The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one of the hottest credit cards on the market, having enjoyed immense popularity ever since its release.

This credit card earns Capital One miles that can be used at airline and hotel partners for luxury award travel.

You can also use your Capital One miles for statement credits, gift cards, travel bookings on Capital One Travel, and online shopping.

That said, the most valuable way to use your miles is to utilize those airline and hotel transfer partners.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at how you can leverage the miles from this card’s welcome bonus for maximum value. You’ll probably be surprised at the value you can amass, especially considering how you can get a $5,000 business class flight for just 75,000 Capital One miles!

Let’s get right into it.

Card Snapshot and Welcome Bonus

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card. Apply Now (at Capital One’s secure site) Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card. Welcome Offer Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel. 75,000 miles UP’s Offer Valuation*: $1,350 Annual Fee $395 APR Purchases: 19.99% – 29.24% (Variable) Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Excellent (740-840) Why We Like This Card The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block. Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards. Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet. Pros & Cons Pros 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel

5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel

2x miles per $1 on all other purchases Cons $395 annual fee (rates & fees)

Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status Read Full Review Card Highlights Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options

Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary

Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel

Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases

Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment

Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection

Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Financial Snapshot APR: Purchases: 19.99% – 29.24% (Variable)

Foreign Transaction Fees: None Rewards Center Capital One Miles

The Capital One Venture X card is easily one of our favorite credit cards. With an impressive welcome bonus, this credit card offers incredible travel rewards designed for the discerning traveler. Let’s start off with the miles you’ll earn, which can be accumulated as fast as 10x:

10x Capital One miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel

5x Capital One miles on flights booked via Capital One Travel

2x Capital One miles on all other purchases

We value Capital One miles at around 1.8 cents apiece, which translates to a maximum return on spending of a whopping 18%.

Also, the Capital One Venture X card comes with an anniversary bonus of 10,000 miles every year, as well as up to $300 back annually as a travel credit for Capital One Travel bookings, and up to $120 application fee credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck.

Even better, the Capital One Venture X card confers unlimited complimentary visits to Capital One Lounges, access to Priority PassTM lounges worldwide (with enrollment), and complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status, which is the top-tier elite status available.

Also, enjoy cell phone protection, no foreign transaction fees (rates & fees), purchase protection, extended warranty, and more.

Hot Tip: If you don’t value the travel credit, anniversary miles, and lounge access, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a similar welcome bonus and has a lower annual fee.

Stick With Using Transfer Partners

You might be wondering how exactly to best use Capital One miles. But as long as you stick with using Capital One’s transfer partners at the right time, you can get some phenomenal value.

Let’s take a look at our favorite ways to do just that!

International Air Travel

1. Fly Business Class One-way to Europe With No Fuel Surcharges

Use Avianca LifeMiles to fly LOT Polish business class. Image Credit: LOT Polish

At the top of our list is one of the most realistic, high-value ways to use Capital One miles.

Sure, there are other flights where you can enjoy huge redemption value like Qantas first class or American Airlines international Flagship First, but these are almost impossible to come by regularly.

But, using Capital One miles to fly to Europe in business class is made easy, thanks to Capital One’s strategic partnership with Avianca LifeMiles.

This Star Alliance airline can help you access business class travel to Europe for less than 75,000 Capital One miles without having to pay for those extremely pesky fuel surcharges that European flights are famous for.

Total taxes and fees will likely be around $60 per person one-way, and you can book flights on airlines like United, SWISS, Lufthansa, LOT Polish, Austrian Airlines, and more.

These flights will cost around 63,000 Capital One miles transferred to Avianca LifeMiles at a 1:1 ratio:

Chicago (ORD) – Krakow (KRK) one-way in LOT Polish business class for 63,000 Avianca LifeMiles + ~$41 in taxes and fees

one-way in LOT Polish business class for 63,000 Avianca LifeMiles + ~$41 in taxes and fees New York City (JFK) – Zurich (ZRH) one-way in SWISS business class for 63,000 Avianca LifeMiles + ~$41 in taxes and fees

one-way in SWISS business class for 63,000 Avianca LifeMiles + ~$41 in taxes and fees San Francisco (SFO) – Frankfurt (FRA) one-way in Lufthansa business class for 63,000 Avianca LifeMiles + ~$41 in taxes and fees

These tickets often sell for $4,000 to $5,000 one-way (and sometimes even more), so you can get exceptional value.

2. Book Qatar Airways Qsuites One-way From the U.S. to the Middle East

Qatar Airways Qsuites is about as classy of a business class product as possible. Image Credit: Alex Miller

One of the world’s best business class products in the entire world is Qatar Airways Qsuites. And although its central hub at Doha (DOH) doesn’t attract tons of travelers every year, Qsuites is a fantastic way to access destinations in the Middle East.

Right now, Qatar Airways Qsuites is bookable through a nifty partnership from Capital One with The British Airways Club.

And while it’s true that you can redeem Capital One miles through other transfer partners to book Qsuites, such as Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, we favor this method due to the excellent redemption rates and significantly reduced fuel surcharges.

Expect to spend around $100 per person in taxes and fees when booking Qsuites between the U.S. and the Middle East. Best of all, you can spend less than 75,000 Capital One miles to book one of these flights!

Chicago (ORD) – Doha (DOH) one-way in Qatar Airways Qsuites for 70,000 British Airways Avios + ~$102 in taxes and fees

one-way in Qatar Airways Qsuites for 70,000 British Airways Avios + ~$102 in taxes and fees Miami (MIA) – Doha (DOH) one-way in Qatar Airways Qsuites for 70,000 British Airways Avios + ~$102 in taxes and fees

one-way in Qatar Airways Qsuites for 70,000 British Airways Avios + ~$102 in taxes and fees Philadelphia (PHL) – Doha (DOH) one-way in Qatar Airways Qsuites for 70,000 British Airways Avios + ~$102 in taxes and fees

one-way in Qatar Airways Qsuites for 70,000 British Airways Avios + ~$102 in taxes and fees Seattle (SEA) – Doha (DOH) one-way in Qatar Airways Qsuites for 70,000 British Airways Avios + ~$102 in taxes and fees

one-way in Qatar Airways Qsuites for 70,000 British Airways Avios + ~$102 in taxes and fees Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Doha (DOH) one-way in Qatar Airways Qsuites for 70,000 British Airways Avios + ~$102 in taxes and fees

3. Book Emirates Business Class One-way to Europe

Emirates business class. Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

Did you know that Emirates offers some exceptional fifth freedom flights to Europe?

That means you can enjoy an Emirates business class experience without having to take a detour to the Middle East.

Best of all, fuel surcharges are generally pretty minimal on flights that don’t involve Dubai (DXB). Here are some great example routes to book:

New York City (JFK) – Milan (MXP) one-way in Emirates business class for 73,000 Emirates Skywards miles + ~$84 in taxes and fees

one-way in Emirates business class for 73,000 Emirates Skywards miles + ~$84 in taxes and fees Newark (EWR) – Athens (ATH) one-way in Emirates business class for 72,500 Emirates Skywards miles + ~$84 in taxes and fees

Hot Tip: Another lovely fifth freedom flight you can book in Emirates business class is from Mexico City (MEX) to Barcelona (BCN), though it’ll cost you 80,000 Capital One miles transferred to Emirates Skywards.

4. Book a 2-in-1 Business Class Vacation to Europe With a Free Stopover

75,000 Aeroplan points could take you through Europe in Lufthansa business class. Image Credit: Alberto Riva

If you’re in the mood to visit 2 destinations in Europe on the same trip, you can utilize Capital One’s partnership with Air Canada Aeroplan to book a business class flight to Europe, add a stopover, and get a business class flight to the second city, for just 5,000 additional Aeroplan points.

Normally, Air Canada Aeroplan charges 70,000 Aeroplan points for flights between the U.S. and the Atlantic region (which includes areas like Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) ranging from 4,001 to 6,000 miles in flight distance.

But if you stay within the distance requirement and want to add a stopover, you could do so for 75,000 total Aeroplan points.

Air Canada is a Star Alliance airline, which means you can book flights on airlines like Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, and more. Here are some fantastic routes you can consider booking:

Chicago (ORD) – Munich (MUC) – Naples (NAP) one-way in Lufthansa business class with a stopover in Munich for 75,000 Aeroplan points + ~$39 in taxes and fees

one-way in Lufthansa business class with a stopover in Munich for 75,000 Aeroplan points + ~$39 in taxes and fees New York City (JFK) – Brussels (BRU) – Rhodes (RHO) one-way in Brussels Airlines business class with a stopover in Brussels for 75,000 Aeroplan points + ~$39 in taxes and fees

one-way in Brussels Airlines business class with a stopover in Brussels for 75,000 Aeroplan points + ~$39 in taxes and fees Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Istanbul (IST) – Bodrum (BJV) one-way in Turkish Airlines business class with a stopover in Istanbul (IST) for 75,000 Aeroplan points + ~$39 in taxes and fees

5. Fly to New Zealand in Air New Zealand Business Class

If you have a chance, you can also try the Air New Zealand 787 Dreamliner business class product! Regardless of what plane you fly, Air New Zealand business class is a great product. Image Credit: Air New Zealand

One of the most difficult places to access from the U.S. is New Zealand. Luckily, with Capital One miles, if you are super flexible and are traveling with at most 1 other person, you should be able to find Air New Zealand business class flights bookable with miles.

This airline is extremely stingy with availability, which means finding more than 2 seats on a particular flight is almost a foregone conclusion, except in extremely rare events.

The Air Canada Aeroplan award chart is well-suited to access excellent award prices. In fact, you can book flights from the U.S. to New Zealand in business class for 75,000 Capital One miles!

Houston (IAH) – Auckland (AKL) one-way in Air New Zealand business class for 75,000 Aeroplan points + ~$ in taxes and fees

one-way in Air New Zealand business class for 75,000 Aeroplan points + ~$ in taxes and fees Los Angeles (LAX) – Auckland (AKL) one-way in Air New Zealand business class for 75,000 Aeroplan points + ~$ in taxes and fees

one-way in Air New Zealand business class for 75,000 Aeroplan points + ~$ in taxes and fees San Francisco (SFO) – Auckland (AKL) one-way in Air New Zealand business class for 75,000 Aeroplan points + ~$ in taxes and fees

Hot Tip: At the moment, any flights from Chicago or New York to Auckland would fall outside the distance band and would cost 85,000 Aeroplan points, instead of 75,000 Aeroplan points.

6. Fly Etihad Business Class One-way to Europe or Asia

Fly Etihad business class from Europe to Africa or Asia for just 60,000 Aeroplan points. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Another great way to fly in style is Etihad Airways business class, which is operated almost entirely out of Etihad’s hub in Abu Dhabi (AUH).

And while Etihad’s U.S. flights can’t be booked for 75,000 Capital One miles, they can absolutely be booked on slightly shorter routes.

In particular, we love the idea of booking Etihad business class from Abu Dhabi to Europe or Asia.

Here are some great example routes you can book:

Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Istanbul (IST) one-way in Etihad Airways business class for 64,500 Air Canada Aeroplan points + ~$64 in taxes and fees

one-way in Etihad Airways business class for 64,500 Air Canada Aeroplan points + ~$64 in taxes and fees Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Athens (ATH) one-way in Etihad Airways business class for 70,100 Air Canada Aeroplan points + ~$64 in taxes and fees

one-way in Etihad Airways business class for 70,100 Air Canada Aeroplan points + ~$64 in taxes and fees Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Colombo (CMB) one-way in Etihad Airways business class for 71,600 Air Canada Aeroplan points + ~$3150 in taxes and fees

7. Fly Air France or KLM Business Class One-way From the U.S. to Europe

Fly from the U.S. to Europe aboard Air France’s new Boeing 777-300 business class cabin. Image Credit: Ryan Smith

If you’re looking for an elegant way to fly across the Atlantic in business class, Air France (and to a lesser extent, KLM) can help you start or end your vacation on a high note.

With as few as 53,000 Capital One miles, you can fly in business class between the U.S. and Europe.

You’ll want to note that Air France-KLM Flying Blue prices its redemption flights dynamically, which means the price you pay may fluctuate a lot. So while it may cost as few as 53,000 Capital One miles, it can also cost as much as 400,000+ miles.

If you find yourself able to book these flights, you’ll pay around $230 per person in taxes and fees, which is a relative bargain compared to the $800+ in fuel surcharges that many European airlines levy.

Check out these example routes:

Detroit (DTW) – Amsterdam (AMS) – Athens (ATH) one-way in KLM business class for 60,000 Flying Blue miles + ~$223 in taxes and fees

one-way in KLM business class for 60,000 Flying Blue miles + ~$223 in taxes and fees Houston (IAH) – Paris (CDG) – Rome (FCO) one-way in Air France business class for 60,000 Flying Blue miles + ~$210 in taxes and fees

one-way in Air France business class for 60,000 Flying Blue miles + ~$210 in taxes and fees Miami (MIA) – Paris (CDG) – Lisbon (LIS) one-way in Air France business class for 60,000 Flying Blue miles + ~$210 in taxes and fees

8. Book LATAM Business Class One-way From the U.S. to South America

LATAM’s business class seats feature Thompson XL Vantage seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. Image Credit: LATAM

If flying to South America in a comfortable business class product is at the top of the priority list for you, Capital One miles will come in handy.

