United MileagePlus vs Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: award prices compared
United MileagePlus and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club both showed award space in the same cabin on 1,528 routes in the last 30 days. In economy, Virgin Atlantic needed fewer miles or points on 1,081 of 1,471 shared routes; in business class, Virgin Atlantic on 478 of 632.
Page regenerated from AwardTool's award data snapshot (normally daily). Summary last changed . Seats change quickly.
- Routes with both programs
- 1,528
- Cabin comparisons
- 2,844
- MileagePlus routes
- 3,225
- Virgin Atlantic routes
- 2,963
MileagePlus or Virgin Atlantic: fewer miles or points by cabin
On each route where both programs showed award space in a cabin, the one whose lowest observed one-way award needed fewer miles or points. Miles and points are compared one to one; taxes are compared separately.
| Cabin | Shared routes | Fewer with MileagePlus | Fewer with Virgin Atlantic | Same number | Median difference | Median taxes and fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 1,471 | 386 | 1,081 | 4 | 11,500 fewer miles or points with Virgin Atlantic | MileagePlus $20.60, Virgin Atlantic $146.07 |
| Premium Economy | 491 | 97 | 393 | 1 | 22,000 fewer miles or points with Virgin Atlantic | MileagePlus $29.50, Virgin Atlantic $312.30 |
| Business Class | 632 | 150 | 478 | 4 | 26,250 fewer miles or points with Virgin Atlantic | MileagePlus $40.70, Virgin Atlantic $351.74 |
| First Class | 250 | 221 | 29 | 0 | 22,500 fewer miles or points with MileagePlus | MileagePlus $5.60, Virgin Atlantic $5.60 |
When MileagePlus or Virgin Atlantic came out ahead
What the last 30 days of observations show; award space changes daily.
- Fewer miles or points needed more often: MileagePlus in first class; Virgin Atlantic in business class, premium economy and economy.
- Economy: Virgin Atlantic needed fewer miles or points on 1,081 of 1,471 shared economy routes; the median difference was 11,500 miles or points in favor of Virgin Atlantic.
- Business class: Virgin Atlantic needed fewer miles or points on 478 of 632 shared business-class routes; the median difference was 26,250 miles or points in favor of Virgin Atlantic.
- Premium economy: Virgin Atlantic needed fewer miles or points on 393 of 491 shared premium economy routes; the median difference was 22,000 miles or points in favor of Virgin Atlantic.
- First class: MileagePlus needed fewer miles or points on 221 of 250 shared first-class routes; the median difference was 22,500 miles or points in favor of MileagePlus.
- Open dates: MileagePlus showed economy award space on more departure dates on 1,421 of 1,471 shared routes.
- Taxes and fees: on shared economy routes the median was $20.60 with MileagePlus and $146.07 with Virgin Atlantic.
- Coverage: MileagePlus showed award space on 2 or more dates on 3,225 routes and Virgin Atlantic on 2,963 routes; 1,528 routes had both.
- Booking window: AwardTool saw MileagePlus award space up to 337 days ahead (Sep 18, 2027) and Virgin Atlantic up to 331 days ahead (Sep 12, 2027).
- Bank transfers: Bilt and Chase transfer to both; Amex, Capital One, Citi and Wells Fargo transfer to Virgin Atlantic only.
Shared routes: MileagePlus and Virgin Atlantic side by side
Each program's lowest observed one-way award on the route in that cabin, plus taxes, with its open departure dates and newest observation.
Economy: 1,471 shared routes
The 50 of 1,471 routes with the most open dates.
