Virgin Atlantic Upper Class to Israel from $1,750
Maybe I just have Virgin Atlantic on my mind because I'll be flying the A350 in Upper Class in just a few days, but I spotted a nice deal to Israel that can be booked with points or cash.
From JFK and LAX, you have the chance to fly Virgin's A350 to London, check out The Clubhouse, then fly to Tel Aviv on the 789.
If you're booking a cash rate at a hotel, I'm happy to help see if I can get any perks for the stay. Just fill out my hotel request form and I'll see what I can do. Hyatt Privé is probably the most popular, but there are plenty of other programs for chains such as Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Rosewood, Four Seasons, and more.
Now, let's get into it!
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Bilt Rewards: Jump The Line, Get The Card Now
Bilt has been slowly rolling out the credit card side of their rewards program which allows you to earn points on rent (without processing fees). They've also just revamped the card to make it, perhaps, the best card with no annual fee.
The earnings structure is as follows:
- 1x on Rent up to $50,000 per year and non-bonus spend
- 2x travel (direct airline, hotel, rental car, and cruise bookings)
- 3x dining
There's a waitlist but you can skip the line with the code STTP4BILT when you apply. I have 100 slots available. I'll see if I can get some more if you use up this round!
I don't get anything if you use my code but I do think the card is worth it for renters who are over (or don't care about) the 5/24 rule.
For more info, check out my post on the revamped Bilt Card. |
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Straight To The Points
Routes: JFK/LAX-TLV via LHR
Operating airline: Virgin Atlantic
Class of service: Upper Class
Dates: January 2022 - August 2022
Seats available: 4+
Aircraft: A350 (or B789)
Cabin layout: 1-2-1 (A350); 1-1-1 (B789)
Book with (per person, round-trip) from JFK:
- Sapphire Reserve: From 120,994 points
- Sapphire/Ink Preferred: From 145,193 points
- Amex Business Platinum: From 113,744 points
- Amex Business Gold: From 136,119 points
- Amex Travel Cash (Amex IAP): From $1,750
- Cash (Virgin Atlantic): From $1,815
Book with (per person, round-trip) from LAX:
- Sapphire Reserve: From 145,400 points
- Sapphire/Ink Preferred: From 174,480 points
- Amex Business Platinum: From 134,030 points
- Amex Business Gold: From 163,575 points
- Amex Travel Cash (Amex IAP): From $2,181
- Cash (Virgin Atlantic): From $2,062
Don't forget to let me know if you book and how you did it!
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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the COVID-19 situation and the resulting travel restrictions could prevent you from traveling. Additionally, please make sure you understand the cancellation and change fees before booking.
Flight Experience
On Virgin Atlantic's A350, the business class cabin has a 1-2-1 layout. It's a combo of a reverse herringbone layout with window seats angled toward the window and a herringbone layout with the center section seats angled toward the aisle. Personally, I'd much prefer a window seat for more privacy.
Virgin's Boeing 789 Dreamliner has a 1-1-1 layout, and while the crew will still be great, the seat isn't on the same level as their A350. However, the flight between London and Tel Aviv is only about 5 hours so not bad.
You'll also have access to Virgin's Clubhouse lounges at JFK/LAX and LHR. The Clubhouse at LHR might be one of the best business class lounges on the planet so don't skip it!
Google Flights: JFK/LAX-TLV
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Best Ways To Book
If you have the Amex Business Platinum, the 35% rebate when you pay with points via Amex Travel will be your best bet. Those with the Sapphire Reserve can get a similar rate using points via the Chase travel portal.
For cash tickets, you'll get the best deal with the Amex International Airline Program (IAP) if you have an Amex Platinum or Business Platinum. You can save ~$65 on the flight from JFK. Even better, you can save ~$120 from LAX.
For context, you'd need 170,000 Delta SkyMiles to book this as an award ticket. The only points option that doesn't beat that off the bat is the Chase travel portal if you have the Sapphire Preferred or Ink Preferred. Still, 174,480 points + $0 still might be better than 170,000 + some taxes/fees.
With Virgin points, you'd need 151,000 + an egregious ~$1,375 round-trip.
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Where To Credit The Flights
Since these are cash tickets, you can earn redeemable airline miles so make sure to attach your desired loyalty program number to your booking.
If you're not sure which program to use, check Where To Credit to see which options will earn you the most redeemable miles.
You can use GCMap to check the total flight distance if you want to calculate redeemable and status qualifying miles.
I'd look to Delta, Flying Blue, or Virgin as all three options have bank transfer partners. Just think about which you're likely to need for upcoming travel. If you have elite status, that could also be a consideration.
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Bottom Line
This is a great opportunity try Virgin's new Upper Class on the A350 and visit Israel. Of course, you could also jump off from Israel and visit places such as Jordan or even Dubai if you want to spend a bit more time in the region.
It doesn't hurt that you'll earn a big chunk of redeemable miles and get a much better deal than any of the award booking options on top of that.
Happy booking!
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