How to Book ANA First Class with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Miles

Introduction

Imagine sinking into a fully enclosed suite at 35,000 feet, sipping premium Japanese whisky as a dedicated flight attendant prepares your caviar course. This is the reality of flying ANA (All Nippon Airways) First Class, widely regarded as one of the world’s finest first-class products. Known for its exceptional service, exquisite Japanese cuisine, and the renowned “THE Suite” on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, ANA First Class is a dream for many travelers. But what if you could book this $15,000+ ticket for a fraction of the cost using miles?

Enter the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. While Virgin Atlantic is a UK-based airline, its loyalty program offers a sweet spot for booking ANA First Class awards. With round-trip awards starting as low as 110,000 miles from the U.S. West Coast to Tokyo, it’s one of the best uses of Virgin Atlantic points. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from earning Virgin Atlantic miles to finding award availability and completing your booking. We’ll also cover partner transfer options, tips for maximizing your chances, and what to expect onboard.

Why Virgin Atlantic Flying Club for ANA First Class?

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is not part of a major airline alliance, but it has partnerships with several carriers, including ANA. This partnership unlocks incredible value because Virgin Atlantic’s award chart for ANA flights is distance-based and relatively generous for premium cabins. Here’s a quick comparison of round-trip ANA First Class awards from the U.S. to Japan:

As you can see, Virgin Atlantic offers the lowest mileage cost for ANA First Class. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic miles are relatively easy to earn through transferable credit card programs, making this award accessible even if you don’t fly Virgin Atlantic.

Earning Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Miles

Before you can book, you need miles. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is a transfer partner of several major credit card rewards programs. Transfers are typically instant, which is crucial because ANA award space can disappear quickly.

Transfer Partners and Ratios

• American Express Membership Rewards: 1:1 ratio
• Chase Ultimate Rewards: 1:1 ratio
• Citi ThankYou Rewards: 1:1 ratio
• Capital One Miles: 1:1 ratio
• Marriott Bonvoy: 3:1 ratio (with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred)

All transfers are typically instant, but it’s wise to test with a small amount first if you’re new to the process. Keep an eye out for transfer bonuses, which can reduce the number of credit card points needed. For example, American Express occasionally offers a 30% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic, effectively lowering the cost to as few as 85,000 Membership Rewards points for a round-trip from the West Coast.

Buying Miles

Virgin Atlantic frequently sells miles with bonuses, sometimes up to 70% extra. If you’re short on miles, this can be a viable option, but only if the math works out. For instance, during a 50% bonus sale, you might buy 80,000 miles for around $1,600, which is still a fraction of the cash price for ANA First Class. Always compare the cost of buying miles to the cash fare.

Other Earning Methods

• Virgin Atlantic credit cards: In the U.S., the Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard® from Bank of America offers miles on spending and a sign-up bonus.
• Flying Virgin Atlantic or partners: You can earn miles on paid flights, but this is not the most efficient way for most U.S.-based travelers.
• Shopping portals and dining programs: Link your account to the Virgin Atlantic Shops Away portal or dining programs to earn miles on everyday purchases.

Understanding ANA Award Space and Availability

ANA is notorious for releasing very limited award space to partners, especially in First Class. Here’s what you need to know:

• Booking Window: ANA typically opens its schedule 355 days in advance. However, partner award space is not always loaded immediately. Virgin Atlantic can usually see ANA space around 330 days out.
• Close-in Availability: ANA sometimes releases unsold First Class seats as award space within 1–3 weeks of departure. This is a great strategy if you have flexible travel dates.
• Routes: ANA operates First Class on select routes, primarily from Tokyo (Narita and Haneda) to New York (JFK), Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, and Frankfurt. The new “THE Suite” is available on certain flights, typically from JFK and London.
• Number of Seats: ANA rarely releases more than one First Class award seat per flight to partners. If you’re traveling with a companion, you’ll need to find two separate flights or be prepared to book one First and one Business.

How to Search for ANA Award Space

Virgin Atlantic’s website does not show ANA award availability. You’ll need to search on a partner site, such as United Airlines or Air Canada Aeroplan, which can display ANA partner awards. Here’s a step-by-step process:

1. Go to United Airlines’ website and log in (no elite status needed).
2. Select “Book with miles” and enter your desired route and dates.
3. Look for “ANA” flights with “First Class” or “Business Class” saver awards. If you see a First Class seat at the saver level (usually 110,000–121,000 United miles one-way), it should be bookable via Virgin Atlantic.
4. Note the flight number, date, and route.

Alternatively, you can use Air Canada Aeroplan or expertflyer.com (subscription required) to search. Once you find space, call Virgin Atlantic to book immediately.

Step-by-Step Booking Process

Once you’ve found award space, follow these steps to book your ANA First Class ticket with Virgin Atlantic miles.

Step 1: Verify Availability and Mileage Cost

Confirm that the space is still available by searching again on United or calling Virgin Atlantic. The mileage cost is based on the distance between your origin and destination, as per Virgin Atlantic’s partner award chart for ANA:

One-way awards are half the round-trip cost. Taxes and fees are minimal, usually around $50–$100 for a round-trip originating in the U.S.

