Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club has launched a unique program recognizing customer loyalty in a new way. Unlike most airline rewards, which focus on annual spending or elite status, the “High Five” perk rewards customers simply for flying with Virgin Atlantic in at least five different calendar years, regardless of how often or how much they spend. This means casual travelers who consistently choose Virgin Atlantic will now receive a benefit, something that most airlines do not offer.
The “High Five” Benefit Explained
The program, which went live in January 2026, awards Flying Club members with 12,000 bonus Virgin Points after confirming flights across five separate years – the years do not need to be consecutive. This is enough for a round-trip economy ticket from London to New York, excluding taxes and fees. Additionally, non-elite members will receive a 10% bonus on all future flights, providing ongoing value for continued loyalty.
The program is retroactive to January 1, 2021, meaning many Flying Club members should qualify immediately. Any flight booked under a Flying Club account counts, whether it’s a paid ticket or an award redemption.
Why This Matters
This move is unusual in the airline industry. Most loyalty programs are designed to incentivize spending, not simply rewarding consistent patronage. Airlines typically prioritize high-value customers, often ignoring those who fly less frequently but remain loyal over time.
“High Five is our newest way of saying thank you to those customers who choose us whenever they can, no matter how frequently,” says Anthony Woodman, VP of Flying Club & CRM at Virgin Atlantic. “For our leisure travelers in particular, we know that this will ensure that they feel the love from Virgin Atlantic.”
The perk is a significant shift toward recognizing broader loyalty, not just elite status or annual spending. This is particularly smart for an airline like Virgin Atlantic, which holds the number two position at Heathrow Airport, where customer choice is competitive.
A History of Loyalty Innovations
Virgin Atlantic has previously stood out in loyalty programs by being among the first to count award flights toward elite status – another example of recognizing overall customer engagement. This latest move continues that trend, highlighting a willingness to value long-term relationships over short-term profits.
In conclusion, Virgin Atlantic’s “High Five” perk is a refreshing change in airline loyalty, acknowledging that consistency matters. By rewarding customers for simply choosing to fly with them over the years, Virgin Atlantic sets a new standard for customer recognition in the industry.
