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Best Ways To Book Virgin Atlantic Upper Class With Points [Step by Step]

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Booking Virgin Atlantic Upper Class with points can be one of the best ways to fly across the Atlantic while saving thousands in cash fares.

This guide breaks down the best ways to book Virgin Atlantic Upper Class using points through 2 major loyalty programs: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and ANA Mileage Club. For each program, we’ll cover mileage costs, carrier-imposed surcharges, and the booking steps you need to know before redeeming points.

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Quick Overview: Best Ways To Book Virgin Atlantic Upper Class With Points

You can book Virgin Atlantic Upper Class with points: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and ANA Mileage Club. ANA Mileage Club requires the fewest miles at 100,000 round-trip, though bookings require approximately $1,455 in carrier-imposed surcharges.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club one-way awards range from 47,500 to 77,500 points plus roughly $700 in taxes and fees, depending on route and season (Source: VirginAtlantic.com). Flying Club points can be topped off with transfers from American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, Capital One, Marriott Bonvoy, Rove Miles, and Wells Fargo Rewards. Transfers are one-way and cannot be reversed, so always confirm award availability before moving points.

Inside Virgin Atlantic Upper Class

Virgin Atlantic Upper Class varies by aircraft, so the seat and features depend on the plane for your flight. All Upper Class seats have direct aisle access and convert into lie-flat beds.

Before booking, check the aircraft type, but understand that Virgin Atlantic may make operational aircraft swaps.

Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class (Airbus A350-1000)

Virgin Atlantic A350 Upper Suite seat 4K
Virgin Atlantic’s new Upper Class Seat. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

The A350-1000 Upper Class features a more private, suite-style design with a privacy screen and improved seat positioning, as the outer seats face the windows.

Virgin Atlantic A350 Upper Suite seat 4K from the side
Virgin Atlantic’s A350-1000 Upper Class Seat. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

The A350-1000 Upper Class seats are 20 inches wide, have a pitch of 44 inches, and 79 inches in bed mode (6 feet, 7 inches). The high-tech, touchscreen inflight entertainment screens are Bluetooth-compatible and measure 18.5 inches, a huge upgrade from the previous 13-inch model.

The social space varies by aircraft. Some feature The Loft lounge, while others have The Booth, a smaller 2-person space.

Virgin Atlantic A350 Upper Suite cabin
Virgin Atlantic’s A350-1000 Upper Class Seat. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

Currently, the Virgin Atlantic A350-1000 Upper Class seat is offered on:

Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class (Airbus A330neo)

The new Upper Class suites on Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo aircraft are all forward-facing and 22 inches wide, with sliding privacy doors, direct aisle access, wireless charging, Bluetooth audio connectivity, and 17.3-inch touchscreens. Seats recline into fully flat beds up to 6 feet, 7 inches long.

Virgin Atlantic Upper Class A330neo
Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo Retreat Suite. Image Credit: Virgin Atlantic

Retreat Suites offer more room, with larger 27-inch touchscreen entertainment screens, an ottoman that doubles as a companion seat, and a pullout table for dining together. The movable privacy divider between the center suites can also be lowered, allowing up to 4 passengers to socialize or dine together.

Virgin Atlantic Upper Class A330neo Retreat Suite
Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo Retreat Suite. Image Credit: Virgin Atlantic

Currently, the Virgin Atlantic A330neo Upper Class seat is offered on:

  • Boston (BOS) to London Heathrow (LHR)
  • New York City (JFK) to London Heathrow (LHR)
  • Miami (MIA) to London Heathrow (LHR)
  • Washington Dulles (IAD) to London Heathrow (LHR)
  • Tampa (TPA) to London Heathrow (LHR)

Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class (Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A330-300)

The older Upper Class product is on Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A330-300. These seats are arranged in a herringbone pattern, and crew members convert seats into beds rather than reclining flat. With no doors, these seats have less privacy than the newer suites. Both aircraft feature The Bar social space.

