Deal Alert: Flights to Europe on Full-Service Airlines From $270 Round-Trip
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
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Airfare deals are typically only available on limited dates. We recommend you use Google Flights to find dates to fly, then book through an online travel agency such as Orbitz or Expedia, which allows you to cancel flights without penalty by 11pm Eastern Time within one day of booking. However, if you’re using The Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ll need to book directly with the airline or through the Amex Travel portal to get 5x MR points. Remember: Fares may disappear quickly, so book right away and take advantage of Orbitz or Expedia’s courtesy cancellation if you’re unable to get the time away from work or family.
Full-service airlines are out with great fares to Europe. You can fly from all over the US to Barcelona (BCN), Paris (CDG), Madrid (MAD) and Rome (FCO) from just $270 round-trip.
Although these are full-service carriers, but most of the fares book into basic economy, so you'll still have to pay for a bag or to select your seat in some cases. However, you'll still get a meal and earn miles on these flights. Keep in mind that an airline's co-branded credit card can get around some of basic economy's restrictions.
If you’re looking for something to do while overseas, check out Get Your Guide’s list of the best activities in Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Madrid to maximize your time while on vacation.
To search, head to Google Flights and enter your origin and destination cities. Scroll through the calendar function to find dates and prices that work for you. Finally, click through to book directly with the airline or through an OTA like Priceline or Expedia.
Airlines: American, British Airways, United, Swiss, TAP Portugal
Routes: JFK/EWR/LAX/BWI/PHL/MIA/SFO/BOS and likely more to BCN/CDG/MAD/FCO
Cost: $270+ round-trip in economy
Travel Dates: January - May 2019, September - November 2019
Pay With: The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on airfare booked directly with the airline), Citi Premier® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express® Gold Card, Citi Prestige Card (3x on airfare plus excellent trip delay insurance) or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel)
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
New York (JFK) to Barcelona (BCN) for $270 round-trip on TAP Portugal in basic economy:
Newark (EWR) to Paris (CDG) for $309 round-trip nonstop on United in basic economy:
New York (JFK) to Madrid (MAD) for $317 round-trip on TAP Portugal in basic economy:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Barcelona (BCN) for $336 round-trip on United in basic economy:
Newark (EWR) to Rome (FCO) for $348 round-trip on United/Swiss in basic economy:
Baltimore (BWI) to Paris (CDG) for $361 round-trip on United in basic economy:
Boston (BOS) to Paris (CDG) for $383 round-trip on British Airways in basic economy:
San Francisco (SFO) to Paris (CDG) for $413 round-trip on United/Brussels Airlines in basic economy:
Philadelphia (PHL) to Paris (CDG) for $444 round-trip nonstop on American in economy via Finnair:
Maximize Your Purchase
Don’t forget to use a credit card that earns additional points on airfare purchases, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel), Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express® Gold Card, Citi Premier® Card, Citi Prestige Card (3x on airfare) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on all travel purchases). Check out this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.
