club members earn varying percentages of points:

• Red member : earns between 25% and 400% of base points flown.
• Silver member : earns between 25% and 400% of base points flown, plus a 30% bonus.
• Gold member : earns between 25% and 400% of base points flown, plus a 60% bonus.

Credit cards

Credit cards are a convenient and lucrative way to earn points with everyday purchases. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club offers two co-branded credit cards that’ll earn you Virgin points for every dollar you spend. Virgin Atlantic Black Card earns 3x Virgin points per $1 spent on Virgin Atlantic purchases, plus 1.5x Virgin points everywhere else, while the Virgin Atlantic White Card earns 3x Virgin points per $1 spent on Virgin Atlantic and 1x Virgin point elsewhere.

Transfer partners

American Express, Chase, Citi, Capital One, and Bilt all earn rewards that can be transferred to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at a 1:1 ratio. This makes earning Virgin points very easy to do, especially after you earn a sign-up bonus or two.

• Online shopping

To boost your balance of Virgin points, check out the Virgin Atlantic shopping portal . It allows you to earn tons of points on your online spending, as long as you use Virgin’s site to click through to your preferred retailer.

The fare types available on Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic offers several fare types tailored to diverse needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown:

Economy Light

• Ideal for travelers looking for the lowest fares
• Seats assigned at check-in
• Checked baggage may be available for an additional fee

Economy Classic

• Offers more flexibility than Economy Light
• Includes one complimentary checked bag (50 lbs)
• Allows free seat selection at the time of booking

Economy Delight

• Designed for travelers seeking extra comfort and perks
• Provides extra legroom seats
• Includes one complimentary checked bag
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Offers a premium-economy experience with enhanced comfort
• Features wider seats with additional legroom
• Includes two complimentary checked bags
• Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling
• Premium dining and beverage options
• In-flight amenity kit
• Enhanced entertainment options

Virgin Atlantic Upper Class (Business Class)

• Two pieces of hand luggage included
• Includes two complimentary checked bags (70lbs)
• Features fully flat-bed seats for maximum comfort
• Access to Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses and partner lounges
• Fast-track security
• Premium dining experience with a la carte menu options
• Access to onboard bar and socializing area
• In-flight amenity kit featuring luxury products

How to book Virgin Atlantic flights with points

Booking Virgin Atlantic reward flights is a straightforward process that allows travelers to redeem their accumulated Virgin points for flights to their desired destinations. To begin, travelers can visit the Virgin Atlantic website and log in to their Flying Club account. From there, search for available flights using the “Book a Flight” tool and select the option to pay with points.

During the booking process, you’ll need to have the necessary amount of points available in your Flying Club account to cover the cost of the flight. Additionally, travelers should be mindful of any taxes, fees, and surcharges that may apply when redeeming points for flights.

This is especially true on Virgin Atlantic flights to London Heathrow (LHR); the airline passes along carrier-imposed surcharges in addition to fees, so travelers can get hit with fees upwards of $1,000.

How to redeem Virgin points to get the best deal

Redeeming Virgin points for maximum value is an exercise in flexibility. How many points you’ll need for a flight is going to depend on the season you’re traveling, whether you’re flying Virgin Atlantic or a partner, the cabin you’re flying in, and where you’re going. Being open to different travel dates and destinations can unlock more options and potentially lower redemption rates.

One hack? You can manipulate the reward seat finder by typing different airport codes into the URL. Another tip is to explore Virgin Atlantic’s partner airlines within the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club program, as this expands the range of available routes and often offers competitive redemption rates.

It’s important to know that Virgin Atlantic uses a distance-based award chart for flights. This is true both for flights operated by Virgin and for partner flights.

While the amount for partner flights will vary based on which airline you’re flying, the Virgin Atlantic award chart for Virgin Atlantic–operated flights is subject only to standard- and peak-season pricing.

Standard season travel dates and rewards

Virgin Atlantic prices flights differently depending on when you’re traveling. The standard-season dates for 2024 are as follows:

Most of the world:

• January 4 to March 21
• April 16 to June 15
• September 3 to October 24
• November 6 to December 6

Caribbean and Indian Ocean:

• March 4 to March 21
• April 16 to May 26
• June 3 to July 19

Standard-season rates to/from the U.K.

Note that this is pricing for round-trip flights. If you’re only flying one-way, cut these figures in half.