Upper Class Lounge Access

Upper Class passengers have access to Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses at a number of airports, including the famous Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Heathrow Airport. Additionally, when London Heathrow is your destination, you can grab a shower and a bite to eat at the Revivals Lounge before heading into the city.

Virgin Atlantic A350 Upper Suite LHR Clubhouse
Relax in the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse before your flight. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

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How To Fly Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Using Points

Virgin Atlantic is part of the SkyTeam alliance and has also partnered with other airlines. Let’s take a look at a few ways you can use points to try Virgin Atlantic Upper Class. Taxes, fees, and carrier-imposed surcharges apply to all reward flights. Points shown are for one-way flights; return flights would be double the points.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

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Standard Season Reward Flights To/From U.K.

Upper Class

Africa

From 57,500

Caribbean

From 57,500

Dubai and Middle East

From 37,500

East Coast U.S and Orlando

From 47,500

India

From 37,500

Maldives

From 57,500

New York City

From 47,500

West Coast U.S

From 67,500

Standard Season Travel Dates (Caribbean and Indian Ocean):

  • March 2 to March 19
  • April 13 to May 21
  • June 1 to July 17
  • September 2 to October 22
  • November 4 to November 30

Standard Season Travel Dates (All Other Routes):

  • January 5 to March 19
  • April 13 to June 13
  • September 1 to October 22
  • November 4 to December 6
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Peak Season Reward Flights To/From U.K.

Upper Class

Africa

From 67,500

Caribbean

From 67,500

Dubai and Middle East

From 47,500

East Coast U.S and Orlando

From 57,500

India

From 47,500

Maldives

From 67,500

New York City

From 57,500

West Coast U.S

From 77,500

Peak Season Travel Dates (Caribbean and Indian Ocean):

  • December 1 to March 2
  • March 20 to April 12
  • May 22 to May 31
  • July 18 to September 1
  • October 23 to November 3

Peak Season Travel Dates (All Other Routes):

  • December 7 to January 5
  • March 20 to April 12
  • June 14 to September 1
  • October 23 to November 3

As you would expect, you can use Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club program to book Upper Class award tickets. The process is quite simple. Just follow the steps below:

  1. Visit Virgin Atlantic’s website.
  2. On a mobile device, click ‘Book Flights’ on the home page.
  3. On larger devices or a desktop, the flight search box is at the top of the page.
  4. Toggle where it says “Search for Reward Seats.”
  5. Enter your origin and destination.
  6. Select where it says “One Way,” “Return,” or “Multi-city.”
  7. Select your travel dates and the number of people traveling.
  8. Click where it says “Search Flights.”
  9. You’ll be prompted to log in to your Flying Club account.
  10. View the available reward flights (and the taxes and fees) for your chosen dates or use the scroll bar at the top of the page to check alternative dates,
  11. Select your flights and continue on to complete your booking.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind when booking with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

First, the carrier-imposed surcharges are steep, especially when you’re flying from the United States to the United Kingdom.

Second, the Flying Club award chart has a peak season and a regular season. Make sure you book awards during the regular season if you can, to save points.

While the redemption rates aren’t always great and the carrier-imposed surcharges can be very high, the advantage to using Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is that you can transfer a number of rewards currencies to book if you need more points:

All Nippon Airways Mileage Club

ANA has some great redemption rates for partners. In fact, it’s the cheapest points cost for an Upper Class booking, but you will be hit with carrier-imposed surcharges. A round-trip Upper Class ticket will cost 100,000 ANA miles (Source: ANA.co.jp).

If you want to book Virgin Atlantic Upper Class with All Nippon Airways Mileage Club miles, you have to call to complete the booking. Just follow these steps for an easy booking process:

  1. Go to ANA’s website.
  2. Select the options that say “Flight Awards,” then “Award Reservation.”
  3. Enter your origin and destination.
  4. Enter your travel dates, with the option of checking the box that says “Compare seat availability +/- 3 days.”
  5. Select your flights.
    • Make sure the flight is operated by Virgin Atlantic — this will be clearly stated.
  6. Note the flight numbers and times.
  7. Call ANA’s contact center at 800-235-9262.
  8. Specify that you want to book an award ticket on their partner Virgin Atlantic
  9. Provide the flight dates and flight info..
  10. Complete the booking.

