When booking an award flight, it helps to explore all the options. I faced this decision last year when I booked a flight on Virgin Atlantic from Orlando to London. Since Virgin Atlantic is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, there are several programs through which you can book their flights—as long as there’s availability.
Finding award space without paying extraordinary prices isn’t easy. While looking for a current example for this post, it took some time to find a flight. I eventually landed on the daytime JFK-LHR flight on an A350-1000, which features Virgin Atlantic’s new Upper Class seating.
Comparing Award Programs
I used point.me to check for options to book Virgin Atlantic award flights and found three primary programs:
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Delta SkyMiles
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue
Here’s a breakdown of the points and fees required for the same Virgin Atlantic flight:
| Program | Miles Required | Fees (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 66,000 | $472 | Lowest miles, highest fees |
| Delta SkyMiles | 155,000 | $5.60 | No fees, but significantly more miles |
| Flying Blue | 70,000 | $222 | Good balance of miles and reasonable fees |
Key Differences Between the Programs
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: This program requires the fewest miles but passes on substantial fuel surcharges and fees. It can be a good choice despite the fees if you have Flying Club points or find a point sale.
- Delta SkyMiles: While Delta charges only the $5.60 US Civil Aviation fee on award tickets from the US, their dynamic pricing means you’ll often pay 2-3 times more miles than other programs.
- Flying Blue: This program strikes a balance with reasonable miles and moderate fees. Additionally, Flying Blue often runs transfer bonuses, which can make it even more appealing.
How to Transfer Points
All three programs are transfer partners with major credit card rewards programs:
| Program | Transfer Partners |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | Amex, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, Citi |
| Delta SkyMiles | Amex |
| Flying Blue | Amex, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo |
One consideration is transfer bonuses. For example, Flying Blue is currently offering a 20% bonus on transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards. With this bonus, you’d only need to transfer 59,000 Chase points to get the 70,000 Flying Blue points required for this flight.
When to Use Each Program
- Flying Club: This is best if you’re looking to use the fewest miles and are willing to pay high fees.
- Delta SkyMiles: Ideal for those with a surplus of SkyMiles or AMEX Membership Rewards who want to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
- Flying Blue: A great middle ground, especially during transfer bonus promotions.
My Personal Choice
If I were booking this flight today, I’d use Flying Blue points and transfer points from Chase. While Virgin Atlantic offers the fewest mileage requirements, the hefty fees make it less appealing. The combination of reasonable mileage requirements, lower fees, and transfer bonuses makes Flying Blue the most attractive option.
Final Thoughts
Booking award flights on Virgin Atlantic is a balancing act between miles and fees. Each program has its advantages depending on your points balances and preferences. Always compare options using tools like point.me and take advantage of transfer bonuses when available. Happy travels!
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