Step 2: Transfer Points (If Needed)

If you don’t have enough Virgin Atlantic miles, transfer points from your credit card program. Ensure your Virgin Atlantic account is active and the name matches exactly. Transfers are generally instant, but it’s wise to have the points ready before calling.

Step 3: Call Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Virgin Atlantic’s U.S. call center number is 1-800-365-9500. The lines are open 24/7. Be prepared with:

• Your Flying Club membership number
• The exact flight details (dates, flight numbers, cities)
• Passenger information (name as it appears on passport, date of birth)

Tell the agent you want to book an ANA First Class award using Virgin Atlantic miles. They may not be familiar with the process, so be patient and guide them if necessary. If the agent can’t see the space, hang up and try again (HUCA).

Step 4: Provide Passenger Details and Pay Fees

The agent will confirm the availability and mileage cost. You’ll need to pay taxes and fees with a credit card. Once ticketed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your ANA record locator. You can then manage your booking on ANA’s website and select seats, including the coveted window-side suites.

Step 5: Confirm and Enjoy

Log in to ANA’s website using your booking reference and last name to verify the ticket is issued in First Class. You can also pre-order meals, such as the famous Japanese kaiseki course, up to 24 hours before departure.

Tips for Maximizing Your Chances

• Be Flexible: If you can travel on weekdays or during off-peak seasons, you’ll have a better chance of finding space. Avoid Japanese holiday periods like Golden Week (late April–early May) and Obon (mid-August).
• Search Segment by Segment: ANA award space may be available on connecting flights via Tokyo, but it’s often easier to book the long-haul segment first and then add a domestic connection later.
• Consider Positioning: If you can’t find space from your home airport, look from ANA’s U.S. gateways (JFK, ORD, LAX, SFO) and book a separate positioning flight.
• Wait for Close-In Space: ANA often releases seats 1–3 weeks before departure. If you have a stash of miles and flexibility, this can be a reliable strategy.
• Use ExpertFlyer Alerts: Set alerts for ANA First Class award space on specific flights to be notified immediately when seats become available.

What to Expect Onboard ANA First Class

Flying ANA First Class is an experience in itself. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

• THE Suite: On select 777-300ER aircraft, you’ll enjoy a fully enclosed suite with a 43-inch 4K monitor, a comfortable seat that converts to a bed, and closing doors for privacy.
• Dining: ANA’s First Class menu features both Japanese and Western options. Highlights include caviar, premium sake, and multi-course meals designed by renowned chefs. You can pre-order the Japanese meal online.
• Amenities: Globe-Trotter amenity kits, pajamas, and premium bedding.
• Service: ANA’s flight attendants provide impeccable, intuitive service that embodies Japanese hospitality (omotenashi).

For a detailed review of ANA’s new First Class suites, visit ANA’s official website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I book one-way ANA First Class awards with Virgin Atlantic miles?

Yes, one-way awards are half the round-trip cost. For example, a one-way from the West Coast to Tokyo is 55,000 miles. This is a great option if you want to combine with another program for the return.

How much are the taxes and fees on ANA First Class awards?

Taxes and fees are relatively low, typically around $50–$100 for a round-trip from the U.S. This is because Japan does not impose high departure taxes, and Virgin Atlantic passes on only the actual government-imposed fees.

Can I add a stopover in Tokyo on a round-trip award?

Virgin Atlantic’s partner awards do not allow stopovers. You can only book point-to-point flights. If you want to visit another city in Japan, you can book a separate domestic award or paid ticket.

What if I need to cancel or change my ANA award?

Virgin Atlantic charges a $50 fee for changes or cancellations, and you’ll get your miles redeposited. However, you cannot change the airline or routing; you can only change the date if space is available. Always check the latest Virgin Atlantic Flying Club terms before booking.

Is ANA First Class worth the miles compared to Business Class?

Absolutely. While ANA Business Class is excellent, First Class offers a significantly upgraded experience with more privacy, better dining, and top-tier service. For only 20,000–30,000 more miles round-trip, it’s a fantastic value.

Conclusion

Booking ANA First Class with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles is one of the best sweet spots in the points and miles world. With round-trip awards starting at 110,000 miles and relatively low fees, it’s an attainable luxury for those willing to put in the effort. By understanding how to earn Virgin Atlantic miles, searching for award space strategically, and being persistent, you can experience one of the world’s finest first-class products for a fraction of the cash price.

Remember, award availability is limited, so flexibility and patience are key. Start planning your trip well in advance, or be ready to pounce on close-in space. Once you’re onboard, sipping Hibiki 21-year whisky at 35,000 feet, you’ll know it was all worth it.


References

1. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Partner Awards – Official Virgin Atlantic page on booking ANA awards.
2. ANA International First Class – ANA’s official page detailing the First Class experience.
3. United Airlines MileagePlus – Use United’s award search to find ANA partner space.