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Virgin Atlantic Flying Club recently made a small, but MAJOR, change to its award chart. Without notice, Flying Club increased the cost of First Class redemptions on All Nippon Airways from 120,000 Virgin points to 170,000 Virgin points (both figures on a return basis).

Going forward, Flying Club members must pay:

• Economy return flight (Europe & Central/Eastern USA to Tokyo) – 65,000 Virgin points
• Economy return flight (Australia & Western USA to Tokyo) – 60,000 Virgin points
• Business return flight (Europe & Central/Eastern USA to Tokyo) – 95,000 Virgin points
• Business return flight (Australia & Western USA to Tokyo) – 90,000 Virgin points
• First Class return flight (Europe & Central/Eastern USA to Tokyo) – 170,000 Virgin points
• First Class return flight (Australia & Western USA to Tokyo) – 145,000 Virgin points

I Think This Could Have Been Worse…

With Virgin Atlantic joining Skyteam, this redemption option could easily have disappeared overnight, instead of merely being devalued. It appears, therefore, that the Business Class sweetspot will remain for a while longer – 47.5k points each way is still an incredible bargain!

If you are still focused on First Class, Flying Club offers a number of credit card options and other transfer partners, so picking up 170,000 Virgin points is far from impossible. Your main problem will still be finding that elusive award space.

What do you think about this change? – Relieved that ANA is still an option, or disappointed it has become more expensive with no notice given?