Peak-season travel dates and rewards

As you’d expect, peak-season pricing is more expensive. These are the dates for 2024:

• January 1 to January 3
• March 22 to April 15
• June 16 to September 2
• October 25 to November 5
• December 7 to January 5, 2025

Caribbean and Indian Ocean

• January 1 to March 3
• May 27 to June 2
• July 20 to September 2
• December 7 to March 2, 2025

Peak-season rates to/from the U.K.

 This is also for round-trip flights, so keep that in mind when crunching the numbers.

Redeeming Virgin points with airline partners

This might sound counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to redeem your Virgin points isn’t with Virgin Atlantic at all. In fact, thanks to a strong network of airline partners and a generous distance-based award chart, redeeming your Virgin points for max value is incredibly easy.

Before it joined the SkyTeam alliance , Virgin Atlantic was a solo flier, meaning it needed to forge strong links with other airlines to bolster its route network and make flying better for its passengers.

Now, even though it’s been a member of SkyTeam for the past few years, Virgin Atlantic maintains an envious number of airline partners. This is great news for fliers looking for reward flights, especially since the partner network offers globe-spanning reach.

SkyTeam partners

There are 18 members of SkyTeam, including Virgin Atlantic.

• Aeroflot (temporarily suspended)
• ITA Airways
• Middle East Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Saudia Airlines
• China Airlines
• China Eastern
• Vietnam Airlines
• Czech Airlines
• Garuda Indonesia
• Xiamen Airlines

Other airline partners

Virgin Atlantic has nine additional partners that are not members of SkyTeam:

• Air New Zealand
• Hawaiian Airlines
• LATAM Airlines
• Singapore Airlines
• South African Airways
• Virgin Australia

Booking a Virgin Atlantic partner flight

Although getting great value from your Virgin points can be simple with partners, the booking process may not be. That’s because Virgin Atlantic Flying Club’s outdated system has a hard time with routes and partner availability.

Finding SkyTeam availability

If you’re wanting to find reward flights with SkyTeam, your best bet is to head over to Flying Blue’s website to search for dates. On Flying Blue’s website, you’ll be able to easily search for reward seats without needing to deal with Virgin’s IT issues.

As a member of SkyTeam, Flying Blue has access to all the same award availability as Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. This means that if you find a reward seat on their site, you’ll be able to redeem Virgin points for that flight.

Once you’ve found the reward flights you’re looking for, you can try a search on Virgin’s site. If it doesn’t show up, however, you’ll need to call to book.

Finding other partner availability

The rest of Virgin’s partners include Star Alliance members as well as airlines that aren’t in a partnership. You can find out how many points you’ll need for flights by navigating to Virgin’s partner page .

Finding reward flights can be a little more complex with these alternative partners, because most Star Alliance airlines make it difficult to figure out which seats are available to partners at a saver level. Your best bet is to try out SAS Eurobonus, then calling Virgin to see if the flight is also accessible to them.

Save time with point.me

All of this has probably convinced you that searching for reward flights, especially with non-SkyTeam members, is too complicated. It’s true. It is. But there’s a better way.

Rather than relying on Virgin’s notoriously incomplete website to find reward flights or attempting a workaround with other airlines, point.me can do the work for you.

point.me saves time by searching the sites for you, then gathering all of your options and giving you live award availability. You won’t need to wrangle with a foreign airline’s website while trying to search; point.me can provide the answers. And when it comes time to book, you’ll get step-by-step instructions on how to do it.

More ways to redeem Virgin points

Virgin Atlantic flights or partner flights may be the best way to redeem your Virgin points, but you can spend them on other aspects of travel too:

• Seat upgrades
• Hotel stays
• Car rentals
• Experiences
• Lounge access
• Points-plus-money bookings

The worst ways to redeem Virgin points

Earning and redeeming Virgin points can be a lengthy process, so you don’t want to waste them. If you’re trying to maximize their value, redeeming your points for reward flights is definitely the way to go.

Other redemptions? Not so much. Aside from redeeming points for seat upgrades, you’ll want to avoid using your points for most of the options above.

Tips for finding Virgin Atlantic award seats

We’ve run through how to find and book seats using your Virgin points, but our strongest tip is this: Don’t waste your time on Virgin’s shoddy website trying to find reward flights. While it’ll work just fine for Virgin Atlantic flights, it struggles with searching for partner awards. It also lacks a dedicated calendar function.

Instead, use a reward-flight search engine such as point.me to save yourself time and headache. While you may still need to call in to book your flights, you can rest easy knowing that point.me’s search process will thoroughly vet seats for you — all you have to do is click.

Frequently asked questions about booking Virgin Atlantic flights with points

Which airlines are virgin atlantic partners .

