If you've saved enough Virgin Points and there is availability in the higher cabin (Premium or Upper Class), the flight can be upgraded*. So if you've already made your booking on a reward flight, unfortunately you cannot upgrade.

In 2026, getting a "free" upgrade on Virgin Atlantic is rare and typically only happens due to operational necessity, such as when Economy is oversold and they must move passengers to Premium or Upper Class. To increase your odds, ensure you are a member of the Flying Club, as elite status (Gold or Silver) significantly improves your priority for these "Operational Upgrades." Dressing professionally and being polite to ground staff is helpful but rarely yields a free seat on its own. A more reliable way to get a "free-feeling" upgrade is by using an Upgrade Voucher, which is earned through spending on a Virgin Atlantic credit card or by reaching Gold status. You can also "bid" for an upgrade using the "Level Upgrade" system, where you name your price; while not technically free, a low bid can sometimes be accepted if the cabin is empty. Always check your email or the Virgin app 48 hours before your flight, as this is when the airline often sends out significantly discounted offers to fill empty premium seats.