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

Introduction

All Nippon Airways (ANA) First Class is widely regarded as one of the most luxurious ways to cross the Pacific, featuring exquisite Japanese hospitality, Krug champagne, and spacious suites. While ANA First Class awards can be expensive through its own Mileage Club or Star Alliance partners, a lesser-known sweet spot allows you to book these premium seats using Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles at a fraction of the usual cost. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of booking ANA First Class with Virgin Atlantic miles, including finding award availability, understanding transfer partners, and maximizing your redemption value.

Why Virgin Atlantic Miles for ANA First Class?

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is not a member of any major airline alliance, but it has several valuable partnerships, including with ANA. The redemption rates for ANA flights are distance-based, which can result in spectacular value—especially for long-haul First Class. For example, a one-way First Class ticket from the U.S. West Coast to Tokyo can cost as few as 55,000 miles, while a round-trip from the East Coast might be 120,000 miles. Compared to other programs charging 110,000–150,000 miles one-way, this is a steal.

Virgin Atlantic miles are also relatively easy to earn, thanks to transferable points programs. The airline runs frequent transfer bonuses, sometimes up to 30%, making redemptions even more affordable.

Sweet Spot Redemption Rates

Virgin Atlantic prices ANA awards based on the total distance flown. Here are the key redemption rates for ANA First Class (one-way):

Note: These rates are for non-stop flights. If your itinerary includes connections, the total distance of all segments is used.

Examples:

• Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo Haneda (HND): ~5,500 miles → 55,000 miles one-way in First.
• New York (JFK) to Tokyo Haneda (HND): ~6,700 miles → 65,000 miles one-way in First.
• Chicago (ORD) to Tokyo Haneda (HND): ~6,300 miles → 65,000 miles one-way in First.

Round-trip bookings are simply double the one-way rate. Taxes and fees are minimal—usually under $100 for a round-trip originating in the U.S.

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking ANA First Class

Step 1: Accumulate Virgin Atlantic Miles

Before you can book, you need Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles. The easiest way is through transferable points programs:

• American Express Membership Rewards (1:1 ratio, transfers usually instant)
• Chase Ultimate Rewards (1:1 ratio, transfers usually instant)
• Citi ThankYou Points (1:1 ratio, transfers can take 1–2 days)
• Capital One Miles (1:1 ratio, transfers usually instant)
• Marriott Bonvoy (3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred)

Keep an eye out for transfer bonuses. For example, American Express occasionally offers 30% bonuses, effectively reducing the miles needed.

Step 2: Search for Award Availability

ANA releases First Class award space to partners roughly 355 days in advance, but availability is limited—typically one or two seats per flight. The best strategy is to search as early as possible.

Where to search:

• United Airlines website: ANA is a Star Alliance member, so United’s award search will show ANA First Class saver awards (look for “First Saver Award” at 110,000 United miles one-way). This is the same space bookable with Virgin Atlantic.
• Air Canada Aeroplan: Also a Star Alliance member; if you see ANA First Class available, it’s likely bookable with Virgin Atlantic.
• ExpertFlyer: A paid service that can alert you when award seats open up.

Important: Virgin Atlantic’s own website does not show ANA award space. You must call to book.

Step 3: Confirm Availability and Note Flight Details

Once you find available seats on United or Aeroplan, note the flight number, date, and cabin. For example, ANA flight NH105 from LAX to HND in First Class. Double-check that it’s the non-stop route you want, as connections will increase the distance and miles required.

Step 4: Call Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Call Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club at the appropriate number for your region:

• U.S.: 1-800-365-9500
• U.K.: 0344 412 2414
• Other regions: Check the Virgin Atlantic contact page.

When you call, have your Flying Club number ready and tell the agent you want to book an ANA First Class award using miles. Provide the flight details you found. The agent will verify availability and quote the miles and taxes.

Pro tip: If the agent says no availability, ask them to search segment by segment. Sometimes availability differs from what you see online due to married segment logic.

Step 5: Transfer Points (If Needed)

If you don’t have enough miles in your Virgin Atlantic account, you can transfer points during the call. However, transfers are not always instant, so it’s safer to transfer before calling. Most programs transfer within minutes, but Citi can take up to 2 days. Virgin Atlantic can hold an award for 24–72 hours, but this is at their discretion.

Step 6: Pay Taxes and Fees

Once the agent confirms the booking, you’ll pay the taxes and fees with a credit card. For U.S.-originating flights, this is typically around $50–$80 one-way. You’ll receive a confirmation email with your Virgin Atlantic booking reference, which you can use to select seats on ANA’s website.

