Summer is the peak time for flights across the Atlantic and shows the number of tourists wanting to visit Europe when it’s sunny.
Round-trip economy flights for less than $400 are common in the slow winter months. However, if you want to walk the cobblestone streets of Rome or soak up the sunset on a Greek island next summer, you can expect to pay significantly more than this.
If passing by Buckingham Palace or the Eiffel Tower is more important to you than scoring a lie-flat bed, we’ve rounded up the best value economy award options for travel to Europe.
Loyalty programs for the “Big Three” US airlines — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines — boast lower fees, lower taxes and better availability for economy flights to Europe this summer. However, their dynamic pricing means you can expect to pay at least 80,000 miles round-trip to Europe, which isn’t a big deal.
Instead, look for programs with fixed or more reasonable prices.
The good news is that these programs partner with many of the major transferable credit card point currencies, so you have plenty of options for topping up your account.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
If you plan to visit the UK next summer, consider redeeming Virgin Atlantic points. However Virgin Atlantic Flying Club now sets its fares dynamically, loyalty program saver economy fares John F. of New York City. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) starts as low as 6,000 points. However, since summer is a popular travel period, it can be more difficult to find saver award availability.
Because Virgin Atlantic is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, if you’re traveling to other European destinations this summer, you can redeem Virgin points on airlines like Delta, Air France, KLM, Air Europa and Aeromexico. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club still operates using the distance-based award chart for SkyTeam airlines – except for flights operated by Air France and KLM And Delta.
Note that some airlines do not offer premium economy fares.
Daily newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily Newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for the latest news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
| Flight Distance (miles) | economy | Premium economy | Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-500 | 5,500 is | 9,000 is | 14,500 is |
| 501-1,000 is | 7,000 is | 12,500 is | 15,500 is |
| 1,001-1,500 | 10,000 | 16,000 is | 21,500 is |
| 1,501-2,250 | 11,500 is | 22,000 is | 35,000 is |
| 2,251-3,000 | 15,500 is | 26,500 is | 40,000 is |
| 3,001-4,000 | 20,500 is | 37,500 is | 60,000 is |
| 4,001-5,000 | 25,500 is | 47,500 is | 75,000 is |
| 5,001-6,000 | 31,000 is | 57,500 is | 85,000 is |
| 6,001-7,000 | 37,000 is | 70,000 is | 100,000 |
| 7,001-12,000 | 50,000 | 95,000 is | 140,000 |
Air France-KLM Flying Blue
However, if you’re flexible with your travel schedule, you can get saver fares for one-way transatlantic flights at 20,000 miles. Even better, it’s possible to find flights for just 15,000 miles each way with Flying Blue’s monthly promo rewards. Just note that you will pay over $100 in taxes and fees each way through this program. But, as with Virgin Atlantic, the lower reward value may be worth the extra money in fees.
Iberia Plus
British Airways Executive Club
If a trip to Neelam Island is on your bucket list this summer, you can Fly to Ireland on points and miles with British Airways Executive Club. Aer Lingus flies to Dublin Airport (DUB) from several destinations in the US
If you focus on the Northeast, consider JFK or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). In that case, you can book a one-way economy flight for 20,000 Avios (or 13,000 Avios on off-peak dates), plus about $89 in fees, taxes and surcharges, depending on the departure airport.
You can also combine your Avios across five airlines that use them as currency.
Related: 5 versions of Avios: When to use Aer Lingus, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and Qatar Airways
The best credit cards to earn transfer rewards
Earning transferable credit card rewards allows you to use them in a variety of programs when and how it suits you. As major airline programs switch to dynamic pricing with skyrocketing prices for economy trips, flexibility is more valuable than ever.
Related: Credit Card Transfer Partners: A Guide to Transferring Points and Miles to Airlines and Hotels
You can transfer points or miles to the following programs at a 1:1 rate.
| Loyalty program | American Express Membership Rewards | Built rewards | Capital One | Chase the ultimate rewards | Citi ThankYou Rewards | Wells Fargo Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Air France-KLM Flying Blue | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Iberia Plus | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| British Airways Executive Club | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
If you’re looking for a new card in one (or more) of these programs as you plan future travel, here are some solid options:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Earn 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Earn 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card (See Rates and Fees): Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Related: Best Rewards Credit Cards
The bottom line
If you’re looking to book flights to Europe next 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 that 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 above programs for best value redemption.