| Route | MileagePlus (miles) | Virgin Atlantic (points) | Fewer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg (JNB) to Atlanta (ATL) | 45,000 + $58.99330 dates · | 15,000 + $255.47327 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| London Heathrow (LHR) to Los Angeles (LAX) | 32,800 + $220.49323 dates · | 9,000 + $334.73330 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| San Francisco (SFO) to Mumbai (BOM) | 49,500 + $8.80328 dates · | 13,000 + $301.50324 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Orlando (MCO) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 40,000 + $5.60327 dates · | 7,500 + $161.10323 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New Delhi (DEL) to Atlanta (ATL) | 45,000 + $46.35327 dates · | 18,500 + $412.82321 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Mumbai (BOM) to New York JFK | 49,500 + $40.25316 dates · | 12,000 + $260.35329 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Los Angeles (LAX) to Mumbai (BOM) | 49,500 + $8.80323 dates · | 13,000 + $302.00322 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New York JFK to New Delhi (DEL) | 45,000 + $9.00322 dates · | 12,000 + $302.00321 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Seoul Incheon (ICN) to New York JFK | 44,400 + $36.49332 dates · | 13,500 + $236.83308 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Mumbai (BOM) to San Francisco (SFO) | 49,500 + $40.25323 dates · | 13,000 + $267.49314 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New York JFK to Seoul Incheon (ICN) | 54,200 + $5.60328 dates · | 12,500 + $298.30309 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Washington Dulles (IAD) to Seoul Incheon (ICN) | 55,000 + $5.60327 dates · | 12,500 + $298.30309 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Atlanta (ATL) to Charlotte (CLT) | 15,000 + $5.60329 dates · | 7,500 + $5.60306 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Portland (PDX) to Los Angeles (LAX) | 11,600 + $5.60326 dates · | 11,000 + $5.60307 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New York JFK to Bangalore (BLR) | 49,500 + $10.80315 dates · | 12,000 + $303.90316 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Seattle (SEA) to Las Vegas (LAS) | 15,000 + $5.60328 dates · | 11,000 + $5.60300 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Salt Lake City (SLC) to Seattle (SEA) | 15,000 + $5.60324 dates · | 11,000 + $5.60304 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Philadelphia (PHL) to Boston (BOS) | 15,000 + $5.60328 dates · | 7,500 + $5.60299 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Bangkok (BKK) to Frankfurt (FRA) | 60,000 + $35.00327 dates · | 21,000 + $189.60298 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New Delhi (DEL) to Washington Dulles (IAD) | 45,000 + $46.25326 dates · | 16,000 + $260.76299 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| San Diego (SAN) to Minneapolis (MSP) | 15,000 + $5.60330 dates · | 18,500 + $5.60294 dates · | MileagePlus |
| San Antonio (SAT) to Atlanta (ATL) | 15,000 + $5.60325 dates · | 11,000 + $5.60299 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) to Miami (MIA) | 30,000 + $37.29331 dates · | 37,500 + $32.19292 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Manila (MNL) to Bangkok (BKK) | 17,500 + $28.50311 dates · | 15,500 + $120.00312 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Seattle (SEA) to San Diego (SAN) | 12,600 + $5.60323 dates · | 16,500 + $5.60300 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Los Angeles (LAX) to Las Vegas (LAS) | 9,100 + $5.60327 dates · | 7,500 + $5.60294 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Santiago (SCL) to Bogotá (BOG) | 35,000 + $40.00314 dates · | 25,000 + $51.55307 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Los Angeles (LAX) to Santiago (SCL) | 45,000 + $5.60336 dates · | 37,500 + $40.55284 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Atlanta (ATL) to Pittsburgh (PIT) | 13,300 + $5.60320 dates · | 11,000 + $5.60299 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Bangalore (BLR) to San Francisco (SFO) | 49,500 + $45.15327 dates · | 15,000 + $272.20290 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Salt Lake City (SLC) to San Diego (SAN) | 12,700 + $5.60316 dates · | 11,000 + $5.60301 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Atlanta (ATL) to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) | 13,100 + $5.60330 dates · | 11,000 + $5.60286 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Salt Lake City (SLC) to Detroit (DTW) | 15,000 + $5.60327 dates · | 16,500 + $5.60289 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Portland (PDX) to Salt Lake City (SLC) | 15,000 + $5.60315 dates · | 11,000 + $5.60300 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Houston (IAH) to Atlanta (ATL) | 9,600 + $5.60328 dates · | 11,000 + $5.60286 dates · | MileagePlus |
