Want cheap economy award flights to Europe this summer? Focus on these programs

Summer is the peak time for flights across the Atlantic. As such, prices regularly 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 a sunset on a Greek island this summer, you can expect to pay significantly more than this.

If enjoying 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 economy award options for travel to Europe that provide the best value.

Loyalty programs for the Big Three U.S. airlines — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines — have low taxes and fees, and good availability for economy flights to Europe this summer. However, their dynamic pricing models mean 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. this 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), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C., 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 also redeem Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points on airlines like Delta, Air France, KLM, Air Europa and Aeromexico — though these will be at higher rates than securing a saver fare flying on Virgin.

Related: Fly to London this summer for just 5,000 Citi ThankYou Rewards points

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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 25,000 miles. Even better, finding flights for just 18,750 miles each way with Flying Blue's monthly Promo Rewards is possible.

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.

Club Iberia Plus

Are you dreaming of traveling to Spain? Iberia flies from many U.S. airports, including Miami International Airport (MIA) 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).

British Airways 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 Club. Aer Lingus flies to Dublin Airport (DUB) from several destinations in the U.S.

If you're looking from the Northeast, consider JFK or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), where you can book one-way economy flights 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.

You can transfer points or miles into the following programs at a 1:1 rate.

Here are some great options for cards to use when booking summer 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.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees): Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card (see rates and fees): Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• American Express® Gold Card: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Related: Best rewards credit cards

Bottom line

If you want to book flights to Europe this 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.