Final Thursday, Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam. Now, with out discover, the airline has up to date for one in every of its non-alliance candy spots — utilizing Virgin Atlantic factors on ANA, as first reported.
Lengthy considered the most effective use of Flying Membership factors, Virgin Atlantic will now cost you extra factors to e-book ANA’s long-haul firstclass, a devaluation that we lengthy feared was coming however however hurts — particularly with no warning or direct communication to members.
Fortunately, financial system and business-class award charges stay the identical, as do these on shorter ANA flights to pick out locations in Asia.
Here is a have a look at the adjustments. Be aware the costs that comply with are for round-trip flights:
| Vacation spot | Economic system | Enterprise | First |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 15,000 (no change). | N/A. | N/A. |
| South Korea | 18,000 (no change). | 35,000 (no change). | 50,000 (no change). |
| China, Guam, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Taiwan | 23,000 (no change). | 45,000 (no change). | 60,000 (no change). |
| Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam | 40,000 (no change). | 65,000 (no change). | 105,000 (+23%). |
| Hawaii, India and Indonesia | 45,000 (no change). | 70,000 (no change). | 90,000 (+28%). |
| Australia, Canada and Western U.S. | 60,000 (no change). | 90,000 (no change). | 145,000 (+32%). |
| Europe, Mexico and Central and Jap U.S. | 65,000 (no change). | 95,000 (no change). | 170,000 (+42%). |
Keep in mind that ANA award area in premium cabins is notoriously scarce, however for these longer first-class flights, it will now be pricier to e-book when you could find stock.
Associated: The last word information to ANA firstclass
Our take
Any enhance in award charges is dangerous information, and for a lot of People, firstclass will now value 42% greater than earlier than the airline joined SkyTeam.
That stated, we’re relieved that business-class awards aren’t affected (but), and even with the rise, first-class continues to be a superb deal. On flights from the Central and Jap U.S. to Japan, you may now should spend 85,000 factors every manner. Whereas that may be powerful to swallow, take into account the next charges for these very same awards by way of different companion packages:
As well as, Virgin Atlantic is at present operating a 30% switch bonus from Capital One and Citi ThankYou Rewards. If you could find award area, you are successfully locking in award area for 66,000 transferable factors every manner.
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In the meantime, at 45,000 factors one-way (or 35,000 factors in case you use the switch bonus), first-class award charges from Hawaii to Japan are nonetheless bargains as properly.
Lastly, as a reminder, these tickets cannot be booked on-line. You should e-book all ANA awards with Virgin Atlantic over the telephone.
Associated: Looks like firstclass: Flying ANA The Room enterprise class from LA-Tokyo
Backside line
Per week after becoming a member of SkyTeam, Virgin Atlantic has elevated long-haul ANA first-class redemptions with out discover to its members — by almost 42% in sure circumstances. Whereas we’ve not seen any adjustments to business-class award charges, we might suggest reserving these premium-cabin awards quickly, simply in case changes are within the works.
The airline is at present operating switch bonuses from Captial One and Citi, however earlier than making the nonrefundable switch, remember to discover award area and verify that the Virgin Atlantic agent has entry to it.