Virgin Atlantic is running a fantastic business class sale from the UK at $1334 roundtrip on pretty much any route. Delta codeshares on Virgin may be even cheaper (from US$1083).

Unfortunately these paid ticket deals do not apply to itineraries starting in the United States. That’s why it can make sense for Americans to book an award ticket one-way to the U.K. and book a paid ticket back.

Credit: God Save the Points

And incredibly Virgin Atlantic is running 50% off of award travel, too. That’s important because with taxes and fuel surcharges a roundtrip award ticket can still, at normal pricing, cost almost as much as a paid business class ticket under this sale.

To get 50% off Virgin Atlantic redemptions (and remember that Virgin is a Chase, American Express, and Citibank transfer partner) book by November 30, 2020 for travel by October 20, 2021.

Normal award pricing is 95,000 miles roundtrip from the East Coast or Midwest, 115,000 miles from the West Coast (115,000 and 155,000 in peak season, respectively).

This discount makes travel as low as 47,500 miles roundtrip – or just 23,750 miles one-way.

Credit: God Save the Points

Credit: God Save the Points

Of course since fuel surcharges are about $1400, and total taxes and fees about $1700, on a $2000 roundtrip. So those miles are still getting you less than a penny apiece because the cost of paid travel is so low. You’re better off paying cash if you can than booking Virgin redemptions at 50% off while paying full fuel surcharges.

Credit: God Save the Points

Remember that award tickets booked with Virgin miles count towards their Flying Club elite status but don’t be in a rush to burn your miles because they no longer expire.