Flying in Virgin Atlantic’s luxurious Upper Class is a dream for many travelers, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. By leveraging Virgin Points and a companion voucher from my Virgin Atlantic Plus Credit Card, I managed to book two return Upper Class seats for my partner and me — here’s how I did it!
The Credit Card Strategy
To make this happen, I used the Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card, which costs £160 annually. The benefits far outweigh the fee if used strategically:
- Sign-Up Bonus:
Upon signing up, I earned 18,000 Virgin Points just by making a purchase in the first 90 days — no minimum spend required! - Earning Points:
The card offers excellent earning potential:- 1.5 points per £1 spent on everyday purchases.
- 3 points per £1 spent on Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Holidays transactions.
- Companion Voucher:
By spending £10,000 in a year, I unlocked a Flying Club rewards voucher, which I could use for a companion flight or an upgrade. This voucher was the key to doubling the value of my points.
How I Earned Enough Points
I shifted all my spending to this card, ensuring I paid off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. This approach helped me:
- Meet the £10,000 annual spend threshold to earn the companion voucher.
- Accumulate over 130,000 Virgin Points through everyday spending, bonuses, and targeted purchases with Virgin credit card offers.
- I travel to London by train a lot and shifted my ticket purchasing from Trainline to Virgin Trains Ticketing. Cheaper as they have no admin fee’s but you also earn Virgin points on each ticket. 3 points per £1 and often on offer with 6 points per £1.
Redeeming the Points
Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club allows you to use points for any available seat, with prices varying like cash fares. I redeemed 130,000 Virgin Points for a return Upper Class seat for myself. Using the companion voucher, I added my partner for just the cost of taxes and fees — a massive saving compared to the cash price of two Upper Class tickets!
Why This Strategy Works
- Value Maximization:
Virgin Points provide incredible value when redeemed for Upper Class seats, especially with a companion voucher. - Flexibility:
You’re not restricted to specific reward seats — you can book any available seat on Virgin Atlantic. Check the reward seat checker here for points cost. - Affordable Premium Travel:
With points and a companion voucher, you can enjoy the perks of Upper Class (lie-flat seats, lounge access, and excellent in-flight service) without the hefty price tag.
Final Thoughts
The Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card is a game-changer if you’re serious about earning Virgin Points and flying in style. By shifting my spending, earning a companion voucher, and strategically redeeming my points, I unlocked a travel experience that would have otherwise cost thousands.
If you’re considering this strategy, make sure to stay organized with your spending, pay off your balance in full every month, and plan your redemption to get the best value. Sign up for the card here!
Let me know if you’ve had similar success with Virgin Points or if you’re planning to give this a try. Happy flying! ✈️