How to Book Virgin Atlantic Companion Seats Using Points

Flying with a buddy or significant other is one of the joys of traveling, and Virgin Atlantic’s companion seat program makes it even better. This program allows Flying Club members to bring a companion along for a reduced cost using their points and companion vouchers. Whenever you are seeking to fly Virgin Atlantic consider using this option. This guide will help you navigate the process of securing a companion seat, breaking down the program’s benefits and giving you insider tips to maximize your Flying Club rewards.

How the Virgin Atlantic Companion Seat Program Works

Eligibility and Voucher Types

The companion seat program is tied to the Flying Club membership, and vouchers can be earned through different avenues:

• Standard Companion Voucher: This is earned after accruing enough Virgin Points through qualifying activity, such as flying on Virgin Atlantic or partner airlines, through certain Flying Club promotions, or transferring your points from Amex, Chase, Citi or Capital One.

• Gold Renewal Companion Voucher: Exclusive to Flying Club Gold members who renew their Gold status, this voucher is a valuable perk that allows for a companion seat.

• Credit Card Companion Voucher: Virgin Atlantic credit cardholders can earn a companion voucher by meeting a specific spending threshold on their card each year. These vouchers can then be used on a cash or points booking for a companion seat.

The vouchers essentially allow you to book a second seat on the same flight for either 50% of the required points or free (in some cases), though there are still taxes and surcharges to be aware of.

Taxes and Fees

While you may not pay for the actual seat with points or money, taxes, fees, and surcharges can still apply to both the primary passenger and the companion. These additional costs can vary depending on the flight’s destination, departure airport, and the class of service, so it’s good practice to inquire about these fees during the booking process. Sometimes, they can amount to hundreds of dollars, especially for long-haul flights in premium cabins, so planning ahead is key.

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking a Companion Seat

Gathering Necessary Information

Before you jump into booking a companion seat, make sure you have the essential details:

• Flying Club membership number: This is required to access your voucher and/or redeem points.

• Companion voucher: Check that your voucher is still valid and hasn’t expired. Most vouchers come with an expiration date, typically 12 months after issuance.

• Flight details: Have your preferred flight dates and destination in mind.

• Reward seat availability: Virgin Atlantic companion seats can only be booked if reward seats are available for both the primary and companion passengers. This is a critical step—use the Virgin Atlantic website to check availability before you call.

Booking Process

Here’s how to book your companion seat:

1. Call Virgin Atlantic customer service: Since companion seats can’t be booked online, you’ll need to contact Virgin Atlantic directly.

2. Provide flight details: Let the agent know your flight dates, destination, and class of service. Mention that you’ll be using a companion voucher.

3. Confirm taxes and fees: Ask the agent to break down the additional charges, so you’re clear on what you’ll be paying.

4. Complete the booking: After the taxes and fees are confirmed, finalize the booking over the phone. Make sure you receive a confirmation email that includes details for both you and your companion.

Tips to Maximize Value

• Book early: Reward seats can fill up fast, especially on popular routes, so plan to book well in advance. Flying during off-peak times also increases your chances of finding available reward seats.

• Stack this with a transfer bonus: Get even more value by using a transfer bonus to get your flights for even less.

• Use off-peak flights: When possible, aim for flights that depart during off-peak periods, as they tend to have more availability and lower surcharges.

Companion Seat Restrictions and Limitations

Seat Availability Requirements

As convenient as the companion seat program is, it hinges on reward seat availability. The program is only available for Virgin Atlantic flights. Both the primary passenger and the companion must have access to reward seats on the same flight. This can sometimes make booking more challenging during busy travel seasons, or on high-demand routes like London to New York. Checking availability as early as possible gives you the best chance to secure seats for both travelers.

Voucher Expiration and Upgrade Options

Companion vouchers typically have an expiration date, usually 12 months from the date of issue. It’s crucial to keep an eye on this, as unused vouchers will expire if not redeemed in time. Additionally, while companion seats are available in all classes (economy, premium economy, and upper class), some vouchers may limit upgrades. If you're looking to upgrade both your and your companion’s seat, be sure to check the fare rules or ask customer service for advice.

Taxes and Fees

One of the setbacks of flying Virgin Atlantic are the taxes and fees. Comparing these fees to other airlines and partners, they are one of the highest, if not THE highest. Now if you value your points as we do, this may not be an issue. Let's say you are paying $1,000 in fees but are saving over 35,000 points. If you value your points at 2 cents per point, then you are saving at least $700 in points using the Companion Seat.

Conclusion

Virgin Atlantic’s companion seat program is a wonderful opportunity to bring someone along on your next adventure for a fraction of the cost. With the right planning, understanding the eligibility requirements, and being flexible with travel dates, you can make the most of your Virgin Points and save big. Whether you’re booking a companion seat for an exciting holiday or a simple trip across the pond, Virgin Atlantic’s rewards program offers tremendous value. Just make sure to keep track of those expiration dates, check seat availability early and don’t freak out about the taxes and fees! Virgin Atlantic Upper Class is absolutely amazing!

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