A recent Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club offered a 30% boost, letting travelers book one-way flights from the U.S. to London for as few as 6,000 points in economy, 9,000 in premium economy, or 23,000 in business class. This deal, now expired, was one of the best ways to stretch Chase points for transatlantic travel in 2026.
Our Take
Good news for transatlantic deal hunters — this transfer bonus was a top-tier sweet spot for anyone looking to maximize Chase points for flights to the U.K., especially in business class. While the promotion has ended, it highlights why keeping an eye on transfer bonuses is essential for outsized value.
What Changed
- 30% transfer bonus from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (now expired)
- Effective during June 2026 (see AwardWallet)
- Award flights to London available from:
- 6,000 Chase points (economy)
- 9,000 Chase points (premium economy)
- 23,000 Chase points (business class)
Who Benefited Most
- Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve cardholders: With 75,000–100,000 point bonuses (worth ~$1,538–$2,050 at our valuation), you could book up to 4 roundtrips in economy or 2 in business class to London during the promo.
- Frequent U.K. travelers: If you fly to London regularly, this deal meant a roundtrip in business class for just 46,000 Chase points (normally 60,000+ each way).
- Points optimizers: By transferring 23,000 points for a business class seat (worth $471 at our 2.05¢/point valuation), you could easily get $1,500+ in value per roundtrip.
- Families booking multiple seats: A family of four could book one-way economy flights to London for just 24,000 points total, an incredible value.
Who Should Be Cautious
- Travelers with no flexibility: Virgin Atlantic award space can be limited, especially in premium cabins and peak dates.
- Those who missed the promo window: If you didn't transfer during the bonus, standard rates apply and the value drops significantly.
- Chase cardholders who prefer other partners: If you value Hyatt or United redemptions more, transferring to Virgin Atlantic may not be the best use of points.
What To Do Right Now
- Watch for future transfer bonuses: Chase regularly offers transfer bonuses to partners like Virgin Atlantic—set alerts so you don't miss the next one.
- Plan your redemptions: If you have Chase points, research Virgin Atlantic sweet spots and monitor award space for future promos.
- Consider diversifying: If you missed this deal, look at other Chase transfer partners for high-value redemptions.
- Review your card strategy: Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve are best for maximizing these bonuses.
