Virgin Atlantic’s new sale offers 25% off all flights, but is it worth it?

Would you like to travel across the Atlantic this year? Virgin Atlantic has announced a new offer that will save you thousands of points on your next redemption anywhere on the carrier’s network, but you’ll need to act fast because the promotion ends September 17.

Virgin Atlantic All-Route Rewards Discount Offer

You can get 25% off all economy, premium economy and business class redemptions on any Virgin Atlantic-operated flight, including all routes from the US to London, departing on any award date through 2024. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club The program offers these discounts a few times a year and this 25% discount is on the lower end of what previous offers have included. up to 50% off.

To take advantage of this 25% discount, you must book your ticket by 6:59pm EST (23:59 BST) on September 17 for travel through December 31.

Related: Is Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy worth buying the A330-900neo?

As a reminder, Virgin Atlantic operates flights between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and the following US 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, DC

Virgin also has flights between Manchester Airport (MAN) and JFK, ATL, LAS and MCO.

Discount applies to flights in any direction and any cabin with award availability on any route, with the discount applied before you book. This offer applies to award redemptions, upgrades and bundled tickets.

Virgin Atlantic must operate the flight for you to redeem to be eligible for the promotion. The airline flies via London to various destinations in India, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the Maldives and Nigeria, among others.

Related: Video Alert! TPG Rates Every Cabin on Virgin Atlantic’s Airbus A330-900neo

Round-trip economy redemptions from the East Coast start at just 15,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points (plus applicable taxes, fees and airline surcharges) on off-peak dates. You’ll see the points discount applied when you book online.

To see a complete list of initial redemption prices in economy, premium economy and business class, Check out Virgin Atlantic’s website.

Is it worth it?

While the 25% discount on redemptions is a tempting offer, especially when it applies to all dates, routes and classes, customers will be subject to significant fees, taxes and surcharges when booking with Virgin Atlantic.

Not like with British AirwaysVirgin Atlantic doesn’t offer any way to reduce the carrier’s surcharges by redeeming more points. Even in economy, you can expect to pay around $500 more; in business class, the total is more than $2,000 for a round trip, a huge amount to pay on top of the points needed to redeem.

For example, this round-trip business class flight from JFK to LHR might cost just 71,200 points, but you’ll pay $2,385 in taxes and fees.

Keep in mind that while Virgin does run these promotions a few times a year, and previous deals have offered higher points discounts, there may not be any more points discounts this year, so if you want to fly Virgin Atlantic before the end of the year, this discount may be the best deal you can get.

Also, check the cash price against the amount of taxes, fees, and surcharges. While you’re unlikely to find a non-stop round-trip ticket to London in business class for less than $2,385.20 (when you factor in the Business Class redemption co-payment), as we head into the winter months when demand for travel to Europe is low, you should be able to find a round-trip economy ticket for less than $500, meaning you can save your points for something else.

For a premium economy fare, keep in mind that fees, taxes, and surcharges add up to about $1,350. You’ll be able to find a nonstop flight for that amount in cash in the coming months, especially if you’re not picky about your carriers, so it won’t 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 Virgin Atlantic’s super business class, the Retreat Suite

How to book Virgin Atlantic reward flights

To take advantage of this great offer, book before September 17.

Unfortunately, the discount does not apply to existing bookings. However, if your current flight falls within the eligible dates, you may be able to cancel and rebook your flight. However, please note that availability is not guaranteed.

If you need to earn Virgin points for one of these rewards, you can transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards And Citi ThankYou RewardsThese transfers are processed at a 1:1 ratio and will be credited immediately to your Virgin Atlantic Flying Club account.

This deal from Flying Club is generous, covering all routes in all classes through the rest of 2024; however, we’ve seen higher deals in the past. Just be aware of those pesky surcharges when booking, and check same-day cash fares to make sure you’re getting good value for your points.

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