Virgin Atlantic Hikes Fees on Award Flights from U.S. to London, Upper Class Surcharges Double

Updated: June 26, 2025, 12:35pm CDT

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What the New Virgin Atlantic Award Surcharges Mean for Travelers
Final Thoughts

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Virgin Atlantic has quietly doubled the cash surcharges on its coveted Upper Class awards overnight — a change first spotted by Thrifty Traveler.

Virgin Atlantic has long been known for offering enticing award rates, including economy tickets from the U.S. to London for just 5,000 points with minimal fees, and its renowned Upper Class starting at 29,000 points. While the points required remain unchanged, the taxes and fees on these awards have just seen a major increase — some doubling overnight.

Here’s what you need to know about Virgin Atlantic’s recent award fee hike.

What the New Virgin Atlantic Award Surcharges Mean for Travelers

Until yesterday, travelers booking one-way business-class “sweet-spot” awards from the U.S. to London through Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club paid about $250 in taxes and fees on top of as few as 29,000 Virgin Points.

Virgin Atlantic A350 1000 Delta ATL — Image Credit: Alberto Riva

Now, that cash cost has jumped to a flat $586 each way — a 135% increase that immediately cuts into the value of Virgin’s dynamic award pricing.

Last fall, Virgin introduced dynamic pricing, which lowered the number of points needed and cut the high fuel fees that used to be over $1,000 per ticket. The smart part was that these fees changed based on the points price: You paid less cash if you booked the cheapest 29,000-point Upper Class seat.

Now, that’s changed. Whether your Upper Class award costs 29,000 or 200,000 points, the fees are a flat $586.

Virgin Upper Class Fees Hike — Image Credit: Virgin Atlantic

This isn’t just an isolated price hike for business class. Cash fees on premium economy awards jumped from about $106 to $240, while economy costs rose from roughly $75 to $111.

Virgin Atlantic Price Hike All Awards — Image Credit: Virgin Atlantic

Upper Class award fees on the return flight from London to the U.S. are still about $650. Virgin didn’t change return fees on award flights departing London, but if you’re booking a round-trip Upper Class award, you’ll now pay around $1,236 in total taxes and fees. That makes these awards a lot less attractive.

Unless Virgin rolls back these fees or lowers mileage rates, many travelers will look elsewhere. Cash fees on partners like Air France-KLM Flying Blue won’t break the bank.

Hot Tip:

While Virgin Atlantic has hiked the cash fees on Upper Class awards booked through Flying Club, you can still sidestep the increase by using partner programs. Check out our guide on the best ways to book Virgin Atlantic Upper Class with points.

Final Thoughts

Virgin Atlantic’s quiet move to double the surcharges on Upper Class award flights from the U.S. to London is a major blow to one of the most attractive sweet spots in points and miles. While the mileage rates haven’t changed (for now), the added cash cost makes these redemptions far less appealing —especially for travelers hoping to stretch their points with a transfer bonus.

If you’re sitting on a stash of Virgin Points or planning to book a lie-flat seat to London, it’s worth exploring partner programs that may offer better value. And as always, this is a good reminder to book great deals when you see them. In this game, things can change overnight.