Guides

Travel to Europe using points and miles: How to redeem your rewards for flights

Ajay Jain
Ajay is an Austin-based software engineer and freelance writer who loves to travel the world while working remotely. His favorite destinations are Italy and India, where he gets to visit family, eat wonderful pizzas, pastas and dosa, and visit a wonderful array of historical sites and natural attractions.
Ben SmithsonSenior writer
Ben Smithson is a senior writer for TPG and is based in London. Originally from Australia and a qualified lawyer with a financial services background, he has almost a decade of experience writing about a broad range of travel and loyalty topics.
also contributed to this story

July 6, 2026 • 9 min read

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Quick summary

Europe remains a top destination for travelers using points and miles, with numerous options for booking flights in first, business, premium economy and economy cabins.
Award pricing and surcharges vary significantly by airline, route and class of service, with some programs offering better value or lower fees than others.
Dynamic pricing, peak and off-peak dates, and monthly promotions can impact availability and the number of points or miles required for award tickets.
Proper planning and flexibility are key to securing the best redemptions, especially during peak travel seasons.

What to consider

Surcharges, airport fees and government taxes can be substantial on some carriers, particularly in premium cabins, and are not always offset by using more points or miles.
Award availability may fluctuate based on season, route and promotional periods, with winter months often offering better access to lower-priced seats.
Some loyalty programs use distance-based or region-based charts, affecting the value of redemptions depending on your departure city and travel dates.

What you'll miss from the article

A detailed comparison of the best airline programs, redemption strategies and insider tips for maximizing value when booking award flights to Europe.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

Europe is an ever-popular destination for points and miles collectors thanks to its rich history, diverse cultures, excellent beaches and gourmet cuisine. However, with new routes, mileage devaluations and airline partnerships, keeping track of the top ways to fly to Europe with points and miles is challenging.

Still, there are excellent travel options for your credit card points.

Regardless of your budget for your next trip, this guide will help you get great value from your points and miles redemptions for your European vacation with proper planning.

Book first-class flights with points and miles

For the ultimate way to travel to Europe in style and comfort, here are our tips for booking first-class seats with points and miles.

British Airways

Booking British Airways’ first-class product with points and miles is relatively easy. Plus, if you're flying from London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) in first class, the Concorde Room is one of the best airport lounges in Europe.

First-class flights on British Airways to London start from 75,000 British Airways Club Avios on off-peak dates for shorter flights from the East Coast, 88,000 Avios on peak dates from the East Coast, 93,500 Avios on off-peak dates for longer flights (such as those from California) and 110,000 Avios on peak dates for those same longer flights, including flights from the Midwest and the West Coast.

Unfortunately, British Airways imposes huge surcharges, airport fees and government taxes on first-class tickets, which cost around $1,500 each way. As first-class flights are excluded from British Airways’ Reward Flight Saver option, paying more Avios cannot reduce these surcharges.

American Airlines AAdvantage award rates are cheaper for first-class British Airways tickets to the West Coast, as American Airlines uses a region-based award chart rather than a distance-based one. Regardless of origin in the U.S. or date of travel, American Airlines first-class flights start at 85,000 AAdvantage miles, plus similar fees, taxes and surcharges. Therefore, consider AAdvantage for longer flights to Europe instead.

British Airways first class Boeing 777 — BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY

Book business-class flights with points and miles

Want a lie-flat bed for an overnight flight that arrives in Europe so you can feel rested and refreshed? Here are our business-class redemption recommendations.

Iberia

One redemption for trips to Europe that continues to provide terrific value is offered by Iberia. Iberia operates flights from various major U.S. airports to its main hub at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD).

Iberia prices its flights based on distance and whether your travel falls on peak or off-peak dates. Three of its departure gateways offer spectacular value; if you depart from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), or Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C., here’s what you’ll pay for one-way business-class flights:

Off-peak dates: 40,500 British Airways Club or Iberia Club Avios and about $125 in fees
Peak dates: 59,000 British Airways Club or Iberia Club Avios and about $125 in fees

An off-peak fare to Madrid for flights from Miami International Airport (MIA), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Orlando International Airport (MCO) or O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago will cost 50,500 Avios or flights, while flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) cost 60,500 Avios on off-peak dates.

