Start spreading the news- IT’S BACK! One of the greatest values in points world, one that we thought may perhaps never come back- is back! For less than most airlines charge for business class round trip (or some just one way), you can fly FIRST CLASS to Japan from Europe or the U.S. on a carrier which serves $200 a bottle champagne and has one of the biggest, comfiest beds in the sky. We’ll explain…
Amex points can be converted to Virgin Atlantic points, which can be converted to ANA flights. It doesn’t work the other way around, and you can’t skip any jumps. Amex is presently offering a 30% bonus on points transfer to Virgin Atlantic, which means you can take advantage of Virgin Atlantic’s exceptional rates for travel on their airline partner ANA. While First Class to Asia would usually require 120,000 points round trip (110,000 from West Coast USA) using Virgin Atlantic, Amex, Citi or Chase Points (or bits of all the above)- the 30% transfer bonus means each seat only requires 93,000 Amex points. Round Trip. First Class. Wow. Just 93,000 points.
It’s Actually Easy To Book This Too…
For now, don’t transfer your points from Amex to Virgin Atlantic. You have until November 30th to transfer your points, though we do suggest doing all of this and booking well before that date. For now, step one is to find availability in First Class on ANA, so you can be sure you’ll able to take the trip with dates that work-before transferring your points, which as you know is a one way street. Once they leave Amex, they can’t come back. To find seats: we suggest using the United Airlines website.
Now- in the whole math equation, United is entirely irrelevant. The prices in points that they’ll display on their site for these flights are not the same prices you’ll pay. You get a far better deal. You will just use United.com because it is the best way to search for First Class seats between your U.S. or European (U.K too) gateway. If you find ANA First Class “Saver” seats bookable in first class on United- you can try calling Virgin Atlantic to book. If they say it’s bookable, they can hold the flight for you for 24 hours.
During that time, transfer your Amex points to Virgin Atlantic and any other points you need to make the final figure of 120,000 Virgin Atlantic miles. That’s right, even if you only have some or no Amex Points, you can use SPG, Citi or Chase points to help build up your sum. Points transfers should occur instantly. Once the 120,000 Virgin Atlantic points (which you could make from just 93,000 Amex points, thanks to the bonus) are in place- call back to make sure someone officially tickets your reservation.
When you’re on a four cabin plane with over 300 people and you’re in a cabin that holds 8 people max- you’ve done something right. In a world where business class already offers flat beds- first class is an extra sensory experience. It starts with double the space, moves to $200 a bottle champagne, onto fine dining you’d pay to eat on the ground and of course is filled with attentive, professional service with a smile. When the seat converts to a huge bed you’d happily sleep on at a friends place- it just takes it out of the park. You’re going to love ANA First Class…
Are you planning to redeem points for ANA First Class?
Do you have any information with regards to open jaw and stop over if the ANA award flight is booked with Virgin Atlantic. I don’t see any information on Virgin’s website. I wanted to to travel from JFK-NRT then SGN-JFK or JFK to CTS then NRT- JFK. Not sure if those are doable.
Of course!! I have most of the points there already for a 2019 flight, or for use on VA, whichever comes first. Sweeeeet!!
Which European origins are 93k (Amex) ?
Is o/w possible with 1/2 the points ?
Cheers.
Does Virgin Atlantic allow mixed class bookings – business in one direction and first in the other?
I know the award reservation must be round trip.
I have the same suffix on my name. Is it a problem? Besides, it’s legal requirement to have it on your passport, and therefore on all tickets. Did Ben and Gary ban you?