Virgin Atlantic Flying Club has made a small, but MAJOR, change to its award chart overnight. Without notice, Flying Club has increased the cost of First Class redemptions on All Nippon Airways from 120,000 Virgin points to 170,000 Virgin points. (both figures on a return basis)
Going forward, Flying Club members must pay:
- Economy return flight (Europe & Central/Eastern USA to Tokyo) – 65,000 Virgin points
- Economy return flight (Australia & Western USA to Tokyo) – 60,000 Virgin points
- Business return flight (Europe & Central/Eastern USA to Tokyo) – 95,000 Virgin points
- Business return flight (Australia & Western USA to Tokyo) – 90,000 Virgin points
- First Class return flight (Europe & Central/Eastern USA to Tokyo) – 170,000 Virgin points
- First Class return flight (Australia & Western USA to Tokyo) – 145,000 Virgin points
This Could Have Been Worse…
With Virgin Atlantic joining Skyteam, this redemption option could easily have disappeared overnight, instead of merely being devalued. It appears, therefore, that the Business Class sweetspot will remain for awhile longer – 45k – 47.5k points each way is still an incredible bargain!
And since Flying Club partners with all of the major transferable points currencies, you can still pick up 170,000 Virgin points quite easily – your main problem will still be finding that elusive award space…