Like with Virgin Atlantic, be careful when booking with ANA Mileage Club, as the program passes on steep carrier-imposed surcharges.

You can transfer Amex Membership Rewards to your ANA Mileage Club account to get the necessary miles to book Upper Class. The difficult part is that Membership Rewards transfers can take 2 to 3 days to complete. Complicating matters further, ANA does not allow award tickets to be placed on hold.

Other Ways To Book Virgin Atlantic Upper Class

Virgin Atlantic also partners with Air France, which allows you to redeem Flying Blue miles for Upper Class awards. Other airline partners, such as Air New Zealand and South African Airways, don’t have competitive award charts.

Great Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Redemptions

Virgin Atlantic A350 1000 docked Delta JFK Terminal 4
Virgin Atlantic A350. Image Credit: Alberto Riva

Many award bookings for Virgin Atlantic Upper Class flights include steep taxes and fees from carrier-imposed surcharges. There are interesting ways to book Upper Class to get the most bang for your miles.

If you are OK with roughly $1,455 in taxes and fees, you can book Upper Class with ANA Mileage Club for 100,000 miles round-trip between San Francisco (SFO) and London (Source: ANA.jp).

You could also depart from New York City, Washington, D.C., or another East Coast city, but if you’re going to spend $1,455 on taxes and fees, it might as well be for a 10-hour flight so you can have time to enjoy the inflight bar.

Virgin Atlantic’s own Flying Club program splits the United States into East and West, with different redemption rates for each. The East includes Atlanta (ATL), Boston, Miami (MIA), New York City, Orlando (MCO), and Washington, D.C.; a one-way Upper Class booking from here will cost 47,500 miles plus around $700 in taxes and fees.

From the West Coast (San Francisco and Seattle (SEA)), it costs 67,500 miles plus the $700 in taxes and fees. Regardless of the departure airport, make sure you book during the regular season, since peak season rates require significantly more miles.

ANA Mileage Club allows you to book Upper Class round-trip for 100,000 miles plus roughly $1,100 in taxes and fees.

Hot Tip:

ANA also lets you book a stopover, so you could visit London for a week before continuing to South Africa if you wanted.

Virgin Atlantic requires between 57,500 and 67,500 miles for a one-way award in Upper Class to JohannesburgN (JNB), plus just over $700 in taxes and fees. The exact number of points varies depending on when you’re traveling.

Overall, each loyalty program has its positive aspects when booking Upper Class:

  • ANA requires the fewest miles.
  • Virgin Atlantic miles can be earned easily with major transfer partners.

Earning Points for Virgin Atlantic Upper Class

You can earn points directly with the Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard®.

Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard®

The Virgin Red card helps you earn more points and qualify for elite status with every purchase.

The Virgin Red card helps you earn more points and qualify for elite status with every purchase.
Earn a generous Boarding Bonus of 60,000 points that's enough to hop continents when you spend $4,000 in your first 90 days.
60,000 points
$99
Why We Like This Card

The Virgin Red card can be a great choice if you want a card to help you earn more Virgin Points and qualify for elite status on everyday purchases.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x points on purchases with Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Hotels, and Virgin Voyages
  • 2x points at grocery stores, on dining out, on selected streaming services, and EV charging
  • 1x points on all other purchases
Cons
  • Charges an annual fee
  • Doesn’t earn transferable rewards
Card Highlights
  • Earn a generous Boarding Bonus of 60,000 points that’s enough to hop continents when you spend $4,000 in your first 90 days
  • 3x points on purchases with Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Hotels, and Virgin Voyages
  • 2x points at grocery stores, on dining out, on selected streaming services, and EV charging
  • 1x points on all other purchases
  • 5,000 anniversary bonus points
  • Earn 25 Tier Points when you spend $2,500 in a month. Maximum 50 Tier Points per month
  • Spend $15,000 in a year and earn one Personal Perk from Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Hotels or Virgin Voyages. Spend $30,000 and select one more
  • Book 2 nights, get a third night free at Virgin Hotels once per year
  • Get 2,500 Virgin Points when you add a loved one as an additional account user, on up to 10,000 points
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Mastercard World Elite benefits
  • $99 annual fee
Financial Snapshot
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 

