How to upgrade a flight with Virgin Points

Got points? Get packing. With Virgin Atlantic, you can book your next trip using points. Saved up a bit more? Go fancy and treat yourself to Upper Class. Wherever you're off to, Virgin Points are the smarter way to fly. 

You could visit ‘The Mother City’ of Cape Town and channel your inner adventurer, soak up the sun in Barbados or experience the thrills of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando. Wherever you want to travel to, upgrading with points is your shortcut to the high life. 

How can I access my Virgin Points? 

Virgin Points are our love language. Link your Virgin Red and Flying Club accounts to make the most of every point. Use points earned from flights on rewards with Virgin Red, or turn everyday spending into Virgin Atlantic flights. Two accounts. One balance. Even more ways to spend. 

Just add your Flying Club number in the ‘Personal Details’ section of the Virgin Red app. 

Already in Flying Club? Download the Virgin Red app and sign up - linking takes seconds. 

Link your accounts and your Virgin Points will show in both Virgin Red and Flying Club, giving you even more rewards to choose from. 

Virgin Red

How do I upgrade my flight with Virgin Points? 

One of the questions we get asked most - how do I upgrade my flight? Good news, it’s easy. And yes, you can do it with your Virgin Points. Whether it’s priority check in and a little more legroom in Economy Delight, an extra comfy, extra roomy seat and elevated dining in Premium, or the ultimate experience in Upper Class, here’s how to treat yourself to a touch of the high life. 

Whether you booked your original seat with points or money, it’s super-easy to upgrade to any Premium or Upper Class seat with points. And you can do it at any time - as long as there are seats available.

Just so you know, while you can cover most flights and upgrades on points alone, taxes and fees aren’t included. You’ll need to pay a little extra on top. 

To upgrade before you travel, simply log into My Booking and tap on the red web chat icon at the bottom of your screen to contact Virgin Atlantic. Alternatively, give them a call. 

Points prices are based on demand, so the best value goes early. If you’re planning to treat yourself to extra comfort, it’s worth booking ahead. Feeling fancy last minute? You can upgrade at the airport too, just head to the ticket desk or ask the team at check-in. 

Virgin Atlantic

How much does an upgrade cost?

You can upgrade using points to cover the fare, and pay cash for any taxes and fees. 

Looking to upgrade more than 24 hours before you fly? Just check your booking to see what it’ll cost. 

If your original booking is a reward seat with points, you’ll pay: 

• The price in points of your new upgraded seat minus the price in points of your original seat 

• Plus, any difference in taxes and fees between your original and new cabin you’re travelling in. 

If your original booking was paid for fully in money or using Points Plus Money, you’ll pay: 

• The price in points of your new upgraded seat minus the maximum Saver reward seat price for the cabin you’re upgrading from. 

• Plus, any difference in taxes, fees and charges between your original and new cabin you’re travelling in. 

• The amount you’ll pay in money will include a deduction of the carrier surcharge at the maximum Saver reward seat rate for the cabin you’re upgrading from. 

If you want to find out about a possible upgrade less than 24 hours before you fly, or at the airport, Virgin Atlantic will quote you a points upgrade price plus taxes and fees if an upgrade is available. 

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So whether you’re flying Upper Class or treating yourself at home, spend your hard-earned points on the things you love. 

Terms and conditions

Full terms apply and can be found here. 

Information accurate as of time of posting.