Virgin Atlantic has launched a new redemption sale offering a 25% discount on all routes—should you consider it?

Planning a trip across the Atlantic this year? Virgin Atlantic has introduced a new deal that could save you thousands of points on your next award redemption throughout its network, but hurry—this promotion ends on Sept. 17.

Virgin Atlantic's comprehensive route-wide redemption discount promotion

Enjoy a 25% discount on all award redemptions in economy, premium economy, and Upper Class (business class) on any Virgin Atlantic flight, including all routes from the U.S. to London, for any departure date with award availability through the end of 2024. The Virgin Atlantic Flying Club program offers such discounts several times a year, and this 25% discount is on the lower side compared to previous offers that featured discounts of up to 50% off.

To benefit from this 25% off award deal, ensure you book by 6:59 p.m. EDT (23:59 BST) on Sept. 17 for travel through Dec. 31.

Just a reminder: Virgin Atlantic connects London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) with the following U.S. airports:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Tampa International Airport (TPA)
• Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C.

Virgin Atlantic also operates flights between Manchester Airport (MAN) and JFK, ATL, LAS, and MCO.

The discounts apply to flights in either direction and any cabin class with award availability on any route, with the discounts already reflected at the time of booking. This offer is valid for redemptions, upgrades, and companion tickets.

For your redemption to be eligible for the promotion, Virgin Atlantic must operate the flight. The airline serves various destinations beyond London, including India, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the Maldives, and Nigeria, among others.

Round-trip economy redemptions from the East Coast begin at just 15,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points (plus taxes, fees, and carrier-imposed surcharges) on off-peak dates. The points discount will be shown during online booking.

To view the complete list of starting award redemption rates in economy, premium economy, and Upper Class, visit Virgin Atlantic's website.

Is it a good deal?

While a 25% discount on award redemptions is a strong offer—especially since it applies to all dates, routes, and cabin classes—customers will still face full fees, taxes, and significant surcharges when booking through Virgin Atlantic.

In contrast to British Airways, Virgin Atlantic doesn’t provide a method to lower carrier-imposed surcharges by redeeming additional points. Even for economy class, expect to pay about $500 extra; for business class, the additional cost exceeds $2,000 round-trip, which is a hefty sum on top of the points needed for redemption.

For instance, a round-trip business-class ticket from JFK to LHR may require only 71,200 points, but you'll also have to pay $2,385 in taxes and fees.

Remember that while Virgin Atlantic offers these promotions a few times a year, and past deals have featured greater points discounts, it might not present another discounted award offer this year. If you're planning to fly with Virgin Atlantic before the year's end, this could be your best opportunity.

Also, compare cash fares with the total of taxes, fees, and surcharges. Although it's unlikely to find a nonstop round-trip business class ticket to London for less than $2,385.20 (considering the Upper Class co-pay for a redemption), as winter approaches and travel demand to Europe declines, you should be able to find round-trip economy tickets for under $500, allowing you to save your points for other uses.

Regarding premium economy fares, keep in mind that the fees, taxes, and surcharges are around $1,350. You should be able to find a nonstop itinerary for about this amount in cash in the upcoming months, especially if you're flexible with the airline, so redeeming your Virgin points for this may not be the best option.

These exorbitant surcharges continue to be a major annoyance within the Flying Club program.

How to book award flights with Virgin Atlantic

To take advantage of this fantastic offer, make sure to book by Sept. 17.

Unfortunately, the discount does not apply to existing reservations. However, if your current flight is eligible, you might be able to cancel and rebook. Just keep in mind that availability isn’t guaranteed.

If you need to accumulate Virgin points for one of these awards, you can transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Rewards. These transfers occur at a 1:1 ratio and should post to your Virgin Atlantic Flying Club account instantly.

This offer from the Flying Club is generous, covering all routes and classes for the remainder of 2024; however, we have seen higher discounts in the past. Just be cautious of those annoying surcharges when booking and compare against cash fares on the same date to ensure you're getting good value for your points.