Because Capital One miles can be transferred to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, it’s possible to fly on one of the best business class products to South America, thanks to LATAM.

The best way to book LATAM business class flights nowadays is to transfer your miles to Asia Miles; even better, Asia Miles has attractive redemption rates.

Here are some great example redemptions to book:

Los Angeles (LAX) – Santiago (SCL) one-way in LATAM business class for 75,000 Cathay Pacific Asia Miles + ~$45 in taxes and fees

one-way in LATAM business class for 75,000 Cathay Pacific Asia Miles + ~$45 in taxes and fees Miami (MIA) – Sao Paulo (GRU) one-way in LATAM business class for 61,000 Cathay Pacific Asia Miles + ~$45 in taxes and fees

one-way in LATAM business class for 61,000 Cathay Pacific Asia Miles + ~$45 in taxes and fees New York City (JFK) – Lima (LIM) one-way in LATAM business class for 61,000 Cathay Pacific Asia Miles + ~$45 in taxes and fees

one-way in LATAM business class for 61,000 Cathay Pacific Asia Miles + ~$45 in taxes and fees Orlando (MCO) – Sao Paulo (GRU) one-way in LATAM business class for 61,000 Cathay Pacific Asia Miles + ~$45 in taxes and fees

Flights Within the USA

9. Book 5 Round-trip Economy Flights on United to Hawaii

United flies from many U.S. cities to Hawaii. Image Credit: Ryan Smith

One of the best ways, albeit less glamorous, to get phenomenal value with 75,000 Capital One miles is to fly round-trip from the continental U.S. to Hawaii in economy.

Thanks to Capital One’s partnership with Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, you can redeem as few as 30,000 miles for round-trip economy flights to Hawaii. You can also book one-way tickets for half the price if it’s too difficult to find round-trip availability. This means (at least in theory) that you can get 5 round-trip economy tickets for 75,000 Capital One miles.

That said, this isn’t the easiest redemption to pull off — you’ll need to find Saver-level partner award availability on United’s website before making the booking on Turkish Airlines’ website. And in some cases, Turkish Airlines’s website isn’t able to display the correct flights on United, which would then require a phone call to Turkish Airlines.

Here are some great routes that United offers nonstop service on to Hawaii:

Denver (DEN) – Kona (KOA) one-way in United economy class for 15,000 Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees

one-way in United economy class for 15,000 Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees Los Angeles (LAX) – Hilo (ITO) one-way in United economy class for 15,000 Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees

one-way in United economy class for 15,000 Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees Newark (EWR) – Maui (OGG) one-way in United economy class for 15,000 Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees

one-way in United economy class for 15,000 Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees San Francisco (SFO) – Kauai (LIH) one-way in United economy class for 15,000 Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees

one-way in United economy class for 15,000 Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Honolulu (HNL) one-way in United economy class for 15,000 Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees

All of these routes could be booked for 15,000 miles one-way or 30,000 miles round-trip transferred to Turkish Airlines, though the main challenge will be to find Saver-level availability, especially if you need 5 tickets on the same flight.

10. Book Transcontinental Flights on United Polaris Class

United offers lie-flat business class seats on select transcontinental routes. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

Another fantastic sweet spot you can leverage is to book United Airlines’s Polaris class flights coast-to-coast.

The only way to book these flights is with partner airlines, and our favorite is Avianca LifeMiles, simply because of its relatively straightforward booking process and good award pricing.

You’ll still need to find Saver-level partner award availability on United Airlines’s website first before duplicating that search on LifeMiles’s website, but you can redeem 25,000 Capital One miles to Avianca LifeMiles for a one-way business class flight between the U.S. West Coast and East Coast.

Here are some great example redemptions you should consider:

Los Angeles (LAX) – New York City (JFK) one-way in United Polaris class for 25,000 Avianca LifeMiles + ~$41 in taxes and fees

one-way in United Polaris class for 25,000 Avianca LifeMiles + ~$41 in taxes and fees Los Angeles (LAX) – Newark (EWR) one-way in United Polaris class for 25,000 Avianca LifeMiles + ~$41 in taxes and fees

one-way in United Polaris class for 25,000 Avianca LifeMiles + ~$41 in taxes and fees San Francisco (SFO) – New York City (JFK) one-way in United Polaris class for 25,000 Avianca LifeMiles + ~$41 in taxes and fees

one-way in United Polaris class for 25,000 Avianca LifeMiles + ~$41 in taxes and fees San Francisco (SFO) – Newark (EWR) one-way in United Polaris class for 25,000 Avianca LifeMiles + ~$41 in taxes and fees

Hotel Stays

11. Book Up to 5 Nights in a Vacasa Vacation Rental

Redeeming Wyndham Rewards points for Vacasa stays. Image Credit: Vacasa

The very last redemption we’ll be focusing on is somewhat of a pivot from airfare, and we’ll discuss accommodation/lodging.

Even though Capital One’s hotel partnerships with ALL – Accor Live Limitless, Wyndham Rewards, and Choice Privileges aren’t worth your consideration at first glance, there’s one particular unique way to get substantial value from your Capital One miles for accommodation.

This is accomplished by transferring Capital One miles to Wyndham Rewards at a 1:1 ratio and redeeming Wyndham Rewards points for Vacasa stays.

Vacasa is a vacation rental management company, and its listings are often compared to Airbnb — however, Vacasa manages its properties, and it has properties in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica.

At the moment, for eligible listings (usually capped at a maximum of $300 per bedroom), you can redeem 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points per bedroom per night.

So for example, if you find a 3-bedroom house that’s priced at $900 per night, you can redeem 45,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night, which would net you a redemption value of 2 cents per point!

Just remember that if you find a 1-bedroom unit that charges $600 per night, you probably won’t be able to redeem Wyndham Rewards points for this due to the $300 per night maximum.

In other words, you can get up to 5 nights in a 1-bedroom Vacasa property with 75,000 Capital One miles transferred to Wyndham Rewards.

Final Thoughts

The number of ways you can redeem Capital One miles are limitless. Thanks to a lovely list of transfer partnerships that mostly transfer at a 1:1 ratio, you can get some serious value with your miles.

In fact, in this guide, we showed you that it’s possible to book a one-way business class flight from the U.S. to Europe, which often costs more than $5,000!

Our favorite transfer partners to use, in general, are Avianca LifeMiles, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, The British Airways Club, Emirates Skywards, Air Canada Aeroplan, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, and Wyndham Rewards (for vacation rentals through Vacasa).

Let us know where you redeem your 75,000 Capital One miles in the comments section below!

Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Although nearly every major bank has a premium travel credit card nowadays, arguably, no card is as justifiable as the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

If you’re looking for an all-around card with a a simplified earning structure, a plethora of perks and benefits, and highly valuable transferable rewards miles, look no further than the Capital One Venture X card. The current welcome bonus offer is available to new applicants:

Earn 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

Although not as valuable as American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One miles can provide tremendous value when redeemed strategically. However, that is much easier said than done, as there are numerous ways to redeem these miles.

Here’s a look at the ultra-popular Capital One Venture X card, the value of Capital One miles, and how I would redeem 75,000 Capital One miles upon snagging this welcome bonus offer.

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Capital One Venture X Card Overview

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card. Welcome Offer Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel. 75,000 miles UP’s Offer Valuation*: $1,350 Annual Fee $395 APR Purchases: 19.99% – 29.24% (Variable) Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Excellent (740-840) Why We Like This Card The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block. Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards. Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet. Pros & Cons Pros 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel

5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel

2x miles per $1 on all other purchases Cons $395 annual fee (rates & fees)

Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status Read Full Review Card Highlights Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options

Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary

Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel

Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases

Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment

Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection

Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Financial Snapshot APR: Purchases: 19.99% – 29.24% (Variable)

Foreign Transaction Fees: None Rewards Center Capital One Miles

Among all-around travel credit cards, few are as versatile as the Capital One Venture X card. Besides the fantastic welcome offer, its numerous benefits make this card stand out:

10x miles for hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles for flights books through Capital One Travel, 2x miles on all other purchases

$300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel

10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary

Access to Capital One’s transfer partners

Unlimited lounge access more than 1,300 lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit

Ability to add authorized users for no additional annual fee

No foreign transaction fees

$395 annual fee

What Are Capital One Miles Worth?

We value Capital One miles at 1.8 cents per point, making the current welcome offer worth $1,350. Capital One miles are among the most valuable transferable rewards available, only behind American Express Membership Rewards points and Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Of course, how you choose to redeem these miles determines how much value you get. There are many ways to redeem Capital One miles, including gift cards, statement credits, and booking travel through Capital One Travel. However, the best way to redeem Capital One miles is by transferring them to Capital One’s travel partners.

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4 Ways I Would Use 75,000 Capital One Miles

At Upgraded Points, we strive to get outsized value from our miles. After meeting the minimum spending requirements, here are several ways I would redeem 75,000 Capital One miles for maximum value.

1. Qatar Qsuites Business Class to the Middle East

I try to fly in business class on long-haul international flights whenever possible. Fortunately, that’s made easier with Capital One miles.

Qsuites, Qatar Airways’ flagship business class product, is arguably the best business class around. The private suites feature doors offering a ton of space and privacy. Qatar also serves some of the best inflight cuisines of any airline.

Qsuites is widely considered to be the best business class in the world. Image Credit: Upgraded Points.

Fortunately, Qsuites can easily be booked with Capital One’s transfer partner, The British Airways Club. Although the program has undergone major changes, British Airways Avios are still valuable.

British Airways Avios can be redeemed for award flights on British Airways and Oneworld partners. The best value is typically found on nonstop, long-haul routes in business class, such as Qsuites.

For 70,000 Avios, you can book a nonstop one-way Qsuites flight to Doha (and other Middle Eastern destinations) from several U.S. cities. However, since the program is distance-based, the airline requires more miles and higher taxes and fees if you need to connect onward.

I’ve only flown in Qatar Qsuites once, back in 2018, but I plan to experience it again in early 2025. Fortunately, I have found sporadic award space to several destinations I have not yet traveled to in the Middle East.

Capital One miles transfer to The British Airways Club at a 1:1 ratio. British Airways Club is also a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Wells Fargo Rewards.

2. Star Alliance Business Class Between the U.S. and Europe

Europe is a dream destination for many, and few things are better than flying there in business class. Fortunately, this is relatively easy to do with Capital One miles.

Avianca LifeMiles, a transfer partner of Capital One, offers excellent Star Alliance redemption options. The loyalty program is a favorite in the points and miles community as it has a fantastic award chart with incredible sweet spots and does not pass on fuel surcharges on award tickets.

One sweet spot is for business class flights between Europe and North America. According to the LifeMiles award chart, a one-way business class award between Europe and North America can be booked for just 70,000 LifeMiles plus taxes and fees.

SWISS business class is an excellent way to fly between the U.S. and Europe. Image Credit: Ehsan Haque

You can redeem Avianca LifeMiles to fly on several Star Alliance airlines, including United, Air Canada, SWISS, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines. I flew Air Canada business class earlier this year using Avianca LifeMiles. Once the new SWISS business class between the U.S. and Europe becomes available, I plan to use Avianca LifeMiles to book a flight.

Capital One miles transfer to Avianca LifeMiles at a 1:1 ratio. Avianca LifeMiles is also a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Wells Fargo Rewards.

3. Air France or KLM Business Class Between the U.S. and Europe

You could also book Air France or KLM business class with Capital One Miles through Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France-KLM.

Flying Blue is an excellent program for award redemptions, as it offers fantastic award pricing for routes between the U.S. and Europe. Unfortunately, Flying Blue uses dynamic pricing, meaning there’s no set award chart, and award pricing can vary quite a bit.

However, the good news is that Flying Blue does have standardized saver-level pricing. Assuming you can find the award space, one-way business class flights between the U.S. and Europe can be booked for as little as 60,000 miles one-way.

Transferring Capital One miles to Flying Blue is an excellent way to fly Air France’s new business class. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

However, unlike Avianca LifeMiles, Flying Blue passes on hefty fuel surcharges. You can expect to pay about $250 each way. Although I have yet to fly Air France in business class, I look forward to doing so, especially in the newer Air France business class cabin.

Capital One miles transfer to Flying Blue at a 1:1 ratio. Flying Blue is also a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Wells Fargo Rewards.

Hot Tip: Flying Blue miles can be extremely valuable, especially when redeeming for business class flights. Check out our detailed guide on the best ways to redeem Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles for maximum value.

4. A Family Trip to Hawaii and Back

Another excellent redemption option is for those looking to take a trip to Hawaii. This can easily be done by utilizing another Capital One transfer partner, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles.

Although the loyalty program experienced a brutal devaluation earlier this year, some solid redemption opportunities remain. One such opportunity is for those flying between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii on Star Alliance partner United Airlines.

Working with a view in Hanalei Bay, Kaua’i, Hawaii. Image Credit: Alex Miller

From the mainland U.S., you can fly to Hawaii in economy for just 15,000 Turkish Miles&Smiles miles one-way, or 30,000 miles round-trip. This means a couple could fly to Hawaii and back for just 60,000 miles, which can be easily achieved after meeting the minimum spending requirements.

