Virgin points are one of the most valuable currencies for Indians, especially when redeeming for Saudia flights. The sweet spot here isn’t just the reasonable points pricing, but the incredibly low taxes that come with these redemptions. While most European and American carriers charge hefty surcharges, Saudia redemptions through Virgin typically come with taxes as low as £16 (₹1,808).
One important thing to understand is that Virgin Atlantic uses a distance-based award chart for Saudia redemptions. This means the number of points required will vary depending on the distance between your departure city and destination. So flights from different Indian cities to the same destination might require slightly different amounts of points.
What's Virgin Flying Club?
Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club is Virgin Atlantic’s 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 Saudia, a member of the SkyTeam alliance, and this is where things get interesting for us in India.
Virgin Atlantic - Saudia Partnership
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club might not be on every Indian traveller’s radar, but it should be. The program partners with Saudia, a SkyTeam alliance member, allowing you to book their flights using Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points. We will learn more about how to earn Virgin points in later.
Saudia flies to seven major Indian cities: Hyderabad (HYD), Bengaluru (BLR), Chennai (MAA), Kochi (COK), Lucknow (LKO), Mumbai (BOM), and Delhi (DEL). This wide coverage means most Indians can take advantage of these sweet spots without needing to position to a major hub first. All the onward journey’s to the west can be then connected via Jeddah. They have amazing connectivity to the Europe
How Many Virgin Atlantic Points?
Let’s explore some of the best routes available when using Virgin points for Saudia flights.
Jeddah & Riyadh
- Mumbai to Jeddah:
- 11,500 points + ₹1,808 tax in Economy;
- 35,000 points + ₹1,808 tax in Business
- From other Indian cities like Hyderabad, expect around:
- 15,500 points + ₹3,277 in Economy
- 40,000 points + ₹3,277 in Business
Athens
- Mumbai to Athens:
- 21,500 points + ₹3,390 in Economy
- 56,500 points + ₹3,390 in Business
This journey to Greece’s historic capital represents a sweet spot in the Virgin-Saudia award chart. The business class option at 56,500 points also delivers excellent value for a premium experience.
Vienna, Amsterdam
Hyderabad to Vienna:
- 27,000 points + ₹3,390 in Economy
- 75,000 points + ₹3,390 in Business
You will require same number of points for all other cities as well.
Los Angeles
- Delhi to Los Angeles:
- 65,500 points + ₹4,859 in Economy
- 180,000 points + ₹4,859 in Business
- Mumbai to Los Angeles:
- 61,500 points + ₹4,859 in Economy
- 175,000 points +₹4,859 in Business
If you wish to travel to New York, you will need just 52,500 points in Economy. This is one of the best use of Virgin Atlantic points for Saudia with extremely low taxes.
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. Check our detailed guide to use Flying Club points with other partners
- Korean Air with minimal taxes
- Vietnam Airlines to travel to East
- Kenya Airways to African Safaris
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 - Household Account – You can easily pool your points with Virgin Atlantic household account setup but it comes with few drawbacks, read more here.
- 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.
Conclusion
The Virgin Atlantic-Saudia partnership offers Indian travelers exceptional value when redeeming Flying Club points. With extensive coverage of major Indian cities and attractive rates to Saudi Arabia, Europe, and North America, this redemption option deserves more attention from points enthusiasts. I extremely adore low taxes, which otherwise a rare site for redeeming Virgin Atlantic points.
Have you ever redeemed Virgin points for Saudia flights? Which destination would you most like to visit using this sweet spot? Let us know in the comments below!