Virgin Points can be transferred from Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Points (all at a rate of 1:1), or from Marriott Bonvoy at a transfer rate of 3:1.

ANA is an Amex and Marriott transfer partner.

(For more on this topic, see our guides on: Amex Transfer Partners, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Transfer Partners, Citi Transfer Partners, Wells Fargo Rewards, and Marriott Transfer Partners.)

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Pros & Cons
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Cons
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Card Highlights
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  • Transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.24% - 27.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
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Chase Sapphire Reserve®Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

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A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
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Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Excellent
Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

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Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
  • 5x points on Lyft rides
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Cons
    • $795 annual fee
Card Highlights
  • Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
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  • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
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  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
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The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
Up to $3,850
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Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
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Cons
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Card Highlights
  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

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American Express® Gold CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

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Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
Up to $2,200
$325
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The American Express® Gold Card is a game-changer.

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There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons
Pros
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Cons
Card Highlights
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
  • Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
  • New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
  • Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
  • Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Business owner? See our article on Amex business cards that earn Membership Rewards.

LIMITED-TIME OFFER
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Earn 60,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card!
60,000 points
$420
$0
19.24% - 27.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Up to 14x points per $1 at Marriott properties
  • 2x points at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services
  • 5 Elite Night Credits each year
Cons
  • Lower point earning rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
  • Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier
Card Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 Bonus Points after qualifying purchases.
  • Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card from Chase®!
  • Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Card.
  • Earn 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services.
  • 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • Travel now, pay later - Break up purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest plus no plan fees on qualifying travel purchases. Terms apply.
  • Pay Yourself Back® - Redeem Marriott Bonvoy® points for a statement credit to cover qualifying travel purchases made directly with airlines or at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, up to $750 total in redemptions per year.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

LIMITED-TIME OFFER
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.
Earn 125,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases + 1 Free Night Award within 3 months of account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. Redeem your Free Night Award for a one-night stay at properties with a redemption level up to 50,000 points per night. Certain hotels have resort fees. Special Offer through 6/30/2027: Get up to $100 in statement credits after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually.
Earn 125k points + 1 Free Night Award
Up to $1,225
$95
19.24% - 27.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
  • Automatic Silver Elite Status
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • Marriott Silver Elite Status is the lowest status tier
Card Highlights
  • Earn up to 125,000 Bonus Points + 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on qualifying purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Special Offer through 6/30/2027: Get up to $100 in statement credits after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually.
  • Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases annually on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
  • Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
  • 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
  • Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
  • Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.
Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months and an extra 50,000 bonus points after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
Up to 135,000 points
Up to $945
$250
19.49%-28.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
  • 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2x points)
  • 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $250 annual fee (rates & fees)
  • Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit
Card Highlights
  • Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months and an extra 50,000 bonus points after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
  • Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
  • Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Marriott Bonvoy® 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Terms apply. See www.marriott.com/loyalty/terms/default.mi for more information.
  • Earn up to 18.5X Marriott Bonvoy® points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Earn 6X points with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card. Earn up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member. Earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy with the 25% Bonus Points on Stays, a benefit available with your complimentary Gold Elite status.
  • With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite Status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year, receive 15 Elite Night Credits towards the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy® member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
  • Booking the trip is easy. Avoiding delays is next to impossible. If a round-trip is paid for entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason delays your trip more than 12 hours, Trip Delay Insurance can help reimburse certain additional expenses purchased on the same Eligible Card, up to $300 per trip, maximum 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • Plan It® is a payment option that lets you split up large purchases into monthly installments with a fixed fee. A fixed monthly fee is shown upfront so you'll know exactly how much you’ll pay. Plus, you'll still earn rewards for the purchases you plan the way you usually do.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Advertisement

