Virgin Atlantic to offer connecting flights from Sao Paulo on GOL in Brazil

A few months ago Virgin Atlantic announced it would start flying to the Brazilian city of Sao Paolo, its first route to Latin America.

Flights are scheduled to begin on 29th March 2020 with a Boeing 787. Tickets are on sale from this coming Tuesday, 10th September, via the Virgin Atlantic website. The flight numbers are VS197 and VS198.

To complement this solitary route into South America, Virgin Atlantic has reached a codesharing agreement with GOL, the largest airline in Brazil.  This will allow Virgin to sell connecting flights to 37 destinations in Brazil, including Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro and Recife.

You’ll be able to check your luggage to your final destination with both Virgin Atlantic and GOL segments having matching baggage allowances. If you are travelling in Upper Class you’ll also be able to use the GOL premium lounges.

GOL flies a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft exclusively and offers what it calls ‘Premium Economy’. For all intents and purposes it looks like European business class with a blocked middle seat and lounge access.

There are plans to expand the codeshare onto regional flights to Argentina, Uruguay and and Chile, as well as reciprocal frequent flyer programme benefits, although nothing concrete has been announced yet.

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How to earn Virgin Points from UK credit cards (April 2025)

As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Virgin Points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

You can choose from two official Virgin Atlantic credit cards (apply here, the Reward+ card has a bonus of 18,000 Virgin Points and the free card has a bonus of 3,000 Virgin Points):

Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard

18,000 bonus points and 1.5 points for every £1 you spend Read our full review

Virgin Atlantic Reward Mastercard

3,000 bonus points, no fee and 1 point for every £1 you spend Read our full review

You can also earn Virgin Points from various American Express cards – and these have sign-up bonuses too.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is FREE for a year and comes with 20,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 20,000 Virgin Points.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold

Your best beginner’s card – 30,000 points, FREE for a year & four airport lounge passes Read our full review

The Platinum Card from American Express comes with 50,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 50,000 Virgin Points.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

The Platinum Card from American Express

80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

Small business owners should consider the two American Express Business cards. Points convert at 1:1 into Virgin Points.

American Express Business Platinum

50,000 points when you sign-up and an annual £200 Amex Travel credit Read our full review

American Express Business Gold

20,000 points sign-up bonus and FREE for a year Read our full review

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Virgin Points.