Step 7: Select Seats and Manage Booking

After booking, go to ANA’s website and use your ANA confirmation number (different from the Virgin Atlantic one) to select seats. ANA First Class cabins on the 777-300ER have 8 suites in a 1-2-1 configuration. Window seats offer more privacy, while center seats are good for couples.

Finding Award Availability: Tips and Tricks

ANA First Class award space is notoriously scarce, especially on popular routes like JFK-HND. Here are some strategies to improve your chances:

• Book at schedule opening: ANA loads seats 355 days out at 9:00 AM Japan time. Be ready to search exactly at that time.
• Be flexible with dates and airports: If JFK is unavailable, try Chicago (ORD) or Washington Dulles (IAD). If Tokyo Haneda is unavailable, try Narita (NRT).
• Consider close-in bookings: ANA sometimes releases unsold First Class seats 2–3 weeks before departure. This is risky but can work if you have flexibility.
• Use ExpertFlyer alerts: Set alerts for specific flights and dates to be notified when award space opens.
• Check for married segments: Sometimes availability only appears when searching from a connecting city. For example, if LAX-HND shows no space, try searching SFO-LAX-HND.

Transfer Partners and Earning Miles

As mentioned, transferring points is the fastest way to get Virgin Atlantic miles. Here’s a closer look at each program:

• American Express Membership Rewards: Earn with cards like the Platinum Card® or Gold Card. Transfers are instant and occasionally have bonuses.
• Chase Ultimate Rewards: Earn with cards like the Sapphire Reserve® or Ink Business Preferred®. Transfers are instant.
• Citi ThankYou Points: Earn with cards like the Citi Premier®. Transfers can take 1–2 days, so plan ahead.
• Capital One Miles: Earn with cards like the Venture X. Transfers are usually instant.
• Marriott Bonvoy: Earn with Marriott credit cards or hotel stays. Transfer ratio is 3:1, with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points, effectively 2.4:1 if transferring in 60,000-point increments.

You can also earn Virgin Atlantic miles by flying Virgin Atlantic or its partners, or through the Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard issued by Synchrony Bank.

ANA First Class Experience: What to Expect

Booking the seat is just the beginning. Here’s a taste of what awaits you onboard ANA First Class:

• Suites: Fully enclosed suites with sliding doors, a 32-inch entertainment screen, and a mattress pad for the lie-flat bed.
• Dining: Kaiseki cuisine, international dishes, and an extensive beverage list including Krug Grande Cuvée champagne and premium sake.
• Amenities: Globe-Trotter amenity kit, pajamas, and ANA’s signature hospitality.

For a detailed review, see ANA First Class Review on The Points Guy.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Not enough miles in account: Always transfer points before calling, as holds are not guaranteed.
• Calling the wrong number: Use the Flying Club number, not general reservations.
• Searching too early: ANA space may not appear immediately at schedule opening; sometimes it takes a few hours.
• Ignoring connection options: If non-stop isn’t available, consider a connecting flight (e.g., SEA-LAX-HND) but note the higher mileage cost.
• Forgetting to select seats: ANA allows seat selection immediately after booking; do it promptly to secure a window suite.

FAQ

Can I book ANA First Class with Virgin Atlantic miles for two people?

Yes, but it’s challenging. ANA typically releases only one or two First Class award seats per flight. You may need to book separate flights or be flexible with dates and routes.

How far in advance should I book ANA First Class?

Ideally, book at the schedule opening (355 days out) for the best chance. Alternatively, look for close-in availability 2–3 weeks before departure.

What are the taxes and fees for ANA First Class awards?

For U.S.-originating flights, taxes and fees are minimal—usually between $50 and $100 round-trip. Japan-originating flights may have higher fees due to departure taxes.

Can I change or cancel an ANA First Class award booked with Virgin Atlantic miles?

Yes, but fees apply. Changes cost $50 per person, and cancellations cost $50 per person for redeposit of miles. Check Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club terms for the latest policies.

Is ANA First Class worth the miles?

Absolutely. ANA First Class is consistently rated among the top First Class products in the world. The service, food, and comfort justify the miles, especially at these redemption rates.

References

• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: ANA Redemption Chart
• ANA First Class Review – The Points Guy
• United Airlines Award Search
• ExpertFlyer Seat Alerts
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Terms and Conditions

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 rates as low as 110,000 miles from the West Coast and minimal taxes, it’s an incredible value. By following this guide—accumulating transferable points, searching for award space strategically, and calling Virgin Atlantic to book—you can experience Japan’s finest First Class for a fraction of the usual cost. Start planning your trip today and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.