Now that the BMI Diamond Clubs is coming to an end, I will start again using Virgin Atlantic as my Hilton HHonors fixed miles double dip partner. I have several times referred that one should always double dip with either BMI or Virgin Atlantic.
When you choose Virgin Atlantic (not Virgin America or Virgin Australia) you will receive fixed 1000 miles per stay at all Hilton brands excluding Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites, and Home2 Suites brands.
With Hilton HHonors you can choose variable miles, fixed miles, or additional Hilton HHonors points for double dipping. The default option is Hilton HHonors points. Please note that you will receive the base points and all elite level bonuses regardless, whether you have miles as your double dip option or not.
Here’s the reason why it makes sense to choose Virgin Atlantic:
Let’s say that your one night stay is around $200. You would earn additional 1000 Hilton HHonors points by choosing Points + Points as your double dip selection. By selecting the Virgin Atlantic you would earn 1000 Flying Club Miles.
Even if you don’t have any plans to fly on Virgin Atlantic or any of their alliance partners, here’s what you can do with the miles:
You can transfer 1000 miles to 2000 Hilton HHonors points. The minimum number of miles you can transfer is 5000 that will become 10000 Hilton HHonors points once the transfer hits your account.
So, instead of 1000 Hilton HHonors points, you would earn 2000 points by having the miles credited to VS and then transferred back to Hilton. The difference is even greater if your rates are lower. This is not a good option for expensive longer stays, however.
Here’s one example from last year. Hilton had a promotion with Virgin for TRIPLE miles per stay. In essence, I was actually earning 6000 Hilton HHonors bonus points per stay, if/when I transfer them to Hilton HHonors from Virgin Atlantic.
Conclusion
I know that it may sound confusing to credit fixed miles to Virgin Atlantic, if you only want Hilton HHonors points, but it simply makes sense when you stay at full service hotels and the folio amount is low. I have used both Virgin Atlantic and BMI to greatly enhance my double dip earnings.