Although I have traveled to more than 100 countries, I have yet to visit Hawaii. My wife and I are also planning to go to Hawaii next year — and yes, we will be using Turkish Miles&Smiles miles to get there and back!

Capital One Miles transfer to Turkish Miles&Smiles at a 1:1 ratio. Turkish Miles&Smiles is also a transfer partner of Bilt Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards.

Final Thoughts

There are numerous ways to redeem the miles from the Capital One Venture X card, from gift cards to statement credits to travel through Capital One Travel. However, the real value remains with Capital One’s airline and hotel transfer partners.

Transferring Capital One Miles to partner programs, such as Avianca LifeMiles, The British Airways Club, or Turkish Miles&Smiles is an excellent way to fly in business class on some of the best airlines around the world. I can’t wait to book and experience luxurious flights using a single credit card welcome offer.

Key Takeaways Apply for applicable to credit cards from Chase, American Express, or Capital One that have a welcome offer.

Use the card for everyday purchases and spend on categories like travel to earn bonus points.

Programs like American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards allow point transfers to airline partners, making building balances for business and first class flight redemptions easier.

If you’re tired of flying economy and want to fly business or first class (without paying crazy amounts of cash), you need to earn the right type of points and then use them in a smart way!

Follow these 3 steps and we’ll show you how to fly at the front of the cabin in no time.

Step 1 — Earn a Big Welcome Bonus Offer and You’ll Earn Lots of Points or Miles (Quickly)

Yes, there are many credit cards out there, but we’ve helped thousands of people and always recommend travelers start by adding cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, American Express® Gold Card, Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to their wallets.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee. Welcome Offer Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 75,000 points UP’s Offer Valuation*: $1,500 Annual Fee $95 APR 19.99% – 28.24% Variable Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Good to Excellent Why We Like This Card The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases. Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler. Pros & Cons Pros 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal

3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services

online grocery purchases, and select streaming services 2x points on all other travel worldwide Cons $95 annual fee

No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status Read Full Review Card Highlights Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel SM , 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases

, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel SM

10% anniversary points boost – each account anniversary you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.

Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.

Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.

Member FDIC Financial Snapshot APR: 19.99% – 28.24% Variable

Foreign Transaction Fees: None Rewards Center Chase Ultimate Rewards

NEW OFFER Terms Apply / Rates & Fees American Express® Gold Card U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets! Apply Now (at Amex’s secure site) Apply With Confidence Know if you’re approved with no credit score impact If you’re approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted. American Express® Gold Card This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets! Welcome Offer You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer. UP’s Offer Valuation*: Up to $2,200 Annual Fee $325 APR See Pay Over Time APR Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Good to Excellent Why We Like This Card The American Express® Gold Card is a game-changer. With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x. There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more. Pros & Cons Pros 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter

up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter

up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com Cons $325 annual fee (rates and fees)

No lounge access Read Full Review Card Highlights You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $6,000 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.

Points after you spend $6,000 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.

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.

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 3X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.

points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. Earn 2X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.

points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards ® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.

points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply. $84 Dunkin’ Credit: With the $84 Dunkin’ Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.

Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit. $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.

Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required. $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.

Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required. Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.

No Foreign Transaction Fees.

Annual Fee is $325.

Terms Apply. Financial Snapshot APR: See Pay Over Time APR

Foreign Transaction Fees: None Rewards Center American Express Membership Rewards

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. Citi Strata Premier℠ Card Welcome Offer Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com 60,000 points UP’s Offer Valuation*: $960 Annual Fee $95 APR 20.24% – 28.24% Variable APR Why We Like This Card The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that allows you to earn big rewards on a variety of purchases like air travel, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and more, along with flexible redemption options, all for a modest annual fee. Pros & Cons Pros 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com

3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations

$100 annual hotel benefit Cons $95 annual fee Read Full Review Card Highlights Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com .

. Earn 10X points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.

Earn 3X points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations.

Earn 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

$100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.

No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card.

No foreign transaction fees on purchases. Financial Snapshot APR: 20.24% – 28.24% Variable APR

Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card! Apply Now (at Capital One’s secure site) Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card! Welcome Offer Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel. 75,000 miles UP’s Offer Valuation*: $1,350 Annual Fee $95 APR Purchases: 19.99% – 29.24% (Variable) Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Good to Excellent Credit (670-850) Why We Like This Card The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options. Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption. Pros & Cons Pros 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit Cons $95 annual fee

Limited elite benefits Read Full Review Card Highlights Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day

Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options

Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn

Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®

Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel

Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection

Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs Financial Snapshot APR: Purchases: 19.99% – 29.24% (Variable)

Foreign Transaction Fees: None Rewards Center Capital One Miles

There are 2 main reasons to get these specific cards over others out there:

1. You’ll earn a fantastic welcome bonus offer of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, Amex Membership Rewards points, Citi ThankYou Rewards Points, or Capital One Miles after completing a minimum spend requirement.

Tip: Both you and your spouse can each get a card and earn the welcome bonus offer, netting you a major stash of points or miles.

Your welcome offer is typically worth more than $1,000, but under Step 3 we’ll show you how to get a lot more value than that!

2. Chase, Amex, and Citi points, as well as Capital One miles, are some of the most valuable rewards currencies on the market because they’re easy to earn and can be transferred to partner airlines and hotels (this is the key).

Step 2 — Earn Even More Points or Miles

The more points you earn, the more options you’ll have to use them for business and first class flights. Here’s a quick look at how some of the cards we’ve featured can help you earn even more points:

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card can help you earn:

5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel

5x points on Lyft purchases through September 30, 2027

3x points on dining, online groceries, and select streaming services

online groceries, and select streaming services 2x points on all other travel purchases

1x points on other purchases

Hot Tip: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a broader definition of travel than other cards, making it a lot more generous than other competing cards.

The Amex Gold card has the ability to earn up to 4x points:

4x points at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1x after that, and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year)

3x points on airfare purchased directly from the airline or through AmexTravel.com

1x points on other purchases

The Citi Strata Premier card also doesn’t joke around when it comes to earning rewards:

10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel

3x points at supermarkets, air travel, hotels, gas stations, EV charging stations, and restaurants

1x points on other purchases

Lastly, the Capital One Venture card could be your best friend for miscellaneous purchases:

5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

2x miles on all other purchases

Bottom Line: We put ALL of our daily expenses (that don’t incur a fee) on our card so that we’re always earning points, whether it’s at restaurants, bars, department stores, or making any online purchases!

For example, Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders can earn 2x points on these types of non-Chase Travel purchases:

Airbnb and other house-sharing services

Airfare tickets booked directly through the airline or through third-party sites like Expedia, Booking.com, and more

Parking meters, lots, and garages

Timeshares

Tolls and bridges

Tours organized by travel companies

Trains, metros, buses, and other public transportation services

Cards from Amex, Citi, and Capital One have their own separate terms and conditions from Chase, but making regular purchases on these credit cards, especially in bonus categories, is how you continually rack up points or miles.

Bottom Line: Build up your points or miles very easily on travel and dining. This means you can rack up lots of valuable rewards during the year to use on incredible redemptions. Choose the best cards, like the Amex Gold card, Capital One Venture card, Chase Sapphire Preferred card, or Citi Strata Premier card.

Step 3 — Maximize Your Points or Miles With Transfer Partners (This Is How You Fly Business/First Class)

Each of the major flexible rewards programs, whether it’s Amex Membership Rewards or Capital One Miles, is capable of transferring rewards to travel partners (airlines and hotels).

Every bank maintains its own list of transfer partners, but it’s very common for airline frequent flyer programs or hotel loyalty programs to participate in multiple partnerships with credit card issuers.

For example, all 7 of the currencies listed below transfer to Air France-KLM Flying Blue (at varying ratios). On the flip-side, certain frequent flyer programs may be exclusively associated with a single program; for example, ANA Mileage Club only has 1 transfer partner with a 1:1 ratio — Amex Membership Rewards.

Here are the transfer partners associated with each rewards program:

Before we get into a few examples, each of these programs offers so many incredible ways to use your points for maximum value! Transferring your flexible rewards to airline partners is one of the best ways to fly business and first class.

Here are our top recommendations for using your points for business and first class flights.

1. Fly Singapore Suites One-Way From JFK to Frankfurt for 97,000 Miles

Transferring Ultimate Rewards points to Singapore’s KrisFlyer program will allow you to book an amazing flight in Singapore Suites class. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Transfer your points or miles directly to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and you could book an absolutely amazing experience in its Singapore Suites cabin using points while saving thousands of dollars in cash.

The Singapore Suites class on the A380 aircraft has been impressing flyers since it was introduced in 2007, offering a full double bed to couples flying together in the middle cabin. Even better, Singapore Airlines has retrofitted some A380s and is continuing to retrofit its entire fleet.

The easiest way to experience this amazing flight is to transfer just 97,000 Amex, Capital One, Chase, or Citi points/miles to your existing or newly created Singapore KrisFlyer account. From there, you can redeem the KrisFlyer miles for a one-way Suites ticket from New York (JFK) to Frankfurt (FRA)!

Hot Tip: 97,000 miles correspond to Singapore Airlines’s Saver fares; its more expensive Advantage fares are easier to find (though more expensive) if your schedule isn’t as flexible.

Want to continue all the way to the Far East and visit Singapore (SIN)? Save up 148,500 points and you can experience this incredible suite during a 20-hour flight.

Need help booking this award flight? Read our in-depth guide on how to fly Singapore Suites using points.

2. Fly United Business Class to Hawaii for 30,000 Miles Round-Trip

Image Credit: Ryan Smith

You can transfer 40,000 of your points or miles to Turkish Miles&Smiles for a round-trip business class ticket from any U.S. United hub to Hawaii. Turkish Airlines is a 1:1 transfer partner of Bilt Rewards, Capital One and the Citi ThankYou program.

With a high enough welcome bonus offer, you could have enough miles for two of these awards just by meeting the minimum spending requirement of a single card!

Need help booking an international award flight? Check out our guide to booking Turkish business class with points.

3. Fly Virgin Atlantic Economy Class From the U.S. to London From 12,000 Points Round-Trip

Virgin Atlantic economy class. Image Credit: Juan Ruiz

Wanna fly to Europe for the cost of a domestic award ticket? Virgin Atlantic’s economy class awards to London are one of the best sweet spots around. You can redeem as few as 6,000 points one-way from the East Coast or 9,000 points from the West Coast.

Virgin Atlantic offers direct flights between London (LHR) and many U.S. cities, including Boston (BOS), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Tampa (MCO), and Washington, D.C. (IAD).

Best of all, you can transfer Amex, Brex, Capital One, Chase, Citi, and Wells Fargo Rewards to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club or Virgin Red.

The award taxes on flights originating from London can be quite steep, so you should consider booking your return from a nearby city like Paris (CDG).

Need help booking an Upper Class award flight? Read our guide on how to book Virgin Atlantic Upper Class.

4. Fly Lufthansa First Class From the U.S. to Europe From 87,000 Points

Enjoy an amazing lie-flat seat with direct aisle access in Lufthansa first class. Image Credit: Caroline Lupini

Lufthansa has also been hailed as one of the best airlines for first class experiences. You can easily transfer your Amex, Bilt, Brex, Capital One, Citi, or Marriott Bonvoy points or miles to Avianca LifeMiles to book Lufthansa first class flights. LifeMiles charges 87,000 miles each way; however, LifeMiles does pass on fuel surcharges, so you’ll just have to pay the nominal taxes and fees of around $60.

Chase loyalists don’t need to panic because they can transfer their points to Air Canada Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio to book Lufthansa first class for 90,000 to 100,000 points!

One of the most sought-after flights for Lufthansa first class is on the A380, which connects Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), and San Francisco (SFO) to Frankfurt (FRA).

Looking for the ultimate first class experience? Be sure to use your miles to fly from Frankfurt to the U.S. if you want a chance to explore Lufthansa’s exclusive first class terminal where you can wine and dine at a full-scale restaurant, take a bubble bath with a Lufthansa rubber ducky, and be driven right to your flight in a luxurious private car from your very own personal assistant.

Need help booking this award flight? Check out our guide to booking Lufthansa first class with points.

5. Fly ANA First Class Round-Trip From the U.S. to Tokyo for as Few as 115,000 Points

All smiles before takeoff in ANA’s new 777 The Suite first class cabin. Image Credit: Ryan Smith

Arguably the best sweet spot in all of points and travel is the ability to book ANA’s legendary first class product between the U.S. and Tokyo for as few as 115,000 points round-trip.

Just remember that this particular sweet spot only works for flights to Tokyo — it will not work for flights via Tokyo to other destinations like Southeast Asia.

You can also book one-way tickets at half of the mileage price, which can be as low as 57,500 points for a one-way flight from Hawaii; 72,500 points from the West Coast; and 85,000 points for a one-way flight from the East Coast.

The frequent flyer program you’ll want to use is Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, which is transfer partners with Amex, Bilt, Chase, Citi, and Marriott Bonvoy. Capital One is transfer partners with Virgin Red, which can then be moved to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at a 1:1 ratio.

