Amex points accumulators score big on this one.
Back in January FCF did a special report about how you might escape Delta’s high mileage awards rates, and also get All Nippon’s First Class for 110,000 miles.
Well, this deal just got better because of a limited-time, Amex Rewards transfer bonus, which nets:
– First Class to Asia (on three-class aircraft) starting at 85,000 miles round-trip, or
– Business Class starting at 70,000 miles round-trip
This deal is a double play. It takes advantage of an evergreen strategy using award chart discrepancies along with a new credit card bonus-transfer.
The Background: First and Business Class on All Nippon
From the U.S. to Japan in First Class All Nippon charges 150,000 to 165,000 miles round-trip, however, using Virgin Atlantic miles the cost is only 110,000 from West Coast gateways and 120,000 from the rest of the U.S., a savings of up to 55,000 miles.
Business Class using Virgin Atlantic miles costs 90,000 miles from West Coast gateways and 95,000 miles from the rest of the U.S. That’s a bit more than All Nippon charges, but it actually costs less if you take advantage of this transfer deal.
THE POINTS TRANSFER DEAL
Virgin Atlantic and its point-transfer partner American Express Rewards are currently offering the 30% transfer bonus through September 12. Details here.
How good is the deal combo?
First Class for only 15,000 miles more than Delta in coach—almost a double upgrade
One example: Los Angeles-Tokyo flights in First Class on All Nippon cost 150,000 miles round-trip. But using the Virgin Atlantic deal, that flight costs as few as 110,000 miles round-trip, and with the transfer bonus it requires only 85,000 points—Delta charges 70,000 miles for coach.
Here’s another way to look at how good this deal is: You can get two First Class tickets (170,000 points) for the price of one ticket in Business Class on Delta (170,000 miles).
Business Class for the Same Price as coach on Delta
Second example: Seattle-Tokyo flights in Business Class on All Nippon cost 75,000 miles round-trip. But using the Virgin Atlantic deal and the transfer bonus, the ticket only costs 70,000 points.That amounts to Business Class for the same price as coach on Delta (70,000 miles).
The Small Print:
- All Nippon does not offer one-way awards.
- You must book All Nippon for the U.S.-Japan or vice-versa leg.
- You have to call (Virgin Atlantic) to book the award: (800) 862-8621.
- Virgin Atlantic holds award reservations for up to 48 hours based on inventory and the agent, but you can only get it by calling the mileage desk (800-365-9500). For partner flights, hold times vary by airline and route.
- Bookings must be made at least 48 hours before departure.
- FCF research found that Virgin Atlantic partner award availability is very often similar to All Nippon’s award space in First and Business Class.
Go here for a recent FCF Sweet Redeems alert for All Nippon in First Class.
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Have no Points? No Problem.
Just buy them for 2.5¢ per point from American Express Membership Rewards loyalty program. It offers a very high annual ceiling—up to 500,000 points—depending on the type of card you have. For more details on How to Buy American Express Membership Rewards Points go here.