Virgin Atlantic Hikes ANA Awards By Up to 42%
All Nippon Airways (ANA) is one of the best options to travel between the U.S. and Asia. And it has been a sweet spot for a long time for redeeming Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points.
Now, as Japan has opened up for foreign visitors, there’s bad news for those looking to redeem Virgin Atlantic points. Prices for First Class awards have jumped by up to 42%. There was no prior notice of this devaluation and it goes into effect immediately.
Here’s the new chart, showing roundtrip pricing:
| Route | Economy | Business | First |
| Domestic Japan | 15,000 | – | – |
| Japan – South Korea | 18,000 | 35,000 | 50,000 |
| Japan – China / Guam / Hong Kong / Philippines / Taiwan | 23,000 | 45,000 | 60,000 |
| Japan – Malaysia / Myanmar / Singapore / Thailand / Vietnam | 40,000 | 65,000 | 105,000 |
| Japan – Hawaii / India / Indonesia | 45,000 | 70,000 | 115,000 |
| Japan – Australia / Canada / Western USA | 60,000 | 90,000 | 145,000 |
| Japan – Europe / Central & Eastern USA / Mexico | 65,000 | 95,000 | 170,000 |
Previously you could book First Class from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Tokyo or 110,000 miles roundtrip or 55,000 one-way. First class from Houston, Chicago, New York and Washington DC was 120,000 miles roundtrip. Now you will have to pay up to 42% more to book these First Class seats.
Business Class and Economy Class redemptions have not changed with the new chart. Only First Class pricing is affected.
Conclusion
This is a big devaluation if you were planning to book First Class ANA flights with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points. You now ill have to use up to 42% more points.
But even with the big price hike, ANA First Class to Japan can still be considered a deal. Earning Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points is relatively easy since you can transfer from all the major currencies. And we often see transfer bonuses by up to 30%.
HT: Thrifty Traveler
Virgin joined the Delta program, if I am not in error. Delta wants top $$$ and beyond for everything.