How to fly to London for 5,000 Chase points
Reading Time: 3 minHow does a flight to London for 5,000 points sound? Through July 14th, Chase Ultimate Rewards members can take advantage of a 30% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club — and on some dates, a lie-flat business-class seat costs fewer points than economy.
If a trip to London or Europe at large is on your radar, this is one of the best transfer bonus opportunities we've seen all year.
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Stack your cash backSome of the cheapest flights to Europe are available right now
Virgin Atlantic's loyalty program has long been known for offering some of the lowest award rates across the pond. Even after accounting for the airline's higher taxes and fees, these redemptions are still among the cheapest ways to get to Europe with points.
Economy awards start at 6,000 Virgin Atlantic points one-way. Thanks to the 30% Chase transfer bonus, you'd only need to transfer 5,000 Chase points to book. We're seeing availability from several Virgin Atlantic gateways, including Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., and several others.
The award pricing gets even more interesting in the premium cabins. Premium economy awards start at around 10,500 Virgin Atlantic points one-way. Thanks to the 30% transfer bonus, that means you'd only need to transfer about 9,000 Chase points to book.
We found itineraries where both premium economy and Upper Class business class cost fewer points than economy, making it possible to book a much better seat while spending fewer points.
On many dates, business-class awards are available from just 29,000 Virgin Atlantic points one-way. With the current transfer bonus, that works out to roughly 23,000 Chase points.
You'll still pay taxes and fees, which generally come in under $700 one-way in Upper Class. That's certainly not insignificant, but paying about 23,000 Chase points plus under $700 for a lie-flat business-class seat to Europe is still an excellent value.
Whether you're looking for a 5,000-point economy ticket or a lie-flat seat for about 23,000 points, it's hard to find another transatlantic redemption that stretches Chase points this far.
Earning the points you need is surprisingly easy
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is one of the easiest airline programs to use because it partners with nearly every major transferable points currency, including American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Rewards.
If you already have Chase points, though, this is arguably the best time to make a transfer. Thanks to the 30% transfer bonus through July 14th, you can turn 5,000 Chase points into a flight to London or about 23,000 Chase points into a lie-flat Upper Class seat across the Atlantic.
Before transferring, make sure the award you want is available. Chase-to-Virgin Atlantic transfers are one-way and can't be reversed, but if you find the right flight, this is one of the strongest opportunities we've seen all year to get to Europe on the cheap.
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