Want cheap economy award flights to Europe next summer? Focus on these programs
Summer is the peak time for flights across the Atlantic, and prices reflect the number of travelers wanting to visit Europe when it’s sunny.
Round-trip economy flights for less than $400 are common during the slower winter months. However, if you want to walk the cobblestone streets of Rome or take in the sunset on a Greek island next summer, you can expect to pay significantly more than this.
If taking a stroll past Buckingham Palace or the Eiffel Tower is more important to you than scoring a lie-flat bed, we’ve rounded up the best value economy award options for travel to Europe.
Loyalty programs for the “Big Three” U.S. airlines — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines — have low fees, low taxes and good availability for economy flights to Europe this summer. However, their dynamic pricing means you can expect to pay at least 80,000 miles round-trip to Europe, which is not a great deal.
Instead, look at programs with fixed or more reasonable pricing.
The good news is that these programs partner with several major transferable credit card points currencies, so you have plenty of options for topping up your account.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
If you plan to travel to the U.K. next summer, consider redeeming Virgin Atlantic points. Though Virgin Atlantic Flying Club now prices its fares dynamically, the loyalty program’s Saver economy fares start as low as 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, finding Saver award availability may be more difficult.
Because Virgin Atlantic is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, if 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 a distance-based award chart for SkyTeam airlines — excluding 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
The Flying Blue program prices awards dynamically, meaning they can vary significantly. During peak periods, it’s common to see award rates of 100,000-plus miles for round-trip economy flights to Europe.
However, if you’re flexible with your travel schedule, you can find Saver fares for one-way transatlantic flights at 20,000 miles. Even better, it’s possible to find flights for just 15,000 miles each way with Flying Blue’s monthly Promo Rewards. Just note that you’ll likely pay over $100 in taxes and fees each way through this program. But, similar to Virgin Atlantic, the low award price may be worth the extra money in fees.
Iberia Plus
Are you dreaming of traveling to Spain? Iberia flies from a handful of U.S. airports, including 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 to pay around 20,000 Avios for a one-way economy fare from East Coast airports to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). However, do note that Avios pricing may vary.
British Airways Executive Club
If a trip to the Emerald Isle is on your bucket list this summer, you can fly to Ireland on points and miles via British Airways Executive Club. Aer Lingus flies to Dublin Airport (DUB) from several destinations in the U.S.
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) plus around $89 in fees, taxes and surcharges, depending on the departure airport.
You can also combine your Avios across the five airlines that use it as a currency.
Related: 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 allows you to use them in various programs when and how they suit you. As major airline programs switch to dynamic pricing with sky-high prices for economy trips, having flexibility is more valuable than ever.
Related: Credit card transfer partners: Guide to transferring points and miles to airlines and hotels
You can transfer points or miles into the following programs at a 1:1 rate.
| Loyalty program | American Express Membership Rewards | Bilt Rewards | Capital One | Chase Ultimate Rewards | Citi ThankYou Rewards | Wells Fargo Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 as you plan 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 of account opening.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Earn 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card (see rates and fees): Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of 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 spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Related: Best rewards credit cards
Bottom line
If you want to book flights to Europe next summer, your affordable cash options may be few and far between now. Round-trip economy flights above $1,000 are the norm, not the exception.
This means 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 redemptions.
