Fly to London this summer for just 5,000 Citi ThankYou Rewards points

For a limited time only, Citi cardholders can receive a 30% bonus when transferring ThankYou Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

ThankYou Rewards members typically get a 1:1 transfer ratio, meaning you’ll typically get 1,000 Virgin points for transferring 1,000 ThankYou points. However, from now until May 17, you’ll get 1,300 Virgin points instead for each increment of 1,000 points you transfer.

You must transfer Citi ThankYou points in increments of 1,000, so you must round up to the next 1,000 points when determining how many points you need to transfer for an award.

Here’s how to use this transfer bonus offer for an amazing deal to Europe this summer.

Related: The ultimate guide to Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer partners

How to fly to London for 5,000 Citi Points

Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club program switched to dynamic pricing for Virgin Atlantic-operated flights in 2024, meaning redemption rates can be high on peak dates like summer school holidays.

However, the program also introduced new Saver fares that start at just 6,000 Virgin points and also significantly reduced its carrier-imposed surcharges, which start at a very reasonable $73.70 in fees, taxes and surcharges for one-way flights from North America to Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Manchester Airport (MAN).

With Citi’s 30% transfer bonus, you would need to transfer just 5,000 ThankYou Rewards points to Flying Club to book one of these Saver fares. This is an incredible deal and the cheapest flight to Europe you’ll likely see this year. Virgin Atlantic Economy Classic fares include a checked bag, food and drinks, and inflight entertainment.

While these fares are widely available from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Dulles International Airport (IAD) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to the United Kingdom over the off-peak winter months, the great news is that there is currently plenty of availability at that price from those airports in May, June and September.

Take it from a local that these months are the best times to visit the United Kingdom.

Flights from the United Kingdom to North America also start at just 6,000 Virgin points (or 5,000 Citi points during the transfer bonus), though the fees and taxes are higher due to the compulsory U.K. Air Passenger Duty.

To find these Saver fares, you can use Virgin Atlantic’s reward seat checker or an external tool like Seats.aero.

Related: Is Virgin Atlantic premium economy worth it on the A330-900neo?

How to earn Citi ThankYou points

You can earn Citi ThankYou points through some of Citi’s credit cards. Here are some of our favorite Citi cards that can earn ThankYou points:

The information for the Citi Rewards+ Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Bottom line

If you want to fly to Europe for next to nothing this summer, you can transfer Citi ThankYou Rewards points to Flying Club with a 30% bonus.

We don’t recommend transferring points unless you have a specific use in mind, as devaluations can and do happen. However, if you have a Flying Club redemption in mind, transfer your Citi points before May 17 to enjoy the 30% bonus.