Virgin Atlantic will increase ANA first-class redemptions by as much as 42% with out discover
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Final Thursday, Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam. Now, with out discover, the airline has up to date the award chart for one in every of its non-alliance candy spots — using Virgin Atlantic points on ANA, as Thrifty Traveler first reported.
Lengthy regarded as the best use of Flying Club points, Virgin Atlantic will now cost you extra factors to e book ANA’s long-haul firstclass, a devaluation that we lengthy feared was coming however nonetheless hurts — particularly with no warning or direct communication to members.
Fortunately, economic system and business-class award charges stay the identical, as do these on shorter ANA flights to pick locations in Asia.
This is a have a look at the modifications. Notice the costs that observe are for round-trip flights:
| Vacation spot | Economic system | Enterprise | First |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 15,000 (no change). | N/A. | N/A. |
| South Korea | 18,000 (no change). | 35,000 (no change). | 50,000 (no change). |
| China, Guam, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Taiwan | 23,000 (no change). | 45,000 (no change). | 60,000 (no change). |
| Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam | 40,000 (no change). | 65,000 (no change). | 105,000 (+23%). |
| Hawaii, India and Indonesia | 45,000 (no change). | 70,000 (no change). | 90,000 (+28%). |
| Australia, Canada and Western U.S. | 60,000 (no change). | 90,000 (no change). | 145,000 (+32%). |
| Europe, Mexico and Central and Japanese U.S. | 65,000 (no change). | 95,000 (no change). | 170,000 (+42%). |
Keep in mind that ANA award area in premium cabins is notoriously scarce, however for these longer first-class flights, it will now be pricier to e book when you could find stock.
Associated: The ultimate guide to ANA first class
Our take
Any improve in award charges is dangerous information, and for a lot of People, firstclass will now price 42% greater than earlier than the airline joined SkyTeam.
That stated, we’re relieved that business-class awards aren’t affected (but), and even with the rise, first-class continues to be deal. On flights from the Central and Japanese U.S. to Japan, you may now need to spend 85,000 factors every method. Whereas that is likely to be robust to swallow, think about the next charges for these very same awards by different accomplice packages:
As well as, Virgin Atlantic is at the moment operating a 30% transfer bonus from Capital One and Citi ThankYou Rewards. If you could find award area, you are successfully locking in award area for 66,000 transferable points every method.
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In the meantime, at 45,000 factors one-way (or 35,000 factors for those who use the switch bonus), first-class award charges from Hawaii to Japan are nonetheless bargains as properly.
Lastly, as a reminder, these tickets cannot be booked on-line. You have to e book all ANA awards with Virgin Atlantic over the cellphone.
Associated: Feels like first class: Flying ANA The Room business class from LA-Tokyo
Backside line
Every week after becoming a member of SkyTeam, Virgin Atlantic has elevated long-haul ANA first-class redemptions with out discover to its members — by almost 42% in sure instances. Whereas we have not seen any modifications to business-class award charges, we might advocate reserving these premium-cabin awards quickly, simply in case changes are within the works.
The airline is at the moment operating switch bonuses from Captial One and Citi, however earlier than making the nonrefundable switch, make sure to discover award area and verify that the Virgin Atlantic agent has entry to it.
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