Chase Ultimate Rewards and Virgin Atlantic are back with another transfer bonus, Chase’s first of 2025. This time it’s 30% and is good through February 17th.
We’ve seen regular Virgin Atlantic transfer bonuses over the last year, so I’d hesitate to move points over speculatively. But with lower surcharges and excellent saver pricing, this would certainly be worth taking advantage of if you find an award flight that you want.
The Deal
- Get a 30% bonus when transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
- Expires February 17th, 2025
Key Terms
- Get 30% bonus Virgin Points when you transfer Ultimate Rewards points between 12:00 AM ET on February 3, 2025 and 11:59 PM ET on February 17, 2025.
- Bonus points will be awarded by Virgin Atlantic Flying Club in your Flying Club account after your transfer is complete.
Quick Thoughts
Last year, Virgin Atlantic moved to a dynamic pricing model for award flights. After the change, things are actually looking pretty good, with some routes seeing a reduction in not only the number of miles required for an award flight but also in the total taxes and fees. For example, when booking economy award flights from New York to London in the past, it often cost 10,000 miles + ~$150 in taxes and fees. That route is now available from only 6,000 miles + $74 one way. The economy pricing is excellent, but Upper Class (i.e. business class) can be had for a reasonable amount as well, from 29,000 miles + $255 in taxes and fees.
Best Uses for Virgin Points
- ANA First Class from the US for as low as 71K (West Coast) - 85K (East Coast). For a long time, the sweetest of Virgin Points sweet spots was for First Class awards from the US to Japan on ANA. Unfortunately, Virgin devalued those awards in March 2023, but even with substantial increases these awards are still a solid value if not the amazing value they used to be. ANA has one of the best first class products around, often selling for over $20,000. It's worth noting that ANA flights can't be booked on the VA website, so you have to call or message via Twitter (see below).
- US to UK Economy for as low as 6K (East Coast) - 9K (West Coast). Virgin Points can be used to fly to London at great value. Virgin Atlantic offers the same pricing whether flying Delta or Virgin Atlantic, but fees are higher when flying Delta. Flying from the US to London for 6K to 9K during is a bargain even after accounting for moderate award fees ($50-100). Note that flights originating in the UK have considerably higher fees.
- US to UK Business Class for as low as 29K (East Coast) - 41K (West Coast). Since moving to dynamic pricing, some Virgin business fares are actually significantly lower. You can fly form the US to London for 29K to 41K - even during peak season - depending on the flights. Award fees have become much more moderate ($200-250). Again, flights originating in the UK have considerably higher fees.
- Air France or KLM flights within Europe. Virgin Atlantic has great rates for nonstop flights within Europe on Air France or KLM. They charge between as low as 4K for nonstop economy flights under 1250 miles in distance (which is most within Europe), and as low as 8K for business class flights under 600 miles in distance. Details here: Air France & KLM across Europe for less.
Things to Know
- Virgin Points purchases are processed by points.com and DO NOT qualify as airfare.
- Virgin Points do not expire.
- Many itineraries can be booked online at virginatlantic.com. This includes some partner flights such as Delta, Air France, and KLM.
- For partner flights that cannot be booked online, it is sometimes possible book via Twitter by sending a direct message on Twitter to @VirginAtlantic. If they respond that they cannot sell any flights which do not fly via the UK, tell them that you are not looking to purchase a flight but rather to redeem points to book an award ticket.
- Virgin Atlantic charges separately for every leg of the trip. When multiple legs are required, it can be cheaper to book the same flights with Air France Flying Blue or (sometimes) Delta SkyMiles.
- Point transfers from Amex, Chase, or Citi to Virgin Atlantic are usually instantaneous. It's best to find available award space before transferring points and then transfer and book the award.
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