Virgin Atlantic Devalues ANA First Class Redemptions
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points are not particularly great in general. But there’s one sweet spot, traveling to Japan on All Nippon Airways (ANA). The airline has an amazing first class and business class product and the award rates through Virgin Atlantic have long been one of the deal deals.
But now Virgin Atlantic has hiked prices by as much as 42% for First Class awards from the U.S. to Japan. While it is a big devaluation, but it’s worth noting that ANA redemptions still remain a good deal.
Here’s the new chart, showing roundtrip pricing (you can also book on-way at half the price):
| Route | Economy | Business | First |
| Domestic Japan | 15,000 | – | – |
| Japan – South Korea | 18,000 | 35,000 | 50,000 |
| Japan – China / Guam / Hong Kong / Philippines / Taiwan | 23,000 | 45,000 | 60,000 |
| Japan – Malaysia / Myanmar / Singapore / Thailand / Vietnam | 40,000 | 65,000 | 105,000 |
| Japan – Hawaii / India / Indonesia | 45,000 | 70,000 | 115,000 |
| Japan – Australia / Canada / Western USA | 60,000 | 90,000 | 145,000 |
| Japan – Europe / Central & Eastern USA / Mexico | 65,000 | 95,000 | 170,000 |
Previously you could book First Class from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Tokyo or 110,000 miles roundtrip or 55,000 one-way. Now you have to pay 32% more. First class from Houston, Chicago, New York and Washington DC was 120,000 miles roundtrip or 60,000 miles one-way. Now you will have to pay 42% more.
Business Class and Economy Class redemptions have not changed at all
Guru’s Wrap-up
This is a big devaluation for the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club program. You now ill have to use up to 42% more points to book ANA First Class fares.
But even with the big award price hike, ANA First Class to Japan can still be considered a good deal. Earning Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points is relatively easy since you can transfer from all the major currencies such as American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, and Bilt Rewards. Plus we often see transfer bonuses from these program for up to 30% more Virgin Atlantic points.
HT: Thrifty Traveler
