Virgin Atlantic Flying Club - The secrets of using points in Upper Class

I have no trouble booking Premium Economy with points transferred from Am. Ex. (MCO-LGW), but there is never availability in UC even 11 months out or the date the flight opens.

If I keep calling, I sometimes get the seats.

Any better way to scope this out?

MCO-LGW is your 'problem'

There are only 14 seats in UC on the 747s that usually run this route and if you can get paying pax into those seats then why offer them for miles?

Also when are you traveling?

You might have better luck flying on a less popular day, avoiding UK school holidays and having an odd length stay so 6 or 8 days or 13 or 15 (UK holidays are usually 7 or 14 days long)

Other than that keep searching on the website and when you see them nab them there and then as they won't be arond for very long!

Have you tried MIA?

Yep, I always go via MIA when using VS miles. Flew MIA-LHR just yesterday, in fact - Upper was full, other classes about 75%.

Miami is about 6 hours from my home, or another flight from TPA or MCO.

Also a longer flight than MCO, so what is the super advantage? I can always get miles in PE right on booking if the timing is right. But UC is perplexing, since the whole deck can be empty but they don't release seats until a "magic" point.

Why is Miami easier/better? The MCO group is largely families looking for the cheap seats. Hardly any kids in PE, though a few spoiled urchins in UC last time with parents who didn't care that everyone else wanted to sleep.

And there is MIA airport...

There are more UC seats available into MIA, since it's out of LHR, so awards will have more availability.

Miami is about 6 hours from my home, or another flight from TPA or MCO.

Also a longer flight than MCO, so what is the super advantage? I can always get miles in PE right on booking if the timing is right. But UC is perplexing, since the whole deck can be empty but they don't release seats until a "magic" point.

Why is Miami easier/better? The MCO group is largely families looking for the cheap seats. Hardly any kids in PE, though a few spoiled urchins in UC last time with parents who didn't care that everyone else wanted to sleep.

And there is MIA airport...

14 UC in an LGW 747
56 UC in an LHR 747 so more chance

LHR has Revivals which LGW dosen't

UC on the MCO rouute is normally very popular hence the general lack of rewards plus the higher prices.