✈️ Virgin Atlantic's Game-Changing Tier Points Update
Welcome to Smart With Points, the podcast where we dive into the world of traveling with miles and points. I'm your host, Jack, and I'm excited to share with you a game-changing update from Virgin Atlantic that could dramatically accelerate your path to Silver or Gold status. Virgin Atlantic has just announced a significant change to their Flying Club Tier Points structure for holiday bookings. Previously, Virgin Atlantic Holidays offered a straightforward but limited benefit: the lead booker would earn 20 Tier Points for every 500 pounds spent, capped at 400 Tier Points per booking. This was a decent earning rate but restricted to just one person per booking. Under the new system, effective from today, the 13th of March, 2025, all Flying Club members on a holiday booking will now earn double Tier Points on packages of three nights or more that include a Virgin Atlantic-operated flight. Unlike British Airways' similar promotion, which ends in a couple of weeks, this is a permanent offer with no published end date. To break it down, the key details of the new offer are: permanent double Tier Points on Virgin Atlantic Holidays bookings, requiring a minimum three-night hotel accommodation or car hire, only applying to Virgin Atlantic-operated flights, and all passengers on the booking receive the double Tier Points. Additionally, for bookings made by the 30th of September, the lead booker receives an additional 200 Tier Points if the total booking exceeds 4,000 pounds. This update creates compelling opportunities for anyone pursuing Virgin Atlantic status. A single Upper Class return flight as part of a holiday package will instantly earn Silver status for all passengers. With the temporary promotion, a Premium or Economy Delight return flight booking over 4,000 pounds, booked by the 30th of September, would earn the lead booker Silver status through the double Tier Points plus the 200 bonus. Just two and a half Upper Class return flights as part of holiday packages would secure Gold status. To put this into context, here's what you'd normally earn before doubling: Economy Light, 25 Tier Points each way; Economy Classic, 25 or 50 Tier Points each way; Economy Delight, 50 Tier Points each way; Premium, 50 or 100 Tier Points each way; and Upper Class, 100 or 200 Tier Points each way. This move creates an interesting contrast with British Airways' recent loyalty changes. While BA's double Tier Points promotion is temporary, Virgin's is permanent, showing a long-term commitment to this rewards structure. If you're torn between the two programs, you might want to check our British Airways Tier Point Calculator or Virgin Points Calculator to compare tier point earning between the two airlines. While this offer is beneficial for most travelers, there are some potential downsides compared to the previous structure. The requirement for Virgin Atlantic-operated flights limits options, as their route network isn't as extensive as others. Some lead bookers might earn fewer Tier Points under the new system for Economy bookings. Those who previously booked holidays with partner airlines through Virgin Atlantic Holidays will no longer receive bonus Tier Points. As someone who has recently status matched to Virgin Atlantic Gold from British Airways Gold, I'm particularly interested in this development. The three-night minimum stay requirement is remarkably accessible, making this practical even for shorter trips. For those who regularly book holiday packages anyway, this is an absolute win – you're essentially getting twice the status credit for trips you'd book regardless. Couples and families stand to benefit enormously as everyone on the booking will earn the boosted tier points. If you're planning travel for the remainder of 2025, considering a Virgin Atlantic Holidays package could significantly accelerate your path to elite status, especially with the promotion offering additional bonus Tier Points until September. Thanks for listening to this episode of Smart With Points. If you want to stay up-to-date with the latest news and tips on traveling with miles and points, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on all major platforms or visit our website at smartwithpoints.co.uk. And before we go, a quick word from our sponsor: Looking for the best award flights? Use AwardTravelFinder.com to search availability across Qatar Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and more. Try it for free with our link in the shownotes.
