Fancy a trip to New York in March? Who wouldn’t right? You could go for the cheap flights to New York which right now are £333, excellent price, but it’s not just about the money. Our flights cost £567 each. And this is why, and how.
New York is one of our favourite places, we’ve been over a dozen times, different times of the year, just us or with friends or family. We never stay in the same hotel or do the same things. Every trip is fantastic. 10 years ago we won a trip to NY in a competition – the works – flights, stay at the Westin, spending money, lunch at the lobby lounge. We got married while we were there so it’s only right we go back for our anniversary.
If you want to get there the cheapest way, there’s plenty of choice. Gatwick – JFK with Norwegian is £245 – hand baggage only. Add a £20kg case and it’s £333. Upgrade to Premium which is a seat choice, extra case, fancy meals and drinks (inc wine and beer) and it’s a whopping £860 each.
I wouldn’t book Norwegian. Lets look at the Norwegian fare. £333 with a case, let’s face it, it’s unlikely you’d spend 5 nights in NY in March with just a carry on. You need a case to bring back the goodies from a visit to the Hersheys store!
Norwegian is a budget airline, it gets you there and you pretty much get what you pay for. Will they still be around in a year? Hopefully. However if you book with them make sure you have a plan B. I’d rather not take the risk. There’s no pictures on their website of the economy cabin, hmmm. Premium product looks ok.
Next cheapest is Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow £271 with 2x hand baggage. £372 with cases and £450 extra legroom (Economy Delight). Premium is £815 each. Upper Class an eye watering £2,660 each.
So Virgin Atlantic. Premium Economy on Virgin is a Joy, seats are big and comfy, cabin is small and open, service is friendly and professional you get delicious meals served on crockery with cutlery.
Their fabulous new A350-1000, launched on the New York route in September 2019 meant decision made – we were going to New York on that plane. Look at these reviews – awesome.
In Upper Class you get access to ‘the clubhouse’ airport lounge which is not available otherwise. On board there is now ‘the loft’ where you can have a wander and chill out here.
And you get pyjamas on a night flight and your seat becomes a bed, not just a bed but a ridiculously fab bed. We’ve never flown Upper Class before. But on this plane – how could we do it without spending thousands? Weeeeeellll.
We booked Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy going, Upper Class for the return (flight). So exciting- really maximising the Joy, making the journey as exciting as the destination.
Peak end rule comes into play massively. Cheapest option is spend a few hours at the airport, checking in, security and waiting in the terminal, basic flight home, pretty squashed, average food. We are spending the last 10 hours of our holiday – priority check in, fast track security, top notch food and drink in the clubhouse, chilling in the loft, sleeping in pyjamas in a bed on a plane. I know this is the norm for some people but not for us, what fun, it’s going to be awesome. #SmallJoy for sure.
So how much has this cost, well £567 each. Not £3,475 which is the cash price. How?
Air Miles – 55,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Miles each, plus the £567 fees and taxes..
Why wouldn’t we?
Virgin have regular miles booster promotions. Air miles bookings don’t earn miles but with this promotion you can pay to boost the Air Miles on flights booked or taken. This booking could earn 29,000 miles for £200. Fantastic offer, that’s halfway to another fab trip!
Which card should you pay on? Well that depends on what you are working towards with your Air Miles. Here’s some options for the £1134.
Virgin Atlantic credit card free card gives you 0 .75 miles or paid card 1.5 miles per £ so that’s 850 or 1700 flying club miles. As well as S75 protection.
If you are working towards the BA 2-4-1 voucher spend then £1,134 may be best put on your British Airways Amex, giving you 1134 Avios.
Best option by far is, by using the gold travel rewards Amex will earn you double points (travel spend is double points) so 2,268 points, which can be converted to Avios, Flying Club Miles (or many others) at a 1:1 rate. Also as it’s the travel Amex, insurance is included.
So there’s the choice, £333 cheap flight or £567 awesome experience. Which would you pick?
Final consideration is flexibility. Your cheap (cash) flight is non refundable. Booking with Air Miles means you can cancel or amend for a small fee.
Unlike BA, with Virgin you can chose your seats FREE when you book your flight. So no need to call in the Complaining Cow. if you need to cancel your seats.
Next it’s booking our New York Hotel. Subscribe to find out how we got a great deal on that too, 4 star, suite, balcony, fab location, city view. No breakfast needed in New York, cream cheese and avocado bagels from the deli is a big #SmallJoy
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