| San Diego (SAN) to Salt Lake City (SLC) | 12,700 + $5.60328 dates · | 11,000 + $5.60286 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) to New York JFK | 35,000 + $37.29331 dates · | 29,000 + $455.19282 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New York JFK to Santiago (SCL) | 45,000 + $5.60322 dates · | 37,500 + $40.55291 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New York JFK to Nairobi (NBO) | 45,000 + $55.35311 dates · | 24,000 + $237.65301 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Seattle (SEA) to Salt Lake City (SLC) | 15,000 + $5.60328 dates · | 11,000 + $5.60284 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Denver (DEN) to Los Angeles (LAX) | 11,700 + $5.60319 dates · | 11,000 + $5.60291 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Singapore (SIN) to Bangkok (BKK) | 17,500 + $52.50296 dates · | 12,500 + $150.71314 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Detroit (DTW) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) | 13,200 + $5.60314 dates · | 7,500 + $5.60295 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Miami (MIA) to Santiago (SCL) | 30,000 + $5.60319 dates · | 37,500 + $40.55290 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Seattle (SEA) to Los Angeles (LAX) | 10,600 + $5.60318 dates · | 11,000 + $5.60291 dates · | MileagePlus |
| New York JFK to Boston (BOS) | 15,000 + $5.60318 dates · | 7,500 + $5.60290 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Orlando (MCO) to Los Angeles (LAX) | 15,000 + $5.60325 dates · | 22,000 + $5.60283 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Salt Lake City (SLC) to Los Angeles (LAX) | 15,000 + $5.60328 dates · | 11,000 + $5.60280 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Syracuse (SYR) to New York JFK | 15,000 + $5.60318 dates · | 7,500 + $5.60290 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Singapore (SIN) to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) | 22,500 + $50.80327 dates · | 18,500 + $150.71280 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
Premium Economy: 491 shared routes
The 50 of 491 routes with the most open dates.
| Route | MileagePlus (miles) | Virgin Atlantic (points) | Fewer |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow (LHR) to Atlanta (ATL) | 50,000 + $414.19331 dates · | 13,500 + $630.84328 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Los Angeles (LAX) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 50,000 + $5.60328 dates · | 16,500 + $293.80328 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Atlanta (ATL) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 50,000 + $5.60327 dates · | 13,500 + $293.30327 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Miami (MIA) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 50,000 + $5.60329 dates · | 13,500 + $293.80325 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| London Heathrow (LHR) to Los Angeles (LAX) | 50,000 + $408.09323 dates · | 16,500 + $630.97329 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) to Miami (MIA) | 55,000 + $37.29331 dates · | 65,000 + $32.19320 dates · | MileagePlus |
| London Heathrow (LHR) to San Francisco (SFO) | 50,000 + $408.59329 dates · | 16,500 + $650.51319 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| London Heathrow (LHR) to Las Vegas (LAS) | 50,000 + $414.39331 dates · | 16,500 + $630.97315 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| San Francisco (SFO) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 50,000 + $5.60328 dates · | 16,500 + $293.30317 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Johannesburg (JNB) to Atlanta (ATL) | 55,000 + $59.29322 dates · | 43,500 + $445.99322 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| London Heathrow (LHR) to Miami (MIA) | 50,000 + $413.69319 dates · | 13,500 + $630.84325 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Orlando (MCO) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 50,000 + $5.60327 dates · | 13,500 + $293.30317 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Los Angeles (LAX) to Mumbai (BOM) | 60,500 + $25.60321 dates · | 27,000 + $538.20322 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New Delhi (DEL) to Atlanta (ATL) | 60,500 + $53.85329 dates · | 54,000 + $445.03313 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Las Vegas (LAS) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 50,000 + $5.60320 dates · | 16,500 + $293.30316 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| San Francisco (SFO) to Mumbai (BOM) | 60,500 + $25.60323 dates · | 27,000 + $538.20311 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New Delhi (DEL) to New York JFK | 60,500 + $48.15317 dates · | 21,000 + $538.45316 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New Delhi (DEL) to San Francisco (SFO) | 60,500 + $48.35328 dates · | 27,000 + $538.58305 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Miami (MIA) to São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) | 55,000 + $5.60329 dates · | 65,000 + $52.10304 dates · | MileagePlus |
