Virgin Atlantic Flying Club


Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: The Complete Guide

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is THE program for booking ANA premium cabins at incredible rates. While the December 2023 Delta devaluation hurt, the ANA sweet spots remain phenomenal, and short-haul Delta flights within the U.S. still offer solid value. If you want to fly ANA First Class from the U.S. to Japan without paying insane miles, Virgin Atlantic is your answer.


Why Virgin Atlantic Flying Club?

  • ANA sweet spots – Best rates anywhere for ANA premium cabins
  • Delta short-haul value – 7,500 points for flights under 500 miles
  • Delta One to Europe – 50,000 points vs much higher on Delta SkyMiles
  • Easy to earn – Transfers from all major programs

Best Ways to Use Virgin Points

1. ANA Business Class to Japan (45,000 points West Coast, 47,500 East Coast)

This is THE redemption. United charges 110,000 miles for the same seat. Virgin charges 45,000-47,500. That’s less than half. ANA’s business class is world-class, and this is absurd value.

2. ANA First Class (145,000 points round-trip from West Coast)

ANA First Class for 145,000 points round-trip is incredible for a $20,000+ seat. The catch? Finding First Class space is extremely difficult.

3. Delta Short-Haul (7,500 points under 500 miles)

Delta operates hundreds of short flights, and 7,500 Virgin points gets you on any flight under 500 miles in economy.

4. Delta One to Europe (50,000 points)

Delta One suites to Europe for just 50,000 points each way. This survived the 2023 devaluation and remains excellent value.


How to Earn Virgin Points

  • Chase Ultimate Rewards – 1:1 transfer
  • Amex Membership Rewards – 1:1 transfer
  • Capital One Miles – 1:1 transfer
  • Citi ThankYou Points – 1:1 transfer
  • Bilt Rewards – 1:1 transfer

How to Book ANA with Virgin Points

Search for ANA space on United.com first (you’ll see more availability if you have a United account). Once you find space, call Virgin Atlantic to book: +1-800-365-9500. Virgin’s website doesn’t show ANA space reliably, so phone booking is required.


Bottom Line

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club exists for one reason: booking ANA at unbeatable rates. If you want to fly ANA’s incredible premium cabins to Japan, Virgin points are your best friend. The Delta sweet spots (short-haul and Europe) are nice bonuses, but ANA is the main event.