Maximize Your Virgin Points on Air France & KLM Flights

So, you’re ready to jump into the game and want to book your flights to Europe. What if I told you that you can make your points go further. Booking Air France and KLM flights with Virgin Atlantic points is a smart way to stretch your rewards, thanks to Virgin’s SkyTeam partnership. From trips to Paris to Amsterdam escapes, here’s your guide to snagging great deals, maximizing value, and navigating the process smoothly.

Why Choose Virgin Atlantic Points for Air France & KLM Flights?

Virgin Atlantic’s partnership with Air France and KLM opens up a world of opportunities for travelers looking to maximize their points. Why not use your valuable points and miles to book business class flights like this one. Here’s why booking with Virgin Atlantic points is a smart move:

Advantages of Using Virgin Atlantic Points

Virgin Atlantic points can be a goldmine, especially for flights to Europe. For instance, you can book flights from the East Coast to the UK for as little as 10,000 points. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic’s partnership within the SkyTeam Alliance allows you to book not only Virgin Atlantic flights but also those operated by Air France and KLM, giving you access to a wider range of destinations.

Comparing Virgin Atlantic vs. Flying Blue (Air France & KLM’s loyalty program)

While Flying Blue, the loyalty program for Air France and KLM, offers its own set of perks. Booking through Virgin Atlantic, in many cases, offers better value compared to booking directly through Flying Blue. However, it’s essential to note that Virgin Atlantic flights may come with higher taxes and fees compared to those booked directly through Flying Blue. But if you value your points and miles like we do, this option, even paying slightly higher taxes and fees, can be advantages.

Example – SFO to CDG (Economy)

The following example is a flight from San Francisco to Paris. The Virgin Atlantic option is 15k compared to Air France’s option at 20k. That 5k difference, although not a lot, could be saved for a future trip or upgrades. But as we mentioned, Virgin Atlantic has higher fees – $158 compared to $99. Even though you are paying more in taxes and fees, the value of points saved is more than the $60 you will pay in taxes and fees.

Example – SFO to CDG (Business)

This example is the same route but in business. As you can see, the points needed for this flight with Virgin Atlantic are substantially less than the Air France option. However, the fees with Virgin Atlantic are over $1,000 compared to $232. $1,000 in taxes and fees is a ton of cheeseburgers. But if you compare that same flight with points, the Virgin Atlantic flight is 267,000 points less. If you value your points at $0.02 per point, then that would be $5,340, which is less than the $1,000 of taxes and fees with the Virgin Atlantic flight.

How to Book Air France & KLM Flights with Virgin Atlantic Points

Booking Air France and KLM flights with Virgin Atlantic points is straightforward when you know the steps. Let’s walk through the process:

1. Set Up Your Virgin Account: Head to Virgin Atlantic’s website, and click on the Flying Club section, then follow the prompts to create your account.

2. Search for Reward Flights: Log in, select "Book a Reward Flight," and enter your desired route. Checking "Flexible Dates" increases your chances of finding the best options.

1. Complete Your Booking: Once you find a suitable flight, book directly through Virgin’s website. With recent improvements, Air France and KLM flights should now appear consistently. Confirm your details, pay any fees, and you’re all set.

Tips for Maximizing Value When Booking

Booking Air France and KLM flights with Virgin Atlantic points can be even more rewarding if you know a few insider tips. Here’s how to get the most out of your points:

Monitor Point Transfer Bonuses

One of the best ways to stretch your Virgin Atlantic points is by taking advantage of transfer bonuses from credit card partners like American Express and Chase. These promotions, which can boost your points by 20-30%, allow you to book flights for fewer points than usual. Virgin Atlantic has several transfer bonuses throughout the year. So if the transfer bonuses line up with your travel plans, go for it and take this advantage.

Booking Strategies and Timing

Flexibility is your friend when it comes to redeeming points. Consider booking mid-week flights or traveling during off-peak seasons to secure lower point redemptions. Additionally, be open to alternate airports or routes to find the best deals. For example, flying into a secondary airport in Europe can sometimes reduce the number of points required. Flying within Europe is very easy and inexpensive. Take advantage of this strategy and visit a different European city on your vacation.

Troubleshooting Tips

While booking is straightforward, you may encounter a few issues:

• Availability Issues: If your first search doesn’t yield results, try nearby dates or alternative airports. Virgin’s SkyTeam Alliance access means you have more booking options, so stay flexible.

• Managing Taxes and Fees: Virgin bookings, especially from the UK, often carry high fees. To lower costs, consider flights from other European hubs or booking through Flying Blue for a direct redemption, which can sometimes offer lower taxes.

Plan Your European Getaway

With Virgin Atlantic’s recent improvements in availability, now’s a great time to make the most of your points on Air France and KLM flights. Stay alert for transfer bonuses, be flexible with your dates, and explore alternative airports for the best value.

Happy travels!

We love hearing from you! Share your travel stories, tips, or ask us burning travel questions. Ask me a question or advice on points and miles or other travel questions. Who knows, your story might be featured in our next newsletter!

[email protected]

✨ Safe Travels & Happy Landings! Thank you for flying with us on this newsletter journey. Until next time, keep your passports ready and your adventures grand!