Virgin Amex Free Flight Guide 2026 — Earn and Redeem Virgin Atlantic Miles
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is the most valuable Amex Membership Rewards transfer partner for premium cabin redemptions. Its award chart offers access to ANA First Class, Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, and Delta One at rates that consistently deliver 5–10 cents per point in value.
Earning Virgin Atlantic Miles
Through Amex Membership Rewards
| Card | Annual Fee | Transfer Ratio | Welcome Bonus (Virgin Miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Platinum | $895 | 1:1 | 150,000 |
| Amex Gold | $250 | 1:1 | 60,000 |
| Amex Business Platinum | $895 | 1:1 | 300,000 |
| Amex EveryDay Preferred | $95 | 1:1 | 30,000 |
Through Virgin Atlantic Credit Cards
| Card | Annual Fee | Earning Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin Atlantic Rewards Mastercard | $0 | 1.5 miles per $1 |
| Virgin Atlantic Rewards+ Mastercard | $150 | 3 miles per $1 (Virgin), 1.5 per $1 (other) |
Best Redemptions
ANA First Class (Best Value)
| Route | Virgin Miles | Cash Price | Value per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| JFK–HND (First Class) | 110,000 | $12,000 | 10.9 cpp |
| ORD–NRT (First Class) | 115,000 | $10,000 | 8.7 cpp |
| LAX–NRT (First Class) | 120,000 | $14,000 | 11.7 cpp |
Virgin Atlantic Upper Class
| Route | Virgin Miles | Cash Price |
|---|---|---|
| JFK–LHR (Upper Class) | 47,500 | $4,000 |
| LAX–LHR (Upper Class) | 50,000 | $4,500 |
| MIA–LHR (Upper Class) | 45,000 | $3,500 |
Delta One
| Route | Virgin Miles | Cash Price |
|---|---|---|
| JFK–CDG (Delta One) | 50,000 | $4,000 |
| ATL–LHR (Delta One) | 60,000 | $5,000 |
Step-by-Step: Booking ANA First Class
- Check availability: Use United's website to search for ANA award space
- Create Virgin Atlantic account: Free, instant activation
- Transfer Amex points: 1:1 ratio, typically instant
- Call Virgin Atlantic: ANA First Class cannot be booked online — call 1-800-862-8621
- Complete booking: Provide passenger details and pay taxes/fees (~$100)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Virgin Atlantic Amex redemption?
ANA First Class from the US to Japan at 110,000–120,000 miles one way — delivering $8,000–$15,000 in value.
Can I transfer Amex points to Virgin Atlantic?
Yes. Amex Membership Rewards transfer to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at a 1:1 ratio, typically in seconds.
How many Virgin miles do I need for a free flight?
US–UK Upper Class starts at 45,000 miles. ANA First Class to Japan starts at 110,000 miles.
Does Virgin Atlantic have transfer bonuses?
Yes. Amex occasionally offers 20–30% transfer bonuses to Virgin Atlantic — the best time to move points.