Looking to book a trip to Europe? Iberia is holding an award sale, giving travelers 25% off all routes to celebrate Iberia Plus' 25th anniversary. To take advantage of the sale, you must book tickets by April 11, 2017, but there aren't any route restrictions.
You must travel between March 27 and June 15, or between October 1 and December 15, 2017 — several weeks are blocked out during the peak summer travel months, which may be less than ideal for your summer Eurotrip, but if you can travel outside those blackout dates, this sale could present solid value.
The 25% discount is only eligible for direct flights operated by Iberia, Iberia Express and Iberia Regional Air Nostrum in all classes of service. There are some great sweet spots on Iberia's off-peak award chart — they'll be made even sweeter thanks to this sale.
Band 5 includes Boston, Chicago and New York, among others, for a mileage range from 3,001-4,000, and normally costs 17,000 Avios in economy or 34,000 Avios in business class. Band 6, which is for trips between 4,001 and 5,500 miles and includes Los Angeles, among others, normally costs 21,250 Avios in economy or 42,500 Avios in business.
So, with the 25% discount from this promotion, you can fly between Madrid (MAD) and the Band 5 cities of Boston, Chicago and New York for 25,500 Avios one-way in business class or 12,750 Avios one-way in economy. Band 6 cities, including LAX, are going for 15,950 Avios one-way in economy and 31,875 one-way in business. Iberia doesn't charge excessive taxes and fuel surcharge fees, so you won't be paying too much out of pocket. Here are some samples of what you can book during this sale:
New York (JFK) to Madrid (MAD) for 12,750 Avios + $71 one-way in economy:
Chicago (ORD) to Madrid (MAD) for 25,500 Avios + $93 one-way in business:
New York (JFK) to Madrid (MAD) for 25,500 Avios + $177 round-trip:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Madrid (MAD) for 15,950 Avios + $93 one-way in economy:
Iberia doesn't have many award sales like this, so if you're looking to take advantage, be sure to do so by April 11, 2017. Keep in mind that Amex Membership Rewards transfer instantly to Iberia at a 250:200 ratio. Membership Rewards points can be earned from credit cards like the Amex Platinum and the Amex Premier Rewards Gold Card. If you're paying cash for flights, the Platinum is a particularly compelling option since you'll earn 5x Membership Rewards points for airfare purchased directly from the airline or through Amex travel. The card currently comes with a sign-up bonus of 40,000 points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months. If you're looking to sign up with the annual fee of $450, be sure to do so before March 30, when the annual fee will increase to $550, but it'll also be getting some new perks.
H/T: The Deal Mommy