| New York JFK to Mumbai (BOM) | 60,500 + $25.60307 dates · | 21,000 + $538.20321 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New Delhi (DEL) to Washington Dulles (IAD) | 60,500 + $49.95325 dates · | 21,000 + $538.45300 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Orlando (MCO) to Manchester (MAN) | 55,000 + $29.40307 dates · | 24,000 + $180.30317 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Mumbai (BOM) to New York JFK | 60,500 + $52.45296 dates · | 21,000 + $519.29325 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Mumbai (BOM) to San Francisco (SFO) | 60,500 + $47.75322 dates · | 34,500 + $519.29299 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| San Francisco (SFO) to New Delhi (DEL) | 60,500 + $16.50331 dates · | 30,500 + $539.30290 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Washington Dulles (IAD) to Seoul Incheon (ICN) | 65,000 + $5.60327 dates · | 33,000 + $535.00293 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New York JFK to Seoul Incheon (ICN) | 65,000 + $5.60328 dates · | 33,000 + $535.00291 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New York JFK to New Delhi (DEL) | 60,500 + $25.80313 dates · | 21,000 + $538.80305 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New York JFK to Bangalore (BLR) | 60,500 + $34.80305 dates · | 21,000 + $540.80311 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Seoul Incheon (ICN) to New York JFK | 65,000 + $36.19329 dates · | 36,000 + $430.12283 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Bangalore (BLR) to San Francisco (SFO) | 60,500 + $52.65319 dates · | 34,000 + $524.00282 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Washington Dulles (IAD) to New Delhi (DEL) | 60,500 + $25.80311 dates · | 24,500 + $539.30290 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Boston (BOS) to Seoul Incheon (ICN) | 65,000 + $5.60310 dates · | 41,000 + $535.00276 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| San Francisco (SFO) to Bangalore (BLR) | 60,500 + $18.20288 dates · | 46,500 + $540.20298 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Atlanta (ATL) to Manchester (MAN) | 55,000 + $29.80306 dates · | 19,500 + $293.30278 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Tampa (TPA) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 50,000 + $5.60324 dates · | 22,500 + $293.30252 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New Delhi (DEL) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) | 86,600 + $46.25315 dates · | 21,000 + $495.63235 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Seattle (SEA) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 50,000 + $5.60337 dates · | 16,500 + $293.60183 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New York JFK to Cape Town (CPT) | 55,000 + $11.20315 dates · | 34,000 + $535.90184 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Naples (NAP) to New York JFK | 50,000 + $43.69330 dates · | 24,000 + $260.84167 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Seattle (SEA) to New Delhi (DEL) | 60,500 + $25.80323 dates · | 27,000 + $538.80168 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Amsterdam (AMS) to New York JFK | 50,000 + $110.29331 dates · | 14,500 + $372.87159 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to New York JFK | 50,000 + $126.49320 dates · | 14,500 + $367.04167 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Frankfurt (FRA) to New York JFK | 50,000 + $148.39335 dates · | 24,000 + $331.23152 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Seattle (SEA) to Mumbai (BOM) | 60,500 + $25.60315 dates · | 27,000 + $538.20172 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| San Francisco (SFO) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) | 71,500 + $13.10326 dates · | 81,000 + $556.00155 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Munich (MUC) to New York JFK | 50,000 + $129.39322 dates · | 24,000 + $320.92151 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Venice (VCE) to New York JFK | 50,000 + $49.09325 dates · | 24,000 + $265.12148 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Amsterdam (AMS) to Washington Dulles (IAD) | 50,000 + $110.49326 dates · | 14,500 + $373.38145 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Zurich (ZRH) to New York JFK | 50,000 + $55.09327 dates · | 24,000 + $274.29143 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
Business Class: 632 shared routes
The 50 of 632 routes with the most open dates.