This exclusive first class experience entails an intimate cabin of just 8 seats spread out across 2 rows with a 1-2-1 arrangement, top-class service, an enormous array of dining options of the highest caliber, Krug Champagne, and an exquisitely luxurious bed.

Need help booking this award flight? Check out our guide to booking ANA first class with points.

6. Fly Emirates Business Class One-Way From the U.S. to Europe for 72,500 Points

Emirates A380 business class. Image Credit: Cherag Dubash

Emirates is best known for its lavish, over-the-top first class product. But its business class is simply stellar, too. In particular, its A380 business class has proven to be one of the best overall products, time and time again. Currently, this includes spacious, forward-facing seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with lie-flat capabilities.

Normally, travelers wouldn’t frequently encounter Emirates as a viable airline option unless they were planning on flying ultra-long-haul to the other side of the world. But Emirates has a couple of fifth freedom routes where you can savor the signature Emirates business class product on certain routes between the U.S. and Europe, so there’s no need to fly to the Middle East or Africa if you want to try out Emirates!

Even better, the U.S.-Europe routes offered by Emirates are convenient and cost-effective with points.

Currently, you can transfer 87,000 points or miles from every major rewards program to Emirates Skywards to book a one-way Emirates business class flight between New York (JFK) and Milan (MXP) or Newark (EWR) to Athens (ATH). Taxes and fees are around $106 per person.

Best of all, it’s pretty easy to find solid business class availability, so this is a perfect way to dip your toes into Arab luxury using your points.

Need help booking this award flight? Check out our guide to booking Emirates business class with points.

7. Fly Qatar Airways Qsuite One-Way From the U.S. to the Middle East for 70,000 Avios

Qatar Airways’ Qsuite is one of the best business class products in the skies. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Another terrific way to fly business and first class using points is on Qatar Airways Qsuite, which is one of the best business class products in the world.

This airline exclusively flies between the U.S. and Doha (DOH), the capital of Qatar.

Qsuite offers double beds (at certain seat numbers), amazing service, endless amenities, and wonderful inflight entertainment options. Its food and beverage program, in particular, is top-notch.

One of the best ways to book Qsuite is by transferring your points or miles to The British Airways Club. British Airways is transfer partners with Amex, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, and Marriott Bonvoy.

If you only have Citi points, transfer them directly to Qatar Airways Privilege Club. After that, link your Qatar Airways and British Airways account together and transfer your Avios from Qatar Airways to British Airways at a 1:1 ratio.

Right now, nonstop business class flights from the U.S. to Doha can be booked for just 70,000 British Airways Avios + ~$105 in taxes and fees.

Need help booking this award flight? Check out our guide to booking Qatar Airways Qsuite with points.

8. Fly Iberia Business Class Round-Trip From the U.S. to Spain for as Few as 81,000 Avios

Comfortable business class from the U.S. to Spain can be found with Iberia. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

If flying to Spain is high on your to-do list, you’ll love this business class redemption. Iberia, the flag carrier of Spain, offers some amazing redemption rates for business class flights between the Midwest or Northeastern U.S. and Spain.

Specifically, you can redeem 40,500 Club Iberia Plus Avios each way for a business class flight during off-peak dates as long as the flights are between 3,001 and 4,000 miles in distance. You can transfer to Club Iberia Plus direction from Amex, Bilt, Chase, or Marriott Bonvoy. If your Iberia account is at least 90 days old, you can also transfer points into The British Airways Club and then into Club Iberia Plus at a 1:1 ratio.

The cities that offer nonstop service to Madrid (MAD) and fit the distance requirement are Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), and Washington, D.C. (IAD). You’ll pay just $114 in taxes and fees for these flights.

Although Iberia’s business class product can’t quite compare to Emirates or Qatar Airways, it’s a comfortable way to fly to Spain at an astonishing price.

9. Fly Air France Business Class From the U.S. to Europe Round-Trip From 120,000 Miles

Air France’s chic Boeing 777-300 business class product. Image Credit Juan Ruiz

Air France offers a luxurious and classy business class product bookable using points. Better yet, its mileage prices are some of the best you’ll get on flights to Europe.

One-way flights can be booked for as few as 60,000 Flying Blue miles in business class, which means round-trip would cost as few as 120,000 miles!

You’ll want to transfer your points or miles to Air France-KLM Flying Blue, which happens to be partnered with every major rewards program. Taxes are fees are usually around $190 one-way, per person.

Need help booking this award flight? Check out our guide to booking Air France business class with points.

Bottom Line: As you can see above, there are many incredible redemption options for your points. In the examples above, if you use your points for those redemptions you’re getting between $3,000 to $9,500 in value!

Final Thoughts

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card, Amex Gold card, Capital One Venture card, and Citi Strata Premier card have some of the best welcome bonus offers on the market, plus industry-leading rewards on ongoing purchases.

Remember, if you have a spouse or partner, you can each get your own card and double your earnings!

Using these cards for daily purchases can multiply your rewards compared to if you just used these cards for travel purchases. Whether it’s dining, groceries, or gas, you can get more points on purchases you’re making anyway.

You will also be able to maximize the value of your points significantly by transferring your points to select travel partners and trying some of the most exclusive travel experiences out there, including business and first class flights on legendary airlines like Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa. It’s really hard to beat this.

Key Takeaways Air France operates nonstop flights to Paris from 14 U.S. airports, including Boston (BOS), Denver (DEN), New York (JFK), and San Francisco (SFO).

The best way to book Air France business class is through the following programs: Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Japan Airlines Mileage Bank, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Korean Air SKYPASS, and Delta SkyMiles.

Ideally, you should plan ahead and start searching for award space at least 4 months before your departure.

Air France is one of the largest airlines in the world. With a strong brand and recognition globally, it should be one of the first names you think of when planning a trip to Europe.

Known for its lavish La Première first class product that’s extremely difficult to book with points, Air France also has a fantastic business class product.

You can expect excellent airport lounges, a refined onboard experience, comfortable reverse herringbone seats that recline completely flat, and so much more.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to book nonstop business class flights on Air France using points, so you can enjoy high-quality red wine, visit the Eiffel Tower, and get that selfie with Mona Lisa.

A Look Inside Air France Business Class

Air France business class. Image Credit: Nick Ellis

Air France’s award-winning business class starts with a chic ground experience. First, you’ll enjoy priority check-in lines and an extra baggage allowance.

And if you’re flying from its hub in Paris, you’ll enjoy spacious business class lounges complete with saunas, plentiful catering options, nap rooms, showers, and even detox bars in select lounges.

Once onboard, you’ll see why Air France’s business class product is so well-regarded. However, a word of caution: Air France has wild variations in its business class seats — on one hand, its flagship product is a sleek reverse herringbone seat arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access and lie-flat capabilities.

On the other hand, if you’re not vigilant, you might find yourself in an old, angled-flat business class seat that doesn’t have direct aisle access and is arranged in a more crowded configuration.

You’ll want to be sure to avoid any planes that don’t have a 1-2-1 arrangement unless absolutely necessary, as it could drastically impact your experience.

In addition to great seats on most of its long-haul planes, Air France has one of the best wine lists in the sky, plus an amazing menu, good amenities, and warm service.

Solo travelers should do their best to reserve a window seat while traveling companions can enjoy each other’s company in the middle seats.

How To Fly Air France Business Class Using Points

Fortunately, Air France generously releases a swath of business class award availability at various points in time.

If you happen to be planning a trip far in advance, you’ll often find entire weeks with award space, with 9 seats available on some flights!

If you’re planning a trip within a month of departure, you should still find solid opportunities to redeem points for business class.

Air France levies fuel surcharges of around $200 to $400 for flights between the U.S. and Europe. Generally, fuel surcharges will be higher on flights originating in Europe.

Here’s a list of Air France’s nonstop flights between the U.S. and France:

Atlanta (ATL) – Paris (CDG)

Boston (BOS) – Paris (CDG)

Chicago (ORD) – Paris (CDG)

Dallas (DFW) – Paris (CDG)

Denver (DEN) – Paris (CDG)

Detroit (DTW) – Paris (CDG)

Houston (IAH) – Paris (CDG)

Los Angeles (LAX) – Paris (CDG)

Miami (MIA) – Paris (CDG)

Minneapolis (MSP) – Paris (CDG)

New York (JFK) – Paris (CDG)

San Francisco (SFO) – Paris (CDG)

Seattle (SEA) – Paris (CDG)

Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Paris (CDG)

Air France-KLM Flying Blue

Air France is a subsidiary of Air France-KLM Group, which has a single frequent flyer program under its umbrella: Flying Blue.

Flying Blue, as a whole, offers the best redemption prices for Air France flights in the world.

But one of the most confusing aspects of Flying Blue is that it maintains a hybrid pricing structure — a mix of dynamic award pricing and region-based award pricing.

Specifically, Air France has several buckets of award space, each of which is priced at different mileage amounts.

So even though a nonstop flight between Los Angeles and Paris in Air France business class could require just 60,000 miles each way, it could also cost as much as 285,000 miles!

Whenever you look for award availability on Air France, you’ll want to make sure you’re redeeming points on the lower end of that spectrum in order to get maximum value.

Flying Blue allows one-way and round-trip award bookings — here’s an approximate award chart for one-way flights between the U.S. and Paris:

SCROLL FOR MORE Class Flying Blue miles cost (one-way, cheapest awards) Taxes and fees Economy From 25,000 Around $70 to $158 Business From 60,000 Around $221 to $380

In addition to being the best frequent flyer program to book Air France business class tickets overall, Flying Blue’s website is also the best website to search for award space!

Hot Tip: If you’re planning on redeeming other frequent flyer miles or points for Air France business class, we wouldn’t recommend searching on Flying Blue’s website due to the confusing award buckets that partners can’t access.

Follow these steps to book your ticket with Flying Blue miles:

Go to the U.S. Air France website. Click Log in in the top-right corner. Enter your Flying Blue account details. On the homepage, click Book with Miles. Fill in the flight details and click Search flights. Find the best flight options for your needs. Redeem your Flying Blue miles and use a credit card for taxes and fees.

A successful award search on Flying Blue will show a green box with the lowest-level award space available, the mileage price, and the required taxes and fees.

Earning Air France-KLM Flying Blue Miles

Flying Blue miles are very easy to earn, thanks to a long list of transfer partners. This includes American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Brex Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.

All transfers from Amex, Bilt, Brex, Capital One, Chase, and Citi should transfer almost instantaneously at a 1:1 ratio.

And if you transfer points from Marriott Bonvoy, it’ll be at a 3:1 ratio with a bonus of 5,000 miles when you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to Flying Blue.

There’s also a co-branded credit card issued by Bank of America that earns Flying Blue miles directly.

Recommended Chase Cards (Personal)

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee. Welcome Offer Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 75,000 points UP’s Offer Valuation*: $1,500 Annual Fee $95 APR 19.99% – 28.24% Variable Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Good to Excellent Why We Like This Card The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases. Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler. Pros & Cons Pros 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal

3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services

online grocery purchases, and select streaming services 2x points on all other travel worldwide Cons $95 annual fee

No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status Read Full Review Card Highlights Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel SM , 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases

, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel SM

10% anniversary points boost – each account anniversary you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.

Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.

Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.

Member FDIC Financial Snapshot APR: 19.99% – 28.24% Variable

Foreign Transaction Fees: None Rewards Center Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Sapphire Reserve® U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks. Chase Sapphire Reserve® A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks. Welcome Offer Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve. 100,000 points + $500 Chase Travel credit UP’s Offer Valuation*: $2,000 Annual Fee $795 APR 20.24% – 28.74% Variable Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Excellent Why We Like This Card If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options. The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road. Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee! Pros & Cons Pros 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases

5x points on Lyft rides

4x points on flights and hotels booked directly Cons $795 annual fee Read Full Review Card Highlights Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.

Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases

$300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.

Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge ® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ® every 4 years

by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck every 4 years Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.

Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.

Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music – all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 – a value of $250 annually

Member FDIC Financial Snapshot APR: 20.24% – 28.74% Variable

Foreign Transaction Fees: None Rewards Center Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Freedom Unlimited® U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make! Chase Freedom Unlimited® This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make! Welcome Offer Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. $200 Annual Fee $0 APR 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% – 28.49%. Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Good to Excellent Why We Like This Card The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases. When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet. Pros & Cons Pros 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠

3% back on dining and drugstore purchases

1.5% back on all other purchases Cons 3% foreign transaction fee Read Full Review Card Highlights Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening

Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.

No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!

Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% – 28.49%.

No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited ® card

card Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.

Member FDIC Financial Snapshot APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% – 28.49%.

Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars Rewards Center Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Freedom Flex℠ U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories. Chase Freedom Flex℠ The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories. Welcome Offer Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. $200 Annual Fee $0 APR 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% – 28.49% Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Good to Excellent (670-850) Why We Like This Card The Chase Freedom Flex℠ sure does pack quite a punch — especially for a no-annual-fee card. The Freedom Flex card is an incredible option for those looking for a well-rounded cash-back card, or a powerful point-earner when paired with a premium card in the Ultimate Rewards family. Pros & Cons Pros 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% – 28.49%.

then a variable APR of 18.99% – 28.49%. Powerful cash-back earner: 5% back on quarterly categories and travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases

and travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases No annual fee Cons 3% foreign transaction fees in U.S. dollars Read Full Review Card Highlights Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

5% cash-back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!

5% cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards, and more.

3% cash-back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash-back on all other purchases.

No minimum to redeem for cash-back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.24% – 28.99%.

No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card.

Keep tabs on your credit health – Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more. Financial Snapshot APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% – 28.49%

Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars. Rewards Center Chase Ultimate Rewards

Business Owner? Read our article on the best Chase business cards that earn Ultimate Rewards.

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank has suffered from several devaluations over the years, which ultimately relegated the program to a thing of the past for most travelers. And being among the hardest miles to earn in the world doesn’t boost the value proposition of Mileage Bank, either.

Still, Japan Airlines partners with Air France, which means you can redeem Japan Airlines miles for Air France business class tickets, assuming you can get your hands on Japan Airlines miles in the first place.

Its award structure consists of a straightforward, distance-based award chart, which means you pay more miles the farther you fly.

In general, Japan Airlines doesn’t pass on fuel surcharges on flights originating in the U.S., though it does levy relatively mild fuel surcharges on flights originating in Europe — around $150 per ticket. This is a welcome policy that saves you hundreds of dollars per person.

The Japan Airlines Air France business class awards chart in June 2025. Image Credit: Japan Airlines

Follow these steps to book your ticket online:

Visit Japan Airlines’ website and click Redeem award flights in the middle of the page. Then, click Book International Award Tickets. Log in to your Japan Airlines Mileage Bank account when prompted. At the top of the screen, toggle to JMB Partner Airlines Award Tickets. Choose Round-trip or One-way. Select Air France under the Partner Airlines dropdown box. Fill out the rest of the search information and click Search. Choose the flight result that matches your needs, redeem your JAL miles, and use a credit card for taxes and fees.

Hot Tip: Japan Airlines, as well as all other Air France partners, can only access the lowest level partner award availability, so keep that in mind if you’re not seeing availability match up with Flying Blue’s website.

Earning Japan Airlines Mileage Bank Miles

As we mentioned above, Japan Airlines’ miles are difficult to earn. Even though there are many ways to earn them, most of these probably don’t intersect with your daily life.

That’s why the best way you can earn JAL miles is through its only U.S. transfer partner: Marriott Bonvoy.

You’ll transfer points to JAL at a 3:1 ratio with a 5,000-mile bonus when you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. That means for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer, you’ll earn 25,000 Japan Airlines miles. Transfers take around 2 business days to process.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Another solid frequent flyer program to use is Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, which maintains a strategic partnership with Air France.

Again, you can only access the lowest-level partner award availability when redeeming Virgin Points.

Unfortunately, fuel surcharges are passed on when redeeming Virgin Points and its search engine can be difficult to navigate.

That said, there are plenty of ways to earn lots of Virgin Points, which is why we’re fans of this program.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club uses a region-based award chart for long-haul business class flights on Air France. Here’s what it looks like:

SCROLL FOR MORE Class Virgin points cost (one-way) [From East Coast North America and Caribbean to Western and Central Europe] Virgin points cost (one-way) [From western and central North America and Central America to Western and Central Europe] Taxes and fees Economy (standard) 12,000 15,000 ~$164 to $243 Economy (peak) 22,000 25,000 ~$164 to $243 Business (standard) 48,500 61,000 ~$302 to $409 Business (peak) 58,500 71,000 ~$302 to $409

You’ll also notice that Virgin Atlantic Flying Club uses standard and peak pricing, as well. Here’s the breakdown of seasonality dates:

Standard and peak season travel dates for Air France flights on Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Image Credit: Virgin Atlantic

For example, a one-way business class flight departing on June 10, 2022, would fall under standard season pricing, while the same flight departing on June 20, 2022, would fall under peak pricing.

Ready to redeem your Virgin Points? Follow these steps:

Visit Virgin Atlantic’s homepage. On the top of the page, you’ll find a search box. Fill out the search box, click Advanced search under the number of passengers, and select Points under Show Price in. Click Upper Class under Show Fares For, and click the search button. Sift through the search results, pick the option that’s best for you, and redeem your Virgin Points. Use a credit card to pay for any leftover taxes and fees.

Earning Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Points

As we mentioned earlier, Virgin Points are easy to earn. Virgin Atlantic has transfer partnerships with American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.

Amex, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, and Citi transfer at a 1:1 ratio almost instantly. Marriott Bonvoy transfers at a 3:1 ratio with a 5,000-mile bonus after transferring 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. Transfers generally take around 6 to 10 business days to complete, so keep that in mind.

You can also earn Virgin Points from the co-branded Bank of America credit cards.

Recommended American Express Cards (Personal)

NEW OFFER Terms Apply / Rates & Fees The Platinum Card® from American Express U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status. Apply Now (at Amex’s secure site) Apply With Confidence Know if you’re approved with no credit score impact If you’re approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted. The Platinum Card® from American Express The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status. Welcome Offer You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer. UP’s Offer Valuation*: Up to $3,850 Annual Fee $695 APR See Pay Over Time APR Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Good to Excellent Why We Like This Card When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express. Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year. Pros & Cons Pros The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!

— enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more! 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)

purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year) 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com Cons $695 annual fee (rates and fees)

Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags) Read Full Review Card Highlights You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 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.

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 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel ® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel ® .

Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel . $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.

or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.

on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required. Enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, with over $500 of annual value if you visit Centurion Lounges and each of our partner lounges including Delta Sky Club ® lounges when flying an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations) , select Lufthansa lounges when flying Lufthansa, Plaza Premium lounges and Escape Lounges, and enroll in Priority Pass Select. See terms.

lounges when flying an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations) , select Lufthansa lounges when flying Lufthansa, Plaza Premium lounges and Escape Lounges, and enroll in Priority Pass Select. See terms. A Walmart+ membership can get you free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items shipped by Walmart. Use your Platinum Card ® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive one statement credit for up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible) each month. Free Shipping excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required.

to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive one statement credit for up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible) each month. Free Shipping excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.

Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details. $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card ® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.

Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. $199 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: CLEAR ® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card ® .

Plus Credit: CLEAR Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card . Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.

(through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost. Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.

. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required. Use Global Dining Access by Resy to access premium dining experiences. Receive Priority Notify and unlock insider access to some of the world’s most sought-after restaurants with Global Dining Access by Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log into Resy.com and add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.

to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you. $695 annual fee.

Terms Apply. Financial Snapshot APR: See Pay Over Time APR

Foreign Transaction Fees: None Rewards Center American Express Membership Rewards

NEW OFFER Terms Apply / Rates & Fees American Express® Gold Card U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets! Apply Now (at Amex’s secure site) Apply With Confidence Know if you’re approved with no credit score impact If you’re approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted. American Express® Gold Card This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets! Welcome Offer You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer. UP’s Offer Valuation*: Up to $2,200 Annual Fee $325 APR See Pay Over Time APR Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Good to Excellent Why We Like This Card The American Express® Gold Card is a game-changer. With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x. There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more. Pros & Cons Pros 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter

up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter

up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com Cons $325 annual fee (rates and fees)

No lounge access Read Full Review Card Highlights You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $6,000 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.

Points after you spend $6,000 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.

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.

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 3X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.

points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. Earn 2X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.

points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards ® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.

points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply. $84 Dunkin’ Credit: With the $84 Dunkin’ Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.

Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit. $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.

Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required. $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.

Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required. Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.

No Foreign Transaction Fees.

Annual Fee is $325.

Terms Apply. Financial Snapshot APR: See Pay Over Time APR

Foreign Transaction Fees: None Rewards Center American Express Membership Rewards

Business Owner? Check out our article on the best Amex business cards that earn Membership Rewards.

Korean Air SKYPASS

Korean Air is one of Air France’s SkyTeam alliance partners. And with an attractive award chart, using Korean Air miles to book Air France business class should at least be on your radar.

Korean Air SKYPASS only allows round-trip award bookings on partner airlines (it allows one-way flights on Korean Air flights only), and all fuel surcharges are passed on. The fuel surcharges make booking Air France economy flights with Korean Air miles totally not worth it.

However, business class may still be worth it because of the amazing redemption rates between the U.S. and Europe (France included):

SCROLL FOR MORE Class Korean Air SKYPASS miles cost (round-trip) Taxes and fees Economy 50,000 About $407 Business 80,000 About $711

Here are the steps to book Air France business class using Korean Air miles:

Find award availability using a partner search engine, such as Virgin Atlantic or Japan Airlines. After finding your desired flight, call Korean Air SKYPASS at 800-438-5000 to book the ticket. Use a credit card for taxes and fees.

Earning Korean Air SKYPASS Miles

Korean Air miles are very difficult to earn. It has no transfer partners, so the only option is to earn Korean Air miles directly from the co-branded credit card products issued by U.S. Bank.

Delta SkyMiles

The last major frequent flyer program we’ll be discussing is Delta SkyMiles, simply because it’s a familiar program for U.S.-based travelers.

Unfortunately, that’s pretty much where the positives end, because this program has been mercilessly devalued over the years.

Here’s the award chart for Air France-operated flights booked with Delta SkyMiles:

SCROLL FOR MORE Class Delta SkyMiles cost (one-way) Taxes and fees Economy 35,000 (55,000 when booking less than 21 days in advance) Around $6 to $230 Business 120,000 (195,000 when booking less than 21 days in advance) Around $6 to $360

Delta SkyMiles doesn’t pass on fuel surcharges for Air France award flights originating in the U.S. Unfortunately, Delta SkyMiles does pass on fuel surcharges for Air France flights originating in Europe.

However, the good news is that the booking process is simple:

Go to Delta.com. On the top ribbon, fill out the search box. Remember to toggle Shop with Miles and Delta One under Best Fares For. Search for your flight, redeem your SkyMiles, and use a credit card for taxes and fees.

Earning Delta SkyMiles

While it’s going to take more SkyMiles to book a given flight, it’s also a bit easier to earn Delta SkyMiles.

That’s because, in addition to earning SkyMiles on paid Delta flights, you can earn SkyMiles through transfers from Amex Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy.

Amex transfers to Delta SkyMiles instantly at a 1:1 ratio, while Marriott Bonvoy transfers at a 3:1 ratio. Marriott Bonvoy transfers take approximately 1 business day.

You can also earn Delta SkyMiles directly through an assortment of Delta SkyMiles credit cards issued by American Express.

Recommended Delta Cards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This card provides bonus SkyMiles on all purchases, along with a free checked bag, priority boarding, and discounted award flights. Apply Now (at Amex’s secure site) Apply With Confidence Know if you’re approved with no credit score impact If you’re approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card This card provides bonus SkyMiles on all purchases, along with a free checked bag, priority boarding, and discounted award flights. Welcome Offer Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. 50,000 miles UP’s Offer Valuation*: Up to $600 Annual Fee $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150. APR 20.24%-29.24% Variable Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Good to Excellent Why We Like This Card Frequent Delta flyers will love the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. The card offers great benefits that will help save you money, effectively mimics low-level elite status with Delta SkyMiles, and helps you earn miles even faster, all for a low annual fee. Let’s dive into the benefits to see if the Delta Gold card is a good fit for your needs. Pros & Cons Pros $100 Delta Stays Credit: You can earn up to $100 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com .

Receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel after you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year.

Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. Cons Moderate annual fee

Earn rate for Delta flights is relatively low compared to other travel cards Read Full Review Card Highlights Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150.

Delta SkyMiles ® Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.

Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.

Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.

Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.

$100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles ® Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.

Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com. Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.

Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.

No Foreign Transaction Fees.

With Send & Split ® , you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.

, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today. Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Terms Apply. Financial Snapshot APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable

Foreign Transaction Fees: None Rewards Center Delta SkyMiles Frequent Flyer Program

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card’s bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status. Apply Now (at Amex’s secure site) Apply With Confidence Know if you’re approved with no credit score impact If you’re approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card’s bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status. Welcome Offer Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. 60,000 miles UP’s Offer Valuation*: Up to $720 Annual Fee $350 APR 20.24%-29.24% Variable Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Good to Excellent Why We Like This Card The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card can be a great option for those seeking additional ways to obtain a higher level of status — or to maintain their current status — with the airline. A key feature of this card is the ability to earn bonus Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) that are essential for earning Delta status. This could help you get closer to earning a handful of valuable benefits with the airline. Pros & Cons Pros 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on Delta purchases

3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on purchases made directly with hotels

2x SkyMiles per $1 spent at restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and U.S. supermarkets Cons $350 annual fee (rates & fees)

Does not earn transferable rewards Read Full Review Card Highlights Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.

Receive $2,500 Medallion ® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.

Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year. Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.

Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.

Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.

Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

$120 Resy Credit: Get up to $10 in statement credits each month after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases.

Platinum American Express Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. $120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.

Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required. You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.

Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.

(through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost. Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.

Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members. No Foreign Transaction Fees.

$350 Annual Fee.

Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Terms Apply. Financial Snapshot APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable

Foreign Transaction Fees: None Rewards Center Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card. Apply Now (at Amex’s secure site) Apply With Confidence Know if you’re approved with no credit score impact If you’re approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card. Welcome Offer Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. 70,000 miles UP’s Offer Valuation*: Up to $840 Annual Fee $650 APR 20.24%-29.24% Variable Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Good to Excellent Why We Like This Card The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a stellar option for frequent travelers who always fly with Delta thanks to its MQD Headstart towards status boost, lounge access, annual companion certificate, and many other great benefits. Here is a full look at everything the Delta Reserve card can offer to you to help you decide whether the card deserves a place in your wallet. Pros & Cons Pros 3x SkyMiles per $1 on Delta purchases.

1x SkyMile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights. Cons $650 annual fee (rates & fees)

No bonus categories other than Delta purchases Read Full Review Card Highlights Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion ® Year to the Delta Sky Club ® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.

Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion Year to the Delta Sky Club when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together. Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion ® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.

Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card. Receive $2,500 Medallion ® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.

Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year. Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a First Class, Delta Comfort+ ® , or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.

, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.

Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required. $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.

Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required. Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.

Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. With your Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion tier and fare class grouping when you fly with Delta.

Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion tier and fare class grouping when you fly with Delta. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

No Foreign Transaction Fees.

$650 Annual Fee.

Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Terms Apply. Financial Snapshot APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable

Foreign Transaction Fees: None Rewards Center Delta SkyMiles Airline Loyalty Program

Other Options for Booking Air France

In addition to the frequent flyer programs mentioned above, you can also redeem miles from other programs, such as Aeromexico Rewards, China Southern Sky Pearl Club, and Aeroflot Bonus for Air France business class flights.

However, these typically have subpar redemption prices, difficult booking processes, or miles that are hard to earn, so we’d recommend sticking to the programs listed in the previous sections.

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Great Air France Business Class Redemptions

Now that we’ve dissected our 5 favorite loyalty programs to book Air France business class, let’s put all of our findings together. For some programs, the exact price you’ll pay will depend on the route you’re flying, which is why some of these programs have price ranges.

Here’s what a round-trip business class flight on Air France between the U.S. and Paris would look like:

SCROLL FOR MORE Route (round-trip) Flying Blue miles cost Japan Airlines miles cost Virgin points cost Delta SkyMiles cost Korean Air miles cost U.S. to France 120,000 plus $601 80,000 to 120,000 plus $160 97,000 to 142,000 plus $711 240,000 plus $400 80,000 plus $711

If you were capable of racking up any type of currency, Korean Air SKYPASS and Japan Airlines Mileage Bank would likely have the lowest redemption prices; Japan Airlines also offers the lowest fuel surcharges.

More realistically, however, we’d recommend Air France-KLM Flying Blue, especially if you need to access a larger bucket of award availability.

But if you’re departing from the U.S. East Coast during the standard season (as defined by Virgin Atlantic), you might also consider redeeming Virgin Points.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Air France-KLM Flying Blue are transfer partners with American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy. Flying Blue is also partners with Brex Rewards.

If you have a bunch of Delta SkyMiles sitting around, you can redeem those for an Air France business class flight, but we would generally never recommend transferring points from Amex to Delta SkyMiles for this redemption.

Let’s talk about stopovers. For the most part, you’ll find that these rules apply:

Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and Delta SkyMiles do not permit complimentary stopovers

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank allows up to 3 stopovers or 2 stopovers and 1 open-jaw

Korean Air SKYPASS allows 1 stopover per SkyTeam ticket

Now that we’ve gone over all of the details, let’s put this together and outline some of the best redemptions you can make on Air France business class:

Atlanta (ATL) – Paris (CDG) one-way in Air France business class for 120,000 Delta SkyMiles plus about $6 in taxes and fees

one-way in Air France business class for 120,000 Delta SkyMiles plus about $6 in taxes and fees Denver (DEN) – Paris (CDG) round-trip in Air France business class for 120,000 Japan Airlines miles plus about $160 in taxes and fees

round-trip in Air France business class for 120,000 Japan Airlines miles plus about $160 in taxes and fees Detroit (DTW) – Paris (CDG) round-trip in Air France business class for 84,000 Japan Airlines miles plus about $160 in taxes and fees

round-trip in Air France business class for 84,000 Japan Airlines miles plus about $160 in taxes and fees Houston (IAH) – Paris (CDG) round-trip in Air France business class for 80,000 Korean Air miles plus about $711 in taxes and fees

round-trip in Air France business class for 80,000 Korean Air miles plus about $711 in taxes and fees Los Angeles (LAX) – Paris (CDG) round-trip in Air France business class for 80,000 Korean Air miles plus about $711 in taxes and fees

round-trip in Air France business class for 80,000 Korean Air miles plus about $711 in taxes and fees Miami (MIA) – Paris (CDG) one-way in Air France business class for 60,000 Flying Blue miles plus about $601 in taxes and fees

one-way in Air France business class for 60,000 Flying Blue miles plus about $601 in taxes and fees Minneapolis (MSP) – Paris (CDG) one-way in Air France business class during the standard season for 61,000 Virgin Points plus about $302 in taxes and fees

one-way in Air France business class during the standard season for 61,000 Virgin Points plus about $302 in taxes and fees New York (JFK) – Paris (CDG) one-way in Air France business class for 60,000 Flying Blue miles plus about $601 in taxes and fees

one-way in Air France business class for 60,000 Flying Blue miles plus about $601 in taxes and fees San Francisco (SFO) – Paris (CDG) one-way in Air France business class for 120,000 Delta SkyMiles plus about $6 in taxes and fees

one-way in Air France business class for 120,000 Delta SkyMiles plus about $6 in taxes and fees Seattle (SEA) – Paris (CDG) one-way in Air France business class during the standard season for 61,000 Virgin Points plus about $302 in taxes and fees

one-way in Air France business class during the standard season for 61,000 Virgin Points plus about $302 in taxes and fees Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Paris (CDG) one-way in Air France business class for 60,000 Flying Blue miles plus about $601 in taxes and fees

How To Earn Enough Miles for Air France Business Class

Remember, as long as you have transferable rewards points, you can book Air France business class easily.

We took a deep dive into each of the recommended frequent flyer programs, and in this section, we’ll show you how to approach transfer partnerships to book Air France business class.

As we noted earlier, the lowest mileage cost will likely come from Korean Air SKYPASS or Japan Airlines Mileage Bank. To earn these miles, your best shot is to transfer from Marriott Bonvoy.

If you need to access enhanced award space, stick with Flying Blue.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is also a great option, particularly for flights that fall under its standard season dates, though keep in mind you’ll have to pony up hefty fuel surcharges.

If you already have a bunch of Delta SkyMiles sitting in your account, you can redeem them for Air France business class flights.

Here’s a summary of the transferable points you can earn to book Air France business class:

Amex Membership Rewards points transfer to Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and Delta SkyMiles at a 1:1 ratio almost instantly.

Bilt Rewards transfer to Air France-KLM Flying Blue and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at a 1:1 ratio almost instantly.

Brex Rewards transfer to Air France-KLM Flying Blue at a 1:1 ratio almost instantly.

Capital One miles transfer to Air France-KLM Flying Club and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at a 1:1 ratio almost instantly.

Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to Air France-KLM Flying Blue and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at a 1:1 ratio almost instantly.

Citi ThankYou Rewards Points transfer to Air France-KLM Flying Blue and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at a 1:1 ratio almost instantly.

Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to Air France-KLM Flying Blue (3 days), Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (1 day), Japan Airlines Mileage Bank (2 days), and Delta SkyMiles (1 day) at a 3:1 ratio.

Also, transfer bonuses of 15% to 30% have been offered to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Air France-KLM Flying Blue, primarily from Amex and Citi.

You can expect to never get any transfer bonuses from Delta SkyMiles.

When Should You Search for Award Space

Air France is one of the few airlines that releases 8 or more business class seats on select flights between the U.S. and France.

In general, you’ll have better luck finding flights to/from the U.S. East Coast, as opposed to the U.S. West Coast.

That being said, if you plan ahead (ideally 4 months or more before departure), you can usually find flights with 6 or more business class seats available.

Generally, the closer you get to your departure date, the harder it is to find low-level award availability.

We recommend searching for award availability on Air France’s website if you intend on redeeming Flying Blue miles. Otherwise, Virgin Atlantic has a decent search engine, as well as Delta SkyMiles.

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Why Air France Business Class Is a Great Redemption

Air France business class is one of the most sought-after products when crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

And as long as you’re not flying on an older aircraft with a dated business-class seat, you should have a great flight.

Today, though, most of its planes are equipped with reverse-herringbone seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. These seats recline 180 degrees, have direct aisle access, and are easily bookable using points.

Great Award Availability

As we mentioned, Air France business class is readily bookable using a variety of different frequent flyer programs. And if you look far in advance, you will often see flights with 8 or more business class seats available on points.

That’s an incredible value proposition because this represents one of the rare airlines that releases enough award availability for large families.

Thanks to Air France’s airline partners in the SkyTeam alliance, as well as non-alliance partners, it’s easy to make this product the next one you fly.

Reverse-Herringbone Seats

Image Credit: Ryan Smith

Air France’s hard product is, for the most part, awesome.

Certain flights offer a downgraded Airbus A330-300 or 3-cabin Boeing 777-300ER business class product that falls behind its flagship product.

To avoid booking one of these flights, we recommend using SeatGuru to check your seat map before booking your ticket, just in case.

In addition to a superb hard product, you’ll get comfortable bedding, including a pillow, a duvet, luxury amenities, and more.

Terrific Food and Beverages

Air France business class. Image Credit: Air France

The last element that makes Air France stand out is the food and beverage. Classic French delicacies are served, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

The beverage list — the wine selection in particular — is expansive. Laurent-Perrier is the main Champagne pour here.

Generally, long-haul flights have at least 2 full meals, though you can also enjoy snacks and small bites throughout the flight.

Final Thoughts

Air France offers a generally consistent business class product that many airlines aspire to emulate.

Although its product isn’t as glamorous and showy as, say, Emirates business class or Qatar Airways Qsuites, the theme is elegance and understated luxury.

Luckily, Air France business class can be booked in an assortment of ways, including with any transferable rewards currency — our top picks are Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Japan Airlines Mileage Bank, Delta SkyMiles, and Korean Air SKYPASS.

With all of this knowledge in mind, have fun booking your next trip, and cheers to your next Air France business class flight!

Key Takeaways Flying to Europe with points is best achieved using programs such as Air Canada Aeroplan, ANA Mileage Club, or Avianca LifeMiles, which offer competitive redemption rates for transatlantic flights.

You can transfer points from programs such as Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Chase Ultimate Rewards to partner airlines for more booking flexibility.

A round-trip flight to Europe could cost as little as 45,000 points in economy or 68,000 in business class.

Paris in the spring. Spain’s Costa del Sol in the summer. Christmas markets in Germany. No matter the time of year, there is always a great reason to travel to Europe!

Cash fares between the U.S. and Europe can be pricey, especially during peak travel season. It’s not uncommon to see round-trip airfare above $1,500 in economy. Fortunately, there’s a way around this: using points and miles for award redemptions.

If you book award tickets to Europe with miles and points, you can use the money you saved to enjoy the destination. This guide looks at the best ways to book award flights to Europe.

Best Programs To Book European Flights

You will find many options when you search for paid flights to Europe from the U.S. From low-cost carriers to some of the world’s best first class products, there’s something for everyone. Just make sure you’re up to date regarding ETIAS and visiting Schengen countries in Europe before you book your ticket.

If you live on the East Coast and can handle an economy class flight, you can save some of your points for another day. But if you live on the West Coast, a lie-flat bed is a little more important so you can hit the ground running when you arrive at your destination.

Many factors go into determining the best flight for a specific route or even for a specific passenger. For example, do you prefer lie-flat seats, great food, a friendly crew, or all of the above?

Choosing the best airline comes down to evaluating your personal preferences.

Below, we show you some of the best options for using your points for economy, business, and first class flights. No matter how you like to fly, we have you covered!

Hot Tip: We mainly discuss round-trip award prices, but remember that many airline loyalty programs will let you book one-way award tickets for half the miles.

Air Canada Aeroplan

Singapore Airlines business class on the Boeing 777-300er. Image Credit: Ehsan Haque

Air Canada Aeroplan is a fantastic way to book award flights to Europe, thanks to its extensive reach via the Star Alliance network. The program also has solid award pricing for partner airline redemptions, allows for stopovers for just 5,000 points, and does not levy fuel surcharges for partner redemptions.

Air Canada Aeroplan divides the world into 4 zones: North America, the Atlantic, the Pacific, and South America. The award chart is a combination of region-based and distance-based.

