If you’ve been looking for a great award sale to Europe, we’ve got an under-the-radar deal for you — with widespread availability throughout the next 11 months.
Flying Blue (the loyalty program of Air France and KLM) usually charges 50,000 miles for a round-trip economy seat to Europe. We’re currently seeing prices as low as 30,000 miles.
For context, here’s what other airlines (usually) charge for a round-trip flight to Europe:
- American Airlines: 60,000 miles.
- Delta Air Lines: 70,000 plus miles.
- United Airlines: 60,000 miles.
The biggest catch with Flying Blue is the fees associated with award flights. You could end up paying a couple of hundred dollars in taxes. Still, for dirt cheap awards like these, this sale is a no-brainer.
Here’s what you need to know about this deal.
Deal basics
Airlines: Air France and KLM.
Routes: Various East Coast cities to Western Europe.
Cost: Starting at 15,000 miles each way in economy. Taxes and fees potentially up to $200, depending on the route.
Travel dates: September 2022 to July 2023.
Sample flights
Here are a few routes we’ve found that currently cost a suspiciously low number of miles. You’ll find the lowest prices when searching routes between East Coast cities and Western European countries. Although, it’s worth mentioning that West Coast cities and Eastern European countries also offer better prices than usual.
When searching for tickets with Air France or KLM, don't enter a travel date into the search engine. This will force the site to pull up a monthly calendar view which will help you see available dates more easily.
New York City to Paris
This Air France flight runs from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Both flights are nonstop.
Boston to Copenhagen
This flight, which is operated by KLM, departs from Boston Logan International Airport and arrives at Copenhagen Airport (CPH). Note there is a layover in each direction.
Chicago to Amsterdam
This Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is a nonstop journey operated by KLM.
Newark to Oslo
There is a connection each way on this Air France flight from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Oslo Airport (OSL).
Washington, D.C. to Mallorca
This route will take travelers to one of Spain's beautiful Balearic Islands. The KLM-operated flight leaves from Dulles International Airport (IAD) and arrives at Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI). There is a layover on both the outbound and inbound journeys.
Related: Flying Blue promo rewards
How to earn Flying Blue miles
Whether you know it or not, you probably already have Flying Blue miles. That’s because Flying Blue is a transfer partner of:
- American Express Membership Rewards (1:1 transfer ratio).
- Chase Ultimate Rewards (1:1 transfer ratio).
- Capital One miles (1:1 transfer ratio).
- Citi ThankYou points (1:1 transfer ratio).
So if you have a stash of these rewards, you have a stash of Flying Blue miles. You can quickly earn these points with cards such as:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months from account opening.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
- Citi Premier® Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening (see rates and fees).
Additionally, you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Flying Blue at a 3:1 ratio (meaning 3 Marriott points = 1 Flying Blue mile). However, you’ll receive a bonus of 5,000 miles when you transfer Marriott points in increments of 60,000. In other words, 60,000 Marriott points will net you 25,000 Flying Blue miles.
Maximize your purchase
Pay taxes and fees with The Platinum Card® from American Express (5 points per dollar on airfare booked directly with the airline; on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), Chase Sapphire Reserve (3 points per dollar on travel) or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2 points per dollar on travel) for travel protections on the award flight.
Related: The ultimate guide to earning and redeeming with Air France/KLM Flying Blue
Bottom line
We’re seeing Flying Blue award flights to Europe for as little as 15,000 miles one-way in economy. That’s 10,000 miles lower than the normal price — a deal that probably won’t last.
If you’re interested in visiting Europe any time within the next 11 months, this deal is for you. Just remember to pay the taxes and fees with a card that offers top-notch travel insurance.