| Route | MileagePlus (miles) | Virgin Atlantic (points) | Fewer |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York JFK to London Heathrow (LHR) | 80,000 + $5.60332 dates · · Mixed cabin | 29,000 + $690.40328 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| London Heathrow (LHR) to Atlanta (ATL) | 80,000 + $414.19331 dates · · Mixed cabin | 47,500 + $1,014.14326 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Los Angeles (LAX) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 80,000 + $5.60328 dates · · Mixed cabin | 41,000 + $691.00327 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Miami (MIA) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 80,000 + $5.60329 dates · · Mixed cabin | 29,000 + $691.00326 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Atlanta (ATL) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 88,000 + $22.40327 dates · · Mixed cabin | 100,000 + $689.70326 dates · | MileagePlus |
| London Heathrow (LHR) to Los Angeles (LAX) | 80,000 + $414.39323 dates · · Mixed cabin | 41,000 + $970.30330 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Johannesburg (JNB) to Atlanta (ATL) | 88,000 + $56.39326 dates · · Mixed cabin | 131,500 + $929.59326 dates · | MileagePlus |
| London Heathrow (LHR) to Las Vegas (LAS) | 80,000 + $414.39331 dates · · Mixed cabin | 41,000 + $970.30319 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| London Heathrow (LHR) to San Francisco (SFO) | 80,000 + $414.19329 dates · · Mixed cabin | 41,000 + $1,003.30320 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| San Francisco (SFO) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 88,000 + $28.40328 dates · | 41,000 + $690.40319 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Orlando (MCO) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 80,000 + $5.60327 dates · · Mixed cabin | 78,000 + $689.70319 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| London Heathrow (LHR) to New York JFK | 80,000 + $408.79317 dates · | 29,000 + $970.16326 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| London Heathrow (LHR) to Miami (MIA) | 80,000 + $413.59319 dates · · Mixed cabin | 29,000 + $970.30324 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Las Vegas (LAS) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 80,000 + $5.60320 dates · · Mixed cabin | 86,000 + $689.70319 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Johannesburg (JNB) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 110,000 + $37.80308 dates · | 35,000 + $341.31326 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Mumbai (BOM) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 110,000 + $22.66311 dates · | 29,000 + $420.39322 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Washington Dulles (IAD) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 80,000 + $5.60328 dates · · Mixed cabin | 57,500 + $690.40305 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Boston (BOS) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 80,000 + $5.60330 dates · · Mixed cabin | 29,000 + $690.30301 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New Delhi (DEL) to New York JFK | 88,000 + $42.65318 dates · | 64,000 + $1,164.18312 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| San Francisco (SFO) to Mumbai (BOM) | 88,000 + $9.30325 dates · | 187,000 + $1,149.90303 dates · | MileagePlus |
| New Delhi (DEL) to Atlanta (ATL) | 88,000 + $45.75329 dates · | 154,000 + $1,164.18298 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Singapore (SIN) to Bangkok (BKK) | 45,000 + $52.50307 dates · | 30,000 + $150.71320 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| London Heathrow (LHR) to Washington Dulles (IAD) | 80,000 + $408.49320 dates · | 29,000 + $970.30305 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Mumbai (BOM) to New York JFK | 88,000 + $41.25306 dates · | 64,000 + $1,162.84316 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| London Heathrow (LHR) to Boston (BOS) | 80,000 + $413.69318 dates · · Mixed cabin | 29,000 + $1,014.00304 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| San Francisco (SFO) to New Delhi (DEL) | 88,000 + $9.80331 dates · | 248,000 + $1,150.40289 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Manchester (MAN) to Orlando (MCO) | 80,000 + $426.59308 dates · · Mixed cabin | 29,000 + $898.44311 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Bangkok (BKK) to Singapore (SIN) | 45,000 + $35.00296 dates · | 30,000 + $133.00322 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New Delhi (DEL) to San Francisco (SFO) | 88,000 + $42.75329 dates · | 168,000 + $1,164.32289 dates · | MileagePlus |
| New York JFK to New Delhi (DEL) | 88,000 + $9.80314 dates · | 64,000 + $1,151.50302 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Mumbai (BOM) to San Francisco (SFO) | 88,000 + $41.25321 dates · | 139,500 + $1,162.30291 dates · | MileagePlus |
| New York JFK to Bangalore (BLR) | 88,000 + $10.80314 dates · | 109,500 + $490.10297 dates · | MileagePlus |
