Flying Virgin Atlantic Upper Class: Our New York to London Adventure in First Class
One of the best ways to enjoy luxury travel without the luxury price tag is by using points and miles—and our recent Upper Class flight from New York (JFK) to London (Heathrow) with Virgin Atlantic proved just that. It was our family’s first time in first class, and it did not disappoint — definitely a standout moment of the trip.
We booked our Upper Class seats using Chase Ultimate Rewards points, transferring them to Virgin Atlantic. Chase points transfers usually process instantly, and sometimes there’s a transfer bonus—making your points go even further. It cost us 35,000 points and $255 in taxes and fees for each ticket.
From the moment you arrive at the airport, everything feels seamless. A private check-in area and exclusive security line set the tone for a stress-free journey. Our Upper Class ticket gave us access to both the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse and the brand-new Delta One Lounge at JFK. While the Clubhouse is great, the Delta One Lounge truly stood out. The stylish space, elevated dining, and exceptional service made it the perfect start to our trip.
We flew on Virgin’s Airbus A350, which features a modern Upper Class cabin with lie-flat seats, mood lighting, and the onboard Loft lounge—great for stretching out mid-flight. Each of us had a private suite with a sliding door, direct aisle access, and plenty of space to relax.
The best part? Thanks to points, we paid just $1,016 total in taxes and fees for all four tickets—instead of $8,129 if we had paid cash. It was an incredible value for such a premium experience. Booking Virgin Atlantic award flights is easy through their website. Availability can vary, but planning a few months in advance helps. If you’re looking to experience a special transatlantic flight, Virgin Atlantic Upper Class is an amazing option, especially when points and miles cover most of the cost.
Want to learn how to earn and use points for trips like this?
[Check out my Quick Start guide here.]
