Transfer now live! Capital One adds Virgin Red as a partner

Earlier in the month we reported that Capital One was adding another partner to their growing list, Virgin Red. Those transfer are now live.

Virgin Red added as a Capital One transfer partner

Virgin Red is added as a transfer partner. What’s Virgin Red? It’s the parent of all the Virgin brands – hotels, airlines, etc. So if you transfer into Virgin Red, you’ll not only be able to redeem on Virgin Atlantic, but also a litany of other experiences.

You can link your current Virgin Atlantic Flying Club account here:

As soon as you do so, your Virgin Atlantic balance will populate your Virgin Red account.

This is the new look at Capital One’s Transfer Partner list:

• The following partners are now 1:1
  • Aeromexico Club Premier
  • Air Canada Aeroplan
  • Avianca LifeMiles
  • Air France Flying Blue
  • British Airways Executive Club
  • Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
  • Choice Privileges
  • Etihad Guest
  • Emirates
  • Finnair Plus
  • Qantas Frequent Flyer
  • Singapore Airlines
  • TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go
  • Turkish Airlines Miles and Smiles
  • Virgin Red
  • Wyndham Rewards
• Accor transfer 2:1
• EVA transfers 2:1.5

Some great uses of Virgin Red?

Personally I think the best is always on premium air travel, but if you’ve dreamt of a Safari and you’re sitting on a heap of points, you could do Ulusaba ( Richard Branson’s safari ). 600k points gets you 3 nights for 2 people, all inclusive, including 2 daily game drives. Rates are around $1000+ per person which isn’t really the best option since you could use the travel eraser a 1 penny and not have to worry about transferring, but should there be a transfer bonus of you’d opt to shore up the account from other credit card programs it could be an interesting redemption.

ANA redemptions.

• Business Class from the US to Japan ranges 90k to 95k ROUNDTRIP
  • These are also bookable at 50% that price for a one way flight
• First Class from US to Japan ranges 110k to 120k
  • This is bookable at 50% off one way as well

ANA stunned the world with their new 777-3ooER “The Room” Business Class and The Suite.

Virgin Atlantic can be a great way to fly on Air France

The Virgin Atlantic redemption rates for flights on Air France are broken into zones that are priced at off-peak and peak rates, which you can read about here. There are a lot of great redemptions, but a couple that I’d like to feature.

• East Coast to Europe, off-peak, is just 48,500 miles.
  • Personal faves: JFK, BOS, or IAD.
• The second is into Israel.
  • East Coast US to Israel for just 66,500

There are many Air France products but I’ve reviewed:

• Air France business class CDG to IAD on the 77W
• Air France business class ATL to CDG on A350

Redeem on Delta for 50k each way to/from Europe

• • taxes and fees to London are quite low, but coming back would be a few hundred

Use Virgin Red to fly Virgin Atlantic Upper Class

Want the best Virgin Atlantic has to offer? Fly out of London longhaul and make use of their wonderful club at London Heathrow. You’ll experience expedited checkin, security, and a throwback 60s style lounge complete with a waitstaff to tend to your dining desires.

You can often find rates from the East coast of the USA for under 50k each way.

• Redeem on Virgin Atlantic roundtrip US to Europe starting at 47.5k
  • Keep an eye on taxes and fees – will run you $500+ each way

 

Go here to check out our 50 best uses of Capital One miles