Big Virgin Flying Club sale on US routes …. just 25,000 miles return

Virgin Atlantic has continued to turn the screw on British Airways by announcing a redemption sale on Economy seats.

As I posted back in July, Virgin has recently lowered the taxes on Economy redemptions.  On many routes, eg New York, you will pay over £100 less in taxes per person on a return flight redemption compared to Avios.  You also need fewer miles on many routes – that New York seat will cost you 35,000 miles return, compared to 40,000 Avios with BA.

For bookings to the US and Canada made between September 6th and September 20th (so you might – might – be able to transfer Tesco Clubcard points in time to book and get the 30% bonus currently available), the rates are:

Boston – 25,000 miles + £240 tax

Chicago – 25,000 miles + £240 tax

Los Angeles – 25,000 miles + £290 tax

Miami – 25,000 miles + £240 tax

New York – 25,000 miles + £240 tax

Orlando – 25,000 miles + £215 tax

San Francisco – 25,000 miles + £240 tax

Vancouver – 25,000 miles + £260 tax

Washington – 25,000 miles + £240 tax

These truly are good deals for return, economy tickets.  You can book as far out as you can find availability.  However, Upper Class is NOT available at discounted rates.  Upper Class redemptions, and Premium Economy, will require the usual miles.

Even better, Virgin has drastically changed its shocking cancellation policy.  See our other article ….

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How to earn Virgin Points from UK credit cards (March 2025)

As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Virgin Points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

You can choose from two official Virgin Atlantic credit cards (apply here, the Reward+ card has a bonus of 18,000 Virgin Points and the free card has a bonus of 3,000 Virgin Points):

Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard

18,000 bonus points and 1.5 points for every £1 you spend Read our full review

Virgin Atlantic Reward Mastercard

3,000 bonus points, no fee and 1 point for every £1 you spend Read our full review

You can also earn Virgin Points from various American Express cards – and these have sign-up bonuses too.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is FREE for a year and comes with 20,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 20,000 Virgin Points.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold

Your best beginner’s card – 30,000 points, FREE for a year & four airport lounge passes Read our full review

The Platinum Card from American Express comes with 50,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 50,000 Virgin Points.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

The Platinum Card from American Express

80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

Small business owners should consider the two American Express Business cards. Points convert at 1:1 into Virgin Points.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 8th April 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Business Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to 120,000 points. You receive 80,000 points when you spend £12,000 within three months and a further 40,000 points if you spend on the card between Month 14 and Month 17. Points convert 1:1 into Avios and many other programmes. Click here to apply.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 8th April 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Business Gold is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 60,000 points. You receive 40,000 points when you spend £6,000 within three months and a further 20,000 points if you spend on the card between Month 14 and Month 17. Points convert 1:1 into Avios and many other programmes. Click here to apply.

American Express Business Platinum

Up to 120,000 points when you sign-up and an annual £200 Amex Travel credit Read our full review

American Express Business Gold

Up to 60,000 points sign-up bonus and FREE for a year Read our full review

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Virgin Points.