American Express and Virgin Atlantic Transfer Rewards: Get 40% more Virgin Points when you transfer Membership Rewards points
Want to travel to Europe? Is an island vacation on your bucket list? Want to finally make your dream trip a reality?
If so, then there’s good news: For a limited time, eligible American Express card members can earn 40% off when they transfer Membership Rewards® points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
Typically, cardholders can transfer Membership Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at a 1:1 ratio, but the 40% bonus available from 21 November to 31 December means you’ll earn 1,400 Virgin Points® for every 1,000 Membership Rewards points transferred. Terms apply.
Here’s how the transfer bonus works and how you can use it to get more travel for less.
Transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and get 40% back
American Express is the card issuer of choice for many travelers. Here are a few popular American Express cards that earn transferable Membership Rewards points:
If you have one of these cards or another eligible American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points, you can use this transfer bonus toward Virgin Atlantic. If you’re not yet familiar with how to transfer Membership Rewards points to hotel and airline partners (such as Virgin Atlantic), here’s a guide to the process.
Virgin Atlantic is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, and points can be earned and redeemed when flying with Virgin Atlantic or its partners, including Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM and Korean Air. Virgin Atlantic also partners with several other airlines outside of the SkyTeam alliance, so your flight redemption options are extensive.
Fly from Los Angeles to London and earn 9,000 Virgin Points
As part of its Flying Club loyalty offering, Virgin Atlantic now allows you to use Virgin Points to book all available seats on Virgin Atlantic operated flights, including seat upgrades, giving you choice and flexibility. Flights are dynamically priced based on demand (just like cash tickets).
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Virgin Atlantic recently launched Saver award seats, the lowest-priced seats booked with Virgin Points. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) for just 9,000 Classic Economy Points one-way*, or fly from Sea-Tac Airport (SEA) to LHR in Luxury Business Reward for just 67,500 Virgin Points one-way. * Special one-way award flights from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to LHR starting at just 6,000 Virgin Points redeemable for Classic Economy seats. *
*Prices listed are accurate as of October 28th. Specially priced seats are subject to availability and may not be available in every cabin or on every flight. Taxes, fees and carrier-imposed surcharges vary based on cabin selection, departure airport, destination and travel dates. Prices for award seats are variable and will be displayed at the time of booking. Please see Flying Club Terms and Conditions for more information.
This is the starting fare for flights departing from Los Angeles International Airport and arriving at Virgin Atlantic’s headquarters, LHR. Look out for the red “Saver” tag when searching for flights to ensure you find the lowest price. Special fares include checked baggage, a full-size carry-on and on-board food and beverages. In other words, this is a full-service ticket, not just one that barely gets you on board.
Virgin also offers Premium Economy on all flights to and from North America for passengers who want extra cabin space, a welcome glass of sparkling wine, premium meals served on real china, premium check-in and priority boarding.
Related: Is Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy worth flying on the A330-900neo?
For the ultimate in pampering, Virgin Atlantic’s premium cabins offer lie-flat beds, direct aisle access for all passengers, multi-course meals with champagne and fine wines, plush bedding and on-board social spaces to relax and unwind.
As you may have guessed, these are the seats we really like.
Also remember that Membership Rewards points can only be transferred to Virgin Atlantic in 1,000 point increments.
How to get the most out of your Virgin Atlantic trip
Although Virgin Atlantic is headquartered in London, it flies to 28 destinations on five continents. You can connect to destinations in regions like South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, India, Nigeria, and even the Maldives.
During the award period, you can also redeem 175,000 Virgin Points (or 125,000 Membership Rewards Points) for a four-night sailing from Miami with Virgin Voyages, an adults-only cruise line that offers trips to Caribbean destinations. *** With over 20 restaurants, menus designed by chefs affiliated with Michelin-starred restaurants, essential beverages, Wi-Fi, group fitness classes, shows and entertainment, there’s no better way to explore the Caribbean.
***Example prices are correct as of November 4th, but are subject to change. Prices for award cruises are variable and will be displayed at the time of booking. By redeeming your voyage with Virgin Red, you enter into a direct contract with Virgin Voyages and are bound by its terms and conditions. The cottage is suitable for the central sea view terrace category. Excludes flights and transfers. This redemption option is subject to availability.
Travelers can also choose to redeem 22,500 Virgin Points per night for a stay at one of five Virgin hotels, including hotels in New Orleans, Dallas, London, Nashville and New York City. ****
****Virgin Points can be redeemed for room stays at participating Virgin hotels. Points prices vary based on hotel and date of stay. Linking The Know and Virgin Red accounts is required when booking. For non-UK hotels, taxes, fees and charges apply. This redemption option is subject to availability.
Book an upgrade using your American Express transfer bonus
Virgin Atlantic’s Airbus A330-900neo has two exclusive leisure suites, which I found to be an extremely luxurious way to cross the Atlantic.
Sliding doors ensure maximum privacy, there are footrests (so you can dine with friends), HD flat-screen TVs and many other amenities not found in business class.
While you can’t use points to book these seats directly right now, you can use Membership Rewards points converted to Virgin Points to book a Premium Class seat and then upgrade to a Retreat Suite. The A330-900neo currently flies on select routes to London from Boston, New York, Atlanta and Tampa.
bottom line
Through December 31, eligible American Express card members will receive a 40% bonus when they transfer Membership Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club program. Terms apply.
Before transferring Membership Rewards points, please keep the following in mind:
- You must be registered with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club to participate in this offer.
- Tickets and prices are subject to availability and change based on demand, so check before transferring Membership Rewards points.
- Transfers are usually instant, but transfers can take up to 48 hours because you can’t book flights using the transferred Membership Rewards points until the transfer is complete.
- Transfers are irreversible and subject to the terms and conditions of the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club programme.
With a 40% bonus in addition to American Express Membership Rewards points, your travel dreams may be closer than you think.