Virgin Atlantic has 17 SkyTeam partners, including KLM and Delta, and nine non-SkyTeam partners, including ANA and Singapore Airlines.

What are Virgin Atlantic’s transfer partners? 

You can transfer in points from all major flexible points currencies, including American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Citi ThankYou points, and Capital One Miles.

What are Virgin’s status levels? 

Virgin has three levels of Flying Club tier status: Red, Silver, and Gold.

How do I earn points with Virgin Atlantic?

Earning points can be done in a variety of ways, including credit-card spending, online shopping, and flying.

How do I redeem points with Virgin Atlantic? 

Redeeming points with Virgin Atlantic is as simple as ticking a box on the site’s homepage.

How much are Virgin points worth? 

The value of a Virgin point varies based on how you redeem it. Generally speaking, you’ll want to get at least 2 cents of value from your points.

Can I use Delta miles to book Virgin Atlantic?

Yes, you can use Delta miles to book Virgin Atlantic flights.

Can I use Amex points on Virgin Atlantic?

Yes, Amex is a transfer partner of Virgin.

How many Virgin points do I need for a free flight?

The number of points you’ll need depends on the flight you’re taking. Delta flights, for example, start at 7,500 points one-way.

Do Virgin points expire?

No, Virgin points do not expire.

Can I transfer or gift my Virgin points to someone else?

Yes, Virgin points can be transferred or gifted.

Can I book a flight for someone else with my Virgin points?

Yes, booking a flight for someone else with your Virgin points is possible. Simply use their name when booking the flight.

Can I book a Virgin Atlantic flight using a combination of points and cash?

Yes, Virgin Atlantic allows points-plus-money bookings.

How much does it cost to buy Virgin points? 

The cost of Virgin points depends on whether or not they’re on sale. Without a sale, they’re 3.05 cents each.

Get started with point.me ! Search hundreds of airlines and dozens of loyalty programs with one click. Join today . 

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These are the best airlines in the world, according to a survey of travelers — see the full list

• Airline ratings company Skytrax has released its 2024 list of the best airlines in the world.
• Qatar Airways took the top spot from Singapore Airlines, 2023's winner.
• No airlines from the US made it in the top 20.

Qatar Airways has reclaimed the title of best airline in the world after losing out in 2023, according to travel industry rating company Skytrax.

Skytrax announced the results of the World Airline Awards, which polled travelers from over 100 countries on their impressions of more than 350 airlines, at a gala on Monday in London.

Once again, airlines from Asia and the Middle East dominated the awards, sweeping the top six spots and taking 12 of the top 20.

European carriers accounted for seven of the top 20 spots, with Turkish Airlines ranked highest in seventh.

No airlines from the US made the top 20 after Delta Air Lines fell one spot in this year's rankings to 21st. Delta was one of only two US airlines to crack the top 50, with United in 42nd.

Here's a closer look at the 20 best airlines in the world for 2024 according to Skytrax:

20. Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines)

Saudia , which changed its name from Saudi Arabian Airlines last year, jumped up three spots to finish 20th in this year's rankings.

Saudia is Saudi Arabia's flag carrier and is a member of the Sky Team alliance. It's also one of the few major airlines in the world the not serve any alcohol on board its flights.

19. Etihad Airways

Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways fell six spots in this year's rankings but managed to stay in the top 20 at 19th.

Etihad reintroduced its Airbus A380 fleet and its luxurious The Residence suite after a four year hiatus.

18. Lufthansa

Lufthansa jumped three spots to 18 this year. The German national airline is a member of the Star Alliance and recently introduced its first new aircraft with the long-awaited Allegris cabin .

17. Virgin Atlantic Airways

Virgin Atlantic jumped up five spots to 17th in this year's rankings. The British carrier, co-owned by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Delta Air Lines, is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its founding this year.

16. Vistara

Vistara is ranked 16th for the second consecutive year and remains India's top airline. The carrier, founded in 2013 as a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, is in the process of merging with Air India .

Spain's Iberia fell one spot to 15th in this year's rankings. The Spanish national carrier is an Oneworld alliance member alongside its International Airlines Group sibling, British Airways.

14. Fiji Airways

Fiji Airways moved up one spot this year to 14th. Fiji Airways is now Oceania's only representative in the top 20 after Air New Zealand fell to 23rd this year.

13. British Airways

British Airways moved up five spots in the rankings to 13th place. BA is the highest-ranked of the International Airlines Group (IAG) carriers, which also include Iberia (15th), Aer Lingus (49th), and Vueling (56th).

