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Delta has a 49% ownership stake in Virgin Atlantic, so it is no surprise to see additional capabilities for SkyMiles members when it comes to flying on Virgin Atlantic. The latest announcement from Delta is that you can redeem SkyMiles for upgrades on Virgin Atlantic flights.
Key Terms and Conditions
The new policy will allow Delta members flying on Virgin Atlantic to upgrade with the following criteria:
- Upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy or Upper Class
- Upgrade from Premium Economy to Upper Class
- Only applies to flights between the US and the UK
- Upgrades must be done 24 hours prior to departure time
- You will need to call Delta to request the upgrade using SkyMiles
Another Improvement—But!
This is another step that further enhances the relationship between Delta and Virgin Atlantic, and gives us more options than just being able to use global upgrade certificates on Virgin, as well as being able to use SkyMiles to book Premium Economy fares with Virgin. The only issue with the relationship between Virgin and Delta, is that Delta recently devastated it partner award chart, and the fact that they don’t publish an award chart for flights from the US, there is only an “unofficial” chart.
Expect to pay 60,000+ SkyMiles to upgrades. If your employer is paying for your flights and you'd cover the cost of the upgrade with your miles maybe it isn't the worst deal, but certainly not something we'd identify as a great deal. Business class certainly beats economy class though.
Overall
The new changes are a great option for Delta flyers who regularly travel transatlantic. Virgin Atlantic offers a great Upper Class product and being able to redeem SkyMiles to upgrade is excellent news.
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Good info. May use for upgrade. Rather free tix. Had no clue Delta had 49% stake in VA. There are these rare opportunities for redemption on Delta that are not outrageous. NYC to Aruba 15k each way off peak nonstop. 60k AMEX bonus could get you two RT tix
Im holding a few leftovers in Delta-Points…but only around 15k – are they of any good here?
Absolutely, just not for upgrades.
I am amazed that anybody still collects Delta Skymiles now that their reward chart policy is “we’ll just make up a number when you try to book”
Interesting wasnt aware of how close Delta and Virgin were
Thanks. I didn’t know you could use Skymiles on Virgin Atlantic. Although it sounds like it isn’t worth it for me, it’s good to know options exist.
I had no idea that Delta owned 49% but still I usually just save up my miles to fly free
I am a bit disappointed by this announcement but not surprised by this usual Delta reducing yet again the value of their Skypesos.
I’m for more flexibility in redeeming miles. Not a great deal but a good option to have.
Is calling up Delta CS a painless experience for activating an upgrade? We have a trip on the stipulated route soon and would like to take advantage of this new addition!
Having not done this specifically I can’t speak to it, but this should be a simple call/request.
I’m preferring Virgin over Delta on my routes so will be using my delta miles on their UC product instead.
I’m liking the fact I can use my surplus delta miles to upgrade an economy ticket to Upper class. A great addition to flyer mile collectors perks.
It only costs 100k VA miles for upper class anyhow.
Lorrie, while you can redeem 95k+ Virgin Atlantic miles (depending on your origin in the US) to get to the UK on Virgin Atlantic, you’ll also be stuck with a ton of taxes/fees — it is a horrible value.