Are you headed to the Chicago Seminars in October? Do you have the same fear of booking things in advance that I do? Are just now getting around to making travel reservations? You’re in luck because there are some amazingly low award flights available on Virgin America. Hust in time for the 2016 Chicago Seminars!
The event itself takes place on October 14 – 16 and tickets are still available if you don’t mind arriving in town a little early. Virgin America has some amazing fares to Chicago out of San Francisco and Los Angeles, both on points and paid fares. Not to mention, they provide what I think is probably the best domestic economy class experience of any airline.
Out of San Francisco, Virgin America offers fares to Chicago as low as $94 one way or 3,859 Elevate points + $5.60 on October 11 and 12. Fares out of LAX are an even better deal at $64 or 2,393 Elevate points + $5.60 on October 12.
Seattle fares are decent too, at 4,542 Elevate points + $5.60 one way on October 12.
Considering most airlines require 12,500 miles for a one-way domestic flight, these are incredibly cheap award redemption rates.
Return fares on Virgin America aren’t bad either, with Sunday departures to San Francisco starting at 9,670 Elevate points for a connecting flight. Or 13,968 Elevate points for a direct flight. Once again, Los Angeles is a bargain with a Sunday morning flight available for 5,812 Elevate points.
If you’re departing out of an airport not located on the West Coast, you may also find some great fare deals. It’s totally worth it to check, especially considering the standard mileage redemption levels of others airline programs.
How to get points quickly
Virgin America Elevate points can be transferred from both Starwood and American Express Membership rewards. The Amex rate, generally, isn’t favorable (even with the current bonus point promotion). In my case, it took a day for the Starwood points to transfer to my Virgin America Elevate account. This isn’t ideal but still worked out since I was still able to book my flight at that low rate.
So if you’re headed to Chicago next month for the Chicago Seminars, be sure to check out Virgin America for some great fare deals. Their award flights are an especially great value and you could save 50% or more over traditional frequent flyer programs.
This won’t work for those who can’t get time off work and just want to fly in and out for a quick weekend. But those who have some time to spare may enjoy an extra 1-2 days in the city.
Will you be at the Chicago Seminars this year? If so, be sure to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat as I’ll be sharing highlights from the conference on social media as well as arranging reader meet-ups.
Hi Ariana,
I will drive down from Troy, MI to Chicago, about a 6 hour drive and stay with my cousin in Oak Park. See you there. Let me know how to contact you at the seminar.