| New York JFK to Mumbai (BOM) | 88,000 + $9.30306 dates · | 83,500 + $1,149.90302 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Los Angeles (LAX) to Mumbai (BOM) | 88,000 + $9.30322 dates · · Mixed cabin | 214,000 + $1,151.10286 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Orlando (MCO) to Manchester (MAN) | 88,000 + $22.40297 dates · · Mixed cabin | 96,000 + $689.70311 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Seoul Incheon (ICN) to New York JFK | 194,600 + $47.69332 dates · | 259,000 + $947.41271 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Manila (MNL) to Bangkok (BKK) | 45,000 + $28.50307 dates · | 36,000 + $118.20295 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New Delhi (DEL) to Washington Dulles (IAD) | 88,000 + $45.65324 dates · | 129,000 + $1,164.32277 dates · | MileagePlus |
| New Delhi (DEL) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 110,000 + $24.06281 dates · | 23,000 + $421.73317 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Washington Dulles (IAD) to Seoul Incheon (ICN) | 250,000 + $5.60327 dates · | 135,000 + $1,015.60271 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Bangalore (BLR) to San Francisco (SFO) | 88,000 + $45.15320 dates · · Mixed cabin | 166,000 + $1,166.20274 dates · | MileagePlus |
| New York JFK to Seoul Incheon (ICN) | 250,000 + $5.60328 dates · | 212,000 + $1,147.30265 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Washington Dulles (IAD) to New Delhi (DEL) | 88,000 + $9.80311 dates · · Mixed cabin | 137,500 + $1,152.50281 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Manchester (MAN) to New York JFK | 80,000 + $427.29328 dates · · Mixed cabin | 29,000 + $898.31261 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| San Francisco (SFO) to Bangalore (BLR) | 88,000 + $10.80287 dates · | 141,000 + $1,151.40297 dates · | MileagePlus |
| London Heathrow (LHR) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) | 80,000 + $414.29330 dates · | 29,000 + $927.48252 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Tampa (TPA) to London Heathrow (LHR) | 80,000 + $5.60324 dates · · Mixed cabin | 80,000 + $690.40254 dates · | Same |
| Mumbai (BOM) to Amsterdam (AMS) | 110,000 + $22.66318 dates · | 38,000 + $441.24256 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Atlanta (ATL) to Manchester (MAN) | 88,000 + $22.40301 dates · | 48,500 + $313.30272 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Boston (BOS) to Seoul Incheon (ICN) | 250,000 + $5.60310 dates · | 135,000 + $1,015.60259 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
First Class: 250 shared routes
The 50 of 250 routes with the most open dates.
| Route | MileagePlus (miles) | Virgin Atlantic (points) | Fewer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland (PDX) to Los Angeles (LAX) | 30,000 + $5.60326 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60318 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Seattle (SEA) to San Diego (SAN) | 30,000 + $5.60323 dates · · Mixed cabin | 59,500 + $5.60318 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Atlanta (ATL) to Charlotte (CLT) | 42,700 + $5.60329 dates · | 21,000 + $5.60308 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| San Diego (SAN) to Salt Lake City (SLC) | 30,000 + $5.60328 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60309 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Philadelphia (PHL) to Boston (BOS) | 33,100 + $5.60328 dates · | 21,000 + $5.60308 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Seattle (SEA) to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) | 30,000 + $5.60327 dates · | 66,500 + $5.60309 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Portland (PDX) to Salt Lake City (SLC) | 30,000 + $5.60315 dates · · Mixed cabin | 41,500 + $5.60319 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Salt Lake City (SLC) to San Diego (SAN) | 30,000 + $5.60316 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60317 dates · | MileagePlus |
| New York JFK to Atlanta (ATL) | 30,000 + $5.60328 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60304 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Pittsburgh (PIT) to New York JFK | 30,000 + $5.60322 dates · | 21,000 + $5.60309 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to New York JFK | 30,000 + $5.60322 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60307 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Seattle (SEA) to Orange County (SNA) | 30,000 + $5.60324 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60305 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Salt Lake City (SLC) to Los Angeles (LAX) | 30,000 + $5.60328 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60300 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Detroit (DTW) to New York JFK | 30,000 + $5.60321 dates · | 21,000 + $5.60306 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Raleigh/Durham (RDU) to New York JFK | 30,000 + $5.60323 dates · | 21,000 + $5.60304 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Atlanta (ATL) to Pittsburgh (PIT) | 30,000 + $5.60320 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60306 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO) | 30,000 + $5.60317 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60309 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Newark (EWR) to Detroit (DTW) | 30,000 + $5.60325 dates · | 21,000 + $5.60300 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Boston (BOS) | 30,000 + $5.60323 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60302 dates · | MileagePlus |
| San Francisco (SFO) to Seattle (SEA) | 30,000 + $5.60322 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60303 dates · | MileagePlus |
