Quantcast

Virgin Atlantic's Flying Club updates introduce dynamic pricing

Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Virgin Atlantic's Flying Club updates introduce dynamic pricing
Research
Webp hy8x3logfb1mzt2ci1kb8zbnjzfe
Danyal Ahmed Credit card writer | The Points Guy

Virgin Atlantic has introduced changes to its Flying Club program, which took effect on October 30. The revisions have shifted the way members can book flights using Virgin points, with all seats now available for booking and award seats priced dynamically. This is a significant departure from the previous capacity-controlled system.

The modifications offer mixed results depending on travel preferences. "As a flexible traveler without children, I'm pleasantly surprised with the new Flying Club program and pricing," stated Ben Smithson of The Points Guy.

A key aspect of the overhaul is dynamic pricing, where some fare costs have increased while others decreased. A notable downside is that peak-date fares can now reach up to 350,000 points per flight. However, under the old system, many high-award-fare seats were unavailable for redemption.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

One positive change includes reduced surcharges across all dates. New Saver fares provide lower rates for flights to Europe in various classes: as low as 6,000 Virgin points in economy from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Heathrow Airport (LHR), 10,500 points in premium economy, and 29,000 in business class.

Smithson noted that these rates improve the program significantly: "There is no denying these rates greatly improve the Flying Club program and are market-leading prices." However, flexibility remains crucial due to the lack of a published award chart.

Transfer bonuses present an opportunity for savings when transferring credit card rewards to Flying Club points. Current offers include a 40% bonus from Chase Ultimate Rewards and a 30% bonus from Citi ThankYou Rewards until late November.

Despite these advantages, there are concerns about high peak rates reaching up to 350,000 points per flight. Smithson advised against redeeming at such high values: "If you want to travel during peak season... by booking a cash fare."

Smithson also observed oddities in pricing discrepancies between economy and premium tickets due to dynamic pricing adjustments. He expressed optimism that these inconsistencies would be resolved over time.

Overall satisfaction with the new program depends largely on individual travel habits and flexibility: "For my travel habits, I'm satisfied with the new Flying Club program changes," Smithson concluded.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) has shelved plans for a parallel runway until at least the early 2040s, despite its status as the United States' second busiest single-runway airport.

Mar 29, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a new Gulfstream G650 private jet, valued at $73 million.

Mar 29, 2025

The Cessna Citation I, the original jet that sparked the Citation brand, has left an enduring mark on private aviation.

Mar 29, 2025

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced the opening of a second sensory room at Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A. This addition aims to enhance the airport experience for travelers with special needs,...

Mar 29, 2025

Delta Air Lines is commemorating its 100th anniversary and among the initiatives to mark this milestone is the renovation of the Delta Flight Museum.

Mar 29, 2025

Delta Air Lines has introduced a new series of trading cards featuring Centennial colors and branding as part of its 100th-anniversary celebrations.

Mar 28, 2025