Summer is the peak time for transatlantic flights, and prices reflect the number of travelers who want to travel to Europe when the weather is sunny.
Round-trip economy flights for less than $400 are common during the slow winter months. However, if you want to walk the cobbled streets of Rome or enjoy a sunset on a Greek island next summer, you can expect to pay significantly more.
If strolling by Buckingham Palace or the Eiffel Tower is more important to you than sleeping on a lie-flat bed, we’ve rounded up the best value economy award options for travel to Europe.
Loyalty programs for the “Big Three” US airlines – American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines – have low fees, low taxes and good availability of affordable flights to Europe this summer. However, their dynamic pricing This means you can expect to pay at least 80,000 miles for a trip to Europe, which isn’t a big deal.
Instead, look for programs with fixed or more reasonable pricing.
The good news is that these programs partner with many major programs Transferable Credit Card Points CurrenciesSo you have lots of options to top up your account.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
If you’re planning on traveling to the UK next summer, consider redeeming Virgin Atlantic Points. Although Virgin Atlantic Flying Club now sets its fares dynamicallyThe loyalty program’s Saver Economy fares start at less than 6,000 points from New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR). However, since summer is a popular travel period, it may be more difficult to find saver award availability.
Because Virgin Atlantic is one SkyTeam alliance membersIf you’re traveling to other European destinations this summer, you can redeem Virgin Points on airlines like Delta, Air France, KLM, Air Europa and Aeromexico. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Still operates using distance-based award charts for SkyTeam airlines – except for flights operated by Air France and KLM And delta,
Note that some airlines do not offer Premium Economy fares.
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| flight distance (miles) | economy | premium economy | Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-500 | 5,500 | 9,000 | 14,500 |
| 501-1,000 | 7,000 | 12,500 | 15,500 |
| 1,001-1,500 | 10,000 | 16,000 | 21,500 |
| 1,501-2,250 | 11,500 | 22,000 | 35,000 |
| 2,251-3,000 | 15,500 | 26,500 | 40,000 |
| 3,001-4,000 | 20,500 | 37,500 | 60,000 |
| 4,001-5,000 | 25,500 | 47,500 | 75,000 |
| 5,001-6,000 | 31,000 | 57,500 | 85,000 |
| 6,001-7,000 | 37,000 | 70,000 | 100,000 |
| 7,001-12,000 | 50,000 | 95,000 | 140,000 |
Air France-KLM Flying Blue
flying blue program Prices are determined dynamically, which means they can vary significantly. During peak periods, it’s common to see award rates over 100,000 miles for round-trip economy flights to Europe.
However, if you are flexible in your travel schedule, you can find Fare savings for up to 20,000 miles one-way transatlantic flightsEven better, it’s possible to find flights for just 15,000 miles each direction Flying Blue Monthly Promo RewardsJust keep in mind that you’ll pay over $100 in taxes and fees each way through this program. But, similar to Virgin Atlantic, the lower award price may be worth the extra money in fees.
Iberia Plus
Are you dreaming of traveling to Spain? Iberia flies from some US airportsWhich includes Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Iberia operates using a distance-based award chart, and during the peak summer months, you can expect around 20,000 avios for a one-way economy fare from east coast airports to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). Can expect to pay. However, note that the value of Avios can vary.
British Airways Executive Club
If a trip to the Emerald Isle is on your list this summer, you can Fly to Ireland on Points and Miles through British Airways Executive ClubAer Lingus flies to Dublin Airport (DUB) from several US destinations
If you focus on the Northeast, consider JFK or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). In that case, you can book a one-way economy flight for as little as 20,000 Avios (or 13,000 Avios on off-peak dates, depending on the departure airport) plus about $89 in fees, taxes, and surcharges.
you can do it too Combine your Avios Among the five airlines that use it as currency.
Connected: 5 versions of Avios: When to use Aer Lingus, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and Qatar Airways
Best credit cards to earn transferable rewards
Earning transferable credit card rewards lets you use them on a variety of programs, when and how they work for you. As major airline programs are switching to dynamic pricing with skyrocketing prices for affordable trips, having flexibility is more valuable than ever.
Connected: Credit Card Transfer Partners: Guide to Transferring Points and Miles to Airlines and Hotels
You can transfer points or miles to the following programs at a 1:1 rate.
| loyalty program | American Express Membership Rewards | Built Rewards | capital one | chase the ultimate rewards | Citi Thank You Rewards | Wells Fargo Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Air France-KLM Flying Blue | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Iberia Plus | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| British Airways Executive Club | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
If you’re looking for a new card in one (or more) of these programs when planning future travel, here are some solid options:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Earn 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Earn 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card (Look Rates and Fees): Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
- American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Connected: best rewards credit cards
ground level
If you’re looking to book flights to Europe next summer, your affordable cash options may now be limited. Round-trip economy flights above $1,000 are the norm, not the exception.
This means that points and miles can be a great way to save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. While some programs will now charge you 100,000 miles or more for a round-trip economy flight to Europe, some affordable options exist.
If you have transferable points or miles, you should focus on the programs above for the best value redemption.
