Virgin Atlantic’s loyalty program, known as Flying Club, rewards its members with miles for flying Virgin Atlantic, its airline partners, and through transactions with numerous other partners. Here’s an overview of the key aspects of the Flying Club.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Overview
Flying Club is designed to reward frequent flyers with miles that can be used for flights, upgrades, and a range of other rewards. It offers unique benefits and partnerships that distinguish it from other airline loyalty programs.
How to Earn Miles
- Flying: Earn miles by flying with Virgin Atlantic or any of their partner airlines, which include Delta Air Lines, Air France, and KLM, among others.
- Partner Services: Accumulate additional miles through hotel bookings, car rentals, everyday purchases with Virgin Atlantic credit cards, and other lifestyle activities.
Membership Tiers and Levels
Flying Club membership is segmented into several tiers.
- Red: Entry level providing mileage accumulation and exclusive member offers.
- Silver: Requires 400 tier points. Benefits include a 30% mileage bonus on flights, premium check-in, and priority boarding.
- Gold: Requires 1,000 tier points. Gold members enjoy a 60% mileage bonus, complimentary lounge access, extra baggage allowances, and Clubhouse spa treatments.
Reward Redemption Options
- Flight Awards: Use miles to book award flights on Virgin Atlantic and partner airlines.
- Cabin Upgrades: Upgrade from Economy to Premium or from Premium to Upper Class using miles.
- Companion Tickets: Earn a companion ticket after meeting certain spending thresholds on Virgin Atlantic credit cards.
- Other Rewards: Redeem miles for hotel stays, car rentals, experiences, or even Virgin Points to spend on a variety of Virgin Group services.
Virgin Atlantic Airport Lounges
Virgin Atlantic is renowned for its luxurious airport lounges, known as Clubhouses, which are available to Flying Club Gold members and Upper Class passengers. These lounges offer a range of amenities, including gourmet dining, spa treatments, and comfortable workspaces.
First and Business Class Lounge Locations
Major Clubhouse locations include London Heathrow, New York JFK, and Los Angeles, providing an upscale, relaxing environment for travelers.
Credit Card Affiliate Program
Virgin Atlantic offers co-branded credit cards that provide opportunities to earn miles on everyday spending, with additional benefits such as bonus miles on sign-ups, annual companion tickets, and tier points contributions.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Generous reward options, extensive partner network, and luxurious lounge access.
- Cons: Earning top tier status requires significant travel, miles expire if there’s no account activity for 36 months, and some rewards like cabin upgrades and companion tickets have high thresholds.
Program Tips & Tricks
- Maximize Earnings: Utilize Virgin Atlantic credit cards for daily purchases to earn miles faster.
- Flexible Booking: Consider booking reward flights during off-peak periods for better availability and mileage value.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I join Flying Club? You can join for free on the Virgin Atlantic website.
- Can miles be transferred? Miles can be transferred to other accounts, and you can also pool miles with family members.
- Do miles expire? Miles expire after 36 months of inactivity, so regular earning or spending is necessary to keep them active.
This comprehensive overview should help you understand and make the most of your membership in Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club, whether you’re flying for business or leisure.
Disclaimer
The information provided is based on the most current details available from Virgin Atlantic official website and is subject to change. Virgin Atlantic may update its policies, benefits, and terms for the Virgin Atlantic program at any time. For the latest information and any changes to the program, members should visit the official website or contact customer service directly.