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.
Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months and an extra 50,000 bonus points after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
Up to 150,000 points
Up to $1,050
$650
19.49%-28.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
  • 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
Card Highlights
  • Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months and an extra 50,000 bonus points after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
  • Earn 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
  • Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Earn up to 21X Marriott Bonvoy® points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Earn 6X points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Earn up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member. Earn up to 5X points from Marriott Bonvoy with the 50% Bonus Points on Stays, a benefit available with your complimentary Platinum Elite status.
  • $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
  • With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite status, earn up to 5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 50% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®, such as Le Metropolitan, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Paris. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
  • $100 Marriott Bonvoy® Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
  • With your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you can enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, with an unlimited number of visits to over 1,200 airport lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
  • Trip Cancelled or Interrupted? If you purchase a round-trip entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason cancels or interrupts your trip, we may be able to help. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Final Thoughts

Booking Virgin Atlantic Upper Class with points can offer excellent value across multiple loyalty programs. ANA Mileage Club requires the fewest miles but has high surcharges, and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club offers the greatest flexibility through multiple transfer partners. Before transferring points, always confirm award availability, as transfers are irreversible once completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to book Virgin Atlantic Upper Class?

The best program for booking Virgin Atlantic Upper Class with points depends on mileage costs, taxes and fees, and available transfer partners.

ANA Mileage Club offers the lowest mileage pricing, though bookings include high carrier-imposed surcharges. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club provides one-way award flexibility and multiple transfer partners, including Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Points.

What do I get when flying Virgin Atlantic Upper Class?

Virgin Atlantic Upper Class includes access to the airline’s Clubhouse lounges at select airports, including London Heathrow. On board, passengers can access the airline’s social spaces, such as the inflight bar, The Loft, or The Booth depending on aircraft type. Arriving Upper Class passengers at London Heathrow can also use the Revivals Lounge, which offers showers, breakfast, and changing facilities, before leaving the airport.

How much does it cost to book Virgin Atlantic Upper Class with points?

Virgin Atlantic’s Saver reward seat prices for Upper Class range from 47,500 to 77,500 one-way. Standard (nonsaver) rates can be much higher.

Does Virgin Atlantic Upper Class have carrier-imposed surcharges?

Virgin Atlantic Upper Class reward flights generally include significant carrier-imposed surcharges, especially when booked through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club or ANA Mileage Club.

Typical one-way taxes and fees on Virgin Atlantic Upper Class awards booked through Flying Club are often around $400 to $600 departing the U.S., and can exceed $900 departing the U.K. from both carrier surcharges and the U.K.’s air passenger duty.

Can I transfer points to book Virgin Atlantic Upper Class?

Points can be transferred from several major bank and hotel loyalty programs to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club to book Virgin Atlantic Upper Class reward flights.

Transfer partners include American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, Capital One Miles, Wells Fargo Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and Rove Miles.

Most transfers occur at a 1:1 ratio, though Marriott Bonvoy transfers at a 3:1 ratio. Transfers are generally irreversible, so award availability should be confirmed before you move points.

Spencer Howard's image

About Spencer Howard

Always a fan of flying, it was only natural that Spencer was drawn to finding a way to improve the travel experience.

Like many, he started this journey searching for cheap flights to take him around the world. This was fun for a while, but Spencer was intrigued by the idea of flying in business and first class!

Throwing himself into what became an extensive research project, Spencer spent 3-4 hours per night learning everything he could about frequent flyer miles over the course of several months (he thinks this is normal). He runs Straight to the Points, an award-seat alert platform.

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