British Airways also won this year's award for the world's most family friendly airline.

12. Hainan Airlines

Hainan Airlines dropped one spot to 12th this year. Hainan has consistently been China's highest-rated carrier and the only one of the country's four major airlines not owned by the Chinese central government.

11. Korean Air

Korean Air slipped one spot to 11th place this year. South Korea's largest airline is still awaiting final approval from the US government for its proposed merger with Asiana, which was announced in late 2020.

10. Swiss International Air Lines

Swiss International Airlines jumped two spots in the 2024 ranking to 10th place. Swiss, founded in 2002 following Swissair's bankruptcy, is the highest-ranking member of the Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa (18th), Austrian (28th), and Eurowings (70th).

9. Air France

Air France slipped two spots to 9th place this year despite winning a host of awards, including the world's best first-class catering, best first-class lounge dining, and best airline in Western Europe.

Taiwanese carrier EVA Air moved up one spot to 8th this year. The carrier is a subsidiary of container shipping giant Evergreen Group.

7. Turkish Airlines

In seventh place is Turkish Airlines . It's once again Europe's highest-ranked airline.

6. Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines dropped one spot to sixth this year. The Japanese flag carrier also won this year's award for the world's best premium economy cabin.

5. Cathay Pacific Airways

Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific moved into the top five this year, up from eighth position in 2023. Cathay also took home the prize for this year's best economy-class cabin.

4. All Nippon Airways (ANA)

All Nippon Airways or ANA fell one spot to fourth place this year. Despite that, the Japanese carrier managed to snag awards for the world's best airport services and the best airline staff service in Asia.

3. Emirates

Dubai's Emirates Airline moves into the top 3 this year after spending 2023 in fourth position. Emirates remains the world's largest operator of the A380 Superjumbo, with more than 100 in its fleet.

2. Singapore Airlines

After spending 2023 as the world's best airline, Singapore Airlines is back in second place, a position it also held in 2022 and 2021. Second place is nothing to scoff at. The airline also picked up honors for the world's best cabin staff and the world's best first-class cabin.

1. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways takes the No. 1 spot again after falling second behind Singapore Airlines last year. It's a familiar position for the airline, which also claimed top honors in 2022, 2021, and 2019.

This year, Qatar Airways also won awards for the best business class cabin and lounge.

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• Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean

Hurricane Beryl - Caribbean

Last updated 2 nd july 2024.

A Virgin Atlantic Spokesperson said:

“As a result of the adverse weather conditions caused by Hurricane Beryl, we’re working closely with our local teams in the Caribbean to understand any impact to local airports infrastructure and minimise disruption to our services. 

“We are contacting affected customers regarding their travel arrangements, including the option to rebook if they no longer wish to travel. We’d like to thank them for their patience and understanding and recommend that all customers due to travel to or from the Caribbean over the next 48 hours check the status of their flight on virginatlantic.com before going to the airport. The safety and comfort of our customers and people is always our top priority.”

Flexibility for customers due to Hurricane Beryl

My flight has been cancelled.

There are a number of options available to you, so we need you to tell us what action you would like us to take with your booking.

If you have booked your ticket directly with Virgin Atlantic and would like a refund, please visit our refund form https://virg.in/refund .

If you have booked directly with Virgin Atlantic, haven’t started your journey yet and would still like to travel, please visit virg.in/437gKKR to contact us.

If you have booked directly with Virgin Atlantic and you are away from home, it’s vital you provide us with your contact details. Please visit https://virg.in/zdm . Our team will be reviewing all options available and will be in touch with further details. In these circumstances, it is vital you travel on the next flight made available to you.

If you are travelling with Virgin Atlantic Holidays one of our team will contact you to discuss your options. We kindly request that you refrain from contacting Virgin Atlantic Customer Centre as they are unable to assist you with making changes to your booking.

If you booked through a travel agent or third party, please contact your travel provider directly to rebook onto an alternative flight or to discuss your options as we are unable to process changes on bookings made by a third-party company. 

I would like to change my flight

• This policy is to allow customers more flexibility in addition to original fares rules.
• Customers must advise of changes to their travel plans ahead of their travel date, or no-show policy will apply as per fare rules.
• Fare difference must include all taxes/charges.
• Booking cancellations, refunds and downgrades are subject to the original fare rules, unless permitted by this policy – whichever is the most flexible.

