One of the sweet spots in the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club award chart is redemptions for ANA First Class. With the current transfer bonus promotion, you can score a round-trip ticket in ANA first class for only 93,000 American Express Membership Rewards Points.
Virgin Atlantic ended service to Japan in 2015, opting to partner with ANA instead on its former Tokyo route. Consequently, ANA Mileage Club miles can be redeemed for travel on Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles can be used for travel on ANA.
One Mile at a Time offers this unpublished Virgin Atlantic chart for travel on ANA, which is still valid:
| Distance Of Return Journey | Economy Class | Business Class | First Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-600 miles | 15,000 | 30,000 | 40,000 |
| 601-1,600 miles | 18,000 | 35,000 | 50,000 |
| 1,601-2,000 miles | 21,000 | 40,000 | 55,000 |
| 2,001-4,000 miles | 23,000 | 45,000 | 60,000 |
| 4,001-7,000 miles | 40,000 | 65,000 | 80,000 |
| 7,001-9,000 miles | 45,000 | 70,000 | 90,000 |
| 9,001-11,000 miles | 60,000 | 90,000 | 110,000 |
| 11,001-14,000 miles | 65,000 | 95,000 | 120,000 |
| 14,001-18,000 miles | 70,000 | 110,000 | 140,000 |
| 18,001-20,000 miles | 80,000 | 120,000 | 160,000 |
| 20,001-22,000 miles | 90,000 | 130,000 | 180,000 |
For example, New York to Tokyo round-trip is 13,490 miles, so that equates to 120,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles. With the 30% transfer bonus through November 28, 2017 that drops the round-trip price to only 93,000 points.
For comparison, United charges 220K miles for the same journey while Aeroplan charges 210K. Even ANA’s own program charges 180K points.
Note that Virgin only allows round-trip redemptions on ANA. Fuel surcharges are passed on, but they are moderate. You can place the reservation on hold by calling +1 800 365 9500 prior transferring miles. Search for space on the Aeroplan or United website–it should match what Virgin Atlantic can book.
What’s So Great About ANA First Class?
I had the chance to fly ANA First Class last year from Chicago to Tokyo. While I’m still trying to catch up on trip reports since the move, let me underscore what a great product ANA is. Here are five pictures from the flight:
CONCLUSION
You won’t find a better deal for ANA First Class anywhere else. The 30% transfer bonus makes it even sweeter. If you’ve ever wanted to try out ANA First Class or fly it again, now is the time.
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