Air France and KLM

Another one of the industry’s great sweet spots in Europe is booking flights on Air France or KLM through the Flying Blue program. While flights are priced dynamically, limited-capacity Saver fares cost just 60,000 miles in business class from anywhere in North America to anywhere in Europe, both airlines having extensive transatlantic options via their hubs in Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS).

Availability during the winter months is usually good; during summer, seats at these prices come and go often in waves. Availability from JFK can be easy to find if you are flexible — as there are numerous daily flights — while seats from the West Coast can be harder to find.

Also, remember to watch Flying Blue’s monthly Promo Rewards, where select routes are discounted by 25%, making the award prices even cheaper.

Book premium economy seats with points and miles

Premium economy can provide a more cost-effective midway point, which offers more space and comfort than economy without breaking the bank.

Iberia

Like its attractive business-class redemption pricing, Iberia’s premium cabin rates for flights to Madrid are also reasonable.

If you don’t have enough miles to stretch for a flat bed in business class for overnight flights to Europe, consider premium economy instead. It offers a wider seat, a smaller, more intimate cabin, more legroom and elevated food and beverage service than the economy-class cabin. Passengers also receive a small amenity kit and noise-canceling headphones.

From DFW, ORD, MCO and MIA, expect to pay 36,750 Avios for off-peak travel or 50,500 Avios for peak season flights. During off-peak times, you can book a premium economy ticket for just 29,500 Avios from JFK, BOS and IAD to Madrid; on peak dates, you’ll need 40,250 Avios.

Air France and KLM

Both Air France and KLM offer premium economy class on transatlantic routes. While Air France’s product has some room for improvement, TPG rates KLM’s premium economy as one of the world’s best. It provides an elevated experience above economy class, including lobster for dinner (on select routes), which is almost unheard of in premium economy.

While Flying Blue prices its awards dynamically, the program has standardized saver-level pricing for all one-way flights between the U.S. and Europe, regardless of origin or destination. Therefore, saver-level premium cabin award seats cost just 40,000 miles.

Book economy flights using points and miles

Looking for the cheapest way to fly to Europe? Here are our economy recommendations for redeeming points and miles for flights to Europe.

Aer Lingus

If you want to fly to Ireland in economy class, redeeming Avios through the Aer Lingus AerClub program or British Airways Club is a terrific deal.

Aer Lingus routes from the Northeast to Ireland require just 13,000 Avios each way on off-peak dates. This includes flights from JFK, BOS, ORD, IAD and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Fees, taxes and surcharges are reasonable and should not exceed $120. However, peak travel dates require 20,000 Avios each way.

Longer flights from Florida, Washington, and California to Ireland cost a slightly higher 16,250 Avios each way on off-peak dates or 25,000 Avios on peak dates. This could still be a good deal if nonstop cash fares are expensive.

Aer Lingus XLR — BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY

How to earn points and miles to book flights to Europe

The following cards all currently offer substantial welcome bonuses with points or miles that you can transfer to some or all of the above programs to book flights to Europe:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Find out your offer and see if you're eligible for as high as 300,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
American Express Platinum Card®: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 100,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Bottom line

With so many airlines flying on seemingly endless route combinations across the Atlantic and programs having different pricing and availability, planning a European getaway with rewards can quickly overwhelm you. If you plan to visit Europe in the summer, booking as early as possible is best to maximize your chance of finding the right flight at the right price.

However, this guide will help you save time (and points or miles) when finding the best flight options for your hop across the pond. Check TPG regularly as we share last-minute award deals from the U.S. to Europe, Asia and beyond.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
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More details

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
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Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
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Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Still, there are excellent travel options for your credit card points.

Regardless of your budget for your next trip, this guide will help you get great value from your points and miles redemptions for your European vacation with proper planning.