Paris street and buildings at night

Flying Business Class to Europe on Points: Program Options

Not financial advice. Program rules change, so check the official page before you transfer or book. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by Kevin.

Europe is where most people book their first business-class award. Here's how to think about the options.

Program options by currency

All three alliances fly to Europe, so start with which bank points you have:

  • Chase: Aeroplan, United, Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus (Chase).
  • Capital One: Aeroplan, Flying Blue, British Airways, Finnair, TAP, Turkish, and others (Capital One).
  • Citi: Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic, Turkish, American AAdvantage, and others (Citi).
  • Amex: check the partner list in your account.

Saver vs. dynamic pricing

Aeroplan prices partner flights by distance flown (Aeroplan chart). Flying Blue runs monthly Promo Rewards with up to 25% off select routes (Flying Blue). Prices move, so I'm not quoting any here. Check them live on the day you search.

Avoiding surcharges

Flying Blue says carrier surcharges apply to its reward tickets. Other programs pass on more or less depending on the airline. Departing the UK also adds Air Passenger Duty, charged at a higher rate for cabins above the lowest class. More in Award Taxes and Surcharges.

Gateways and routes

Big US hubs usually have the most nonstop flights to Europe. If you're not near one, a positioning flight can open up more options. See Positioning Flights.

Search strategy

  1. Search Star Alliance space through United or Aeroplan.
  2. Search SkyTeam space through Flying Blue.
  3. Search oneworld space through British Airways or another oneworld program.
  4. Compare total points and cash for each.

Related: how to search for award flights is the longer version of this search.

Booking checklist

  • Seat confirmed on the booking program's site
  • Taxes and fees checked at the payment page
  • Transfer ratio confirmed
  • Points transferred, then book right away

The full flow is in the first business-class award guide. Track your goal in the free Starter Points Tracker.

Once you land

Paris and London are two of the most common places a first business-class award to Europe lands. If yours lands in either one, these are well-reviewed ways to fill a day: a food tour, a signature sight, or a day trip outside the city.

PointsPlot may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

See more picks in the PointsPlot Viator Shop.

Sources

All guides