1.     If your flights are still operating – more information

• tineraries must be rebooked on VS/VS* tickets.
• Tickets must be reissued before departure.
• Rebook in the same booking class in the same cabin. If the same booking class is not available, please check fare rules for applicable booking classes in the same cabin.
• If no alternative VS flight available, rebook onto other VS/VS* services [e.g. from EDI to MAN/LHR] in the same booking class and flight dates. If the same booking class is not available, please check fare rules for applicable booking classes in the same cabin. Changing return travel date to maintain travel duration is allowed. Changes fees and fare difference charges are waived.
• Fare difference charges applies for any travel rebookings outside of travel dates covered.
• OSI comment needs to be added to PNR for trade bookings.

Private islands and space flights: 9 of the most exclusive travel experiences you can book with points

You don't need me to remind you that points and miles can be used for fancy flights and posh hotel stays.

But did you know that your rewards can land you stays on private islands and potentially even a trip to space ?

Points and miles can do wonders. This post will examine the most exclusive travel experiences your rewards can buy. Not only are these uber-cool experiences, but they offer a decent value for your points, too.

Virgin Galactic flight to space

Hands down, the most unusual redemption you can make is on a drawing to win a trip to space with Virgin Galactic. The price? A cool 2 million Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points. Luckily, the points are only deducted from your account if you win.

Commercial flights launched in June . The trip will be a three-day experience that includes flight preparation and a two-hour space flight with at least five minutes of weightlessness.

Although Flying Club is a transfer partner of all the major transferable points programs— American Express Membership Rewards , Chase Ultimate Rewards , Capital One , Citi ThankYou Rewards , Marriott Bonvoy and Bilt Rewards — there's one major restriction. The terms and conditions explicitly state that only points earned on Virgin Atlantic flights qualify for eligibility into the drawing. You also can't transfer points from other members' accounts.

Ticket prices for Virgin Galactic space flights currently start at $450,000, so you'd be getting 22.5 cents in value per point, which is phenomenal. TPG valuations peg Virgin points at 1.5 cents apiece.

Related: You could soon redeem miles for flights to space — here's how

A week at Richard Branson's private island

Of course, a trip to space isn't the only option for those swimming in Virgin points. You can also redeem 540,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points plus $5,400 for a four-night stay for two at Richard Branson's Necker Island .

Necker Island is a 74-acre private-island oasis north of Virgin Gorda and east of Puerto Rico , in the British Virgin Islands. The resort sleeps up to 40 people across 15 total rooms. Amenities include infinity pools, serene relaxation spaces, several bars, elegant dining spaces, lawn games, tennis courts, water sports and a hot tub directly on the beach.

Bookings are restricted to those who have Virgin Atlantic Silver or Gold status, though you may be able to status match to Virgin Atlantic from another airline or hotel program .

Related: Private-island resorts you can book with points

Check in to Etihad's A380 Apartments

The first airline to introduce a single aisle on the A380, Etihad offers first-class "Apartments" with an incredible amount of personal space, allowing you to walk around inside your private space. Each seat in an Apartment consists of a wide armchair and a separate couch that converts into a 6-foot, 10-inch bed.

Nine Apartments alternate between forward- and rear-facing, as well as between being closer to the window and closer to the aisle.

Rows 3 and 4 are ideal if you're traveling with someone, as a partition can be lowered to connect the seats. It doesn't form a true double bed like you can find on Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways, but with the doors closed, it's about as private as you can get in commercial aviation today. First-class passengers can freshen up by taking an onboard shower before landing.

Etihad flies the A380 between Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and Heathrow Airport (LHR). The A380 will also return on the longer route to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) from April 22, 2024. You can book the Apartments using American Airlines AAdvantage miles for 62,500 miles on the shorter London route or 115,000 miles on the longer New York route.

In the front of the Etihad A380 first-class cabin, where you'd expect to see seats 1A and 1C, is the "Residence" — a three-room megasuite complete with a separate living room, bedroom and bathroom (with a shower, of course). While you cannot book the Residence with points and miles, you can upgrade with cash.

Standard one-way Residence upgrade prices on the New York route will be $4,520 per person.

Stay at the North Island resort in Seychelles

If you're sitting on a large stash of Marriott Bonvoy points , you can use them to stay at the incredible North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort in Seychelles.

You'll get to stay in a two-bedroom villa that covers nearly 5,000 square feet. Your stay will also include complimentary breakfast, use of an island buggy, morning yoga and kids activities.