Here’s the award pricing for flights between the U.S. and the Atlantic zone (which covers all of Europe):

SCROLL FOR MORE Distance (miles) Operated by Economy Premium economy Business First 0 to 4,000 Air Canada 35,000+ 50,000 to 74,300 60,000 to 80,000 90,000+ Partner Airlines 35,000 – 60,000 90,000 4,001 to 6,000 Air Canada 40,000+ 60,000 to 83,900 70,000 to 80,000 100,000+ Partner Airlines 40,000 – 70,000 100,000 6,001 to 8,000 Air Canada 55,000 to 60,700 70,000 to 112,100 85,000 to 113,000 120,000+ Partner Airlines 55,000 – 90,000 130,000 8,001 or more Air Canada 70,000+ 85,000 to 101,800 100,000 to 134,500 130,000+ Partner Airlines 70,000 – 110,000 140,000

Here are some great example routes you can take:

New York (JFK) – Frankfurt (FRA) for 60,000 Aeroplan points plus taxes and fees in Singapore Airlines 777 business class

for 60,000 Aeroplan points plus taxes and fees in Singapore Airlines 777 business class Chicago (ORD) – Zurich (ZRH) for 70,000 Aeroplan points plus taxes and fees in Swiss business class

for 70,000 Aeroplan points plus taxes and fees in Swiss business class Miami (MIA) – Istanbul (IST) for 70,000 Aeroplan points plus taxes and fees in Turkish Airlines business class

Once you’ve got enough points, follow these steps to book your award travel:

Go to Air Canada Aeroplan’s homepage. Click “Sign in” at the top-right corner. Type in your Aeroplan number and password. Click “Sign in.” On the redirected page, enter your travel dates, trip type, origin and destination airports, number of travelers, and desired booking class. Be sure to have “Points” selected instead of “US $.” Click “Find” and select your flights. Pay with miles and use a credit card to cover the taxes and fees.

Earning Air Canada Aeroplan Points

Aeroplan makes earning points easy. The airline is a transfer partner with most transferable point programs, including American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Marriott Bonvoy.

Amex, Bilt, Chase, and Capital One transfer to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio. Meanwhile, Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points transferred at once.

You can also get the Aeroplan® Credit Card, which earns 3x points on dining, groceries, and Air Canada purchases and 1x points everywhere else.

Recommended Capital One Cards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card. Apply Now (at Capital One’s secure site) Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card. Welcome Offer Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel. 75,000 miles UP’s Offer Valuation*: $1,350 Annual Fee $395 APR Purchases: 19.99% – 29.24% (Variable) Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Excellent (740-840) Why We Like This Card The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block. Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards. Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet. Pros & Cons Pros 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel

5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel

2x miles per $1 on all other purchases Cons $395 annual fee (rates & fees)

Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status Read Full Review Card Highlights Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options

Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary

Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel

Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases

Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment

Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection

Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Financial Snapshot APR: Purchases: 19.99% – 29.24% (Variable)

Foreign Transaction Fees: None Rewards Center Capital One Miles

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card! Apply Now (at Capital One’s secure site) Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card! Welcome Offer Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel. 75,000 miles UP’s Offer Valuation*: $1,350 Annual Fee $95 APR Purchases: 19.99% – 29.24% (Variable) Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Good to Excellent Credit (670-850) Why We Like This Card The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options. Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption. Pros & Cons Pros 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit Cons $95 annual fee

Limited elite benefits Read Full Review Card Highlights Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day

Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options

Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn

Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®

Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel

Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection

Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs Financial Snapshot APR: Purchases: 19.99% – 29.24% (Variable)

Foreign Transaction Fees: None Rewards Center Capital One Miles

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top. Welcome Offer Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel. 20,000 miles UP’s Offer Valuation*: $360 Annual Fee $0 APR Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 19.24% – 29.24% thereafter Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Good to Excellent (670-850) Why We Like This Card Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card. In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees. But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card? Pros & Cons Pros No annual fee

No foreign transaction fees

Ability to use transfer partners Cons Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases

No luxury travel or elite benefits Read Full Review Card Highlights Financial Snapshot APR: Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 19.24% – 29.24% thereafter

Foreign Transaction Fees: Rewards Center Capital One Miles

Recommended Aeroplan® Credit Card

Aeroplan® Credit Card U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. The Aeroplan card is a great option for Air Canada flyers looking to earn more points and receive automatic elite status. Aeroplan® Credit Card The Aeroplan card is a great option for Air Canada flyers looking to earn more points and receive automatic elite status. Welcome Offer Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. 75,000 bonus points UP’s Offer Valuation*: $1,125 Annual Fee $95 APR 20.49% – 28.99% Variable Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Good to Excellent (670-850) Why We Like This Card Flyers based in the U.S. may think they wouldn’t have a need for a card like the Aeroplan® Credit Card, it might be much better suited for you than you think. Not only does Air Canada offer fantastic award redemptions, but adding the card to your wallet makes the program even more rewarding by offering elite status, more points, travel coverage, and more. Let’s take a closer look and see why the Aeroplan card might make a lot of sense for you. Pros & Cons Pros 3x points per $1 on Air Canada purchases, at grocery stores, and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)

500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month (up to a maximum of 1,500 bonus points)

Receive Aeroplan 25K status for the remainder of the calendar year, plus the following calendar year, and continue to extend it beyond that by spending $15,000 on the card per calendar year Cons $95 annual fee

Does not earn transferable rewards Read Full Review Card Highlights Earn 75,000 bonus points

Earn 75K bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

$95 Annual Fee

Redeem points for both international and domestic flights with the Aeroplan ® Credit Card.

Credit Card. Fly to another continent and travel the world with the Aeroplan ® Credit Card.

Credit Card. Earn 3X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and Air Canada directly. Earn 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.

500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month – up to 1,500 points per month.

Member FDIC Financial Snapshot APR: 20.49% – 28.99% Variable

Foreign Transaction Fees: None

ANA Mileage Club

Use ANA miles to book Turkish Airlines Boeing 787-9 business class. Image Credit: Greg Stone

ANA Mileage Club offers excellent redemption rates for business class flights. It mostly outperforms the competition regarding value for your miles.

It doesn’t charge fuel surcharges on some airlines, so you can choose to fly ANA to minimize your out-of-pocket cost. Additionally, the program has a great stopover and open-jaw policy.

ANA has 3 main zone-based award charts: ANA domestic flight awards, ANA international flight awards, and partner flight awards. Mileage Club also prices its flights based on seasonality (low, regular, and high), although partner redemptions do not follow seasonality rules.

Here’s the round-trip pricing for Star Alliance flights between North America (Zone 6) and Europe (Zone 7):

SCROLL FOR MORE Class of Service Mileage Cost (Partners) Economy (Y) 55,000 ANA miles Business (C) 100,000 ANA miles First (F) 165,000 ANA miles

Generally, the best airlines to book with low fuel surcharges are Turkish Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, and United Airlines.

Here are a few amazing routes you can book:

Atlanta (ATL) – Istanbul (IST) round-trip in Turkish business class for 100,000 ANA miles plus taxes and fees

round-trip in Turkish business class for 100,000 ANA miles plus taxes and fees Chicago (ORD) – Paris (CDG) round-trip in United Polaris class for 100,000 ANA miles plus taxes and fees

round-trip in United Polaris class for 100,000 ANA miles plus taxes and fees Los Angeles (LAX) – Warsaw (WAW) round-trip in LOT Polish business class for 100,000 ANA miles plus taxes and fees

round-trip in LOT Polish business class for 100,000 ANA miles plus taxes and fees Washington, D.C. (IAD) – London (LHR) round-trip in United Polaris class for 100,000 ANA miles plus taxes and fees

ANA is a pretty easy program to redeem miles with. You can make bookings completely online using its award search engine. However, we recommend doing your initial award availability search on United’s website:

Go to United’s homepage and perform your award search. Write down the flight details and schedule. Go to ANA’s U.S. website. Click “Award Booking” in the search box. Log in to your ANA account. On the redirected page, enter your search details. Click “Search.“ Choose the flight that matches your desired booking. Redeem your ANA miles and use a credit card for taxes and fees.

Hot Tip: Although ANA Mileage Club has fantastic award pricing (round-trip business class awards for 100,000 miles), the program levies fuel surcharges which can be hundreds of dollars on many Star Alliance partner airlines.

Earning ANA Mileage Club Miles

Earning ANA miles is easy, as ANA is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy.

American Express Membership Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio, and with every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you receive 5,000 bonus miles.

Recommended American Express Cards (Personal)

NEW OFFER Terms Apply / Rates & Fees The Platinum Card® from American Express U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status. Apply Now (at Amex’s secure site) Apply With Confidence Know if you’re approved with no credit score impact If you’re approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted. The Platinum Card® from American Express The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status. Welcome Offer You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer. UP’s Offer Valuation*: Up to $3,850 Annual Fee $695 APR See Pay Over Time APR Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Good to Excellent Why We Like This Card When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express. Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year. Pros & Cons Pros The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!

— enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more! 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)

purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year) 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com Cons $695 annual fee (rates and fees)

Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags) Read Full Review Card Highlights You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 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.

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 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel ® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel ® .

Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel . $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.

or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.

on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required. Enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, with over $500 of annual value if you visit Centurion Lounges and each of our partner lounges including Delta Sky Club ® lounges when flying an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations) , select Lufthansa lounges when flying Lufthansa, Plaza Premium lounges and Escape Lounges, and enroll in Priority Pass Select. See terms.

lounges when flying an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations) , select Lufthansa lounges when flying Lufthansa, Plaza Premium lounges and Escape Lounges, and enroll in Priority Pass Select. See terms. A Walmart+ membership can get you free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items shipped by Walmart. Use your Platinum Card ® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive one statement credit for up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible) each month. Free Shipping excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required.

to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive one statement credit for up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible) each month. Free Shipping excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.

Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details. $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card ® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.

Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. $199 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: CLEAR ® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card ® .

Plus Credit: CLEAR Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card . Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.

(through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost. Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.

. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required. Use Global Dining Access by Resy to access premium dining experiences. Receive Priority Notify and unlock insider access to some of the world’s most sought-after restaurants with Global Dining Access by Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log into Resy.com and add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.

to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you. $695 annual fee.

Terms Apply. Financial Snapshot APR: See Pay Over Time APR

Foreign Transaction Fees: None Rewards Center American Express Membership Rewards

NEW OFFER Terms Apply / Rates & Fees American Express® Gold Card U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets! Apply Now (at Amex’s secure site) Apply With Confidence Know if you’re approved with no credit score impact If you’re approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted. American Express® Gold Card This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets! Welcome Offer You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer. UP’s Offer Valuation*: Up to $2,200 Annual Fee $325 APR See Pay Over Time APR Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Good to Excellent Why We Like This Card The American Express® Gold Card is a game-changer. With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x. There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more. Pros & Cons Pros 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter

up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter

up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com Cons $325 annual fee (rates and fees)

No lounge access Read Full Review Card Highlights You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $6,000 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.

Points after you spend $6,000 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.

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.

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 3X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.

points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. Earn 2X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.

points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards ® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.

points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply. $84 Dunkin’ Credit: With the $84 Dunkin’ Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.

Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit. $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.

Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required. $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.

Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required. Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.

No Foreign Transaction Fees.

Annual Fee is $325.

Terms Apply. Financial Snapshot APR: See Pay Over Time APR

Foreign Transaction Fees: None Rewards Center American Express Membership Rewards

Avianca LifeMiles

Flying United Polaris with Avianca LifeMiles is a great way to fly to Europe! Image Credit: Katie Corrigan Seemann

LifeMiles, Avianca’s loyalty program, was long considered the best way to redeem miles for business and first class flights between the U.S. and Europe. There are many great ways to redeem LifeMiles, and the program offers plenty of benefits, including ease of earning miles and no fuel surcharges.

LifeMiles has a convoluted Star Alliance award chart and pricing awards based on region. Although the award chart was significantly devalued recently, it remains competitively priced. LifeMiles charges 35,000 miles for economy flights, 70,000 for business class flights, and 130,000 for first class flights.

Best of all, taxes and fees are around $30 to $50 each way, which is an incredible deal.

Here are some excellent LifeMiles redemptions you can make to Europe:

Chicago (ORD) – Frankfurt (FRA) one-way in Lufthansa first class for 130,000 LifeMiles plus taxes and fees

one-way in Lufthansa first class for 130,000 LifeMiles plus taxes and fees Los Angeles (LAX) – London (LHR) one-way in United Polaris class for 80,000 LifeMiles plus taxes and fees

one-way in United Polaris class for 80,000 LifeMiles plus taxes and fees New York (JFK) – Vienna (VIE) one-way in Austrian Airlines business class for 80,000 LifeMiles plus taxes and fees

one-way in Austrian Airlines business class for 80,000 LifeMiles plus taxes and fees San Francisco (SFO) – Zurich (ZRH) one-way in SWISS business class for 80,000 LifeMiles plus taxes and fees

one-way in SWISS business class for 80,000 LifeMiles plus taxes and fees Toronto (YYZ) – Munich (MUC) one-way in Lufthansa business class for 80,000 LifeMiles plus about $52 in taxes and fees

Once you’re ready to make your booking, follow these instructions:

Go to the LifeMiles website. Adjust the language to English by clicking the flag icon in the top-right corner. Click “Log In.” Click “Travel” on the top banner of the homepage. Fill in your flight details and click “Find Flights.” Choose the desired travel dates. Select what you like, redeem your LifeMiles, enter your travelers’ information, and use a credit card for taxes and fees.

