Bits: Virgin launches Boston and San Francisco from Manchester, Virgin / Flybe codeshares
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News in brief:
Virgin Atlantic to launch two new routes from Manchester
In a surprising but welcome move, Virgin Atlantic is to launch new routes to Boston and San Francisco from Manchester.
You will need to wait a while before you can fly as these routes will only launch with the Summer 2017 timetable. This implies late March 2017.
San Francisco will operate three times per week together with two weekly flights to Boston.
Both routes will use (presumably the same) Airbus A330 in a three class configuration.
Existing Virgin routes from Manchester are Atlanta, Las Vegas, Orlando and Barbados. Virgin partner and 49% shareholder Delta also operates a New York service from the airport.
You can read more on the Manchester Evening News site.
Virgin Atlantic to codeshare with Flybe
Separately, Virgin Atlantic has announced a codeshare agreement with Flybe. This will allow passengers to book Flybe connections to Virgin Atlantic flights on a single ticket, with baggage checked through.
Full details of the twenty Flybe routes included, covering Gatwick, Glasgow and Manchester, can be found here on the Virgin Atlantic website.
It seems unlikely that you will be able to earn or redeem Virgin Flying Club miles with Flybe given their existing partnership with Avios.
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How to earn Virgin Points from UK credit cards (April 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.
American Express Business Platinum
50,000 points when you sign-up and an annual £200 Amex Travel credit Read our full review
American Express Business Gold
20,000 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.
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