If you’re looking to maximize your travel points, booking Air France and KLM flights with Virgin Atlantic points is a fantastic option – especially now that availability issues have been resolved. Thanks to Virgin Atlantic’s partnership with the SkyTeam Alliance, you can use your Virgin points to access great deals on flights across Europe. Whether you’re eyeing a quick getaway to Paris or an extended vacation in Amsterdam or Lisbon, this guide will show you exactly how to book these flights, tips for maximizing value, and troubleshooting any hiccups along the way.
Recent Issues with Virgin Atlantic booking Air France or KLM
Since around June 2024, Virgin Atlantic’s website and app have been unable to successfully complete bookings for Air France and KLM award flights, despite showing availability. When members attempt to book these flights, they typically encounter an error message stating that seats are no longer available, even though the award space still shows up in searches. Some work arounds included calling Virgin Atlantic or using their chat functions.
As of August 19, 2024, this issue has been resolved. There is reportedly a wide range of award space available, including business class seats on transatlantic routes.
Why Book Air France and KLM Flights with Virgin Atlantic Points?
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.
Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Air France and 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:
Setting Up Your Virgin Atlantic Account
Before you begin, ensure you have a Virgin Atlantic Flying Club account. This is your gateway to accessing flights across the SkyTeam Alliance, including Air France and KLM. Setting up an account is simple—just visit the Virgin Atlantic website, click on the Flying Club section, and follow the prompts to create your account.
Sign up for all the airline programs. This will help you easily transfer your points and miles and book your flights. And remember, keep your account information.
Searching for Reward Flights
Once your account is set up, start searching for reward flights. Go to the Virgin Atlantic website and select “Book a Reward Flight.” Enter your departure and destination airports, and ensure you check the “Flexible Dates” option to see the full range of available flights. Using flexible dates can help you avoid search errors and find the best deals.
Booking Process Walkthrough
After finding a suitable flight, proceed to book it directly through the Virgin Atlantic platform. The Air France/KLM issue with Virgin Atlantic has been recently resolved. So you should now be able to book Air France and KLM flights with ease. Complete the booking by confirming your flight details and paying any associated taxes and fees.
Additional tips:
- Monitor Point Transfer Bonuses: Keep an eye out for transfer bonuses from credit card partners like American Express. These bonuses can significantly increase your points balance, allowing you to book more flights.
- Sign Up for Newsletters: Stay informed about the latest deals and point offers by signing up for our Newsletter to get all the updates, tips and the latest information. Because sharing is caring.
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 Common Issues
Even with the best planning, you might encounter some hiccups when booking Air France and KLM flights with Virgin Atlantic points. Here’s how to handle them:
What to Do If You Encounter Availability Problems
If you can’t find the flights you want, try adjusting your search dates or looking at nearby airports. Sometimes availability on Air France and KLM flights may differ between Virgin Atlantic and Flying Blue, so consider checking both platforms.
Dealing with High Taxes and Fees
Virgin Atlantic bookings often come with higher taxes and fees, especially for flights departing from the UK. To minimize these costs, consider flying from alternate European cities with lower fees or using Flying Blue points for a direct booking, which might offer better pricing. Additionally, consider booking one-way flights or using points to cover the majority of costs while paying cash for the remainder to manage fees more effectively.
Conclusion
Booking Air France and KLM flights with Virgin Atlantic points is a valuable strategy for maximizing your travel rewards. Now that recent availability issues have been resolved, it’s an excellent time to take advantage of this opportunity. By following the steps outlined above, you can secure great deals on flights across Europe, even with higher taxes and fees. Don’t forget to monitor point transfer bonuses and stay flexible with your travel plans to get the most out of your points. Start planning your next European adventure today!
FAQs
Can I use Virgin Atlantic points to book any Air France or KLM flight?
Yes, you can use Virgin Atlantic points to book many Air France and KLM flights, but availability may vary. It’s a good idea to check both the Virgin Atlantic and Flying Blue platforms to compare options.
How do taxes and fees compare when booking through Virgin Atlantic?
Taxes and fees can be higher when booking through Virgin Atlantic, especially for flights departing from the UK. However, using alternative routes or airports can help minimize these costs.
What should I do if I can’t find available flights?
If you encounter availability issues, try adjusting your search dates, checking nearby airports, or looking for flights directly through Flying Blue. Flexibility is key to finding the best options.
Are there any current point transfer bonuses I should know about?
Point transfer bonuses vary, but it’s a good idea to monitor offers from partners like American Express, Chase, Citi and Capital One. These bonuses can significantly increase your points and make bookings more accessible.
