How I Scored a Great Deal on Flights to Europe Using Points

Traveling to Europe can be a dream come true, especially when you can do it using your hard-earned points and miles. While many travelers adhere strictly to the rules of maximizing their rewards, sometimes a little flexibility—or a break from the norm—can lead to fantastic deals. I recently booked a trip to Europe that required me to navigate some rigid travel dates, but I still managed to secure a great deal on flights. Here’s how I did it, and what you can learn from my experience.

When it comes to redeeming points and miles, I always strive to get the best value based on expert valuations and redemption advice. However, there are times when adhering to every rule can hinder your travel plans. For my recent trip, I had to overlook one of the cardinal rules: flexibility.

Planning began in January for a family trip that would take us from London to Milan. The travel dates were fixed, coinciding with the end of my sister’s Maymester in Florence, Italy. We were set to leave on May 19 and return on May 29, and all our travel within Europe was already planned. Faced with these constraints, I focused on redeeming points for our flights to and from the U.S.

To find award availability, I utilized Seats.aero to search for flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR). For our return, I looked for flights from either Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Milan Linate Airport (LIN) back to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). With a substantial balance of American Express Membership Rewards points, I was optimistic about finding a good deal.

Despite my rigid travel dates, I discovered availability through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, one of my favorite loyalty programs. For two one-way economy seats, the total redemption cost was 47,000 points and approximately $700 in taxes and fees. Specifically, we paid 17,500 Virgin points plus $229 in taxes and fees per person for the return trip from LIN to ATL via Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).

Virgin Atlantic’s dynamic award pricing means that availability and pricing can fluctuate, but I was fortunate to find a reasonable deal even under strict conditions. To illustrate the value of my redemption, I compared the cost of similar flights if booked in cash. For our flight from JFK to LHR, we used 12,000 Virgin points and paid $218 in taxes and fees. If we had purchased these tickets outright, they would have cost us around $876.

Using The Points Guy’s (TPG) awards versus cash calculator, we found that the 12,000 Virgin points were valued at approximately $156. Adding the out-of-pocket taxes and fees of $218, we effectively saved over $500 compared to booking the flights with cash.

On our return journey from Milan to Atlanta, we booked with ITA Airways and Air France, spending 35,000 points and $458 in taxes and fees. The cash price for these flights would have been a staggering $3,514 for two economy tickets. Thus, by using points, we saved over $2,800.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club has consistently been a reliable program for booking flights to and from Europe. Its ease of finding award availability at reasonable prices makes it a favorite among budget-conscious travelers. Additionally, it allows for point transfers from major credit card issuers at a 1:1 ratio, including American Express, Bilt, and Chase.

However, it’s important to note that the program isn’t without its downsides. The shift to dynamic award pricing can lead to higher point costs, particularly for premium cabin fares. Furthermore, surcharges on flights have been increasing, which can add to the overall cost if your travel dates are non-negotiable.

To accumulate my American Express points, I utilized the American Express® Gold Card, which offers 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year). This card, along with others that earn Membership Rewards points, often comes with enticing welcome offers that can help you build your points balance quickly.

While my trip didn’t involve business-class or first-class redemptions, I still saved a significant amount of money and traveled to my desired destinations using points. Not every redemption needs to be extravagant; even smaller redemptions can lead to meaningful savings and memorable travel experiences.

Ultimately, the key takeaway is to use your points before they lose value or expire. Don’t let rigid travel plans deter you from searching for award space, transferring your points, and making your travel dreams a reality. Flexibility can unlock more value, but even when it’s not an option, smart planning can still lead to great deals.

As you embark on your travel adventures, remember that points and miles can help you reach your goals, whether that means a luxurious getaway or a budget-friendly trip to see loved ones. So start exploring your options, and don’t hesitate to take that dream trip to Europe.