Virgin Atlantic is quietly devaluing its award chart for Delta flights (excluding Europe), with increases ranging from 40-60%, set to take effect on December 7, 2023 for travel starting January 1, 2024. Virgin-Delta points booking has been a great deal in recent years, achieving 3 to 4 cent values on Economy Class non-stop with flexibility on dates. Point values for flights under 500 miles remain unchanged, making it advantageous for repositioning flights.
Delta Reward Flights Comparison (Before and After Jan 2024)
| Route (Miles Flown) | Delta Main Cabin (Before 2024) | Delta Main Cabin (After Jan 2024) | Delta One/First (Before 2024) | Delta One/First (After Jan 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-500 | 7,500 point | 7,500 points | 21,000 points | |
| 501-1,000 | 11,000 points | 41,500 points | ||
| 1,001-1,500 | 16,500 points | 59,500 points | ||
| 1,501-2,000 | 18,500 points | 66,500 points | ||
| 2,001-3,000 | 22,000 points | 70,000 points | ||
| 3,001-4,000 | 35,000 points | 80,000 points | 80,000 points | |
| 4,001-5,000 | 44,000 points | 105,000 points | 105,000 points | |
| 5,001-6,000 | 49,500 points | 130,000 points | 130,000 points | |
| 6,001+ | 65,500 points | 165,000 points | 165,000 points |
Europe (excluding the UK) to US non-stop flights
The award chart changes do not apply to Europe flights, allowing travelers to still book DeltaOne flights to Europe for 50K points, a deal that should be cherished before potential future changes. Who knows what tomorrow brings! Those who live near Delta hubs such as ATL, DTW, or MSP may be hit harder by the devaluation, especially if they are hub-captive and have few other options with other airlines.
Delta Reward flights UK to US non-stop flights
In a Nutshell
Virgin Atlantic is quietly devaluing its award chart for Delta flights and it’s not exactly the news we all wanted to hear. That surge in Virgin Atlantic point increases for Delta redemption flights is, to say the least, disheartening. We’ve all been there: excitedly planning our next adventure, only to discover that the rules have changed. But here’s the thing about this point-and-mile world: it’s dynamic and ever-changing. You can’t dwell on the disappointment for too long because, in reality, you’re at the mercy of the airlines. They make the rules, and we’re just passengers. Seeing those increases in point values for our favorite flights is a bitter pill to swallow. But dwelling on it will make no difference.
The silver lining? Opportunities will come your way. DeltaOne flights to Europe are still available for 50K points, a deal that should be savored before any potential future changes. Additionally, for an infant under two not requiring a seat on international flights, charges for a round trip are 2,000 points for Economy Class, 10,000 points for Business Class, and 14,000 points for First Class; one-way journeys require half the points. In contrast, Delta charges 10% of the paid fare
The game may have changed, but the journey has not.
The goal of this game is to learn, adapt, and stay informed. Although today may feel like a setback, tomorrow may bring a new sweet spot, a hidden gem in the world of points and miles. The key is to be quick on your feet, stay informed, and strategically position yourself in this ever-changing landscape. Yes, these changes are upsetting, but we are not powerless. We can’t control when or how they shake things up, but we can control how we react. Instead of dwelling on what has been lost, let us concentrate on what we can gain.
New to earning miles and points? Read my tips on how to collect them effortlessly [link]. I’ve got a beginner’s guide to credit card points and miles to help you start. If your credit card is declined or pending, don’t stress—it’s not over. Check this [link] for basics on the credit card application process and what to do with a reconsideration line. Explore my list of sweet spots to make the most of your miles and points. Enjoy your points and miles journey!