| New York JFK to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) | 30,000 + $5.60317 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60306 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Nashville (BNA) to New York JFK | 30,000 + $5.60315 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60307 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Detroit (DTW) to Boston (BOS) | 30,000 + $5.60323 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60298 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Indianapolis (IND) to Boston (BOS) | 30,000 + $5.60327 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60293 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Omaha (OMA) to New York LaGuardia (LGA) | 30,000 + $5.60322 dates · | 59,500 + $5.60298 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to New York JFK | 30,000 + $67.76326 dates · | 21,000 + $64.44294 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Detroit (DTW) to Washington Dulles (IAD) | 30,000 + $5.60314 dates · | 21,000 + $5.60305 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New York JFK to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) | 30,000 + $5.60327 dates · | 21,000 + $5.60292 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Minneapolis (MSP) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) | 30,000 + $5.60325 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60294 dates · | MileagePlus |
| New York JFK to Charleston (CHS) | 30,000 + $5.60317 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60301 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO) | 30,000 + $5.60321 dates · | 21,000 + $5.60297 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Denver (DEN) to Seattle (SEA) | 30,000 + $5.60314 dates · | 59,500 + $5.60303 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Minneapolis (MSP) to Raleigh/Durham (RDU) | 30,000 + $5.60322 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60295 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Detroit (DTW) to New York LaGuardia (LGA) | 32,900 + $5.60315 dates · | 21,000 + $5.60301 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Los Angeles (LAX) to Salt Lake City (SLC) | 30,000 + $5.60318 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60298 dates · | MileagePlus |
| New York JFK to Washington Dulles (IAD) | 30,000 + $5.60321 dates · | 21,000 + $5.60294 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New York JFK to Boston (BOS) | 30,000 + $5.60318 dates · | 21,000 + $5.60296 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| New York LaGuardia (LGA) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) | 48,700 + $5.60306 dates · | 21,000 + $5.60308 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Atlanta (ATL) to Kansas City (MCI) | 30,000 + $5.60321 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60292 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Detroit (DTW) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) | 30,000 + $5.60314 dates · | 21,000 + $5.60299 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
| Salt Lake City (SLC) to Seattle (SEA) | 30,000 + $5.60324 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60287 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Atlanta (ATL) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) | 30,000 + $5.60320 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60286 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Atlanta (ATL) to Montreal (YUL) | 45,000 + $5.60329 dates · | 59,500 + $5.60276 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Nashville (BNA) to Washington National (DCA) | 30,000 + $5.60316 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60289 dates · | MileagePlus |
| San Francisco (SFO) to Salt Lake City (SLC) | 30,000 + $5.60320 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60284 dates · | MileagePlus |
| San Diego (SAN) to Minneapolis (MSP) | 30,000 + $5.60330 dates · · Mixed cabin | 66,500 + $5.60273 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Salt Lake City (SLC) to San Francisco (SFO) | 30,000 + $5.60314 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60289 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Houston (IAH) to Atlanta (ATL) | 30,000 + $5.60328 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60272 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Seattle (SEA) to Los Angeles (LAX) | 30,000 + $5.60318 dates · | 41,500 + $5.60279 dates · | MileagePlus |
| Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Minneapolis (MSP) | 42,900 + $67.76287 dates · | 41,500 + $64.44308 dates · | Virgin Atlantic |
Prices are one-way per traveler: the program's points or miles plus taxes and carrier fees in USD, as AwardTool observed them in the observation window. Award space changes constantly. A seat we saw may be gone, and space we haven't seen may exist. Always confirm with a live search before transferring points; most transfers can't be reversed.
Dates seen counts departure dates with an open award in that cabin at any price; newest observation is the latest time AwardTool saw one of them.
Transfer partners of MileagePlus and Virgin Atlantic
Bank points to each program: ratio and typical transfer time as listed when AwardTool last reviewed them, Aug 27, 2026.
Check current transfer bonuses. Most transfers can't be reversed.
