Virgin Atlantic Increases ANA Business Class Award Rates [Devaluation]

One of our favorite award sweet spots just received a major devaluation: ANA business class to Japan will now cost you more Virgin Atlantic points.

While devaluations are common in points and miles world, a 26% increase overnight definitely hurts. There is a silver lining, though — here’s what you should know.

Virgin Atlantic’s New ANA Award Chart

As of May 23, Virgin Atlantic has uploaded a new partner award chart for ANA. The new rates impact ANA flights in business class to and from Japan.

Award redemption changes include:

• Malaysia / Myanmar / Singapore / Thailand / Vietnam: 8% increase
• Hawaii / India / Indonesia: 7% increase
• Western USA / Australia / Canada: 17% increase
• Central & Eastern USA / Europe / Mexico: 26% increase

Here’s a closer look at the new rates for some popular U.S. city pairs:

• Honolulu (HNL) and Tokyo: 37,500 points one-way (previously 35,000 points one-way)
• Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) and Tokyo: 52,500 points one-way (previously 45,000 points one-way)
• Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), New York (JFK), or Washington-Dulles (IAD), and Tokyo: 60,000 points one-way (previously 47,500 points one-way)

We obviously never like to see price hikes, especially without notice. Even so, this devaluation could have been a lot worse.

Last year, we saw Virgin devalue ANA first class awards by 40% — and we’re glad to see that rate hasn’t increased again with the latest update. And even with the new rates, they’re still one of the best options for getting to Japan in business class with points.

Virgin’s Sweet Spot for ANA Lives On

This devaluation certainly sours the mood for travelers trying to get to Japan using points and miles, but one thing hasn’t changed: the Virgin and ANA sweet spot still exists.

Yes, there are alternatives like redeeming American Airlines miles to fly Japan Airlines or using Aeroplan and ANA Mileage Club to fly ANA. But, American Airlines miles are harder to earn, Aeroplan is more expensive, and ANA requires you to book round-trip.

Virgin Atlantic points are relatively easy to earn thanks to transfer partners, including American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Points. Plus, you can book one-way flights with this sweet spot.

Final Thoughts

There is no sugarcoating this one, it hurts. A no-notice devaluation on one of our favorite redemptions is rough. But the rate is still a great deal for one of the best business class seats in the world, so we will continue to book it as long as it makes sense.

Devaluations are a natural part of the points and miles game, which is why it’s important to earn and burn. You can help take the sting out of these increases by taking advantage of transfer bonuses, but only if you have a specific redemption in mind and are ready to book!