Did you know you can use Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club points to book flights on Vietnam Airlines? Yes, you read that right! While Virgin Atlantic, the UK-based airline, is great for flights to Europe and USA from India, their partnership with Vietnam Airlines lets you use the same points to explore Asia and Australia.
What's Virgin Flying Club?
Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club is their loyalty program, and it’s quite special. While most people use it for Virgin’s own flights to UK & USA, they have some amazing partnerships with other airlines. One of these is Vietnam Airlines, a member of the SkyTeam alliance, and this is where things get interesting for us in India.
Why Vietnam Airlines?
Vietnam Airlines flies from both Mumbai and Delhi, connects to multiple cities across Asia and Australia via Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City. They’re part of SkyTeam alliance and you’ll often find seats available, especially in Business Class.
Let me show you all the places you can visit:
Starting with Vietnam 🇻🇳
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, you’re looking at some of the best point values in the entire network. You can fly to:
- Hanoi for just 11,500 points in Economy or treat yourself to Business Class for 35,000 points (plus ~₹6,200 in taxes)
- Ho Chi Minh City for 15,500 points in Economy or 40,000 points in Business (plus ~₹6,200 in taxes)
A Quick Hop to Hong Kong ðŸ‡ðŸ‡°
- 18,500 points for Economy
- 50,500 points for Business Class
- Plus about ₹8,100 in taxes
This is one of my favourite redemptions because of the reasonable points needed and the amazing destination you get to visit.
Taiwan 🇹🇼 or Philippines 🇵ðŸ‡
You’ve got two great options here with identical rates:
For Taipei or Manila, you’re looking at:
- 21,500 points in Economy
- 56,500 points in Business Class
- Taxes around ₹9,300-10,000
Japan 🇯🇵
Here’s where it gets really interesting. You can fly to:
- Tokyo:
- 27,000 points in Economy
- 75,000 points in Business
- About ₹10,100 in taxes
- Osaka, Fukuoka, or Nagoya for even less points:
- 23,000 points in Economy
- 70,000 points in Business
- Around ₹9,300 in taxes
South Korea 🇰🇷
Seoul or Busan:
- Same as Osaka: 23,000/70,000 points plus ~₹9,300
Australia - The Long-Haul Options 🇦🇺
Here’s what you need:
- Melbourne or Sydney: 37,000 points in Economy or 110,000 in Business (plus ~₹11,400)
- Perth: 39,000 points in Economy or 110,500 in Business (plus ~₹13,600)
These are particularly good deals in Business Class for such long flights!
Use Flying Club for other SkyTeam Partners
As Virgin Atlantic is a SkyTeam alliance, you can use your Flying Club points for other alliance members as well. Here is where you can fly more.Â
- Korean Air with minimal taxes
- Kenya Airways to travel in Africa
How to Earn Flying Club Points
Earning Flying Club is easier than you though even though there are no co-branded credit cards in India.
- Transfer Points from Credit Cards:
Credit cards of American Express let you transfer your reward points to Flying Club. My favourite is Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card - Buying Points
If you’re short on points for your next award ticket, you can also buy Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points directly. This option allows you to top up your account quickly. We suggest you to buy points only when you have specific travel plan in mind. They run promotions frequently on buying points like this one. You can view all the current buying opportunities here across frequent flyer program & stay updated. - Stay Updated with the Magnify App:
Not sure where to start or how to optimize? The Magnify app lists all the transfer partners and keeps you updated on the latest bonus offers, making it easier for you to plan and earn Flying Club.
Miles Assist
If you’re finding it tricky to get the seats you want, our Miles Assist service can help! We’ll handle the availability search for you for a small fee. Just drop us a message, and we’ll take care of the hard work.
Bottomline
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Points can be your secret weapon for Asia & Australia flights from India. With Business Class to Tokyo at 75K points, Economy to Hong Kong at just 18.5K points, and Australia for 110K points in Business – these rates are very good. Plus, with flights from both Mumbai & Delhi having the same rates and good Business Class availability, it’s an option worth keeping in mind for your next trip east.