MileagePlus and Virgin Atlantic booking windows: published and observed
| Program | Published booking window | Furthest departure observed | Routes with award space on 2+ dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| United MileagePlus | 337 days | 337 days after Oct 16, 2026 | 3,225 |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 331 days | 331 days after Oct 16, 2026 | 2,963 |
AwardTool scans departures up to 365 days ahead, so a longer published window can't be observed in full. Observations are a record, not a forecast. Compare booking windows across programs.
Airlines seen on MileagePlus and Virgin Atlantic awards on shared routes
Shared routes where an airline appeared on each program's award itineraries in the shared cabins.
| Airline | MileagePlus routes | Virgin Atlantic routes |
|---|---|---|
| United Airlines (UA) | 1,211 | 0 |
| Delta Air Lines (DL) | 0 | 1,039 |
| Air Canada (AC) | 831 | 0 |
| Lufthansa (LH) | 750 | 0 |
| JetBlue (B6) | 719 | 0 |
| Air France (AF) | 0 | 714 |
| SWISS (LX) | 713 | 0 |
| Turkish Airlines (TK) | 662 | 0 |
| Lufthansa City Airlines (VL) | 609 | 0 |
| Austrian (OS) | 585 | 0 |
| Singapore Airlines (SQ) | 584 | 0 |
| KLM (KL) | 0 | 579 |
| LOT Polish Airlines (LO) | 515 | 0 |
| ITA Airways (AZ) | 497 | 0 |
| Aer Lingus (EI) | 493 | 0 |
| Brussels Airlines (SN) | 488 | 0 |
| Korean Air (KE) | 0 | 441 |
| TAP Portugal (TP) | 430 | 0 |
| Air Dolomiti (EN) | 429 | 0 |
| EVA Air (BR) | 420 | 0 |
| ANA (NH) | 387 | 0 |
| Eurowings Discover (4Y) | 360 | 0 |
| Air China (CA) | 348 | 0 |
| Eurowings (EW) | 346 | 0 |
| Asiana Airlines (OZ) | 298 | 0 |
| Juneyao Airlines (HO) | 263 | 0 |
| SAS (SK) | 0 | 262 |
| Shenzhen Airlines (ZH) | 247 | 0 |
| Aegean Airlines (A3) | 241 | 0 |
| Croatia Airlines (OU) | 215 | 0 |
An airline appears here when it was part of an award itinerary the program showed. It isn't always the airline of the lowest award.
Questions about MileagePlus vs Virgin Atlantic
Which needs fewer miles or points for economy awards, MileagePlus or Virgin Atlantic?
On the 1,471 routes where both showed economy award space in the last 30 days, MileagePlus needed fewer miles or points on 386 and Virgin Atlantic on 1,081, with the same price on 4 routes. The median difference was 11,500 miles or points in favor of Virgin Atlantic. Miles and points are compared one to one, although their value differs.
Which needs fewer miles or points for business-class awards, MileagePlus or Virgin Atlantic?
On the 632 routes where both showed business-class award space in the last 30 days, MileagePlus needed fewer miles or points on 150 and Virgin Atlantic on 478, with the same price on 4 routes. The median difference was 26,250 miles or points in favor of Virgin Atlantic. Miles and points are compared one to one, although their value differs.
Which banks transfer to both United MileagePlus and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club?
Bilt and Chase transfer to both. Amex, Capital One, Citi and Wells Fargo transfer to Virgin Atlantic only. Ratios as of AwardTool's review on Aug 27, 2026. Most transfers can't be reversed.
How far ahead did AwardTool see MileagePlus and Virgin Atlantic award space?
MileagePlus: up to 337 days ahead (Sep 18, 2027). Virgin Atlantic: up to 331 days ahead (Sep 12, 2027). AwardTool scans departures up to 365 days ahead from Oct 16, 2026, so this is a record, not a forecast.
Where did MileagePlus and Virgin Atlantic both show the most award space?
New York JFK to London Heathrow (LHR) in business class (MileagePlus on 332 dates, Virgin Atlantic on 328 dates); London Heathrow (LHR) to Atlanta (ATL) in premium economy (MileagePlus on 331 dates, Virgin Atlantic on 328 dates); Johannesburg (JNB) to Atlanta (ATL) in economy (MileagePlus on 330 dates, Virgin Atlantic on 327 dates), counting departure dates with an open award in the last 30 days.