Award nights cost more than 385,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, and the hotel has a four-night minimum stay requirement. This rate also doesn't include the 814 euros ($889) you'd need to pay for a helicopter transfer each way. However, considering cash rates regularly cross $7,000 per night, this could be considered a great value — as long as you have a massive stash of Marriott points.

Related: 17 ways to earn lots of Marriott Bonvoy points

All-inclusive, private Calala Island resort

World of Hyatt members can redeem 35,000 to 45,000 points per night to stay at the uber-exclusive Calala Island resort , assuming you can find award availability.

Calala Island is an all-inclusive, private-island resort located off the coast of Nicaragua. It's so exclusive that it has just four beachfront suites and can only accommodate eight guests at a time.

Room rates regularly top $2,000 per night, so it's an absolute steal with points. Stays include food, drinks, activities and airport transfers.

Related: Here's how to quickly stock up on Hyatt points for your next vacation

Shower on board in Emirates first class

There aren't any ways to redeem points and miles for private jet travel , but Emirates first class is the next best thing.

Unfortunately, it's gotten more expensive to book these awards. Emirates stopped releasing first-class award space to most partner programs and subsequently made these redemptions more expensive through its own frequent flyer program . However, you can still book these awards through Emirates Skywards , Qantas Frequent Flyer or Air Canada Aeroplan .

If you want to experience gold-studded suites and onboard showers and bars , you'll want to fly on Emirates' flagship A380 aircraft. If modern sports car-inspired interiors are more your style, opt for Emirates' newer 777-300ER planes with the "Game Changer" fully enclosed suites . No matter what plane you end up on, you'll enjoy Emirates' same top-notch food and drinks (including caviar and Dom Perignon) and service.

Emirates generally charges lower redemption rates than Qantas or Air Canada, with first-class flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Dubai International Airport (DXB) costing 136,500 miles each way. You can transfer points to Emirates from all six major transferable points programs: Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Capital One, Marriott Bonvoy and Bilt Rewards.

Related: The best programs for booking Emirates awards

Air France's La Premiere first class

Another top-notch first-class product is Air France's La Premiere , available exclusively on some of the carrier's 777-300ERs. The cabin features just four seats across a single row, making it one of the smallest and most exclusive cabins in the sky.

La Premiere seats are elegant and private, featuring an individual lamp at every seat and floor-to-ceiling curtain dividers. The food is world-class, and the ground experience is unparalleled; passengers get chauffeured from an ultraluxe first-class lounge and the plane in a private car.

Unfortunately, this product is extremely hard to book with miles. To book La Premiere awards with miles, you must hold Air France-KLM Flying Blue Gold or Platinum elite status. Further, eligible elite members can only redeem at the "flex" level (not saver), so a one-way ticket between the U.S. and Europe will cost at least 220,000 miles.

If you're eligible to book these awards, you can transfer points to Flying Blue from Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One, Citi ThankYou, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy and Bilt Rewards.

Related: Bucket list achieved: Reviewing Air France's incredibly hard-to-book La Premiere first class

Double beds in Singapore's first-class suites

If you're traveling with a significant other, you can't beat Singapore Airlines' A380 suites .

Each suite features an impressive 50 square feet and contains not just a reclinable armchair but an entirely separate bed. If you're traveling with someone, you can combine two suites to create a double bed and have up to 100 square feet of space.

Singapore doesn't release first-class award space to partner programs, but it does make it available through its own KrisFlyer frequent flyer program. Suites flights start at 86,000 miles between New York's JFK and Frankfurt Airport (FRA).

It's easy to get your hands on KrisFlyer miles since the program is a partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou and Capital One.

Related: How to book Singapore Airlines first-class Suites with points and miles

Luxurious Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties

You can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties . Previously, the brand did not participate in the loyalty program.

Ritz-Carlton Reserve is one of Marriott's most exclusive brands, with just five properties worldwide in locations such as Japan and Thailand. It's a step above the standard Ritz-Carlton brand, emphasizing luxury, tranquility and sustainability. The properties are intimate, each composed of 50 to 115 rooms, and are in remote locations.

Award stays generally range from 80,000 to 240,000 points per night. Although steep, the cash rates at these hotels are often north of $800 per night. As with other Marriott Bonvoy award stays, you can get a fifth night free for every four consecutive nights you book with points.

Related: You can now earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties

Bottom line

You can redeem points and miles for some truly luxurious flights and hotel stays that would normally cost tens of thousands of dollars.

With a few large sign-up bonuses and being strategic with your spending, an extravagant first-class flight or trip to a private island could be within reach.

And who knows, you might just win the drawing for a trip to space.

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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