Virgin Atlantic’s Frequent Flyer Program is one of the best due to its fixed award chart and low mileage requirements. Virgin Atlantic promises limitless choice and flexibility to its members. Over the years, we have seen how such changes are usually good for the airlines, not the fliers. However, the exact details of Virgin Atlantic Award Flight Changes starting 30 October 2024 are yet to be revealed. But here is what is known.
Every Seat is up for Award Booking
Virgin Atlantic will make every seat on the plane bookable with points. That sounds great. However, the pricing would depend on demand, and as Virgin Atlantic says, “just like money, you’ll be able to search for any flight you like and see the cost in points or pounds.“
Why have I heard that somewhere else?
I wouldn’t be excited about it too much.
Two Types of Awards
Virgin Atlantic Award pricing is currently fixed for peak and off-peak dates. Now, Virgin will have Saver Awards and Dynamic Awards.
Saver Awards
The saver awards start at 6K Points, unlike 10K points. So, it is to be seen if we can fly from Mumbai to London in 6K points or if the cost will be higher. Earlier, Virgin Atlantic used to have fixed mileage redemptions starting at 10K points, and there were a minimum number of guaranteed seats. It is unclear how many seats would be made available for saver awards.
Dynamic Awards
Major SkyTeam airlines like Delta and Air France-KLM already have dynamic awards. They also own Virgin Atlantic, so Virgin Atlantic is probably moving in that direction.
Since all seats would be bookable with points, Dynamic Pricing makes sense, but let’s leave some value on the table. That’s all.
I don’t think partner awards would change from fixed to Dynamic.
Upgrade with Points
Usually, airlines don’t allow upgrades of award tickets. However, Virgin Atlantic would enable you to upgrade flights based on Dynamic Awards. Here, I suggest booking the premium cabin with miles if you plan to do so. Since those would get expensive as the date is near, most of the time.
Earn More Points
Another change is that premium economy and upper-class passengers will earn more points. Premium Economy seats will earn up to 75% more points, and the upper class will earn up to 50% more points.
Reward Vouchers
If you don’t frequently fly Virgin Atlantic or have credit cards, this shouldn’t bother you. As a red member, earlier, 50% of points could be set off against the upgrade cost or companion award flight. Now, there is a cap to it. The silver or gold members didn’t have such a limit, but now they do.
- Red Flying Club members redeeming vouchers can use up to 75,000 points,
- Silver and Gold Flying Club members redeeming vouchers can use up to 150,000 points.
- The points limit depends on when you are upgrading or booking an award instead of when the flight would be.
Would Fuel Surcharges & Taxes be same?
It should be same and we all know how high Virgin Atlantic charges high fuel surcharges.
Bottomline
Virgin Atlantic is making changes to Award Flights. Even though complete details are unavailable, most such changes are not so good from a customer’s perspective, specifically Dynamic Pricing. However, let’s see what Virgin Atlantic has up its sleeves.
