Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club is currently offering a limited-time promotion allowing members to purchase points with a bonus of up to 70%. This means the effective cost of points can drop to as low as 1.18 cents per point, making it a potentially valuable opportunity for those planning luxury travel. The deal runs through December 31, 2025, and applies to purchases of up to 200,000 points per account.
How the Bonus Works
The bonus tiers are as follows:
- 5,000-24,000 points: 20% bonus
- 25,000-69,000 points: 40% bonus
- 70,000-124,000 points: 60% bonus
- 125,000-200,000 points: 70% bonus
The maximum 70% bonus represents the best deal typically offered by Virgin Atlantic.
Pricing Differences: US vs. UK Accounts
The cost to purchase points depends on your account’s registered location:
- US accounts: $25 per 1,000 points + a $22 transaction fee
- UK accounts: £15 per 1,000 points + a £15 transaction fee
The UK pricing is significantly cheaper, coming out to roughly 1.18 cents per point with the 70% bonus, compared to 1.48 cents for US-based accounts.
Is It Worth It?
Buying Flying Club points can be worthwhile if you have a specific redemption in mind. Virgin Atlantic offers valuable redemption options, including:
- Delta, Air New Zealand, and All Nippon Airways (ANA) flights
- Transatlantic business class awards for under 30,000 points
- ANA first and business class tickets to Japan (52,500-60,000 points one-way)
However, the value of Flying Club points varies by person. Some estimate a conservative value of 1.1 cents per point, but it’s possible to extract far more value through strategic redemptions.
Earning Points Another Way
If you prefer not to buy, Flying Club points can also be earned through transferable point currencies, such as American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou.
In conclusion, this sale provides an opportunity to acquire Flying Club points at a reduced cost. If you have a clear use in mind, such as booking a high-value flight with partner airlines, buying now could be a smart move. However, those who prefer earning rewards through credit card spending may find alternative methods more convenient.