Earning Avianca LifeMiles

Avianca LifeMiles program is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Brex Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and Wells Fargo Rewards.

Aside from Marriott Bonvoy, all other transferable rewards programs transfer to LifeMiles at a 1:1 ratio. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio.

Recommended Citi Cards

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. Citi Strata Premier℠ Card Welcome Offer Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com 60,000 points UP’s Offer Valuation*: $960 Annual Fee $95 APR 20.24% – 28.24% Variable APR Why We Like This Card The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that allows you to earn big rewards on a variety of purchases like air travel, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and more, along with flexible redemption options, all for a modest annual fee. Pros & Cons Pros 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com

3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations

$100 annual hotel benefit Cons $95 annual fee Read Full Review Card Highlights Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com .

. Earn 10X points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.

Earn 3X points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations.

Earn 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

$100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.

No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card.

No foreign transaction fees on purchases. Financial Snapshot APR: 20.24% – 28.24% Variable APR

Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Air France-KLM Flying Blue

Air France’s new business class on the Airbus A350. Image Credit: Ryan Smith

Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue loyalty program can be a great way to book award flights to Europe. In early 2025, the program underwent a major devaluation, and award pricing for flights between the U.S. and Europe increased significantly. However, with the change, Flying Blue increased award availability.

Air France-KLM is a member of the SkyTeam alliance and also partners with additional airlines. Air France has variable award pricing, so the best approach is to use Flying Blue’s award calculator and search for the lowest-level award availability. Flying Blue also has standardized saver-level pricing with introductory award pricing.

For flights between the U.S. and Europe, you can expect to pay at least 25,000 miles in economy and 60,000 in business one-way between the U.S. and Europe.

Perhaps the best part of the Flying Blue program is Promo Rewards. These awards are available for a special selection of destinations and are offered for a reduced number of miles — between 25% and 50% off what would normally be required for an award flight!

Promo Rewards change monthly and are limited in availability, when you can book, and what airlines you can fly. If your schedule is flexible or you can book a trip closer to when it takes place, these Promo Rewards can be great options.

Flying Blue adds carrier-imposed surcharges to its award redemptions, but they are often not that bad, depending on the routing. Of course, as with any program, these surcharges are significantly higher for premium cabins. When booking an award, you must consider the charges and decide if it is still a good enough value.

Here are some of our favorite redemptions you can make:

Atlanta (ATL) – Frankfurt (FRA) one-way in Delta One for 60,000 Flying Blue miles plus taxes and fees

one-way in Delta One for 60,000 Flying Blue miles plus taxes and fees Chicago (ORD) – Paris (CDG) one-way in Air France business class from 60,000 Flying Blue miles plus taxes and fees

one-way in Air France business class from 60,000 Flying Blue miles plus taxes and fees Houston (IAH) – Amsterdam (AMS) one-way in KLM business class from 60,000 Flying Blue miles plus taxes and fees

To book your flights, follow these steps:

Visit Air France’s U.S. website. Log in to your Flying Blue account. Click “Book with Miles.” Fill in the search box, and click “Search flights.” Choose the desired flight, enter the travelers’ personal information, use your Flying Blue miles, and supply a credit card to pay for any taxes and fees.

Earning Flying Blue Miles

Earning Flying Blue miles is easy, as the loyalty program is a transfer partner of nearly every major transferable rewards program. These include Brex Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Wells Fargo Rewards.

Chase, Amex, Brex, Capital One, Citi, and Wells Fargo transfer to Flying Blue at a 1:1 ratio. Meanwhile, Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio. You will also receive a bonus of 5,000 miles when you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Recommended Chase Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee. Welcome Offer Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 75,000 points UP’s Offer Valuation*: $1,500 Annual Fee $95 APR 19.99% – 28.24% Variable Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Good to Excellent Why We Like This Card The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases. Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler. Pros & Cons Pros 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal

3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services

online grocery purchases, and select streaming services 2x points on all other travel worldwide Cons $95 annual fee

No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status Read Full Review Card Highlights Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel SM , 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases

, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel SM

10% anniversary points boost – each account anniversary you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.

Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.

Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.

Member FDIC Financial Snapshot APR: 19.99% – 28.24% Variable

Foreign Transaction Fees: None Rewards Center Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Sapphire Reserve® U.P. Rating The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks. Chase Sapphire Reserve® A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks. Welcome Offer Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve. 100,000 points + $500 Chase Travel credit UP’s Offer Valuation*: $2,000 Annual Fee $795 APR 20.24% – 28.74% Variable Credit Recommended Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication. Excellent Why We Like This Card If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options. The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road. Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee! Pros & Cons Pros 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases

5x points on Lyft rides

4x points on flights and hotels booked directly Cons $795 annual fee Read Full Review Card Highlights Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.

Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases

$300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.

Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge ® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ® every 4 years

by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck every 4 years Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.

Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.

Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music – all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 – a value of $250 annually

Member FDIC Financial Snapshot APR: 20.24% – 28.74% Variable

Foreign Transaction Fees: None Rewards Center Chase Ultimate Rewards

Business Owner? Read our article on the best Chase business cards that earn Ultimate Rewards.

Korean Air SKYPASS

Fly to Paris on Air France business class using Korean Air SKYPASS miles. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

Though not as well-known as other programs on this list, Korean Air SKYPASS offers solid rates for awards between North America and Europe.

You can use Korean Air SKYPASS to fly Delta, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic as a SkyTeam member. Here’s what Korean Air SKYPASS charges for round-trip flights to Europe:

SCROLL FOR MORE Class of Service Korean Air Miles Cost (Partners) Economy 50,000 Business 80,000 First 100,000

Here are some great example routes you can book with Korean Air miles:

Boston (BOS) – Paris (CDG) round-trip in Air France business class for 80,000 Korean Air miles plus taxes and fees

round-trip in Air France business class for 80,000 Korean Air miles plus taxes and fees Detroit (DTW) – London (LHR) round-trip in Delta business class for 80,000 Korean Air miles plus taxes and fees

round-trip in Delta business class for 80,000 Korean Air miles plus taxes and fees Miami (MIA) – Rome (FCO) round-trip in ITA business class for 80,000 Korean Air miles plus taxes and fees

round-trip in ITA business class for 80,000 Korean Air miles plus taxes and fees San Francisco (SFO) – Amsterdam (AMS) round-trip in KLM business class for 80,000 Korean Air miles plus taxes and fees

Once you’re ready to book, you can follow these instructions:

Use Delta or Air France’s website to find award availability. Write down the flight numbers. Call Korean Air SKYPASS at 800-438-5000 and give the agent the flight details to make a SkyTeam award booking. Pay with your SKYPASS miles and use a credit card for taxes and fees.

Earning Korean Air Miles

Unfortunately, Korean Air SKYPASS has no transfer partner. Other ways to earn Korean Air miles include the co-branded U.S. Bank credit cards that earn SKYPASS miles directly.

American AAdvantage

British Airways first class. Image Credit: Alex Miller

American Airlines’ AAdvantage program can help you book award tickets on its flights and several of its Oneworld alliance partners. Oneworld partners that operate routes between the U.S. include British Airways, Iberia, and Finnair, among others.

The program has fantastic award pricing and availability for flights to Europe, especially during off-peak times.

Although American uses dynamic pricing for its flights, partner awards with American AAdvantage are not subject to dynamic pricing. This means you can follow an award chart and know exactly how many miles you need for an award redemption

Here is the one-way award pricing for partner-operated flights between the U.S. and Europe.

SCROLL FOR MORE Destination Main Cabin Off Peak Main Cabin Premium Economy Business / First First Europe* 22,500 30,000 40,000 57,500 85,000

Taxes and fees on some American Airlines awards can be quite high, depending on the airline.

Hot Tip: Check out our in-depth guide on the best ways to search for Oneworld award availability

Here are some great routes you can book using AAdvantage miles:

Dallas (DFW) – Paris (CDG) one-way in American Airlines business class for 57,500 AA miles plus taxes and fees

one-way in American Airlines business class for 57,500 AA miles plus taxes and fees Miami (MIA) – Helsinki (HEL) one-way in Finnair business class one-way in American Airlines business class for 57,500 AA miles plus taxes and fees

one-way in Finnair business class one-way in American Airlines business class for 57,500 AA miles plus taxes and fees New York (JFK) – Madrid (MAD) one-way in Iberia business class for 57,500 AA miles plus taxes and fees

one-way in Iberia business class for 57,500 AA miles plus taxes and fees San Diego (SAN) – London (LHR) one-way in British Airways business class for 57,500 AA miles plus taxes and fees

Check out the following directions to book your Europe flights using AAdvantage miles:

Visit the American Airlines website. You’ll see a search box on the homepage. Check off the box that says “Redeem miles.” Fill out the search box and click “Search.“ Find your desired flight. Enter the traveler details, pay with AAdvantage miles, and use a credit card for any taxes and fees incurred.

Earning American Airlines AAdvantage Miles

In addition to earning AAdvantage miles by flying American Airlines and its partners, you can transfer miles into the program from Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott Bonvoy transfers to AAdvantage at a 3:1 ratio.

We’ve also covered many other ways to earn American miles, including signing up and using various co-branded credit cards.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

You can use Flying Club points to fly Virgin Atlantic Upper Class. Image Credit: Alberto Riva

Lastly, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club offers some of the cheapest award flights to Europe. Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam in 2023, allowing redemptions on numerous partner airlines.

Flying Club has dynamic award pricing for travel on Virgin Atlantic. However, there are limits on how much you will pay when saver award space is available. Flying Club‘s award charts for travel on Virgin Atlantic are here.

For SkyTeam partners (excluding Delta and Air France-KLM), Flying Club has a distance-based award chart for travel. For Delta and Air France-KLM, Flying Club has zone- and distance-based award charts, with peak and off-peak pricing for certain award redemptions.

Redemption rates, particularly on Virgin Atlantic, can be pretty good. You can find one-way flights between the U.S. and London for as little as 6,000 points in economy, 10,000 points in premium economy, and 29,000 points in Virgin Upper Class.

Earning Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Points

Earning Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points is relatively easy, as the program is a transfer partner of nearly every transferable rewards currency.

Flying Club is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Wells Fargo Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and Citi ThankYou Rewards.

Tips and Tricks

When booking award tickets, you may encounter a few unexpected snags wherever you are headed. Not every segment may be available, ticket fees may be very high, or there just aren’t enough available seats.

Here are a few tips and tricks to help make your life easier when booking flights to Europe with points.

Taxes and Fees

In Europe, certain airports are much more expensive to fly through than others. Avoiding the more expensive airports can save you as much as a few hundred dollars on your trip!

When searching for award space, be sure to compare a couple of routes to see the difference in taxes and fees. Adjusting the departure or even the connection location can sometimes significantly cut costs.

The U.K., for example, adds a hefty air passenger duty onto each ticket departing the U.K. and flying over 2,000 miles. This fee can be hundreds of dollars, especially when flying in a premium cabin.

But avoiding this fee is easy! Just make sure your return from Europe doesn’t depart from the U.K. If you want to visit London, add a few days in another country before returning to the U.S.

Additionally, choosing one airline over another can be an excellent way to save money on taxes and fees. For example, you can fly American Airlines over British Airways from London (LHR) to New York (JFK) and save more than $200 in taxes and fees.

There are higher carrier-imposed surcharges for British Airways flights. Image Credit: Alaska Airlines

Lots of Airports

One of the great parts of award travel to Europe is that you don’t necessarily need to find available flights to the exact place you want to go.

Europe has multiple low-cost carriers and excellent rail service, which makes it easy and fairly inexpensive to hop between cities.

Want to go to Munich (MUC) but can only find availability to Frankfurt (FRA)? No problem. Grab a cheap Eurowings flight, hop on a Deutsche Bahn train, or even buy a Eurail Pass, and you’ll be there later that day. You could even add a night or 2 in Frankfurt and see what the city offers.

This idea works with cities all over Europe, so be flexible when choosing your flight destinations.

Finding More Seats

A general issue for award travel (not just on flights to Europe) comes into play when traveling with multiple people. Traveling as a couple, a family of 4, or an even larger group? Finding award tickets for everyone in your party can be tough.

When traveling with a large party, you generally want to start searching for award seats right when the schedule opens for booking. However, even if you do this, there often won’t be enough seats for a larger group. This is where it helps to be flexible.

You’ll have more choices if you have miles available from different airlines in alliances. Sometimes, you can even find award seats with 2 different alliances that arrive at your destination within minutes of each other. That way, you can meet up before leaving the airport!

In other cases, it could mean you can all reach a top destination during peak times. It’s up to you whether finding award seats is worth flying separately.

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Final Thoughts

Europe is a fantastic destination for your travels from the U.S. For those new to traveling, you can find many of the comforts of home and plenty of people who speak English. If you are a history buff, you will love strolling through the cobbled alleyways and visiting the historic castles and churches scattered throughout the countryside. If you are a foodie, it’s hard to beat the amazing cuisine in France and Italy.

Europe has something for everyone — with so many airlines flying between the U.S. and Europe, it should be easy for you to book your next flight using miles and points. The question is whether you want to fly in a premium cabin or coach and which airline miles you’ll use to make your booking. Happy traveling!